http://www.sandals.com/main/emerald/em-activities.cfm

NASSAU, The Bahamas - Aug. 10, 2010 - Back by popular demand is The Islands Of The Bahamas’ most successful promotion of all time - the FREE companion airfare offer.

Travelers who book by Sept. 15, receive free companion airfare or an instant air credit up $300 for bookings of three or more nights, allowing for affordable travel and an opportunity to take advantage of unused vacation days. Choose from more than 40 participating properties throughout Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, The Abacos, Cat Island, Harbour Island and The Exumas, just to name a few. The offer is valid for travel now through Dec. 22, 2010, and some blackout dates do apply.

Resorts on Nassau Paradise Island, including the luxury boutique Marley Resort & Spa, themed after the reggae legend and celebrated for its Natural Mystic Spa and Simmer Down Restaurant, are on board for the special. Looking beyond Nassau Paradise Island? Vacation at Small Hope Bay Lodge, a boutique all-inclusive on Andros offering eco-tours and underwater activities in one of the largest and most unexplored barrier reefs in the world; or try teeing off on the 18-hole championship golf course at the new, all-butler Sandals Emerald Bay in The Exumas.

Not sure which island to explore? Visit www.Facebook.com/Bahamas and take the short “Island Finder” lifestyle survey to discover which islands match travel interests. Along with the survey, visitors to the page can interact with fans and repeat guests of The Bahamas and select the “Island Explorer” tab for information, photos and to download an Island Guide.

For a full list of participating hotels and to book the FREE companion airfare offer or $300 instant air credit offer, visit Bahamas.com or call 1-800-BAHAMAS.

Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bahamas. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

According to People, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem tied the knot at a small, private ceremony held at a friend’s home in the Bahamas earlier in July.

Read the full article here: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20401626,00.html

The Adventure Package’s excursion options include:

• Powerboat Adventure -take a high-speed powerboat ride to Exuma, in the Out Islands of The Bahamas, where they can enjoy lunch on the beach, snorkel, get up close and personal with stingrays, feed the sharks and more
• