What's New

Big changes may be in store for The Bahamas, but don't expect them to be implemented on any pre-announced schedule. Life in the islands simply operates on its own time.

The exception to that rule is the fabulous Atlantis sprawl on Paradise Island. Its developers have set about achieving their goal within a relatively short period of time and seem determined to keep developing until they run out of space.

New Providence Island (Nassau/Cable Beach) -- Between now and 2012 (or who knows when), Cable Beach's shoreline strip is expected to undergo a building boom. It's taken a bit of time to get started, but plans call for Cable Beach to one day be so enticingly developed that it will give Paradise Island's mammoth resorts a run for their money.

On the drawing board are plans for marinas, a redesigned golf course, and even new "lakes." How much of that will happen by the time you visit just can't be predicted.

In a development that's actually happened, Compass Point (tel. 876/946-1958 or 242/327-4500) made a comeback on New Providence Island's Love Beach (west of Cable Beach). It was closed for a long time, but its brightly painted wooden cottages are back in business, welcoming visitors who shun big resorts in favor of more island-style lodgings.

And at last, New Providence Island has a worthy B&B. It's A Stone's Throw Away (tel. 242/327-7030), 13 miles west of Nassau's center. French and Belgian owners brought continental sophistication to the charming little 10-unit enclave with luxuriously furnished bedrooms.

Paradise Island -- The latest hotel development in the sprawling Atlantis compound is The Reef (tel. 800/ATLANTIS [285-2684] or 242/363-3000), a condo complex where even the smallest unit is a one-bedroom apartment. An expensive but beguiling beacon of luxury living, it also offers modern kitchens for those wanting to do their own cooking and is the resort's tallest building, permeated with an Atlantis theme.

The newest restaurant to open is Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill (tel. 242/363-3000), on the Cove Hotel's lobby level. It features American Southwestern cuisine -- we're talking cornmeal tamales, hot sauce, grilled steaks, and chile relleno.

Grand Bahama Island (Freeport/Lucaya) -- The Ocean Reef Yacht Club (tel. 242/373-2468) has opened near the Port Lucaya area, offering town house-style accommodations in a marina-style resort that rents condos with one, two, or three bedrooms, and has become a particular favorite of yachters.

The Abacos -- At Great Guana Cay in the Abacos, the amusingly named Flip Flops on the Beach (tel. 800/222-2646) has been inaugurated with only four units. Each of these is either a one- or two-bedroom cottage, opening onto one of the country's best sandy beaches. Guests often have picnic lunches at tables on the beach, making use of a charcoal grill for nighttime barbecues.

Bimini -- The first real luxury resort to have emerged on the island in years, Bimini Bay Resort (tel. 242/347-2900) may one day have a casino. Right now, it offers the comfort of a tropical condo with rattan furnishings and modern kitchens. There's also a good restaurant, called Casa Lyon, on-site, plus a 136-slip marina.

The Exumas -- Near George Town, the February Point Resort Estates (tel. 877/839-4253) rents luxury villas while its owners are away. This is the most upscale resort community in The Bahamas. Guests enjoy the good life on an 32-hectare (80-acre) peninsula overlooking tiny cays and virgin beaches. Rentals come with two, three, four, or even five well-furnished bedrooms.

In other George Town developments, the old Peace & Plenty Beach Inn has been reborn as Exuma Beach Inn (tel. 242/336-2251). Bedrooms are attractively decorated with such touches as Italian tiles and marble vanities. Private balconies overlook scenic Elizabeth Harbour.

Cat Island -- This sleepy island in the southern Bahamas is seeing some development with the opening of Island HoppInn (tel. 242/342-2100), an all-suite resort with panoramic views of the Atlantic. Its spacious suites, large enough for three or four guests, are furnished in a tropical style with four-poster beds, rattan furnishings, and well-equipped kitchens.

Six new villas, each with a well-equipped kitchen and one or two bedrooms, are available at Sammy T's Beach Resort (tel. 242/354-6009). There are also many recreational facilities here, including an outdoor pool and a fitness center.