Hot Hitching Posts
2/6/2005 6:26:00 PM by KELLY BRADEN
I've never been good with choices. When faced with two equally tempting alternatives, I opt for both. My decidedly hedonistic philosophy is Why not have it all? Perhaps that's why a story about resorts that offer not only great amenities but also first-class marinas was right up my alley. The following seven resorts in the Sunshine State and the Bahamas combine those two ingredients, adding up to an incomparable experience for boaters seeking more than just shelter.
ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO
P.O. Box N-4777, Casino Drive
Nassau, Bahamas
Phone: 242-363-3000
Toll-free: 800-ATLANTIS
Fax: 242-363-6300
www.atlantis.com
One word aptly describes your reaction when first visiting Atlantis Paradise Island: Wow. I instantly recognized why it's the premier marine facility in the Bahamas. This luxury yacht harbor in Nassau accommodates vessels of up to 220 feet and guests of the marina enjoy all of the features and services of the resort.
Already world-renowned for having the largest marine habitat in the world, Atlantis Paradise Island boasts a 34-acre waterscape comprised of 11 million gallons of fresh and salt water with exhibit lagoons containing more than 200 species of marine life. I was mesmerized by it all.
The newly opened 65,000 squarefoot Marine Village provides unparalleled dining with impeccable service including Café Martinique, which features the culinary genius of famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and world-class shopping in a spectacular location just one step away from the marina with 21 retail shops and five exceptional restaurants.
ABACO BEACH RESORT &
MARINA
Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas
Phone: 242-367-2158
Toll-free: 800-753-9259
Fax: 242-367-4154
www.abacoresort.com
If authentic Bahamian ambience and cuisine is your bag, don't miss the Abaco Beach Resort. With cool ocean breezes, tropical gardens and luxurious service, this charming resort promises to turn your dream vacation into reality. Sheltered on the southeastern shore of Marsh Harbour, the resort is home to the largest fullservice Bahamas marina. The marina accommodates yachts up to 200 feet and offers every possible marine amenity, boat charters and rentals of all types.
BAHIA MAR
801 Seabreeze Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Phone: 954-764-2233
Toll-free: 888-80-BAHIA
Fax: 954-523-5424
www.bahiamarhotel.com
Everything in this incomparable 40-acre, mega-yacht marina is designed to provide premier levels of service and hospitality. With jet charters, limousines and yacht provisions, every need and whim are impeccably indulged. Bahia Mar offers 2,500 feet of parallel docks on the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. More than four miles of state-of-the-art floating docks make docking easy. One hundred megayacht berths, the most of any marina in the state of Florida, provide exceptional capacity.
BIMINI BIG GAME RESORT & MARINA
P.O. Box 699, King's Highway
Alice Town, Bimini, Bahamas
Phone: 242-347-3391
Toll-free: 800-737-1007
www.biminibiggame.com
Although only 46 miles from the coast of Florida, Bimini Big Game Resort & Marina is the gateway to another world. Following a recent multimillion-dollar refurbishment, it is one of the great marine-sports centers of the Bahamas. Loyal guests return to this convenient spot year after year to enjoy its club-like atmosphere and beautiful surrounding waters world famous for wild dolphin encounters, deep-sea and world-record bonefishing.
HAWK'S CAY
61 Hawk's Cay Boulevard
Duck Key, FL
Phone: 305-743-7000
Toll-free: 888-443-6393
Fax: 305-743-5215
www.hawkscay.com
Midway down the Florida Keys chain and located on a private 60- acre island surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Hawk's Cay Resort is a world away in terms of serenity and relaxation. There's no need to leave the resort, as it incorporates everything necessary to keep a smile plastered to your face. The area boasts some of the world's best big-game fishing.
HILTON KEY WEST RESORT
& MARINA
245 Front Street
Key West, FL
Phone: 305-294-4000
Toll-free: 800-HILTONS
Fax: 305-294-4086
Overlooking the ocean, the Hilton Key West Resort & Marina is across a wooden bridge from Mallory Square. This Victorian-inspired resort has been honored for the seventh consecutive year in 2005 with the prestigious AAA 4- Diamond Award for 2005. The Hilton is also the only fullservice hotel in Key West to hold this ranking for so long. The resort offers a nightly sunset festival at the Hilton pier and guests can enjoy all the services and amenities of a deluxe resort including a tranquil white sandy beach.
VALENTINE'S YACHT CLUB & INN
P.O. Box 1
Dunmore Town, Harbour
Island, Bahamas
Phone: 242-333-2080
Toll-free: 800-323-5655
Fax: 242-333-2135
www.valentinesresort.com
Valentine's Yacht Club & Inn fullservice marina is the largest in Eleuthera, with slips for yachts up to 160 feet. The waterfront restaurant and bar are busy every day and have become the place to see and be seen on Harbour Island. There's no better place to enjoy a breathtaking sunset, especially the nearby three-mile-long Pink Sand Beach in Dunmore Town.
Valentine's has become known as the Sportfishing Center of the Bahamas. Record catches of yellowfin tuna, wahoo and marlin have been caught, and Valentine's is the site of a leg of the prestigious Bahamas Billfish Championship.
