20 Amazing Things The Bahamas Is Known For

The 'Golden Era' or the 'Golden Age' is said to have been a time during the 1600s - 1700s, when pirates had a booming economy in the Caribbean, particularly in The Bahamas. They targeted merchant ships travelling through the harbor and robbed them. Their bounty included gold, salt and many other goods. Their gains attracted even more pirates, and among the famous pirates in the region at that time was Blackbeard. This chaotic state of affairs continued until 1718, when British captain Woodes Rogers was appointed Captain General, and Governor in Chief of Nassau, marking the end of the Pirate Republic.

5. Fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling

The Bahamas is a top choice for travelers with diving inspirations, desirous of witnessing underwater life at its most spectacular. There are many diving spots for both snorkelers and scuba divers, including the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the Andros blue holes, The Conception Island Wall in Long Island, The Henry Ford Wreck in the Biminis, and the many reefs that can be found in The Abacos.

6. The first landing of Christopher Columbus

Picture: First Landing of Christopher Columbus, by Frederick Kemmelmeyer, c. 1800-05.

A lot of information is available about Christopher Columbus' journey through the Caribbean region, and The Bahamas is said to have been one of the first places where his crew made landfall. As the story goes, Columbus 'discovered' the new world, beginning in either San Salvador, The Bahamas, or Samana Cay in The Bahamas. It is also said that when he got there, the native Lucayan Taino people were already present. Over the course of several years, the Taino people disappeared from the islands.

7. The Bahama Mama cocktail

This tropical cocktail, with rum, coconut rum, grenadine, orange juice and pineapple juice as its main ingredients, is well-known all over the world and a must-try when visiting The Bahamas. Get yourself a good spot on the beach or swimming pool and relax, while cooling yourself down with this beverage. You won't be disappointed. While on the islands, give some of the other local classics a try and order some Sky Juice or a Goombay Smash!

8. Having a multitude of islands you can visit

It can be hard to decide where to start first with over 700 islands just waiting to be explored. Fortunately, there's a method to the madness. Many of the islands are uninhabited, which narrows things down significantly. The best islands in The Bahamas to visit include New Providence island, Paradise Island, The Exumas, The Abacos, Andros, Bimini, The Berry Islands, the Southern Bahamian Islands, Eleuthera and Harbour Island. The population of The Bahamas is just under 400,000 people, and 70% of that number reside on New Providence island, home of capital Nassau.

Most travelers fly into New Providence (Nassau), which makes it the most 'happening' place in The Bahamas. Paradise Island is great for families with kids and connected to New Providence by 2 bridges. All other islands are known as the 'Out Islands', where you can find a bit more peace and quiet. Exuma is known to be home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters The Bahamas has on offer.

9. Delicious conch dishes & other seafood

Give your taste buds a new experience in The Bahamas, with fresh seafood that is as varied as it is delicious. Europe, Africa, and South American inspiration permeate the food across the islands in a way that is sure to leave you wanting more. While on any Bahamian island, try everything at least once, from conch salad (conch ceviche), johnny cakes, baked crab, rock lobster, fried fish, and more. After your vacation, you're bound to return home with a new favorite dish, and hopefully a recipe to recreate at home!

10. Sport fishing & bonefishing

If you haven't been sport fishing or bonefishing before, The Bahamas is a good place to start. If you're a seasoned diver however, you'll enjoy this experience even more, knowing before you go, that the waters of The Bahamas are filled with marine life, which is sure to make your fishing expedition that much more exciting. For sport fishing, try The Biminis, which has a reputation for having the best sport fishing in the world. In fact, Ernest Hemingway's love for The Biminis is said to have put the two islands on the map; both for fishing, and for their stunning beauty. The Biminis are located just 50 miles from the Florida coast. Andros Island is known for having the third largest reef in the world. Where bonefishing is concerned, you can try your luck at the heart of the many unspoiled mangroves and shallow trenches that can be found along the island. Long Island and New Providence (Nassau) are also great fishing spots.

11. Pink sand beaches

The Bahamas is one of the only places in the world where you can find pink sand beaches, and Harbour Island, located to the northeast of Eleuthera, is one of the best places to find them. You'll commonly hear the island being referred to as 'Briland' by locals, and it'll probably be love at first sight once you glance upon the quaint Dunmore Town, which is littered with pastel-colored cottages. While on the island indulge in a bit of sand bathing, or go diving, or on a fishing expedition. A visit to Harbour Island makes a pretty cool day trip, and you can get there via The Bahamas Fast Ferries Catamaran or by plane from Nassau. Some resorts, like Sandals Royal Bahamian, offer day trips.

12. Junkanoo festival

Junkanoo is a real Caribbean party if there ever was one. Held on Christmas and New Year's Day annually, Junkanoo is a big event in The Bahamas. The celebration can be described as the Bahamian version of carnival. If you've never experienced a Caribbean carnival, expect lots of music, costumes, live bands, traditional instruments, parties, parades, floats, and lots of excitement.

13. The Bahamas was featured in several James Bond movies

There are many famous movies which were filmed in The Bahamas, a fact that isn't so surprising considering how beautiful the islands are. Among these are 'Thunderball' and 'Never Say Never Again', both James Bond flicks. Thunderball Grotto in the Exuma Cays is a great diving and snorkeling spot, and its name comes from the fact that it was a standout feature in the movie Thunderball, particularly during an underwater fight scene. Divers love exploring this underwater cave, which some describe as intimidating at first, but super exciting once you get into it. Excursions are available from Sandals Emerald Bay.

