Although far from being the largest island in the Bahamas, New Providence is the most populous home to the nation’s capital, Nassau, and the older sister of Paradise Island, home to the Atlantis ‘Vegas-by-the-sea’ mega resort Caribbean. .
For a long time, the site of historic tumult, from its origins as a hideout for pirates and smugglers to its frequent capture and recapture by British and American forces since the 1700s, New Providence and Nassau in particular, reflects a mix of natives. and colonial sensibilities. The Georgian-style houses of Nassau are painted in vibrant Caribbean pinks and greens, the steps to Fort Fincastle are carved from coral sandstone, and the fort itself is sculpted in the shape of a paddle-wheel steamer.
It’s also a bustling city of 260,000 packed with high-end retail stores, classy restaurants, and nightclubs that manage to stay busy and tourism-focused without sacrificing their provincial charms.
Accommodations, from small hotels to larger all-inclusives, are primarily located in downtown Nassau, notably the iconic Hilton Colonial Hilton, on Paradise Island (Atlantis, the new Riu Palace Paradise Island, One & Only Ocean Club, and others). ); and Cable Beach, a two-mile stretch of white sand west of town. There you will find the Sheraton, Radisson and Wyndham, as well as the Crystal Palace Casino.
However, the island is not all high-octane revelry. There is plenty to do outside of the slot machines and shops, from visiting the tranquil blooming Ardastra Gardens, the fish and wildlife at Crystal Cay Zoo, or climbing Nassau’s famous Queen’s Staircase. Equal measures of whimsy and sophistication set New Providence and Paradise Island apart, a combination that makes it perfect for couples, families, and singles alike.
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