Yachting Lifestyle

Sea Kayaking in the Bahamas Anyone?

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:40:17 +0000

Beautiful water. Awesome sea kayaking.

Yes, watersports is popular in the Islands of the Bahamas, with its gin clear waters and tropical breeze. If you want to go sea kayaking when you are there, check out these popular kayaking spots: the Exumas, the Great Bahama Bank, Bimini, San Salvador, Nassau and Harbor Island

PGA Sets up Village in Bahamas’ Cat Island

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:30:19 +0000

The PGA of America has entered a licensing agreement to establish a PGA Village on Cat Island in the Bahamas – its first outside of the United States, according to Golfweek magazine.

The PGA-licensed property will be owned by Cat Island Partners Ltd., which is spearheading development of Cat Island Golf & Beach Resort. The PGA Village project will feature a Rees Jones designed course, which will be included in Phase 1 construction that is expected to last three years, Golfweek magazine reports.

The master-planned resort community will feature the PGA Golf Club The Bahamas, a 36 hole facility, a PGA Learning Center and a PGA Historical Center. In addition, the community includes a luxury hotel, casino and various residential units.

Craig Air Center Launches Bahamas service

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:34:04 +0000

Craig Air Center is launching service between Daytona Beach International Airport and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas. The Jacksonville fixed base operator offers three nonstop flights per week from Daytona Beach on 19-seat Beech 1900 turboprop aircraft.

The Monday and Thursday flights will leave Daytona at 10:30 a.m. and arrive in Marsh Harbor at noon. The return flights leave Marsh Harbor at 1 p.m., arriving in Daytona at 2:30 p.m. The Saturday flight leaves Daytona at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at 11 a.m. The return flight leaves Marsh Harbor at 1 p.m. and arrives in Daytona at 2:30 p.m.

Ritz-Carlton Club Expands Into The Bahamas

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:41:27 +0000

he Ritz-Carlton Club has its sights on The Bahamas, and today the industry’s leading private residence club announces its expansion at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Managed Club.

A secluded residential development and sporting retreat, The Abaco Club offers more than two miles of pristine powder soft beaches, stunning turquoise waters and a multitude of activities from golf and fly fishing to horseback riding and a full-service spa. The fractional ownership, Ritz-Carlton Club, Abaco now joins the property’s existing real estate offerings of estate lots and turn-key cottages.

With initial membership pricing starting at $110,000, members receive points annually for use toward their vacations in Abaco. This approach provides increased flexibility as each Member can select the travel dates and residence floor plan best suited for their trip. Additionally, when choosing from the collection of homes, each residence is assigned a varying nightly point value.

The possibilities are endless on how a Member might enjoy their membership. For instance, a Member could elect to spend 14 nights (1,190 points) in a cliff-side cottage with the family to escape the winter chill, seven nights (280 points) in a similar cottage in summer while the kids are on vacation and four nights (30 points) in a cabana in the fall for a romantic getaway.*

“For those seeking a vacation home alternative in The Bahamas, The Ritz-Carlton Club provides a lifestyle like no other,” said Peter J. Watzka, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Ritz- Carlton Development Company, Inc. (an affiliate of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C). “It affords a carefree home ownership experience, complete with a staff of dedicated Ladies and Gentlemen to assist Members with their every need. This island destination, and specifically The Abaco Club, is the ideal setting to expand our growing brand.”

Now in sales, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Abaco is targeted for first phase occupancy in December 2008, and ultimately offering 16 homes in the program. Furthermore, the concept grants a deeded interest as part of a Bahamian real estate trust. This approach allows Members to will the interest to their heirs, if desired. Membership also includes privileged access to the 7,183 yard / par 72, Scottish-style links golf course designed by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie – named number one in The Bahamas by Golfweek in 2007.

“The key ingredient to this new concept is Member feedback,” continued Watzka. “Our Members told us they are looking for enhanced flexibility when using their second homes. As a result, we designed a program as diverse as their travel plans.”

When making a reservation, Members may choose from four, fully furnished home options. The cabanas will provide approximately 570 square feet of living space. Overlooking Winding Bay, cliff-side cottages will include from two- to three-bedroom floor plans (roughly 1,656 – 2,385 square feet). Two-story, four-bedroom fairway villas (approximately 2,800 square feet) will meander along the golf course, and finally, two-story beachfront cottages will offer a three-bedroom floor plan at approximately 2,250 square feet. All homes will boast a blend of southern hospitality with large porches and comfortable furnishings, as well as a Caribbean color palette.

The Ritz-Carlton Club lifestyle is tailored to each Member’s preferences. Services include pre-arrival provisioning of the Member’s residence, such as pre-stocking of their refrigerator; concierge services; storage of personal items; assistance with travel arrangements; vacation activity planning; and twice-daily housekeeping. Ritz-Carlton Club Members will also take pleasure in the octagonally-designed clubhouse featuring gourmet dining and entertainment, as well as views of the bay and its double crescent shoreline. At the beach, Members will discover numerous water activities including snorkeling at a nearby coral reef, and Buster’s, a casual thatched-roof bar and grill at the water’s edge.

In addition, Members will have the option of traveling to other destinations through reciprocal use privileges at Ritz-Carlton Club locations from San Francisco to Aspen, Colo.

Architects collaborating on the fractional residence designs are Plan It Bahamas located in Nassau, The Bahamas, and Cooper Johnson Smith Architects, Inc. in Tampa, Fla.