14. The local dialect and slang - 'Talkin' Bahamian'

Every destination has its unique accent or dialect, and Bahamians have a very distinct way of speaking, particularly when talkin' Bahamian. Islanders speak a creole dialect that can be hard for foreigners to understand, but there are ways to learn more about their local creole, which has African influences. While on the islands, shop around for local books which can help you translate what you hear, and even help you throw out a phrase or two. English is widely spoken in The Bahamas, so you're unlikely to have issues with communication whether or not you're familiar with the local dialect. Here are a few of the common words and phrases you might hear during your visit:

'Bey'

This can be anyone, regardless of gender. For instance, someone may ask 'where mah'bey go again?', which translates to 'where did this person go to?' This is something you'll hear frequently.

'Well mudda sick!'

This is an expression of surprise, or excitement akin to the English variations of 'you're joking!', or 'Oh my goodness!'.

'Mash up'

This is a common Caribbean phrase which means to break or destroy something. For example, 'you just mash up my book', which translates to 'you just destroyed or damaged my book'. This phrase is also used in scenarios where a person is tired and would use 'mash up' to describe just how sick, out of it or exhausted they really feel.

'Potcake'

This term usually refers to a stray dog, and you may spot quite a few 'potcakes' during your vacation in The Bahamas. Potcakes are considered mixed breeds, and their nickname comes from the idea that old Bahamians used to cook everything in one pot, and the 'potcake' being the mix of everything stuck together at the bottom of the pot, after cooking.

'Dem'

You... me, 'dem', or them. This is a popular Caribbean term and more often refers to a group of people. For example, you may hear someone say, 'you can catch a ride with Derek dem', which means 'you can get a lift with Derek and the others'.

15. A history of colonial conflict and slavery

Picture: Pompey Square is site where slaves were unloaded from ships in 19th century. Named after slave who, in 1830, led a revolt which lead to Emancipation Proclamation.

Caribbean history is filled with colonial conflict, and The Bahamas is not an exception in this regard. Find out more about the history of The Bahamas while on the island by visiting places like the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation in downtown Nassau, Bimini Museum, Man-O-War Heritage Museum in Abaco, The Dolphin House in Alice Town, Albert Lowe Museum in Abaco, The Bahamas Historical Society Museum in Nassau, Long Island Library and Museum, Heritage Museum of The Bahamas in Nassau, and others.

16. Pirate Forts

There are several forts you can explore while in The Bahamas, including Fort Charlotte, the largest fort on the island of New Providence, located in Nassau. Fort Charlotte was built by Lord Dunmore in 1788-1789. It was named after Queen Saharia Charlotte, the wife of King George the III. The fort features a drawbridge, dungeons, underground passages, 42 cannons, and amazing views.

Fort Fincastle built in 1793 is another popular attraction, that gets its name from British captain Lord Dunmore. His second title was Viscount Fincastle. As history tells it, Fincastle built the fort to help keep the Nassau Harbor safe. It was also a useful look out point for pirates. Fort Fincastle is made of cut limestone.

Another well-known fort in The Bahamas is Fort Montague, also made of local limestone. It is the oldest fort in existence on New Providence island and is on the east end of the Nassau Harbor. Fort Montague's history goes as far back as 1725, but its present form has been in place since 1741-1742, when it was used by the British to keep Spanish invaders away. The site also has a history of being used by the United States military in 1776.

Blackbeard's Tower is a bit harder to find, but it is believed to have been used by Blackbeard himself, as a lookout point in the 1700s. Since the 'Pirates Golden Era', the tower has deteriorated, but is still a historical landmark in The Bahamas.

17. Cave diving

Many years ago, thousands in fact, the waters around The Bahamas were more than 100 feet lower than they are today. With rising sea levels, some caves on the island which are largely made of limestone were submerged. This has led to The Bahamas being recognized as one of the best places in the world to cave dive, something you should consider trying on your holiday in the islands!

18. Track and field Olympians

The Bahamas has 14 Olympic medals to show for itself, much thanks to the efforts of athletes including sprinters Pauline Davis-Thompson, Tonique Williams-Darling and Shaunae Miller. All the island's Olympic medals were secured in athletics and sailing. Notably, the 14-medal figure equates to a rate of 33.9 per million residents (impressive considering the Bahamian population is only about 385,340). Finland, Sweden and Hungary are the only countries which top Bahamas' per capita strike rate.

19. Luxury goods shopping

You can find some great shopping opportunities in The Bahamas, which is not something many islands in the region can boast. Whether you're looking for souvenirs or high-end items, you're likely to find a shop or local market offering something to suit your budget. Nassau and Paradise Island are both great options for jewelry shopping, as well as finding brand name fashion including Louis Vuitton and Gucci. If you want art or other unique pieces, try heading to a craft center downtown (Nassau) and bargain for a good price.

