The Bahamas: Beauty and the Beach

(Comstock)

Think of the Bahamas as a tropical nexus: 700 islands and 2,000 islets scattered over 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic destined from its birth to become a major resort destination. Its mainland geography reinforces this distinction: exquisite white- and pink-sand beaches, lush tropical landscapes, unsullied waters, year-round sunshine, and enough distraction—both active and passive—and landscapes—from raging urban nightlife to placid coastal retreats—to keep even the most jaded travelers scrambling to scam a few more days out of their vacation. The Bahamas' prime attraction? Variety. The cities of Nassau and Freeport offer all the colonial chic you can handle. Copious resort beaches, rum-fueled clubs, whirling roulette wheels, and the chance to swim with dolphins—either for an afternoon or on a week-long research jaunt off Grand Bahama Island—top the list of attractions. The resort weary, meanwhile, can head to the Out Islands, where you can fish, sea kayak, scuba, and hike—provided you can break from your island revelry. And the Ministry of Tourism's "Peoples to Peoples" program can hook you up with your own guide, a native volunteer who'll give you a taste of island life comfortably removed from all brochure-inspired checklists.