Why Freeport Bahamas is the Caribbean’s Best Kept Secret

Beautiful strands of powdery beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and dense tropical vegetation make Freeport Bahamas a destination for everyone. Grand Bahama island is a place shaped by sun and sea. Get on the Queen’s Highway and five minutes after departing the city of Freeport you’re engulfed by vast native pine forest and cool sea breeze. With its postcard-perfect beaches and large tracts of unaltered native vegetation, it is an absolute paradise for families, nature enthusiasts, and even honeymooners.

 Freeport Bahamas boasts one of the world's largest underwater cave systems, three national parks, and an incredible resource of marine life. There are miles of untouched beaches, blue holes alive with marine life and colorful coral reefs. It’s an unparallelled interaction between native land and sea and this makes Grand Bahama island and absolute paradise for birders, nature enthusiasts, and other tourists.

Freeport Bahamas has lots of shallow dive sites. Shallow sites are generally 10 – 15 feet deep, just off a powdery peach. There are so many spots perfect for snorkeling, amateur divers, fish watching and picture taking. These reefs are scattered all around the island and offer the most color, bright fish, friendly sea turtles and coral.

It’s the ideal example of a destination where great birding mixes with general tourist appeal. Most ecotourism destinations lack this. For birders, you can enjoy an amazing experience with tropical birds - rare and magnificent species like the Bahama Mockingbird, Western Spindalis, Bananaquit, Black-faced Grassquit, Cuban Emerald, Bahama Woodstar, Loggerhead Kingbird, Bahama Pintail, Belted Kingfishers, and La Sagra’s Flycatcher—all of them are considered extreme rarities in the US. In fact, Freeport Bahamas has 18 of the 28 species of birds endemic to The Islands of The Bahamas including the Abaco Parrot. In addition to the local tropical birds, numerous Canadian and US migrants are flock to The Bahamas during fall and winter, making it a birding haven. Unbeknownst to many, the birding on Grand Bahama is amazing overall; and twenty minutes down the street, you can enjoy a pina colada at the beach bar on a pristine beach while the kids collect sea shells. It’s truly the best of both worlds. 

Memorial golf tournament to salute GB investment icon St. George, Sept 23-25 the Reef Golf Course

The Grand Bahama Sports Promotion Association (GBSPA) is putting forth their effort to revitalize the sport of golf in Grand Bahama.

Following the success of the Mychal “Sweet Bells” Thompson/Fred Higgs Invitational Golf Classic, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Fred Sturrup and Ambrose Gouthoro, the GBSPA was formed.

Now, two years in, the GBSPA announced this Monday that the first annual Edward St. George Memorial Invitational Golf Tournament would transpire September 23-25, 2016. The tournament will take place at the Reef Golf Course.

The tournament will feature 20 four-person teams. The best two scores on each team will count toward to the team’s score. It will be handicapped and a special presentation has been designated for the 14th hole of the course. Other activities have been planned for the tournament.

30TH ANNUAL CONCHMAN TRIATHLON SATURDAY NOVERMBER 5TH

The much-beloved Conchman is celebrating 30 years in 2016 and they have quite an exciting event planned.

The new committee have decided to make the Conchman Triathlon a standard Sprint Distance Triathlon – 750M SWIM – 20K BIKE – 5K RUN, as well as adding an Olympic distance. The committee are introducing electronic/chip timing, the awards and after party will all take place at Taino Beach.

Schedule

Thursday, 3rd November 2016

6:00pm-7:00pm: Race packet pick-up. Venue: Manor House – Grand Lucayan Hotel

Friday, 4th November 2016

4:00pm: Race Director on site and Ocean Swim instruction (Taino Beach)

5:30pm – 7:00pm: Race packet pick-up. Venue: Manor House – Grand Lucayan Hotel

Saturday, 5th November 2016

6:30am: Transition Area & Body Marking. Numbering up and race day check-in will be near the transition area at Taino Beach between 6:30 am and 7:30 am. ALL competitors MUST check in during that time (especially to assist with swim safety monitoring).

8:00am: Olympic Triathlon begins

8:15am: Sprint Triathlon begins

10:30am: Sprint Triathlon ends

12:00pm: Olympic Triathlon ends

12:30pm: IronKids begins

2:00pm: IronKids begins

3:00pm: Prize Giving begins – Taino Beach

4:00pm: Prizing Giving ends / Party begins

5:00pm: Junkanoo

6:30pm: Sunset Fireworks

 Register today and join the fun.

6 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL APPS

Don’t leave home without these 6 essential apps

Whether you are heading off for a vacation or on a round the world ticket I have compiled a list off essential travel apps I don’t leave home without.

1 – Tripit – By far the most useful app I have on my phone for travel. Just keeping everything in one place makes life so much easier. I use a Gmail account for all of  my travel bookings and Tripit automatically updates all of my travel details into its app that is available on or offline. No more stress and hassle carrying around a file of paperwork or having to find emails when stood at a check in desk.  This is a life saver.

2 – Uber – another great tool for travelling, saves time and money compared to using taxi’s as long as you have 3g/WiFi when booking your driver. Now available across much of Asia, North america, Europe and some parts of Africa. Choose your ride and set your location. You’ll see your driver’s picture and vehicle details, and can track their arrival on the map. When you arrive at your destination, just hop out and they will automatically charge the credit card on file with no tip¬!Rate your driver and provide anonymous feedback about your trip to make sure the service keeps its high standards and rewards the best drivers.