Discover More About Freeport

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:38:12 +0000

The discovery of the islands of the Bahamas by Christopher Columbus in 1492 paved way to naming one of the largest island Gran Bajamar meaning “Great Shallows”. The name evolved through centuries and became Grand Bahama. This island is just sixty eight miles from West Palm Beach which can be easily reached by boat or plane making it a popular destination for tourists who wants to be in the tropics while not being that far away form home.

Freeport is the island’s capital city, a free trade zone and the second largest city in the island. The Freeport International Airport has recently been renovated opening the doors an even greater number of visitors from all over the world. Freeport city was explicitly designed for the tourist trade, featuring great duty free-shopping and a lot of attractions to keep visitors amused and captivated.

The ten-acre International Bazaar in downtown Freeport is divided into sectors that correspond to different parts of the world each with their own collection of shops and restaurants. A whole day can be spent just exploring the Bazaar and going shopping. You can also visit the Bahamia casino just nearby when you run out of budget.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

Another Bahamas Wedding

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:38:34 +0000

According to People magazine, country singer Jewel and retired rodeo cowboy boyfriend Ty Murray finally got married last week in the Bahamas, one of many star-studded couples recently to run off to this paradise to say their wedding vows. People reports that their engagement was not a secret, but their wedding plans were. They eloped to the Bahamas for a private wedding at the Cove Atlantis.

The Cove Atlantis is a great place to stay when you get off your yacht. Interior architect Jeffrey Beers created a sensory journey of color, sound, movement and beauty within The Cove. Under the sway of towering palms, step out into the porte-cochere and be immediately captivated by irresistible views of the sea beyond. Move into The Nave, the resort’s temple-like open-air lobby, to stand in awe beneath a dramatic 35-foot teak ceiling showcasing the genuine energy and spirit of The Bahamas.

Inspired by the beauty of its surroundings between two of the world’s most spectacular beaches, The Cove thrives on the rhythm of the day. While its ultra-pool and exclusive beach club create a seamless day to night experience, its breathtaking ocean views and balmy open-air architecture embrace nature’s most compelling elements creating a seductive and indulgent experience.

Enveloped in tropical foliage amidst the resort’s exceptional water garden of lagoons, lilies and African cichlids, meandering walkways of cool stone and dark wood lead to The Cove suites. The journey has begun.

Andy Garcia’s Return to the Bahamas

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:13:25 +0000

The Bahama Beach Club in Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas welcomed actor and filmmaker Andy Garcia to the resort in July. Mr. Garcia, his wife Maria Victoria and their children enjoyed 7 days of fun-in-the-sun at the popular beachfront hotel located on what National Geographic called “one of the 10 best beaches in the world”! The famous actor’s comments can be seen at: http://www.bahamabeachclub.com.

One of Hollywood’s most private and guarded leading men, Andy Garcia has created a few iconic characters while at the same time staying true to his acting roots and personal projects. Born on April 12, 1956, in Cuba, Garcia’s family was relatively affluent. When he was five years old, Fidel Castro came to power, however, and the family fled to Miami Beach.

He first began acting at Florida International University, but soon he was headed out to Hollywood. Andy García became known in the late 1980s and 1990s, having appeared in several successful Hollywood films, including The Godfather: Part III, The Untouchables and When a Man Loves a Woman. More recently, he has starred in Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen.

Mr. Garcia says his family and he plan on returning to the Bahama Beach Club again next summer.

A Good Deal at $260,000 a Week

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:38:36 +0000

The German-built Schweers Senses 60-metre mega-yacht comes with a price tag of $260,000 U.S. per week. What does that get you on your way to the Bahamas?

Two 1,600-horsepower diesels power the yacht, giving it a cruising speed of 11 knots and a top speed of 14.8 knots. The ship weighs 1,143 gross tonnes and accommodates up to 12 guests. You also get toys — a helicopter, two Zodiacs, a power boat and at least one sailing boat were visible.

If you want privacy, hand-and-foot service, and plenty of options for water fun, this is a good choice.

Cool Stuff to Do in the Bahamas

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:49:48 +0000

Looking for something to do in the Bahamas when you are not enjoying the luxury of your superyacht? There’s plenty of cool stuff to do in the Bahamas, from diving to fishing to golfing to more luxury treatment in spas. The list goes on and on.

Speaking of lists, click here for a good one that touches on six of the thousands of awesome activities you can enjoy in the Islands of the Bahamas.

Save the Bahama Sea Turtles

bahamasyachtinglifestyle — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:36:32 +0000

Bahamas Sea Turtle Conservation Group, a new organization with wide support from the animal rights community, is going international in a campaign to end the harvesting of all sea turtles in the country.

“It’s a national disgrace that these magnificent animals are still hunted at all, and that they are so cruelly treated when brought ashore,” said Jane Mather, President of Advocate for Animal Rights, a spokesperson for the new group.

“Fishermen bring the creatures ashore with their flippers pierced and tied with straw; they are routinely dragged on to boat ramps and turned on their backs and left to suffer for days in the hot sun,” said Mather. “I have seen children jumping on and torturing the helpless animals and I have seen them dragged away attached to the back of trucks.”

What do you think? The Bahamas has a good reputation for preserving its ocean life. Is this an exception? And how should we respond? Click here for more information about this cause.