cont'd from Page 1, Andros
The mangrove-lined wetlands that cover huge swaths of the island intercuts endless mazes of channels that open on to bonefish flats and hidden beaches. Boasting the third largest barrier reef (which extents 140 miles) in the world, Andros Island has long been dubbed ‘bonefish capital of the world’ hosting an annual tournament . The island is divided into North, Central and South Andros. North Andros consists of San Andros (a favourite blue hole diving spot for the late Jacques Cousteau), Morgan’s Bluff (where legend has it that pirate Sir Henry Morgan hid his treasure) and Stafford Creek best known for the Fofar Field Station, a facility dedicated to tropical ecology and marine biology. In Central Andros stop in at the town of Fresh Creek that has a charming and very old lighthouse steeped in years of history. In South Andros, you would find the Bluff, (Andros’ highest point at 100ft.), Kemp’s Bay (home of the boat building yard and conch shell house) and Pleasant Bay (site of the 18 century Slavery wall). Now when you need a break from all the adventure of the Isle, enjoying a more low-keyed yet pleasurable experience might not be a bad idea!, like a family picnic at Morgan’s Bluff, or an intimate one on Love Beach Hill or Somerset Beach. An all-time favourite among locals and visitors alike is a good rum shop crawl (please use discretion). You might enjoy touring the Androsia manufacturing facility or simply shopping for the brightly coloured and authentically Bahamian hand dyed printed fabrics and clothing in Fresh Creek. For the connoisseur of magnificent wood carvings and impeccably woven baskets shop for a bargain in Red Bay and you will not be disappointed.
When the days of leisure shopping and/or exhaustive explorations are done its great to come ‘home’ to a cozy nesting place. ‘Kick your feet up’ is exactly what guests at Small Hope Bay Lodge are encouraged to do. Featured in the “1000 Places To See Before You Die” and “100 Best Resorts of The Caribbean” media this informal resort with twenty-one beautifully appointed beach front cottages - ideal for escaping the mundane and reconnecting with self , nature or each other are deliberately outfitted without telephones, televisions, magazines or newspapers. Its an opportunity to embrace a private sanctuary where you dictate how often, if at all ‘intrusion’. Complimentary computer access and telephones are available at the property’s on site office in the event that you do need to communicate to family and friends the fabulous time that you’re having at a place that they really have to try! Emerald Palms is another boutique resort ideally suited for romantic getaways or family vacations. To stay here would mean to indulge the idyllic allure of traditional Caribbean character … gorgeous colourful villas and club house rooms, simply and well-appointed amidst lush palm trees and white sandy beaches. Beautiful green spaces, comfy hammocks and fresh coconut water (signature drink of the property) daily might well redefine what you consider essential to life! Plan a trip to the island, come exhale body and soul on a tropical paradise which embodies beauty by nature and drums the rhythms of island life through festive cultural celebrations of local craftsmanship, authentically Bahamian music and cuisine in the annual Crab and Coconut Fests. These festivals are held during the summer months and are the best times to experience baked crab, crab ‘n dough, crab ‘n rice, crab boiled, broiled or otherwise prepared with a flair so unique to Andros that even the most indiscriminating palate will detect a clear difference indulging the delicacy here as oppose to any other island. Why?, because no one else can cook a crab like Androsians!!, so see you there soon.