3- Skyscanner – A useful flight comparison tool, it will allow you to search the flights you want and provides links to the websites that have that flight on offer. Very useful if your plans change or miss a flight, it can get you back on track in no time.

4 – Tripadvisor  – Trip advisor has so many uses, not only great advice on the location you are in or plan to visit but also you can use it to find flights, hotels, holiday accommodation, restaurants and things to do. The ability to download a city’s maps and reviews is very useful when you don’t have a constant internet connection.

5 – App for the airline you are travelling on – with most of the airline apps its possible to store your boarding pass on your phone. Many of them also allow you to check in without visiting the check in counter and the lines that always seem to appear just before I arrive…

6 – Revolut – This app is simply amazing and will save you so much money. Add the app and order your Revolut debit card before you travel. Set up your profile, then transfer funds from your debit card/account to your Revolut account, and you’ve got an international money account that you can use the world over. The RevolutCard ™ works like your normal debit card but with zero charges and no hidden fees. When you spend or use an ATM the card automatically converts your money into local currencies at perfect interbank rates. They also offer worldwide delivery if your card is lost or stolen.

Twitter @officeescapee 

The Office Escapee

5th Annual Junior International Rugby Festival 2016 Freeport Bahamas

Bahamas for the Digital Nomad

Fancy a Caribbean break? Try the Bahamas.

Beautiful beaches and warm climate are two of the reasons why you wouldn’t regret a stay on one or more of the idyllic islands of the Bahamas. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, is an island country of the Lucayan Archipelago consisting of more than 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the Florida coastline. The island of new providence has the highest population and the location of the capital, Nassau.

Bahamas facts for the Digital Nomad

• Communications network – Clearly the most important aspect to all Digital Nomads and I’m happy to report, it ticks all the boxes. Nearly all of the populated islands are supported by the Cable Bahamas network, offering high speed internet with speeds up to 120Mbit per second. The islands are also supported by the BTC mobile network, offering pre or post pay voice and 4G-LTE packages. The internet speeds provided in the Bahamas are simply world class, I haven’t been to another island nation that’s anywhere close.
• Climate – Warmed and cooled by the trade winds, the weather in the Bahamas are nearly always perfect for a tropical vacation getaway. Temperatures in most of the islands linger between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to the constant gentle trade winds.
• Currency – The currency of the Bahamas is the B$ (Dollar) and is pegged to the U.S. dollar on a one-to-one basis. The parity between Bahamian dollars and U.S. dollars means everywhere will accept either U.S. or Bahamian currency and many of the businesses that serve tourists have extra U.S. dollars on hand.
• Politically stable – Since the independence from Britain in 1973, the Bahamas has had a stable democracy. The country is a member of the Commonwealth and retains the British monarch as its official head of state, represented by the Governor General.
• Safety – Most of the islands in the Bahamas are safe, it’s largely crime in the cities, Nassau and Freeport. With 700 islands to choose from, the odds are pretty good you’ll be able to find a safe spot! In most of the out islands, you still don’t need to lock your doors.
• English Speaking – Prior to its independence in 1973 the Bahamas had been a British colony since the 17th century hence the native language being English.
• Rental Prices – There is a huge range of property for rental in the Bahamas, from 1 bedroom condo’s for around $600 to high end water front mansions costing in excess of £8000 per month!
• Cost of Living – Although the cost of living is high this can be offset dramatically if you like fishing and eating what you catch! High import taxes on most household products mean products are more expensive in the supermarkets. At least the locally brewed beers are relatively cheap.

Things to do in the Bahamas

• Beaches – The Bahamas is known for its stellar beaches. With over 2,000 breathtaking islands and cays, and the clearest water on Earth, it’s no wonder visitors come from all around to sink their toes into miles of pure white, and in some places pink, sand. Many of our beaches have been voted “best in the world” by numerous publications, and it’s not uncommon to find a celebrity or two strolling along our shores. In short, the beaches you’ll find here are the very definition of paradise. I guess that’s why films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and James Bond selected the Bahamas for many of their beach scenes.
• Fishing – Paradise islands, shimmering warm seas, perfect weather and as many fun types of fishing in The Bahamas as you can wave a rod at. Whether you want to hook a ferocious game fish, cast for all manner of fish off the reef or put your angling skills to the test against the fast and furious Bonefish, when it comes to Bahamas fishing, stand by for some of the best sport fishing on Earth.
• Diving and Snorkelling – From seagrass meadows and mangrove swamps in the north, pristine coral reefs to the 1,820m deep oceanic trench near Andros and the deep blue waters on the Atlantic side – the waters surrounding The Islands Of The Bahamas offer a huge variety of marine habitats. Shark and dolphin encounters are pretty much guaranteed and the shallows are buzzing with reef fish, such as parrotfish, grunts and snappers. If you’re lucky, you may spot whales along the coast: sperm whales, minke whales, humpbacks, pilot whales are all frequent visitors. Dive boats run from nearly all the populated islands and can be relatively inexpensive.
• Sailing – The Bahamas is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world. With crystal-clear waters and perfect weather year-round, sailors from all around visit our islands for a first-class sailing experience. Navigate around hundreds of cays, explore ecological wonders and even dock your boat for a day to enjoy a relaxing, secluded beach. Wherever your journey takes you, let The Bahamas make it special. If you don’t have a boat or choose to leave yours at home, there are a variety of sailing excursions for you to choose from.
• Golf – Golf in The Bahamas is absolutely breathtaking. With courses that line the clear-blue Atlantic waters, golfers from all over the world yearn for the chance to play in The Bahamas….even the pros. Take Great Exuma for example. It features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by golf legend Greg Norman. It’s set to become one of the world’s greatest oceanside clubs. Numerous islands in The Bahamas boast pristine golf courses that challenge both the novice and professional golfer.
• Nightlife – When the moon lights up the night sky, the entertainment world awakens in The Bahamas. Throughout the islands, you can find quaint bars serving up our traditional Goombay, Junkanoo or Rake & Scrape music, as well as New York-style nightclubs and everything in between. Enjoy a tropical Bahamian cocktail while you try your hand in a casino, or enjoy the sounds of live music in a bar or club.