20. Historic lighthouses

Lighthouses have a certain intrigue about them, and there are a few notable lighthouses that you can check out while in the Caribbean. Elbow Reef Lighthouse, also known as the Hope Town Lighthouse in Elbow Cay Bahamas, is among the most visited. Hope Town is already quite charming, and this 89-foot lighthouse adds to its appeal. The Elbow Reef Lighthouse was built in the 1860s, an era when lighthouses would be used to warn or guide ships at sea and it has survived to bring a bit of the past into the future. Amazing views are available from the top, which makes climbing the 101 steps worth it. The Hog Island Lighthouse on the western tip of Paradise Island is the oldest and best-known lighthouse in The Bahamas and was built in 1817.

Eight authentic Bahamian souvenirs to bring home with you

1. Pirate Doubloon jewelry

Considering The Bahamas has a rich pirate history, it's only natural that you might gravitate to jewelry inspired by this facet of the islands' past. At Coin of the Realm in downtown Nassau, you'll find Bahamian gold and silver, ancient Greek and Roman coins, and other treasures. Collectors can pick up proof sets of the Bahamian gold and silver coins, while shoppers just hoping to pick up something interesting may find earrings, pendants, and rings available here worth their while.

2. Conch shell products/jewelry

Interesting items made of the beautiful conch shell are an easy find in The Bahamas, especially when it comes to jewelry, or even cutlery and bowls. You can find these and more at local craft markets, and they'll make the perfect gift for friends or family.

3. Locally made art and handicrafts

You can't go wrong with local art and craft when selecting souvenirs to bring back home. Try Bahama Art & Handicrafts which is located just outside downtown Nassau, where you can find a variety of one-of-a-kind pieces. Items range from sea glass and watercolor paintings, to wood carvings, jams, hot sauces, and more.

4. Pirate Republic craft beer

Bring home some Pirate Republic craft beer for the beer lover back home. You can find the brewery and pub downtown Nassau near the cruise port and have a tasting of the different beers on offer. You won't be disappointed trying out The Bahamas' only craft beer!

5. Junkanoo Art

Missed out on Junkanoo? You can still take a piece of this cultural carnival home with you by picking up junkanoo inspired jewelry, paintings, ornaments and more. In a way, this makes up for missing out on the parade, and is an opportunity to bring parts of the festival home with you!

6. Straw goods

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The Nassau Straw Market and the Port Lucaya Market Place are great choices if you're looking for custom made straw products. Items available for purchase include hats, baskets, purses, and other trinkets. Some sellers can be quite persistent, but if you know what you want, and how much you're willing to pay for it, you should have smooth and fun shopping experience.

7. Homemade jams and jellies

As far as jams and jellies are concerned, it's worth trying guava jelly, pineapple jam, or any of the other fruity varieties available during your visit to The Bahamas. You can even pick up a couple to take the sweet taste of The Bahamas home with you.

8. Coconut sculptures

Coconuts anyone? Well, if not the real kind, then a sculpture. Take one of these items made of coconut husk home with you to set in stone your amazing Bahamian vacation. You can get a variety of sculptures from most craft places on the island, in the form of animals, sea creatures, and more.

Bonus: Five interesting facts about The Bahamas

1. It snowed in The Bahamas... once

Not many Caribbean islands can claim this feat, but The Bahamas had a wintery experience one cold January day, on the 17th of the month, in 1977 to be precise. Cold weather from southern Florida swept right down to the islands, and for the first time ever, it snowed in The Bahamas. Though there was no actual snow pile up leading to beaches and other areas being covered in slush, there were flurries aplenty in the city of Freeport, Grand Bahama.

2. The world's second deepest blue hole is in The Bahamas

As far as blue holes go, you'll find one of the deepest in the world in The Bahamas. With a drop off of 660 ft, Dean's Blue Hole on Long Island in The Bahamas is the stuff world records are made of. In fact, loads of divers choose this spot precisely for the likelihood of they themselves setting world records there. There are other more well-known underwater attractions of a similar nature, like The Great Blue Hole in Belize's Great Barrier Reef, but Dean's Blue Hole is a lot deeper, and the drop off is close to shore!

3. The highest point in The Bahamas is not so high

With the highest point in the islands being just over 200ft, The Bahamas is not known to be a land of towering mountains. In fact, it ranks as number 5 for countries with the lowest 'highest point' in the world. The Gambia, The Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Maldives are the countries which fall in a similar category with The Bahamas as it relates to 'high points'. The low-lying state of The Bahamas has to do with the fact that almost all land in the islands is made of sandbars or raised coral reefs.

4. The Bahamas is technically not part of the Caribbean

Geographically speaking, The Bahamas which are located to the north of the Caribbean, are not considered in all spheres to be part of that region. A notable point frequently made is that the islands unlike many of the Caribbean islands were not formed through a volcanic process, and their positioning takes them even further away from the Caribbean grouping. Nevertheless, The Bahamas owns the Caribbean identity, much due to similarities in climate, history, and other aspects as compared to the other islands of the region. Additionally, the nation of The Bahamas is closely tied to many Caribbean associations and nations of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

5. The first Inhabitants of The Bahamas were Taino Indians

The Taino Indians, indigenous people who settled in islands including Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola, and the Northern Lesser Antilles were the first known people to inhabit the islands of The Bahamas. More specifically, the Lucayan people of Taino descent had a solid presence in the islands long before voyages and other famed discoveries, including those of Christopher Columbus. The Lucayans were taken into captivity the years after Columbus' arrival, changing the face of the island forever. By 1520, there were no Taino Indians left in The Bahamas.

