So, while most of you were enjoying a snowy Christmas, I bucked the trend and went to 87 degrees and balmy.
You guessed it, The Bahamas. And before you judge, which you are, it was as awesome as you think, even when you factor in no snow for Christmas.
I went to a Breezes resort, and it was ok to average. It’s definitely catering to singles. Which was weird, because there were several “singles” that were with their mothers, trying to pick up other singles. It’s a brave, weird world we live in.
The weather was absolutely terrific, and exactly what I needed at that point in the year! And I have to tell you, I’m certain I’ll be doing the exact same thing for Christmas, every time I can afford it! I’ve had enough snow, ice, cold, and wind, to last my lifetime. I’d much rather be on the beach.
And the beaches in The Bahamas are where it’s at! The picture above comes straight from my old phone, so apologies for the quality. But, what it conveys is how perfect it is during Christmas in the Caribbean. Peaceful blue water, white sand, and miles of beach to walk and explore.
There are some condemned resorts in the section of Nassau that we were in, that made the place seem like a shanty town. A custom by the foreign construction workers is to camp out in the building their renovating, so the hurricane-swept vacant towers of a never-opened resort, had towels, clothes, and other odds and ends hanging in the air, with random cooking fire flames sprouting up every now and again.
Buffet breakfasts in the Caribbean resorts are the best meal of the day, they have flanks of smoked salmon, slices of well-aged gouda, and omelettes on demand. Of course, you’ll eat hearty, and it can catch up to you, in the belly, or while swimming, so even though it’s all-inclusive, watch how much you’re filling up. People indulge, no matter who they are, and there’s nothing worse than someone having stomach cramps by 10:00 AM in the hot tub, lest it be you.
It doesn’t matter who you are, bring sunscreen. I can’t stress it enough. Some people with darker complexions at the resort burned, thinking they were UV ray proof. Surprise, you’re not! There’s no shame in using sunscreen anyway.
Also, it turns out there’s a big opening in the real estate market in The Bahamas, and they’re wide open to US investment. Many of the properties I toured were far more reasonably priced than you can imagine. What I can say is go check it out for yourself, you’d be surprised how affordable it is, if that’s your interest, and how stable the houses there are, even in the face of a hurricane.
In brief, the next time you’re up for Christmas vacation, consider The Bahamas!
Matthew Ballantyne 