With all this to offer the Digital Nomad, the Bahamas is perfect in my eyes 

Twitter @officeescapee 

The Office Escapee

The Thursday Club Presents Sensory Delights

The Grand Bahama Artist’s Association and Grand Bahama Sailing Club are teaming up to present "An Evening of Sensory Delights" on Thursday, March 3, 7 p.m. at the Grand Bahama Sailing Club.

Beloved Bahamian artists, along with young "up and comers", will be presenting their works for exhibition and sale. Guitarists Steve Persaud, Derek Gape and bassist Dr. Clarence Green will provide sultry tones and there will be sweet treats to tantalize your taste buds. $10 admission at the door and the bar will be available. All proceeds will support GBSC Junior Sailing programs.

Property abroad: Go offshore in the Bahamas

Smugglers, pirates and loyalists to the Crown were the first to settle in the Bahamas.

Home from home: Typical Bahamian houses

These days, the new wave of incomers arrive seeking leisure, pleasure and financial opportunities on the 700-odd islands and cays that make up the Bahamas.

The capital Nassau, on New Providence Island, is the heartbeat of the islands. Independent from Britain since 1973, the country has become synonymous with the 'offshore banking' industry.

'The business is done in Nassau,' says Jason Callender, vice president of Albany, a £2bn resort community in development on the island. 'Plenty of hedge funds and trading take place here.'

Encouraged by a highly competitive tax regime — no income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax or VAT — the Bahamas have become home to wealthy individuals seeking to avoid high tax burdens overseas.

Actor Sean Connery, tennis player Lleyton Hewitt and his wife Rebecca Cartwright are among celebrities who own property on New Providence Island, around 180 miles off the Florida coast.

Stretching a compact, but not claustrophobic, 21 miles long by seven miles wide, New Providence Island is largely flat.

However, it is the miles of beaches and emerald waters that ring the island that are the main draw.

Sailing, snorkelling and diving are appealing to visitors and locals in the 'bath water' Atlantic Ocean.

'The Bahamas are popular with US, Canadian and British holidaymakers looking to escape their cold winter weather,' says Callender, a fourth-generation Bahamian.

'There's a direct BA flight five days a week from London to Nassau. An airport extension should open by the end of 2011 and it is likely that Virgin Atlantic will re-open a route.'

There are half a million tourists annually, excluding cruise ships. Visitor numbers increased significantly since 2007, when the South African-born businessman Sol Kerzner developed the Atlantis Resort, on Paradise Island, linked to New Providence Island by two mile-long road bridges that span the main harbour.

The £2.6bn Atlantis Resort is a vast, palatial-style creation that is ostentatious in the Las Vegas and Dubai mould.

A 26ft-high water sculpture that incorporates several winged horses sets the tone.

Inside, 3,500 hotel rooms, a casino, entertainment centre, nightclubs, shops including Bulgari, Tiffany, Versace and several restaurants, such as Nobu, entertain the thousands of visitors who enter its gilded doors.

As the global recession eases, development on New Providence Island is set to restart. On the island's south-west coast, near the established residential community of Lyford Cay (where Connery can often be spotted on the golf course), is the Albany resort community.



The £600m marina and golf development is the brainchild of Joe Lewis, owner of Tottenham Hotspur football club and chairman of private holding company the Tavistock Group. Golf stars Tiger Woods and Ernie Els are investors.

Els has designed the par 72 championship golf course at the heart of the gated community, soon to comprise 375 luxury properties, a spa, equestrian centre, tennis courts, fitness centre, restaurants, water park, family areas, children's clubs and adult-only areas.

Albany significantly raises the bar for residential and golf course development in the Bahamas.

Peter Swain, of Golf International magazine, says: 'Caribbean courses typically feature lush green vegetation and ocean views.

'This new Ernie Els set-up is a flat, inland desert course. It's long, with small greens and the condition is immaculate.

'Purists will love it, but those looking for a traditional tropical course might be a tad surprised.' Golf-side plots start at around £1m, with an estimated £320 per sq ft for build costs.

British golfers Ian Poulter and Justin Rose are among buyers of the four-storey 'cottages' in phase one. Six cottages remain for sale, from £2.6m each. Building will be completed by September, when the resort is formally opened.

