Nassau and Paradise Island: Smart Splurges

Dolphin experience Kneel in the water while a dolphin eats out of your hand and comes in for a hug. Or swim with a dolphin and experience the thrilling “footpush,” in which you fly through the air, propelled by the dolphin’s snout. Blue Lagoon Island; www.dolphinencounters.com
family | things to do | outdoors

Dune Of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s two Paradise Island restaurants, Dune and Café Martinique, Dune is the one to try. The food is creative and less expensive than you’d expect, and the sounds of the nearby surf add zest. Paradise Island; One and Only Ocean Club; 242-363-2501; www.jean-georges.com
restaurant | expensive

Nobu Nassau Celebrated Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa has produced yet another wildly popular outpost of his upscale chain at the Atlantis in the Bahamas. He combines the freshest local seafood with exotic ingredients from around the world to create sushi, sashimi, Peruvian ceviche, and tiradito that keep foodies and visiting celebrities dining here for the duration of their stay. Paradise Island; Atlantis Paradise Island Resort's Royal Towers; 242-363-3000; www.noburestaurants.com
restaurant | expensive | restaurants

One and Only Ocean Club The crème de la crème of the jet set – not to mention constellations of celebs – touch down at this flagship of the One&Only hotel brand. Paradise Island; 242-363-2501; www.oneandonlyresorts.com
luxury | hotel | expensive

Rose Island Charter a 72 foot catamaran or one of the Russell Brother’s specialty luxury yachts for a visit to this uninhabited island due east of Nassau. Spend the day snorkeling, drinking, or eating in uninterrupted bliss. For those really looking to splurge, the Russell Brothers can even organize a cocktail party for all of your friends. Russell Brothers, 9 miles east of Nassau; 242-393-3501; www.highseasbahamas.com
beach | family | snorkeling | day trip | adventure

Sandals Royal Bahamian It may be expensive, but it’s the most luxurious of all of Sandals resorts – an estimated $20 million was pumped into restoring this property on the site of a hotel built in the ‘40s. The all-inclusive nightly rate affords you access to the massive complex’s seven sprawling pools, 8 restaurants, a full scale spa, and extravagant gardens. Cable Beach; West Bay St.; 242-327-6400; www.sandals.com
luxury | hotel | expensive

Shark Dive Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas is a dive and snorkel outfit run out of the set of the 1996 Elijah Wood film Flipper. Sign up for one of their underwater tours to nearby reefs, including trips on underwater scooters and swims with Caribbean Reef Sharks. Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, Southwestern coast of New Providence; 242-362-4171; www.stuartcove.com
wildlife | things to do | outdoors | adventure