Like any other destination, there's much to learn about The Bahamas as a visitor. Whether you choose to spend as much time as possible relaxing on a white sand beach or you want to explore the pirate history of The Bahamas firsthand, you'll find many things to do in the islands, as you get better acquainted with all the things The Bahamas is known for.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

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Hi! I'm Lia Vincent. I have been handling all the ins-and-outs of Sandals Resorts vacations for couples and groups since 2002! I know how unique and special your Sandals Resorts vacation is to you and your guests. My team and I want to make sure your group travel is an extraordinary experience, and one to talk about for ages to come.

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Sandals Resorts Wedding Packages

Your next great adventure begins here. Whether you prefer an intimate elopement or a grand affair, every wedding deserves a week-long celebration with a little something extra. Sandals and Beaches wedding packages offer the best of everything from pre-wedding events to unique wedding day and honeymoon experiences.

Click to read more articles about Sandals Weddings: Sandals Resort Wedding Planning

Two Love Birds Sandals Resorts Wedding Package

TWO LOVE BIRDS PACKAGE

Applicable for 2 people.

Two Love Birds Sandals Resorts Wedding Package Before You Arrive
â€¢ Wedding planning team
â€¢ Gift registry service and wedding website templates
â€¢ Preparation of documents for marriage license

Pre-Wedding Events
â€¢ Scents of Love Couples massage*

During Your Stay
â€¢ Onsite wedding event team: event coordination, setup & breakdown

On Your Wedding Day
â€¢ Bridal attendant*
â€¢ 10 digital images

At Your Ceremony
â€¢ Picturesque ceremony location*
â€¢ Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
â€¢ Rose bouquet
â€¢ Rose boutonniere
â€¢ Witnesses

At Your Wedding Reception
â€¢ Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d'oeuvres
- Sparkling wine
- Reception table with white linen and white cushioned Chiavari chairs
â€¢ Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake with rose topper
â€¢ Private candlelight dinner with four-course menu and prosecco*

On Your Honeymoon
â€¢ Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine at a resort specialty restaurant
â€¢ Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice

For Your Anniversary
â€¢ One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

Sweetheart Sandals Resorts Wedding Package

SWEETHEART WEDDING PACKAGE

Applicable for up to 10 people

Sweetheart Sandals Resorts Wedding Package Before You Arrive
â€¢ Wedding planning team
â€¢ Gift registry service and wedding website templates
â€¢ Preparation of documents for marriage license During Your Stay
â€¢ Onsite wedding event team: event coordination, setup & breakdown
â€¢ 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the bride and groom (not applicable to retail items)

On Your Wedding Day
â€¢ $200 credit towards select photography packages
â€¢ $200 credit towards select videography packages

At Your Ceremony
â€¢ Picturesque ceremony location*
â€¢ Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
â€¢ White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
â€¢ White or magenta dendrobium orchid boutonniere
â€¢ White-cushioned Chiavari chairs

At Your Wedding Reception
â€¢ Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Reception table with white linen
â€¢ Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake with white or magenta dendrobium topper
â€¢ Reception table with white linen and white cushioned Chiavari chairs

On Your Honeymoon
â€¢ Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine at a resort specialty restaurant
â€¢ Honeymoon Package

- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
â€¢ $100 credit towards either a private candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach or pool cabana

For Your Anniversary
â€¢ One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

This package is complimentary when Bride and Groom stay for 7 nights or longer in Club or Butler categories. This offer is available Monday through Friday, 9am-2pm and is applicable only to 10 persons. This offer does not apply to ReTie the Knot ceremonies. Certain restrictions apply. See terms and conditions

BLISS WEDDING PACKAGE

Applicable for 12 people or more

Bliss Sandals Resorts Wedding Package Before You Arrive
â€¢ Wedding planning team
â€¢ Gift registry service and wedding website templates
â€¢ Preparation of documents for marriage license
â€¢ 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20 (up to 5 complimentary rooms)
â€¢ 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31. (up to 5 complimentary rooms)

Pre-Wedding Events
â€¢ One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen

During Your Stay
â€¢ Onsite wedding team: event coordination, setup & breakdown
â€¢ 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the entire group (not applicable to retail items)

On Your Wedding Day
â€¢ 20 digital images
â€¢ $200 credit towards select videography packages

At Your Ceremony
â€¢ Picturesque ceremony location*
â€¢ Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
â€¢ One speaker and one microphone
â€¢ Rose bouquet
â€¢ Rose boutonniere
â€¢ Rose bouquet for 1 member of wedding party
â€¢ Rose boutonniere for 1 member of wedding party
â€¢ White-cushioned Chiavari chairs

At Your Wedding Reception
â€¢ Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
â€¢ Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake with rose topper
â€¢ Reception table with white linen & white cushioned Chiavari chairs
â€¢ Private two-hour dinner reception with selection from the plated menus and a premium bar, non-alcoholic beverages including freshly brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas

On Your Honeymoon
â€¢ Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine at a resort specialty restaurant
â€¢ Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
â€¢ $100 credit towards either a Private candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach or pool cabana

For Your Anniversary
â€¢ One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