The next phase of development at Albany is the marina. Designed by a consortium of five New Yorkbased architects, led by Robert Stern, of Robert AM Stern Architects, the aim is a mix of old and new, with apartments that look as if they've evolved over time.

'Our inspiration for the marina has been taken from studying what works at St Tropez and Port Grimaud, in the South of France,' says Christopher Anand, managing partner of Albany.

'But we have also looked at what makes the SoHo district in New York, and parts of London, function so well. We concluded it's the way communities evolve in varied architectural styles over time.'



There will be 12 apartment buildings, plus a courtyard plaza with restaurants and cafes. A two-bedroom home starts at £1.9m. One-acre marina beachfront plots overlooking the ocean and marina are available at £6.7 million.

Owners can choose to put their property into a rental pool, retaining 70% of the net income. Villas will rent from £5,000 a night, according to Anand.

Prices per sq ft at Albany are expected to set a new benchmark for the island: from £600 up to £1,300.

Lyford Cay, the oldest resort community (first developed in the Fifties), is the nearest comparable at £380 to £1,300. Prices at Ocean Estates Club, on Paradise Island, are from £500 to £1,300 per sq ft for a new property.

Next door to Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay is a gated, canalside community begun in 2002. Amenities include a private marina, playgrounds, tennis courts and a basketball court.

A Mediterranean-style, 17,200 sq ft, four-bedroom home in a culde-sac with water on two sides costs £2.6m.

'There's a healthy mix of holiday homes and permanent residences,' says Sara Callender, Old Fort Bay sales and marketing manager.

'It's popular with the locals — entrepreneurs, doctors and lawyers — and it's international, too. We have owners from Canada, the US and Britain.

'There's scope for homeowners to move within the community, to a bigger home as the family grows, and later to downsize.'

On neighbouring Grand Bahama Island, Savills is marketing Shoreline, a private community of 76 three and four-bedroom properties.

On Fortune beach and set within beautiful landscaped gardens, the leisure facilities planned include seven swimming pools, tapas bar, clubhouse, three tennis courts and a lake. Prices start at £536,600.

Entry-level condominiums on New Providence Island include those at Sandypoint resort, from around £260,000 to £3,200,000; villas from £380,000 to £480,000.

'Buyers need to spend at least £320,000 to be eligible to apply for residency, which will give them the available tax breaks,' says Callender.

Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-1689662/Property-abroad-Go-offshore-in-the-Bahamas.html#ixzz41UiYOXyn

Flying to the Bahamas? How To Not Get "Hacked" Mid-Air

With moving to any island flying is going to be a part of your life. Here are some tips on how to protect your data mid air.

Step 1: Get a privacy screen.

The easiest way for someone to figure out what you’re working on is to look over your shoulder, and that’s true whether you’re online at all or are just typing away in Microsoft Word. You can buy a privacy filter for your specific laptop or tablet for as little as $10 (or as much as $80) to keep your information safe from prying eyes on the plane, or at a hotel lobby or crowded café. The screens will let you (or anyone right in front of the monitor) see what’s on your box while those next to you will only see a dark screen. The only down side is that it can cause glare or decrease clarity, so you may want to just slip it on manually rather than attaching it permanently.

Step 2: Be aware that there are other people on the network.

If you ever forget that you’re not the only person on the plane using the Wi-Fi, F-Secure security advisor Sean Sullivan has an easy way of quantifying this. “There’s a simple app called Fing. It’s free, and what it does is shows you all the other devices that are on the network with you,” he said. You can get Fing for iOS or Android.

Step 3: Switch to a secure email account.

Petrow, unfortunately, was using an EarthLink account. AsRob Graham at Errata Security wrote, “Such early providers haven’t kept up with the times. If that’s still your email, there’s pretty much no way to secure it.” And it gets worse. “With these old email protocols not only do we get emails sent in the clear, in plain text, they also transmit passwords to accounts in the clear,” says Sullivan. So if you are still using EarthLink or something like it, consider switching to Gmail. Sullivan further points out that email from providers like EarthLink can be funneled through another vendor’s app. “If you have other accounts you’d like to maintain, you can go to one of these other services and put in the POP credentials there and they can fetch the mail and surface it since it aggregates everything,” he explained. If that’s too much of a hassle, just use Gmail or an equally secure equivalent.

Step 4: Use a VPN, Tor, and/or HTTPS Everywhere.

If you want to make it harder for strangers to sniff your traffic, a VPN, or virtual private network will encrypt your HTTP traffic, which is otherwise easily sniffed by tools like WireShark. Just make sure to use a real VPN and not just a proxy service.
You can use Tor instead of a VPN if you want to encrypt web traffic and bounces it cross a series of relays to help you maintain anonymity as you browse the web. Download theTor browser on your laptop or desktop computer for Windows, Mac, or Linux, or use Orfox on your Android device. Just be aware that many sites have restrictions on Tor, so you may need to reset your identity or fill out annoying captchas to keep using it.
Finally, the HTTPS Everywhere extension for Firefox and Chrome makes browsing many major websites more secure by encrypting your communications, provided that the sites themselves have these capabilities. If you’re on a site that offers some support for HTTPS, it’ll rewrite your requests to default to HTTPS rather than the unencrypted HTTP, so it’ll provide you some protection on encrypted portions of supported sites. The ultra-paranoid can block HTTP requests altogether.

