YACHTER'S PARADISE
2/20/2008 11:33:11 AM by Yoshi Sanz
If you haven’t already discovered it, head down to Bimini Bay Resort and Marina for a taste of how life should be — onboard and off shore.
Photos courtesy of Bimini Bay Resort and Marina
As you cruise down the recently dredged channel to Bimini Bay Resort, the smell of cool ocean and fresh conch fill the air while the breeze tickles your skin. The allure of Bimini has always been affiliated with its laid-back, fishing-village lifestyle, and now more than ever the opportunity to experience the Bahamas in the lap of luxury is at your fingertips.
A simple hour or so jaunt across the Bahamian channel lands you in a yachter’s paradise. Nestled amongst white sandy beaches and emerald waters is Bimini Bay Resort and Marina which offers beautiful condominiums and homes and an array of upscale amenities, with easy access at dock entry and on-site customs and immigrations. It doesn’t get any better or more convenient than this.
Guests and owners of Bimini Bay Resort and Marina can enjoy use of two full-service marinas, luxurious accommodations in condominiums and villas and enjoy amenities like an infinity-edge pool and fine dining restaurant where Bahamian-infused cuisine will tickle your appetite.
GETTING TO BIMINI
The Nautico Yacht Club, a state-of-the-art mega yacht marina, features 96 floating marina slips which can accommodate mega yachts up to 200 feet. The recently dredged channel allows mega yachts to easily cruise down and gracefully arrive at Bimini Bay Resort where first-class dockside utilities and amenities are available. This summer is the planned opening of another restaurant, lounge and large swim-up pool and bar at the marina.
The resort’s original marina, which opened in 2006, features 136 floating marina slips, accommodating yachts from 40 feet to 130 feet, an on-site harbormaster and a customs and immigration office, making traveling internationally easier than ever. Fisherman’s Village, the resort’s shopping plaza, is located beside the marina and will open this spring with a variety of stores and activities including John Bull Jewelers, Bristol Cellars, a gourmet pizzeria, gelateria, Splash clothing store and a kids center with fun and games from classic foosball and ping pong to the Nintendo Wii. Those looking to relax and rejuvenate can experience the services of Spa Shakra which will have its grand opening in this summer. Bimini Bay Resort and Marina is excited to add future amenities that will include a boating supply store, gourmet market, a dive and adventure shop, another restaurant and bar and gas station.
Slips are available for rental or purchase with accommodations from 40 feet to 200 feet at the mega yacht marina.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bimini Bay Resort offers guests only the finest in accommodations with comparable rates for a weekend getaway or for those looking at real estate ventures to make Bimini their second or third home. Accommodations come with chic amenities and 360 degree views of the ocean and bay. There are currently 200 condominiums and villas with nightly rates beginning at $350. Different accommodations are comprised of studios, one, two and three-bedroom condominiums; one and three-bedroom stand-alone treehouses and ocean/bayfront estate homes, all complete with amenities like those available in the comforts of home. All accommodations are adorned with color palettes reflective of the ocean and flowers native to the island. Painted in tropical hues of green, blue, peach, yellow, pink and turquoise and accented with white windows, railings and doors, as well as back porch and balcony views of some of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Caribbean.
For purchasing, condominiums range from studios measuring at 640 square feet to 3 bedroom/3 bath units at 1,570 square feet and prices begin at $249,000. Furniture packages and marina slips are sold separately.
Bayfront lots begin at $700,000 and oceanfront estate lots cost $1,800,000. Home prices are additional, starting at $400,000 and a three-bedroom oceanfront Treehouse costs $1,400,000 (lot and home included).
Private Island’s Bimini Bay Island Estate Collection offers thirty private island residences that can be accessed from their individual docks or the short bridge connecting the island with the resort. Buyers can enjoy exclusive amenities that include a waterfront pool, massage hut, playground and secure keycard access. Lot sizes range from approximately 11,700 square feet to 27,400 square feet and begin at $775,000. Buyers can choose from four single family residence floor plans, ranging in size from 3,200 square feet to 4,800 square feet and begining at $626,900.
WHAT TO DO
Bimini Bay Resort and Marina’s infinity-edge pool allows for ultimate relaxation. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the infinity pool features lounge chairs and beds and a special area dedicated to Swedish and Thai massage services with a licensed therapist on-site at all times. The resort’s Aquagrille is located poolside offering lunch and dinner with island favorites ranging from fresh cracked conch to mango daiquiris.
A favorite dining option is Casa Lyon, the resort’s fine dining restaurant. No expense was spared with this $1.8 million remodel of a historic home that features an outside original deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean while listening to the waves crash against the shore while dining on what is rapidly becoming known as the most-talked-about restaurant in the Bahamas is all in a day’s enjoyment.
Other amenities include a children’s playground, tennis and bocce ball courts and shuttle services available throughout the resort. Activities on and around the resort include guided flats fishing trips, deep-sea boat charters and island tours. Bimini features some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in the Caribbean and scuba and snorkeling rentals are available by contacting guest services at the resort. Be sure not to miss sites like the Wreck of the Sapona, a shipwreck in only 14 feet of water, as well as the Lost City of Atlantis and other remarkable spots.
For information on slip purchases and real estate opportunities, contact the Bimini Bay Resort sales executives at Fantasy Cove Realty at 305.513.0506 or e-mail Sales@BiminiBayResort.com. To book a vacation at Bimini Bay Resort, call 242.347.2900 or e-mail Reservations@BiminiBayResort.com. For general information, visit BiminiBayResort.com.