Why go?

From its bustling craft shops to trademark bumpy ‘jitney’ buses, the capital of The Bahamas has an exuberance that never fails to excite. Pirates and bootleggers once washed up on its shores, which are today enjoyed by travellers who bask on its miles of sun-drenched sands lapped by azure seas. Throw in sensational seafood, appealing pink-and-white colonial architecture and February temperatures in the mid-twenties and you have an ideal destination for winter sun.

What to do

Most activities in Nassau revolve around the sea. There is a boundless selection of white-sand beaches, from party lovers’ Junkanoo to local secret Love Beach, which has a 16ha coral reef a mile offshore. Stuart Cove’s stuartcove.com has an encyclopedic knowledge of the island’s aquatic landscape and is the go-to company for snorkeling, scuba and shark diving. It caters well for all skill levels, from beginners through to the more experienced, who just want to rent equipment. For fishing heaven, charter a yacht from Born Free bornfreefishing.com and head out to land whoppers like mahi-mahi, tuna and blue marlin. Little can be more satisfying than taking your fish to a local restaurant for them to barbecue it fresh at the end of a successful day. Once back on dry land, relax amid over 4ha of gardens at The Retreat bnt.bs and its huge collection of exotic palms. On Saturday mornings, Doongalik Farmers’ Market doongalik.com is perfect for a roving breakfast of sweet Bahamian mangoes and fish tacos with a squeeze of sour orange juice.

Where to stay

In a league of its own, One&Only; Ocean Club 00 1 242 363 2501, oceanclub.oneandonlyresorts.com has a new shoreline infinity pool, making the most of its blissful location. The British Colonial Hilton 00 1 242 322 3301, hilton.com is the only beachfront hotel in the lively downtown district and is ideally situated for the main shopping areas. If you fancy something a little more intimate, then The Island House 00 1 242 698 6300, theislandhouse.com has just 30 rooms, ranging from ocean-view guest rooms to cottages and apartments. The Bamford Spa, cinema and restaurants serving Southeast Asian and Mediterranean cuisines are all part of the luxury package. If you want to embrace the playful island spirit, Compass Point Beach Resort 00 1 242 327 4500, compasspointbeachresort.com looks like something from a Pixar film, with candy-coloured wooden huts peering out of luscious tropical foliage beside the water’s edge.

Where to eat and drink

A wander around the food stalls at Potter’s Cay will reward you with a dazzling array of Bahamian dishes to choose from, served in brightly painted shacks by raucous vendors. Conch (or ‘konk’ to locals) is the island’s speciality, often served with cucumber, lime and searing Scotch bonnet chillies. To experience old-style Nassau at its very best, a visit to Graycliff 00 12 4230 291 50, graycliff.com is a must. This elegant colonial building was once the home of notorious pirate, Captain John Graysmith, but it is now a destination restaurant with a packed wine cellar. At The Poop Deck 00 1 242 393 8175, thepoopdeck.com you can choose your own red snapper, yellowtail or spiny lobster from the ice counter and let the chefs prepare it as you enjoy panoramic views of Yacht Haven marina from its terrace. There’s fresh-off-the-boat conch chowders and fritters to devour too. Arawak Cay is also known to locals as ‘Fish Fry’ because of its authentic fish shacks. It’s also an area for laid-back evening drinks. The low-key bars often have live jazz and serve local beers and rum cocktails, such as Sky Juice, a heady blend of rum, coconut milk, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Time running out?

Caves Beach on the north shore of the island is normally quiet and has a series of shallow limestone caverns which provide welcome shade on a hot day.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the Bahamian dollar. Time is five hours behind the UK. Flight time is 10 hours from London. The cost to carbon-offset is £14.68, visit climatecare.org

Getting There

British Airways flies direct to Nassau daily from Heathrow. ba.com

Virgin Atlantic flies from London Heathrow to Nassau via Atlanta (part operated by Delta). virginatlantic.com

Resources

The Islands of the Bahamas is the official tourist board website with a detailed section on Nassau. bahamas.co.uk