Step 5: Be aware.

“I really think mindfulness is the most important thing,” said Sullivan. So say your VPN isn’t working (or you never got one), and Tor is too slow (or you get tired of filling out the captchas that some site require Tor users to fill in), or you are still in the process of transitioning from EarthLink to Gmail. If you’re really doing something critical, maybe wait until you’re hooked up to your own password-protected home Wi-Fi… Otherwise, “generally for the average individual, the fact that you’re connecting to Gmail.com is not an operational security issue and you can be confident that those apps and/or web interfaces are connecting securely,” Sullivan said, though there may be some visibility as to which sites you’re visiting if someone is sniffing that data on the plane.

Or, if you’re going to log into your EarthLink account, maybe don’t spill secrets while doing it.

Tour de Grand Bahama STARTS THIS SATURDAY

Get your Lycra out for the 2nd Annual Tour De Grand Bahama

The G.B.C.C. Tour De Grand Bahama, which will be held on Saturday February 27th, and Sunday February 28th, 2016. This is a two day, three stage cycling event that will be held on the island of Grand Bahama. The event will include a short Individual Time Trial followed by a Criterium Road Race on Saturday February 27th, 2016. On Sunday February 28th, 2016 the event will conclude with a 75 mile Road Race. There will be spot prizes and other awards given throughout the event, whose chief sponsor is the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. However, the primary purpose of the event is to raise funds for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a project coordinated by Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief agency that provides help worldwide to people in need. More than 500,000 volunteers around the world have helped with the annual collection, shipping, and distribution of shoeboxes filled with gifts for children in need. Join the Grand Bahama Cyclists Club as we help to raise funds for this worthy cause.

Dont forget - 31st Annual Dog Show Grand Bahama starts this Saturday

Get your dogs ready to strut their stuff at the Humane Society of Grand Bahama's annual dog show Saturday, March 5th!

Don't have a dog? Come in and choose a shelter dog to show off for the day! Or just come out and enjoy the big variety of beautiful dogs, from tiny to giant, from purebred to mixed breed to our amazing Royal Bahamian Potcakes. There will be plenty to do in between events for adults and kids alike.

The Flea Market tent will have some great bargains as always, and you can quench your thirst and get something tasty to eat at the grill or the bake sale. There will be fun activities for kids, and of course we welcome everyone to tour our shelter.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids over two. Entering your dog is $10 per group or category entered.

Improved Security at Shoreline

New gate system installed

The new gate security system is installed and is planned to go live at the end of next week - on 26th February.We have improved the security of Shoreline by adding lifting barriers in addition to the gates. With the old system, it was possible and common for one car to tailgate another car in or out of the development. The new barriers open and close quickly, allowing only one car at a time through. This means, that even if the gate is still open it will be impossible to tail gate and drive through without damaging your car.

The new gate system will improve security and should be much more reliable than the old system. We have also taken steps to protect the new installation from power surges and damage from electrical storms.

Charlotte Ba Ba's Rugby Club Visit to Freeport RFC This Sunday Feb 21st

THIS SUNDAY FEB 21

SUNDAY FUN AT FREEPORT RUGBY CLUB

Charlotte Ba Ba's Rugby Club are visiting for the day with a group of 40 players and visitors for a Friendly. Kick off around 12 midday. All are welcome so its a good opportunity to dust off those cob webs ready for the long season and strap those boots on.

Kick Off around 12 midday with a BBQ and the pool will be open so its fun for all the family. Bring the kids and family and enjoy the game and BBQ. Charlotte have made a massive effort to come here so lets show them some good Freeport hospitality.

Shoreline Bar open Wednesday Evening

Enjoy a drink at the Shoreline Pool bar

Shoreline residents and friends please come join us at the Shoreline Bar this and every Wednesday evening from 6pm. 

FINE DINING IN THE CARIBBEAN

Why not try the Flying Fish?

With unmatched service & attention to detail, Flying Fish offers a blend of traditional & modernist cuisine techniques not used anywhere else in the Bahamas. Focusing on local seafood & indigenous ingredients prepared with the utmost skill & creativity.

With a beautiful waterside location this experience should not be missed. No formal dress code although some guests choose to dress up for the occasion and some choose to wear something less formal. All they ask is that you refrain from wearing swim attire and footwear is required.

The Finest Dining in the Caribbean.

AAA 4 Diamond Award winner 2014 & 2015

#2 Restaurant in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor 2014 

#9-2014 & #8-2015 Restaurant in the Caribbean by Caribbean Journal

#11 Chef in the Caribbean by Caribbean Journal

Fodor's Recommended 

TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award

Top 5 Restaurants Worth Travelling For by Fort Lauderdale Daily

For reservations please call 242-373-4363 or email: reservations@flyingfishbahamas.com

http://www.flyingfishbahamas.com/

Friday is Yoga Day at Shoreline

Yoga class every Friday

 The yoga class will have their weekly meeting on Friday at the Shoreline clubhouse 9am Sharp. We are usually a group of 6 to 10 with different levels from beginner to advanced and everyone is welcome. We all enjoy learning and practising together under Martha's stewardship. The sessions last around 1 hour for a very reasonable fee of $10.