EPIC WEDDING PACKAGE

Applicable for 52 people or more

Epic Sandals Resorts Wedding Package Before You Arrive
â€¢ Wedding planning team
â€¢ Gift registry service and wedding website templates
â€¢ Preparation of documents for marriage license
â€¢ 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20 (up to 5 complimentary rooms)
â€¢ 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31. (up to 5 complimentary rooms)

Pre-Wedding Events
â€¢ One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen
â€¢ 2-hour private pre-wedding celebration dinner
â€¢ Wedding day treats : frozen fruit kabobs & small bites with sparkling wine for bride and groom (in-room while getting ready on day of wedding)

During Your Stay
â€¢ Onsite wedding event team: event coordination, setup & breakdown
â€¢ 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the entire group (not applicable to retail items)

On Your Wedding Day
â€¢ $500 credit towards the Royal Romance photography package
â€¢ $500 credit towards the Ultimate videography package

At Your Ceremony
â€¢ Picturesque ceremony location*
â€¢ Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
â€¢ One speaker and one microphone
â€¢ Rose bouquet
â€¢ Rose boutonniere
â€¢ Rose bouquet for up to 2 members of wedding party
â€¢ Rose boutonniere for up to 2 members of wedding party
â€¢ White-cushioned Chiavari chairs

At Your Wedding Reception
â€¢ Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
â€¢ Three-tiered white fondant wedding cake with rose topper
â€¢ Reception table with white linen and whitecushioned Chiavari chairs
â€¢ Private two-hour dinner reception with selection from the plated or buffet menus and a premium bar, non-alcoholic beverages including freshly brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
â€¢ One sweetheart table to include white linen, standard place setting & 2 white-cushioned Chiavari chairs
â€¢ Two-hour DJ entertainment

On Your Honeymoon
â€¢ Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine in resort specialty restaurant
â€¢ Honeymoon package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
â€¢ $100 Credit towards either a private candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach or pool cabana

For Your Anniversary
â€¢ One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

RETIE THE KNOT PACKAGE

Applicable for up to 10 people.

RETIE Sandals Resorts Wedding Package Before You Arrive
â€¢ ReTie the Knot planning team
â€¢ Celebration gift registry and website templates
During Your Stay
â€¢ Onsite ReTie the Knot team: event coordination, setup & breakdown
â€¢ 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for bride and groom (not applicable to retail items)
â€¢ One 5x7 photo print
â€¢ One keepsake gift
At Your Ceremony
â€¢ Picturesque ceremony location*
â€¢ Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
â€¢ White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
â€¢ White or magenta dendrobium orchid boutonniere
â€¢ White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
â€¢ ReTie the Knot commemorative certificate
At Your Wedding Reception
â€¢ Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
â€¢ Single-tiered white fondant cake with dendrobium topper
â€¢ Reception table with white linen & white-cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
â€¢ Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine at a resort specialty restaurant
â€¢ Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
For Your Anniversary
â€¢ One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

Some of our destination weddings

Kate and Curtis - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Sandals Grande, St. Lucia, Large Group, Destination Wedding

I wanted to share (with permission) these gorgeous pictures from a destination wedding 2 weekends ago we had the privilege of being a part of and booked by Lia. She chose this over the water wedding chapel in St. Lucia with friends and family there to help celebrate. I love her flower crown and her dress and how happy she is. Picture perfect. Congratulations Kate and Curtis! We are so happy for you!

Michael and Shawana Rowles - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Beaches Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Destination Wedding

Lia was very helpful for us in planning our destination wedding to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We had gone through a few other travel planners first who didn't seem nearly as interested in our needs. We really appreciated the way Lia helped us navigate through some of the complexities, including the local laws of Jamaica and the planning with the resort itself. Even once we got to the resort and ran into a few snags, Lia was able to quickly get those resolved very quickly. We would highly recommend her for anyone planning a destination wedding or any other vacation. Thanks, Lia, for making our destination wedding the most special day of our lives.

Julie and Chieu Vu - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Playa Del Carmen, Large Group, Destination Wedding

Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, but if you're planning on having a destination wedding, especially with a large group, I would highly recommend using All Inclusive Weddings!

From beginning to end, they help with every step; i.e., finding the venue, creating a custom wedding website, and booking all your guests. Their office manager, Linze, was very responsive, helpful, and so sweet! Everything turned out smoothly and we couldn't be happier!

Alison & Alex K. - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Destination Wedding

Stephanie was our incredible travel agent for our destination wedding! She helped with every aspect, quick communication and AMAZING coordination with over 50 different people over 8 states. Stephanie from the beginning, gave options and talked through so many questions I had. I could not have asked for a better right hand woman! 10 out of 10 for Steph, we could not appreciate & trust her more!

Incredible Agent For Our Destination Wedding! 10 Out Of 10 For Steph!

Such an amazing week of memories,laughter & love! Thankful for our people and truly blessed beyond words â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸

Leah and Kell Flynn - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Royalton Blue Waters, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Destination Wedding

My husband and I worked with the company's owner, Lia Vincent, and office manager, Linze.

Lia & Linze were both very warm and friendly, and from day one, we could tell cared about us as a couple and our destination wedding success, rather than just seeing us as more clients. I get stressed out easily, so planning my own wedding alone was overwhelming, even though my wedding was 10 months out. I ended up working with Linze, and we pushed up the wedding date with a little less than three months to prepare. I was initially nervous about using a travel agent / wedding planner, but it turned out to be a huge blessing, because it took away a lot of the stress and worry I was experiencing. A bride has so many things to worry about, so having someone else bear the brunt of the work and worry about the nitty-gritty details was a HUGE relief for me.

