The Caribbean’s famed all-inclusive product is most closely associated with such destinations as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos. But in a move designed to capture their share of the all-inclusive market, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has teamed up with the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board to create Club Grand Bahama, an intriguing new vacation option. Travelers can now book an all-inclusive getaway to Grand Bahama Island at a number of resorts and pay a set price for meals, accommodations and activities.
“In an environment where value is paramount, Club Grand Bahama Island delivers on this promise and brings a new diversity of selection and experiences to the traditional all-inclusive concept,” said Vernice Walkine, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism director general.
Instead of being restrained to booking only one brand, Club Grand Bahama guests have the choice of selecting accommodations at one of five resorts, including the Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club; the boutique Flamingo Bay Resort & Marin;, the oceanfront resorts Our Lucaya Reef Village and the Radisson at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort; or the harbor-side Pelican Bay at Lucaya Hotel. These five initial resorts are clustered in the Lucayan Beach area. They were selected for their close proximity to many restaurants and activities, and their easy access to the airport and harbor. Soon, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board expect to add several resorts to the program in the other areas of the island.
Upon arrival, guests receive roundtrip airport or harbor transfers to the hotel or resort of their choice. The package includes shuttle bus service connecting the guests to as many as 50 sports and recreational activities from golf and scuba diving to fishing and adventure experiences. The guests will choose from up to 21 dining venues for breakfast and dinner each day of their stay and have access to special beach parties, casino gaming and exclusive shopping discounts.
Grand Bahama Island is the fourth largest island of The Bahamas and is located only 55 miles off the coast of Florida. It has one of the world's largest underwater cave systems, three national parks, 96 miles of beaches and all the water sports you’d imagine in an island with 96 miles of beach. Lucayan Beach is one of the most popular on the island. It’s directly across from the Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club and offers lots of options for watersports, including parasailing.
The main shopping area on Grand Bahama Island is the Port Lucaya Marketplace, although deals can be found in the island’s downtown shopping area.
Restaurants serve a wide range of cuisines but for an authentic Bahamian specialty, order the roast conch. Every Wednesday night, there is a fish fry at Smith's Point — a unique cultural and dining experience packed with local color.
While vacationers have the option of combining the Club Grand Bahama experience at more than one resort, each resort will be billed as a separate purchase. Club Grand Bahama packages have been divided into Silver, Gold and Platinum levels to accommodate a variety of budgets, with the number of activities and dining options increasing exponentially with each level. Travelers purchase a package and then receive a Club Grand Bahama Card that will be activated at check-in and swiped for meals and activities throughout the vacation. Rates start at $88 per person per night for Silver; $149 per night for Gold and $198 per night for Platinum, excluding tax and resort fees. Complete Club Grand Bahama packages including transportation are also available.
www.bahamas.com
