Hotels

Most accommodations are in the Freeport area, near the International Bazaar, or in the Lucaya area, which is closer to the beach. Remember: In most cases, a resort levy of 8% and a 15% service charge will be added to your final bill. Be prepared, and ask if it's already included in the price you're quoted.

Especially Fun Places for Kids -- Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach -- This all-inclusive beachfront hotel, a 10-minute drive east of Port Lucaya (making it the island's most easterly resort), maintains its Kid's Club exclusively for children ages 2 to 11. It provides sports, games, and lessons throughout the day, under the supervision of trained staff members who know when to get parents involved and when to let them slip away for pursuits of their own.

Westin and Sheraton Grand Bahama at Our Lucaya Resort -- Camp Lucaya is the best-run, most amenities-packed kids' camp in The Bahamas, a full-service child-minding facility for infants to 12-year-olds. The camp is open only to children of guests at either the Sheraton or the Westin at Our Lucaya and is open daily year-round from 9am to 5pm. It includes a supervised children's pool and classes on Bahamian culture (politics, arts, ecosystems, and crafts). A day's involvement might include learning native dances, creating island-inspired art, coconut bowling, or exploring a garden reserved just for kids. The Marine Explorer's Club, co-sponsored by the Underwater Explorer Society (UNEXSO), offers ocean and marine experiences to youngsters, including an opportunity to go nose-to-nose with dolphins. For infants (age 2 and under), the staff imposes a 2-hour time limit for babysitting services. Children 3 to 12, however, can remain within the camp premises all day without charge, though parents are advised to check on them periodically.