Why spend hours analyzing vendors and reading reviews, when you can have a pro do it? If you want an intimate wedding, if you want to elope, or if you want a huge all-out, go-into-debt-for-years wedding, and if you're in the market for a wedding travel agent, Lia and Linze should be at the top of your list!

The day of the wedding, everything was so beautiful, and so much better than I could have done on my own. Lia's company finds the best local vendors, so you know you'll get great value in your package, and what's nice is her company offers different packages for different budgets. We worked with and met AMAZING vendors! The reception was so elegant that as soon as I entered the reception, I felt amazement, joy, and relief because being the worrywart and control freak that I sometimes can be, it was hard for me to trust someone to somehow make everything perfect. Lia was able to give us the dream wedding we couldn't have done ourselves. Our family and friends were also amazed, and repeatedly told us how great the wedding, reception, and food were at the resort.

Darby Brown - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Destination Wedding

I used Stephanie Tindall to help me choose the perfect resort in PV Mexico for where my guests would stay for my destination wedding. She went round and round with me helping me find the perfect location. It had to be nice, trendy, not to outrageously expensive and within a certain mile radius of a marina where my guests needed to go for the wedding. She helped everyone get booked and when things became a little hectic as tracking sometimes can get. She took care of the details. One of my guests had passport issues and she helped talk them through what to do. It was such a relief to have a point of contact for travel related issues so I didn't have to be stressed about it. She did this all with a patient, positive? upbeat and kind attitude through the entire process. I highly recommend her.
Thank you again, Darby Brown

Juliet D. - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

UNICO, Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Wedding

Unico was wonderful and the perfect place for our wedding! It was quiet and the ceremony was better than expected. We had it on the gazebo and it was away from everything, which was great. The photography was beyond our expectations. We have not received our video yet, but assume it will be just as great. I also used the in house vendor for make up and hair, and was not disappointed. The wedding coordinator, Nazareth, was so sweet and on point. We used the local host quite a bit with WhatsApp, which was quite convenient. Food and drinks were amazing. We were disappointed that 2087 restaurant was down for half of our stay for repairs. We ate at Mi Carisa on our wedding night, which was the perfect choice. Service was also best there. We scheduled 2 tours through the hotel, a sunset cruise and Chichen Itza express. The boat tour was nice. Chichen itza tour was too fast and ok. We really appreciate your recommendations and help booking our wedding and stay. It was wonderful! Thank you again, Juliet and Jason

Jodie Yu - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Hard Rock Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding

We just got back from an AMAZING wedding weekend yesterday. I can't begin to thank you enough for your help and support during the entire process. Everyone had a great time. It truly was one of the best days of my life and I can't believe how stress-free it was once I got there. Thank you Thank you!

SECRETS PLAYA MUJERES destination wedding review

Vivian and James Chevrier - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Secrets Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding

I have never used a travel agent before Lia. I have always been the "I can do everything cheaper by myself on the internet" type person; most of the time, it works great. When my husband and I decided to have a destination wedding, we were not sure about anything - number of guests, length of stay, etc; we also have very demanding jobs, requiring constant travels up until the week before our wedding. So we thought that a travel agent may be a lifesaver; as it turned out, she was. Lia was endorsed as an expert in destination weddings on the American Express Travel website. Although she lived over a 1,000 miles away, I felt comfortable.

As I am not a "girly" person, wedding planning was not my thing; however, party planning and event coordination are. Lia and I treated this "event" like a business and I loved that about her; I needed someone to be truthful and provide honest advice. As it is with my job, I like corresponding via emails because I can have all the information on hand and in writing at all time; Lia always accommodated that, and always very promptly. I'm not talking about several emails over a few months; I'm talking about over the course of over a year. Lia was there to provide support when I had a hard time reach the wedding coordinator; she was there when I freaked out at the resort regarding my brother's return transportation (as it turned out, my brother spoke with the wrong transportation company); she was organized to be able to provide me with spreadsheet of all guest arrival information; she always submitted my requests to Classic Vacation and the resort promptly. James and I cannot thank Lia enough to make everything go smoothly for the biggest event of our lives. All 48 of us had such a great time that we absolutely see another group vacation in the future.

Mark & Casey Shelley - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

UNICO 2087, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Read the full details about this destination wedding in our blog post, Mark and Casey Simpsen's Destination Wedding at UNICO 2087. This couple was also featured in the UNICO 2087 Resort blog post, UNICO Destination Wedding, Casey Shelley & Mark Simpsen

Jenni Johnson - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Beach Palace Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Lia being referred to me saved me so much wedding planning mental anguish! I had tried with a few other travel agents before I had two different people give me Lia's name, and with each of the previous TAs they had to look into things and call me back (I'm still waiting for those calls). Getting in touch with Lia was a whole new experience, she answered all my initial questions in that first phone call, had so many recommendations, and it was obvious she knew exactly what she was doing. By the time we hung up the first phone call, I had decided on a destination and venue (per Lia's suggestion). She was a God send! A year later, we are still having people talk about what a great trip it was and people are always amazed by what a great turn out we had. We ended up with about 60 people, all booking through Lia and everyone had a flawless experience. One even asked for her name when planning her destination wedding a few months later and was just as pleased! Lia told me a lot through the planning process that I was such a laid-back bride, but it really was because she left me nothing to worry about. She answered any question I had, was always quick to respond to calls and emails, and helped me plan the most perfect wedding ever. I wish I could re-live it all again!!

