Hello. My wife and I are planning a trip to the Bahamas during the last week of August. We've never been there and would really appreciate recommendations for islands as well as resorts/hotels. We're early 30's and my wife is pregnant so we aren't looking for the party/club scene. We also aren't into mega resorts and would like to avoid any cruise ship hot spots. We like beautiful beaches, good food, local culture and a relaxing environment. Convenient travel would also be nice. We're primarily interested in a place to relax and soak up the sun at a reasonable price. Please share any recommendations that fit this general description.
Thank you very much!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13891 posts
This is hurricane season so make sure you get travel insurance in case you need to cancel based on weather.
I'm not up on Zika virus but you need to do some research before you commit to a trip to the Caribbean since your wife is pregnant. Start with the CDC.gov website for basics.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
Grant,
Glad you asked! Our favorite area in the Bahamas is the Out Islands. We've been to Exuma, Long Island and Cat Island. From what you are looking for our favorite recommendation is Cat Island. We stayed at Fernandez Bay Village. Located on a long pristine crescent shaped beach, excellent cuisine, local historical areas, quiet and relaxing environment. We flew into the islands. The resort is family owned. The original family members came to Cat Island in the 1800's. We stayed in the Royal Palm Cottage. Of all of the out islands this would be the one we would return to. This is one resort that looks exactly as it shows on their website.
As far as weather, August could be upwards of 90 degrees. They do have air conditioning. An advantage of summer months is tourism is slower and that brings you more affordable accommodations.
If we can answer any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Janis
Fernandezbayvillage.com. 1 800 940 1905
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4573 posts
As stated, hurricanes and Zika. Zika isn't going to go away just because the news ain't reporting it. Hurricane season also means rainy season, which means more breeding grounds for mosquitos.
However, if those two items don't change your mind, before booking flights and non refundable activities, I would consider discussing this with your family physician and ensure you are fully aware of risks while pregnant.
You also want to check the infrastructure of possible places of interest. Bahamas is still recovering from last summer's hurricane hits and I would want to ensure there was adequate and easily accessible health care for a pregnant wife.
The good news is that August has less cruise ship activity.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
Thanks to previous messages on Zika concerns and hurricane season. I meant to add this: The latest CDC report as of 3/21/18 was "no known risk" for Zika. But they also warned for any traveler's (including pregnancy) to continue to check for up to date info. before choosing to go.
I totally agree to consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions!
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Janis - Thanks for the CDC info. That's actually why we chose the Bahamas over all the other Caribbean locations. I also appreciate the Cat Island recommendations. I'll be sure to check them out!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
I have been to the Bahamas once only and it was to Harbour Island, a small but charming island. I was madly in love at the time, though, so that may have coloured my perception. Worth checking into, maybe.