Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/776538
DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2017 54 BY E. LISA MOSES BUCCANEERS, JUNKANOO AND RUM ON NEW YEAR'S DAY 2013, CANADIAN ASTRONAUT CHRIS HADFIELD TWEETED FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION: "THE BEAUTY OF THE BAHAMAS IS SURREAL; EVERY BLUE THAT EXISTS." W ith 700 islands and thousands of cays, the archipelago offers immense variety in eco- tourism, water sports and nature activities. While superb golf courses, glitzy resorts, lively marine life and state-of-the-art casinos are also major attractions, a number of Bahamian traditions add unique dimen- sions. These include the Native Fish Fry, Junkanoo and People-To-People Experience. The Bahamas have long been popular with celebrities, many of whom own homes and islands there. These include Sean Connery, David Copperfield and Sir Sidney Poitier—the first Bahamian and African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor. Joy Jibrilu, director general, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, points out that the islands' proximity to the Toronto and Montréal gateways has made Canada their second-largest market after the U.S. "We also work continuously on developing incentives and packages that will keep Canadians returning year after year." GOING NATIVE The Native Fish Fry is a perennial favourite throughout the islands at eateries strung along the water. Visitors and locals alike devour grilled, fried, steamed or raw seafood straight from the ocean, as well as barbecued or jerk meat and other delicacies ABOVE: The Meliã Nassau Beach Resort commands an impressive stretch of Cable Beach. Meliã Nassau Beach Resort OPPOSITE: The Bahamas are very family-friendly and offer an array of engaging activities. Bahamas Ministry of Tourism