What is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental well-being. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility) and breathing. The practice originated in India about 5,000 years ago, and has been adapted in other countries in a variety of ways.

What are the health benefits of yoga?

Dozens of scientific trials of varying quality have been published on yoga. While there's scope for more rigorous studies on its health benefits, most studies suggest yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibility and balance. There's some evidence that regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains – including lower back pain – depression and stress.

Does yoga contribute towards my 150 minutes of activity?

Most forms of yoga are not strenuous enough to count towards your 150 minutes of moderate activity, as set out by government guidelines. However, yoga does count as a strengthening exercise, and at least two sessions a week will help you meet the guidelines on muscle-strengthening activities. Activities such as yoga and tai chi are also recommended to older adults at risk of falls to help improve balance and co-ordination.

Can yoga help prevent falls?

Yes. Yoga improves balance by strengthening your lower body, in particular your ankles and knees, thereby reducing your chances of falling. However, falls may sometimes be caused by a health condition, in which case it's a good idea to see your GP or visit a falls clinic at a local hospital.

Can yoga help with arthritis?

Yoga is popular with people with arthritis for its gentle way of promoting flexibility and strength. Some research suggests yoga can reduce pain and mobility problems in people with knee osteoarthritis. However, some yoga moves aren't suitable for people with the condition. Find a teacher who understands arthritis and can adapt movements for individual needs, especially if you have replacement joints. Check with a doctor or physiotherapist to find out if there are any movements to avoid.

Am I too old for yoga?

Definitely not. People often start yoga in their 70s, and many say they wish they had started sooner. There are yoga classes for every age group. Yoga is a form of exercise that can be enjoyed from childhood to your advanced years.

Do I have to be fit to do yoga?

No, you can join a class that's suitable for your fitness level. For example, to join a mixed ability yoga class, you need to be able to get up and down from the floor. Some yoga classes are chair-based.

Don't I need to be flexible to do yoga?

Not necessarily. Yoga will improve your flexibility and help you go beyond your normal range of movement, which may make performing your daily activities easier.

Can I injure myself doing yoga?

Yoga-related injuries are uncommon. Some injuries can be caused by repetitive strain or over-stretching. But yoga is the same as any other exercise discipline. It is perfectly safe if taught properly by people who understand it and have experience. Learning from a qualified yoga teacher and choosing a class appropriate for your level will ensure you remain injury-free.

Snook off Shoreline

GREAT SHORELINE CATCH

A monster 29 inch Snook was caught just off the beach at Shoreline. Using a light tackle fly, the fish put up quite a fight, before it could be proudly displayed. Snook are very rare in the Bahamas in contrast to Florida where they are plentiful and can grow to 40 lbs or more.

Together with Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit, Snook form part of the Super Grand Slam of 4 sport fish that anglers try to catch in a 24hr period. Grand Bahama offers some of the best fishing in the world, especially for bone fish and is just 30 minutes from Miami. Worth coming to see for yourself.

Bring your Boat

Boating In Grand Bahama Island

Some of the world’s most beautiful stretches of sea surround Grand Bahama Island, which may account for the high number of visitors who arrive here the old-fashioned way—by sailing into port. The island has several marinas, most of them fully equipped with electricity hubs, waste-disposal units and fuel stations. Old Bahama Bay in West End, Port Lucaya Marina in Lucaya and Deep Water Cay Club off the east end are official ports of entry. Additional docking facilities are at Blue Marlin Cove in Bootle Bay, Sunrise Resort & Marina in Freeport, and Ocean Reef Resort & Yacht Club and Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina in Lucaya. A number of day and evening boat tours are available via catamaran, party boat, powerboat or sailboat. Boaters and those who like to watch magnificent sloops sail will enjoy the annual Grand Bahama Sailing Regatta held at Taino Beach.

Bahamas Remains Zika Free

As the Zika virus continues to spread rapidly across the Caribbean, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) and local industry partners have put several preventative measures in place and are working closely together to ensure that visitors are fully aware of the country’s health status.

To date, there have been no reported cases of the mosquito-borne virus in any Islands of The Bahamas.

Tourism industry stakeholders recognize the importance of being proactive; educating the public and potential visitors about the virus and the proposed measures to help moderate the spread of the virus.

“The Ministry of Tourism is monitoring the situation closely and the destination is taking proactive measures to reduce the threat of a Zika outbreak,” said Tourism Director General, Joy Jibrilu.

The Department of Environmental Health has launched an intensified fogging program in New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is also putting measures in place to ensure that visitors are protected.

President of BHTA Stuart Bowe said the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association continues to communicate with the Bahamas Ministry of Health (MOH) and regional partners such as the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) that are working in collaboration with Caribbean Tourism Organization, (CTO), and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to mitigate the impact of the Zika Virus.

“Efforts will continue to educate our sector re the Virus and we will update our Members and Industry stakeholders as Education forums, webinars are made available through our regional partners and health officials. We commend the Ministry of Health on their efforts to deploy mitigation efforts such as fogging and encourage our members to participate in professionally recommended prevention measures described in the varying educational forums deployed by our regional partners through the BHTA,” Bowe said.

