Paradise Is., Nassau

IMHO the most beautiful spot on Paradise Island is the Versailles Gardens, just east of the One & Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island Drive.

On the north side of Paradise Island Drive, the Versailles Gardens form a set of tiered lawns with hedges, flowers, ponds and statues. Aside from a couple of gardeners and maybe 2-3 other tourists, we had the entire place to ourselves. Amazingly, very few Atlantis guests seem to know about this place.

The south side was even better, with its reconstructed medieval French monastery -- the "Cloister" -- that took two years to rebuild because the parts had not been numbered when it was disassembled in France. We were there during the day, but it is said that sunsets from here are among the best in Nassau.

Behind Atlantis Resort there is a small craft market that sells items that are really made by people on the island. It is not like the strawmarket on the other side of the bay. Take a walk around this market and you may find that item that no one else has. I know I did. Items were reasonably priced.

Heck of a backdrop, this Atlantis Hotel and Casino is, from the Port of Nassau. Everyone can see it. And I suspect many folks go for it during a day excursion to Nassau. I mean, Paradise Island is accessible via Cab and water ferry. And it's not too expensive to reach either. But you have to clear the HAIR BRAIDER LADIES to get to the Cabs and Ferries! And if you clear the Hair Braid Village, you can make it to Atlantis and waste your money there instead of with the Hair Braiders.

And you know what? I'd say braid your hair. At least you have something to SHOW for your wasted money.

Paradise Island. This island is only a short boat trip away. We spent about 3 hours there. The beach had the whitest, and finest sand I had ever seen. We just layed on the beach soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm water. I would enjoy going back in the future and spending more time there. It gives you an idea of what 'paradise' is.

What' interesting is that Paradise Island and Nassau are connected by a big bridge, Nassau seems to be less expensive and to me more interesting.
The Native Bahamians are very nice, once you have excaped the (straw)markets and they usually have the best hints and tips where the REAL parties and clubs are. I don't know the exact location but once on Nassau, we made a right turn, followed the street next to the pier off the so-called straw-market and continued this street straight until we saw a shabby looking beach, at the end of this beach however are little wooden cabanas, bars and restaurants, there is one place in particular that has the best native food...it's about the fourth or fifth little building and this is what it looks like on the inside:

Most people miss the Kloosters a picturistique attraction on Paradise Island. I have been told that many couples getting married often take their wedding pictures on this spot. The Kloosters is on Paradise Island yet it is not a visible attraction to the tourist eye. You would have to walk or drive further East towards the Condo area of Paradise Island to catch this beautiful attraction.