WHAT TO DO:
Activities in Abaco include diving and snorkeling; deep sea and reef fishing; wind and water sports, including day sailing and sunset cruising. There are eco tours like birding and whale watching. For more outdoor fun, visit the area’s three national parks or play golf. Don’t forget to shop local galleries for authentic Bahamian art and other island treasures.
WHERE TO STAY:
Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour is known for its friendly and homey atmosphere. No wonder: the Sweeting family has been welcoming guests to the 40-acre beachfront property since 1955. This easy-going island getaway draws boaters, fishermen and divers from all over the world, and its marina is the largest in the Bahamas with 198 slips. Nice surprises include hammocks strung between palm trees on the beach.
“Fortunately the resort fared incredibly well through Hurricane Irene this past summer, with the exception of some minor damage to the resort’s exterior and landscaping,” said Manny Alexiou, owner and operator of Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour. “Our guests and staff were safe and secure and we were able to remain operational throughout the storm. We also hosted many island families and all the television news crews that came to the island to report on the storm. Now we are preparing to welcome guests throughout our active winter season and looking forward to our 2012 sport fishing tournaments.”
Image Credit: Jordan Whitley
WHERE TO EAT:
Locals and tourists flock to Angler’s Restaurant, which is set on the water naturally. Executive chef Charles Smith prepares the standard fresh lobster and shrimp kebobs, or prime cuts of beef. But fishermen who bring back their local catch, can have the seafood prepared any way they wish. You’ll definitely want to save room for the bread coconut bread pudding.
Curly Tails is named for those cute lizards that populate the Bahamas, but owners Alistair and Harriet McDonald have created a great waterfront restaurant that isn’t cutesy or overtly tourist-y. The vibe is casually sophisticated, the fare is delish (think blackened grouper, rice and peas, conch fritters) and the sunsets are superb.
Where are you thrilling and chilling this winter? Tell Peter and Donna in the comments…
For more about island travel, check out:
- Culinary QA: Bahamas Chef Describes Islands Cuisine, Offers Recipes
- Donna M. Owen’s Relaxation and Adventure on Hawaii’s Big Island: The-Chillin and Thrilling List
- Donna M. Owen’s City Girl Gone Camping, Shenandoah National Park
- Caribbean Travel Section
By Donna M. Owens for PeterGreenberg.com. Donna is an award-winning journalist based in Baltimore who reports for print, broadcast and online outlets nationwide.
Feature image credit: BigStock