The Out Islands Promotion Board has also been active in putting in proactive measures to ensure visitors to the various Islands of The Bahamas are safe.

“Over the past two weeks, The Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board (BOIPB), has been in constant contact with its members regarding the Zika Virus. Once information is received from the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, this information is then shared with BOIPB member hotels in all of the islands,” said Board Executive Director Kerry Fountain.

Proactive measures include:

• Providing staff and guests with information on ZIKV so that they are aware of the signs and symptoms, how ZIKV is transmitted and how it can be prevented.
  • Having insect repellant available to visitors.
  • Avoiding storing water in outdoor containers to prevent them from becoming mosquito breeding sites.
  • Covering water tanks or reservoirs so that mosquitoes do not get in.

  • Avoiding the build-up of garbage, which can act as a breeding site for mosquitoes. Putting garbage in closed plastic bags and keep it in closed containers.

  • Uncovering and unblocking gutters and drains to release stagnant water.


All travelers are advised to:

• Stay informed about the ZIKV situation in countries they are travelling to.
• Use insect repellents on exposed skin. Insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or IR3535 are the most effective and safe when used according to the label. If also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
• Where possible, wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants, socks and shoes to minimize exposed skin.
• When indoors use air conditioning and keep the doors and windows closed, unless they are screened, to keep out mosquitoes. If this is not possible, sleep under mosquito nets to prevent bites.

What should you do if you feel sick and think you may have Zika?

• Consult a healthcare professional if you are feeling ill, especially if you have a fever. If you have returned home, make sure to tell them about your travel to the Caribbean.
• Use acetaminophen or paracetamol to treat fever and pain.
  Get lots of rest and drink plenty of liquids.
• A person infected with ZIKV will have the virus in their blood for the first week of infection. The virus can be passed on to other mosquitoes if they bite you while you are carrying the virus. Therefore, be especially careful to prevent mosquito bites during the first week to avoid spreading the disease.

Travelers are encouraged to visit Bahamas.com for any updates on Zika including messages from hoteliers or properties.

20th annual Healthy Lifestyles campaign

The Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas Northern Service launches its 20th annual Healthy Lifestyles campaign on February 22, 2016. Our aim is to educate and inform the community on the benefits of establishing more health-conscious lifestyles.

The campaign gets underway with a series of radio talk shows featuring Health professionals on a wide range of Health topics on ZNS-3 810 AM, February 22nd through March 17th – Monday to Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Our focus this year will be on Eating Right and Getting Fit. Health Topics will be featured during the 6:30 p.m. newscast on ZNS TV-13. Locally produced health shows can be viewed on ZNS TV on Wednesday and rebroadcast Fridays during the month of March.

Free blood pressure checks, glucose testing and weigh-ins will be conducted by Grand Bahama Health Services on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the canteen of the Harold DeGregory Complex. The public is invited to participate.

ZNS annual fun run/walk & mini Health Fair will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 6:00 a.m., part proceeds will aid Us Too Grand Bahama – Prostate Cancer Awareness & Support Group.

The 3.1 miles (5k) race route will start at ZNS on the Mall, travel north on the Mall to the Court House Round-a-bout, south on the Mall to Ranfurly Circus, North on the Mall to ZNS and finish in front of the Harold DeGregory Complex. Entry forms are available at ZNS or for download HERE.

New Ship for the Balearia

Baleària Caribbean adding new ship to the Fort Lauderdale-Freeport line

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- This morning, Thursday, February 11, the ship Jaume I, owned by the company Baleària Caribbean, arrived at the Port of Freeport from Spain in order to be used for the connection between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport.

Once the ship has passed all of the necessary technical inspections, it is expected to replace the ship Pinar del Río so the company can offer more passenger capacity and comfort since the new ship has capacity for 600 passengers (150 more people) and better on-board features.

The shipping company carried more than 145,000 people last year which is an increase of 15% over the year before.

The fast ferry Jaume I is 78 meters lenght and 26 meters beam and can sail at a maximum speed of 32 knots. Features of this ship include halls with superior class, tourist accommodation as well as a cafeteria, shop, audiovisual equipment and baby care services.

Voted Number One Activity on Grand Bahama

Gold Rock Beach (Lucayan National Park)

#1 of 78 things to do in Grand Bahama Island according to Trip Advisor

Gold Rock Beach is part of The Lucayan National Park and is protected by the Bahamas National Trust. The beach is located about 25 miles from Freeport and is secluded and spectacular. At low tide, the shoreline of the beach spans for yards into the sea, and it is referred to as Grand Bahama Island's "welcome mat." There are BBQ pits, picnic tables and benches here. North of the beach (across the street) are the Lucayan Caverns, the world's longest surveyed underground cave system.

Full list here  - Trip Advisor Grand Bahama Things to do


For more information

The World Famous Fish Fry

Every Wednesday night, Smith Point comes alive!

