Recently in Bahamas Category

As autumn descends on the northern hemisphere, the action starts heating up in the Bahamas, with a brand new season of sand, surf, sunshine, and shopping. Why not get a jump start on the fun this fall with a visit to the Bahamian Island of Nassau? It won't take much, thanks to Starpicks. That's because the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next six weeks. If your body is truly craving the ultimate island experience, this is the place to go. One of the newest resorts in the Bahamas, the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort has it all. First and foremost, there's the beach, a thousand feet of some of the softest sand and clearest water you'll find anywhere. Whether you're into snorkeling, sailing, or just catching some rays, it's an ideal place to indulge. Then there are the three freshwater pools with flowing waterfalls, oversized whirlpools, and a swim-up bar. When evening rolls around, try your luck at the nearby casino, or savor some of the finest food in the islands at one of the resort's six restaurants. Amici, A Trattoria, for example, specializes in Italian cuisine, with a menu of classic dishes and a wine list impressive enough to fool you into thinking you're in the old country. And as the moon rises over the ocean, sip a drink and groove to live music at the Telegraph Bar, named after the first telegraph cable that gave Cable Beach its name. Of course, the Sheraton Nassau is just one of many participating Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the destination that's right for you.

If you've put off planning your summer vacation until the last minute, you're in luck. For the next six days, Starwood's Summer Value offer features savings of up to 50% off regular rates for stays at participating hotels and resorts during August and September. With hundreds of great destinations across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean to choose from, the sky's the limit when it comes to the summer experience you seek. Feel like staying stateside? How about the St. Regis Aspen Resort, a luxurious four-season playground with rates starting at $215 a night. Anxious for a trip up north? Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel is located in the heart of the city and boasts rates of CAD 135. And if you just want the ultimate beach experience, give the Bahamas a look. Rates at the Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort start at just $130 a night -- but the view of the shimmering blue water is priceless. So visit the Summer Value page and choose your warm-weather getaway today. But hurry: all stays must be booked by August 5.

The Sheraton Cable Beach Resort in Nassau, Bahamas, is one of Starwood's newest properties — in fact, its transformation into one of Cable Beach's hottest resorts is in process! I spoke with Tim Rector, VP of Sales and Marketing for the resort, to learn a little more about the property and especially the dining options both there and nearby.

Tell me a little about Cable Beach Resort.
One thing you don't get a sense of online is the history of the resort. In the past it was the Radisson Cable Beach. Over the course of time, it fell into disrepair and it was a tired resort. The Cable Beach area didn't have a great reputation for awhile because of the age and state of the resorts in the area. We came in a year ago and completely rehabbed the property, stripped it to bare concrete and started over. The rooms are now some of the nicest Sheraton rooms anywhere in our brand. We get rave reviews on them. There are 350 rooms open now, and another 300 rooms and the meeting area are being worked on now. They will be done by the end of this year, so by the end of the year we will have 750 rooms on 1,000 feet of Cable Beach, which boasts some of the clearest water in the world.

Why is it called Cable Beach?
Cable Beach got its name from the first transatlantic cable strung from the US to Europe. The cable is connected at our beach.

What do you think draws guests to your location?
It's in the Bahamas, it's a very laid back, stress-free experience. The Bahamian people are very friendly. And we're a completely new resort; to come to our resort and have all the modern amenities — high speed internet in the room, wireless throughout lobby — in a Caribbean locale, that's very attractive to our guests. When it's finished later this year, the resort will have a total of 25,000 square feet of meeting space, inside and outside, including a 2,000-square-foot ballroom, divisible three ways. The indoor/outdoor option we expect to be very popular — the ability to have lunch outside on the patio, overlooking the beach, while the meeting goes on inside.

Lucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on the inside scoop of vacation ownership.

If travel and vacation are big priorities in your life, you should check out Starwood Vacation Ownership. When you stay in a hotel, you receive a receipt for your vacation but, aside from wonderful memories, your vacation essentially ends upon your return home. With vacation ownership, owners receive deeded real estate to enjoy year after year. Resort prices are locked in at today's rates, but owners will enjoy increased benefits with the development and enhancement of the resort.

If you love the hiking and skiing, you might consider an annual week of outdoor adventures at Sheraton Mountain Vista in the Colorado Rockies. That time will be available for you as long as you wish. So what happens if you want a change of pace and need a dose of tropical weather? Simply trade your use week for similar accommodations at Harborside Resort at Atlantis or one of many other Starwood resort destinations. Your vacation is flexible and can be traded or exchanged. Your vacation can even be converted to Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints -- redeemable for free nights at more than 850 Starwood hotels and resorts in over 95 countries. There are a multitude of other reasons to consider vacation ownership. To find out more about it, explore the frequently asked questions or request more information.

For a while, Starwood has been building the new Cotton Bay Villas in the Bahamas, one of the most eagerly awaited additions to the Luxury Collection family. We recently got a sneak peak at the Villas thanks to the St. Petersburg Times, who examined the property as part of their look at the Out Islands of the Bahamas. The 73-room villa complex is part of a massive wave of construction on the island of Eleuthera—which currently doesn’t even have a traffic light. There are amazing recreational options (crystal-clear waters, plenty of beaches, lots of open space) and it’s still relatively off the tourist path. Cotton Bay managing director Wim Steembakkers is helping the resort retain the island’s natural charm as well:

"As you can see, everything is quite natural," said Wim Steenbakkers, the managing director of Cotton Bay, during a recent tour of the 1,500-acre property. Narrow paths were cleared and concrete pilings sprouted from the sand, but the vegetation otherwise remained intact. "We're blending everything into the environment, rather than bulldozing it."