NYgals love the big city. But sometimes it’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle. Who doesn’t want to soak up the sun in a tropical paradise while sipping a piña colada? Bimini in the Bahamas is the perfect long weekend getaway for any city gal craving the beach and all the fun that surrounds it. Interested in booking your trip? We’ve got the perfect itinerary.
Your Hotel
Check into the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini which is easily accessible by boat, plane, or ferry. The hotel is elegant but trendy and always busy – which means you’ll have to wait in line to check in at 4 PM. But since everyone here is on vacation, you’ll get to meet some friendly new friends. You’ll most likely rent a golf cart, which can sometimes be a worker’s cart if they are low in stock. The property is large and walking can be unbearable under the hot sun. The guest rooms are beach-inspired with rich wood tones that remind you of the sand. Each room has a private balcony and you’ll most likely get a nice view no matter where you stay. Speaking of the balcony, be sure to spray yourself with sunscreen out there instead of inside your room. Spraying anything inside the room – sunscreen, hairspray, etc – can make your AC turn off and sound a loud alarm for about twenty minutes.
Food & Drink
There are a few dining options directly inside the hotel, including The Sushi Bar and The Tides. Both restaurants are located in the lobby so they can be noisy but also provide stellar spots for people watching. They are both pretty pricey, too. While the sushi is fresh, the boat for two is not necessarily worth $80. The 12% tax and 18% gratuity that’s tacked on every meal doesn’t help either.
However, the breakfast buffet offered at The Tides is well worth the price of $24. It has an omelet station, fresh fruit table, dessert options, and hot entrées. Coffee and fresh juices are included, Mimosas and Bloody’s are not.
To get fresh seafood that’s worth every penny, head over to Luna Beach, the oceanfront outdoor restaurant and lounge originated by Michael Capponi and Eric Milon from Miami. Everything on the menu is good, from the charred artichokes to the freshly-caught lobster. And the drinks are fruity and potent without ever being watered down. You’ll also have a killer view of the ocean and a beach breeze that lasts.
And since you’re in Bimini, you have to try conch. While the hotel offers it in a chowder or as a fried fritter, you should experience it fresh. Stuart’s Conch Stand makes it right in front of you with freshly chopped peppers, cucumbers, and onions. And it’s only $7. It’s a staple on the island and worth taking your golf cart outside of the property to check out. Just don’t come here super hungry – there’s always a long wait.
Water Activities
You’re in Bimini for a reason: to get into the clear turquoise waters. If you’re into water sports, Bimini has plenty to choose from, including boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and riding a bike on water. But if you want to get a glimpse of what lies beneath the surface, you should try a snorkel tour or scuba dive trip.
The property’s own Bimini Undersea activity center can help you choose the right underwater excursion for you, including the most popular: Sapona Shipwreck. This trip takes you to two locations, the shipwreck and Turtle Rocks. If you haven’t been snorkeling before, it’s important to know you will be taken out pretty far on a boat. Once you’re out in the middle of the ocean, you’ll have to put on your gear (snorkel mask and fins) and follow your group a good distance from the boat to the rocks. It can be a little scary if you’re new to snorkeling especially since the water is deep and at times, pretty dark. However, once you make it over to the Sapona Shipwreck, the water is crystal clear and only 15 feet deep. You also stay relatively close to the boat, which is nice for first timers. Be prepared to see the wreckage underwater along with ample schools of fish and even a stingray grazing the bottom.
And if water sports aren’t your thing, or you want to take a break from being outdoors, there’s always the resort’s spa you can check out. They offer anything from relaxing massages to luxury pedicures. Plus, it’s usually pretty quiet in there – even during over the weekend.
Shopping
There’s not too much shopping directly on the property, but you should head over to The Marketplace at Fisherman’s Village. This area is clean, boasts music, and lit up with string lights, but it is a little bit of a ghost town. There used to be a bar where local fishermen hung out, but not it’s completely deserted. But there is one spot to eat here: Amicci’s, which serves breakfast sandwiches and ice cream. It’s great when you want something on-the-go and won’t cost as much as in the hotel lobby.
If you keep walking, you’ll stumble upon a cute boutique with high-quality swimsuits, stylishly printed jumpsuits, and long flowing dresses. The prices are kind of steep but the fabrics are super soft and tasteful. In the back, there is a sales rack where you can usually score some decent finds for lower prices.
Sunbathing
There are plenty of places you can sunbathe while in Bimini. First off, the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini several pools to soak up the sun, including the wildly spread out lagoon pool residing on the lower level. This is a family pool, so expect all ages here, but since it’s so spread out, you can normally have your own space without too many kiddies splashing in your face. There’s also loud music and a swim-up bar, which makes this pool a must.
The adults-only infinity pool sits on the rooftop of the fifth floor. The views of Bimini Bay are stunning and the pool-side bar, called Monkey Business, makes some sweet concoctions. However, you can expect kids to be in the pool even though it’s considered “adults-only.” Rules in Bimini are usually taken relatively lightly – thanks to that laid-back Caribbean vibe.
And if the ocean is what you want to experience while you’re here – and why wouldn’t it be? – you have to head to Paradise Beach where you can nab a couple complimentary lounge chairs or a cabana (for a fee). While here, enjoy ordering drinks and food from Luna Beach or head up to the restaurant for dinner later on. And if you want to get your tan on while relaxing in the water, there are hammocks that float in the ocean and allow you to do just that.
Bimini is the place to go for a relaxing getaway with plenty of fun in the sun, fruity drinks, and fresh fish to devour.