The Fish Fry at Smith Point is a Grand Bahama institution. Held on the beach every Wednesday night right next to Taino Beach Park, several restaurants engage in a Bahamian cook-out, where fried snapper reigns supreme, but also available are steamed grouper, lobster, conch of all kinds, BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, jerk pork, jerk chicken, and other Bahamian delicacies. The restaurants pipe typical Bahamian Rake N Scrape music, and Outriggers has a dance floor that is going all night. Music at Outriggers begins as Rake N Scrape and Pop tunes, but around 10:00 PM or so changes to urban beats and hip hop. Just 5 minutes from Shoreline, the fish fry is a must-do. Dress is beach casual, bring long pants and a wind-breaker in winter, shorts and t-shirt are fine for the rest of the year. Restaurants such as Da Bus Stop, Outriggers, Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience, Gully Wash, Penny's and The White Wave have BBQs going well into the night, but plan on arriving early (before 7:30 PM) for the best selection of food and cold beer.

Grand Bahama's premier nature experience

Visit Garden of the Groves

Garden of the Groves is Grand Bahama’s premier nature experience! Explore winding trails through lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and sparkling fountains. Visit the picturesque chapel, which has been consecrated and is a favourite place for weddings, prayer and meditation. Explore the Garden Shops, discover the sacred beauty of the Labyrinth, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Garden Café and Bar, or children can play at the newly expanded playground.

At Garden of the Groves indigenous and migratory birds and butterflies sip nectar or take insects from the many flowers and shrubs that were newly planted to provide nectar, insects and berries for wildlife. Since the Garden was re-opened it has been certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the U.S. Wildlife Federation because the new operators are providing the four basic habitat elements needed for wildlife to thrive: food, water, cover, and places to raise young.

Looking for a Valentine's day idea?

Fish The Bahamas

Fishing Grand Bahama Island

Whether you're a first-timer casting from a pier or a deep-sea fanatic hoping to beat one of the 50 world records of The Bahamas, you’ll find all types of fishing here. The Little Bahama Bank makes up the northern and eastern coasts of Grand Bahama Island, and provides a vast expanse of flats for fly fishing, which is very popular on the island.

Big Game

The ocean is home to some big predators, including Marlin, Tuna and Sharks. For anglers, there’s no greater challenge than putting yourself against one of these fish that can outweigh you by five times or more. The Bahamas is known for its big game fishing. Record catches are set each year as fishermen from around the world cast their reels for the ultimate prize.

Fly Fishing

The Bahamas has the most renowned fishing flats or 'marls' in the world, miles and miles of shallows just off the shoreline or amongst the mangroves. Moments away, find the best game fish sought after by anglers: Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit. At some locations, fly fishing flats are within sight .Step on the beach and walk as far as 200 meters into the shallows to try your hand.

Reef Fishing

Reef fishing, also known as bottom fishing in The Bahamas, is the perfect way for the family to enjoy a day on the water and it is the freshest way to eat fish in The Bahamas. String up a rod and cast a line amongst the thousands of fish schooling beneath the blue, and reel in trigger fish, snappers, yellow fins, grouper: fresh from the reef, to the pot to the dinner plate.

Looking to retire?

Shoreline is one of the worlds best communities according to the best retirement destinations website.  

Shoreline Grand Bahama Island Rankings
#2 - Best Retirement Communities in Bahamas, February 2016.
#13 - Best Retirement Communities Worldwide, February 2016.

The total list can be found here - top-communities-for-worldwide

Golf - Grand Bahama

Fancy a round of Golf?

The beautiful backdrop of Grand Bahama Island makes Grand Lucayan one of the most spectacular places to tee off in the world. Named one of the world's "Top 100" courses, the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. championship course challenges players of every level.



The open, breezy Reef course has 6,909 yards of expansive greens and fairways, scattered with bunkers, water hazards and grassy rough. This links-style course stretches almost 7,000 yards from the back trees and only requires a solid, short game to achieve a low score. The close-cropped fairways are forgiving, but the bunkers will test you. The greens are large and mostly flat, with a deceptive speed and 13 of the 18 holes play off water.

Located on Sea Horse Lane near port Lucaya
Enquiries - +1 242 373 1333

Short Breaks on Grand Bahama

Interesting article about taking a short break on Grand Bahamas from the National Post.

LINK - National post article

Rugby Update!

The Rugby club will be showing all the Six Nations games live tomorrow and following Freeport will be hosting the Buccaneers from Nassau in the Bahamas cup. 2PM Kick-off at the Settlers Way ground.

Freeport managed to beat the Buccaneers 24-19 in a very close and hard fought game to continue their excellent season. 

Bahamas Craft Centre

New Grand Bahama Arts and Crafts Centre Opens 

The Centre located on East Sunrise Highway was officially opened by the Hon. Philip E. Davis, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Works & Urban development. The purpose of the Centre is to allow locals and visitors to Grand Bahama to experience Bahamian culture first hand.

Minister Darville said “This Arts and Crafts Centre will positively impact the revitalisation and promotion of Grand Bahama by offering a new attraction for the island; a place where tourists and locals can have an authentic Bahamian cultural experience.

“Now completed, it is anticipated that this Centre will be included on the itineraries of our operators in Freeport; an attraction at which visitors can have a cultural experience, and observe Bahamian production of locally produced authentic Bahamian arts and crafts. This facility will also be used for the packaging and housing of Bahamian crafts and showcase and sale, thus creating entrepreneurial opportunities for local artisans.”

Rather stormy again!!

Weather update

Much nicer weather today with clear blue skies.

Friday 15th January 2016

Very stormy weather today. Strong winds but no rain!