Nassau, Bahamas: An Ethel Travel Guide

Nassau, Bahamas: An Ethel Travel Guide


1. Recommend a hotel/motel in your town/city:

If romance brings you to Nassau, Sandals Royal Bahamian is the perfect slice of paradise for an adult-only, all-inclusive experience. Renovated in 2022, it is beautiful and has everything you need to enjoy your trip in one location, and their staff is incredible. The Margaritaville Beach Resort is a great option for families, and they even offer a pass for a day for those who make a quick stop via cruise. The vibe is, well, very Jimmy Buffett, and they have a waterpark on-site for the kids (and adults who are young at heart).

2. Recommend a restaurant:

Definitely head to the fish fry, also known as Arawak Cay. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, all offering traditional Bahamian cuisine like conch fritters and jerk chicken. You can’t go wrong with anything at Goldie’s Conch House, and their conch salad is a must-try.

3. What's a must-see?

The beaches (Cabbage Beach is my personal favorite) are obviously the main attraction, but there are so many other things to see and do. The Straw Market is a fun place to meet locals and see (and/or buy) their homemade crafts and souvenirs, such as jewelry, bags, and straw dolls. Swimming with pigs is a fun option for animal lovers, but try to book in advance for the best pricing.

4. What makes Nassau fun for tourists?

Nothing beats the people in Nassau. They love their island and welcome tourists with open arms. On my last visit, I learned the symbolism of the Bahamian flag: the gold represents the shining sun, the turquoise represents the water (and it really is a beautiful turquoise), and the black represents the people and their strength. I thought it was a perfect representation of the Bahamian people who truly love their island. The free-spirit vibe is contagious.


5. What should you avoid when visiting Nassau?

If you don’t love crowds, you will want to plan your trip during non-peak cruise seasons like late summer and early fall. Beware of pushy street vendors in the Straw Market. They will follow you around for a bit, asking to braid your hair or sell you a hat. Just be prepared to give one firm no and keep walking.