Sara Thompson - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Cozumel Palace, Mexico, Destination Wedding

My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.

Throughout the process we felt completely at ease as she handled some of the most important details of planning for this special time. From her first recommendations of resorts and destinations to her help arranging travel for our closest family and friends we always felt grateful having Lia on our side. We highly recommend Lia Vincent and Palace Resorts for your destination wedding!

Bridgette Cariker - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Le Blanc Spa Resort, Destination Wedding

I am truly so grateful for you and all of your help! Le Blanc was amazing! NOTHING could have been better, except maybe the weather, but the staff, food, and service were above and beyond! We will definitely go back there!! Love, Love, Love you for all of your help - Can NOT thank you enough!!

Saundra Ogden - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Beach Palace, Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Our Dream Wedding!

Lia was a phenomenal help from the beginning. She was referred to me by a friend, and I was incredibly thankful that we used her. When we started planning, we became overwhelmed with all of the information that is available.

We met with her for about 45 minutes one afternoon, took her pictures of spaces we had seen online and liked, and gave her a list of our "must-haves", a list of things that would be nice but didn't matter too much, and a list of things we absolutely did NOT want. She kind of thought about things for a minute, and then listed 3 resorts that fit every single one of our needs. She then ran sample pricing from EVERY location our guests would be traveling from so we could figure out what best fit our and our guests' travel budgets. After about a million more questions from me, we finally settled on her initial recommendation, the Beach Palace in Cancun. As we went through the process, any time I had a question, problem, or was just worried about something not being right, she was my go-to person. I'm not kidding, she would answer me in like, less than an hour 99% of the time. She even took my file home one weekend to give me more time to figure something out before she ran credit cards and got it booked. She was a Godsend!

Casey Morris - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Riu Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding

My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.

Lia with Lia helped us plan our destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We had a total of 11 people and she helped each of them set up their arrangements. From the beginning she was so helpful and always quick to respond. She made the entire process a breeze. She communicated with the wedding coordinator at the Riu Palace and made sure everything was just like we wanted. We did not have any issues at all, thanks to Lia and all of her thorough planning. Each of our guests bragged on her and said how easy it was to work with her. I would recommend Lia for all of your planning needs whether it be just a short vacation or a destination wedding. She knows what she is doing and will make sure all of your questions are answered and that you have the best vacation.

Mindy Huffman - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding

My husband and I got married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico right off the beach. It was pure bliss, and everything I could have ever dreamed of! I may be biased, but destination weddings are certainly the way to go and thanks to our wonderful Travel Agent Lia Vincent at Vincent Vacations, we were able to find the perfect place! I had the opportunity to be able to edit the straight out of camera photos from my wedding! Here is a glimpse of our wedding day in paradise!

Justin and Mariama Jordan - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Iberostar, Grand Punta Cana, Destination Wedding

We had the most amazing time at our wedding. Our guests are still talking about what an amazing trip it was! Thank you for your help with organizing this unforgettable time for us, we cannot wait to put our pictures in our new frame!

Kylee & David - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Dreams, Puerto Aventuras Resort, Destination Wedding

Lia, thank you very much for all of your help with our PERFECT wedding vacation!

Chelsey Groh - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Excellence, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding

"It was beautiful! Everybody had a fantastic time!"

The staff was wonderful, the rooms were gorgeous, and the food was AMAZING! Our wedding could not have been more perfect and if you have any brides that want a beautiful wedding on a budget, The Excellence Punta Cana would be my number one recommendation. Emy and Livia were fantastic and everything was just PERFECT! Chris couldn't even believe how wonderful it was.

Thank you again for all of your help!!!

Amy Taylor - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Dreams, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Our Dream Wedding!

As soon as Jimmy asked me to marry him, I knew we would want a destination wedding. We love to travel, and we love the beach, so there was no more perfect place to start our lives together than a beach in Mexico!

I am not the wedding planning type, and I knew that with a destination wedding, we could get someone else to plan the details for us. Luckily for me, my friend Lia at Vincent Vacations specializes in Destination Weddings. Lia had taken care of trips for us in the past, and I knew she was the perfect person to help me plan this trip. I was right! She helped me look through destinations, and we found the perfect spot: Dreams in Puerto Vallarta! The package came with a wedding planner, who took care of the details for me. 21 of our friends and family came with us, and everyone loved the resort. Our party ranged in age from 7 to 82, and everyone agreed it was an amazing trip. There were activities for the kids, and plenty of excursions for everyone to choose from. The staff was wonderful, and pampered us from the time we arrived. One of my bridesmaids had a broken foot and was on crutches, and was in a wheelchair some. The hotel staff assisted her anytime she needed it, including carrying her and her wheelchair up and down large flights of stairs. They were amazing! All the rooms are ocean front, with beautiful views. Jimmy and I stayed in the "Preferred" tower, and our room came with a great balcony with a hot tub! Most of our guests stayed in the other tower, but the resort is small enough, this was not a problem at all. They all loved their rooms as well. The wedding planner met with me in advance to work out the last minute details and timing. When our wedding day came, everything went perfectly. We got married on the beach right in front of the ocean. We had a sound system and a dj who played all the songs that we picked out in advance. My Dad is a minister, and he performed the service for us. We had 21 in our wedding party, but it felt like a much bigger wedding because lots of people watched the wedding. You could see people everywhere on their balconies watching, which made us feel like rock stars. We had a Mexican band that played a few songs after the wedding. The wedding came with a photographer and videographer who did amazing job! We took pictures right after the wedding, then we had dinner which also came with the wedding. We had steak and chicken which tasted great. Of course, I also asked them for chips and guacamole. (I love the guacamole in Mexico.) They were happy to oblige. They provided the wedding cake after which was amazing. After the wedding, my husband and I stayed for another 4 days, and it was paradise. I could not have asked for a more beautiful place to get married, or a less stressful way to do it. Thanks Lia and Vincent Vacations for making our special day an amazingly unforgettable experience!

John and Jane - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Jamaica, Destination Wedding

Love the pictures one of our brides just shared from her elopement in Jamaica! Thank you for sharing with us! Did you know we book Destination weddings of all sizes? If it's just the 2 of you or a group of 250, give us a call!

Marty Hill - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Grand Fiesta Americana, Los Cabos, Mexico, Destination Wedding

This was the best and easiest decision we made about our entire wedding! Lia at All Inclusive Weddings is the absolute best, extremely intelligent, hard working, and so caring. She truly makes you feel like you are her only client throughout the entire process. We had about 120 people coming to our Cabo wedding and even had to switch resorts, visitors coming from all different states and even Europe. She was calm, and kept the bride and groom calm! Every detail was taken care of and it was made to be the most perfect wedding!

Tiffany Phillips - All Inclusive Beach Wedding

Finest, Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding

I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work to arrange the hotel and transfers for Ashley and Robbie's wedding. It was perfect and everything that she had ever dreamed of! The resort was amazing! We had great food at all the restaurants. The staff went over the top to accommodate any needs that you could have had! Everyone felt safe and the beaches are beautiful. Since it's more private you don't get the crazy vendors walking the beach trying to sell you stuff. Our family loved it so much and we defiantly will be planning another vacation. You will be the first I call if we need help to organize something! Thank you again for everything

And lots more!

We have been in business since 2013, and booking destination weddings since 2002!

how can we help you?

Your love story is unique and special, and we understand your vacation should be, too!

Everything you need to celebrate your vacation at Sandals Resorts with elegance and simplicity. It's the perfect start to the perfect vacation. Our frequently asked questions area has many answers about our process.

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20 Amazing Things The Bahamas Is Known For

20 Amazing Things The Bahamas Is Known For

Courtney Montgomery

20 amazing things The Bahamas are known for

1. Pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters

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2. The swimming pigs of Exuma

3. The playground of the world's rich and famous

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4. History of pirates

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5. Fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling

6. The first landing of Christopher Columbus

7. The Bahama Mama cocktail

8. Having a multitude of islands you can visit

9. Delicious conch dishes & other seafood

10. Sport fishing & bonefishing

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11. Pink sand beaches

12. Junkanoo festival

13. The Bahamas was featured in several James Bond movies

14. The local dialect and slang - 'Talkin' Bahamian'

'Bey'

'Well mudda sick!'

'Mash up'

'Potcake'

'Dem'

15. A history of colonial conflict and slavery

16. Pirate Forts

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17. Cave diving

18. Track and field Olympians

19. Luxury goods shopping

20. Historic lighthouses

Eight authentic Bahamian souvenirs to bring home with you

1. Pirate Doubloon jewelry

2. Conch shell products/jewelry

3. Locally made art and handicrafts

4. Pirate Republic craft beer

5. Junkanoo Art

6. Straw goods

Courtney Montgomery

7. Homemade jams and jellies

8. Coconut sculptures

Bonus: Five interesting facts about The Bahamas

1. It snowed in The Bahamas... once

2. The world's second deepest blue hole is in The Bahamas

3. The highest point in The Bahamas is not so high

4. The Bahamas is technically not part of the Caribbean

5. The first Inhabitants of The Bahamas were Taino Indians

The Best Travel Agents

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How to become a travel agent

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

Lia Vincent

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Sandals Resorts Wedding Packages

TWO LOVE BIRDS PACKAGE

SWEETHEART WEDDING PACKAGE

BLISS WEDDING PACKAGE

EPIC WEDDING PACKAGE

RETIE THE KNOT PACKAGE

Some of our destination weddings

Sandals Grande, St. Lucia, Large Group, Destination Wedding

Beaches Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Destination Wedding

Playa Del Carmen, Large Group, Destination Wedding

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Destination Wedding

Royalton Blue Waters, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Destination Wedding

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Destination Wedding

UNICO, Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Wedding

Hard Rock Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding

Secrets Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding

UNICO 2087, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Beach Palace Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Cozumel Palace, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Le Blanc Spa Resort, Destination Wedding

Beach Palace, Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Riu Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding

Iberostar, Grand Punta Cana, Destination Wedding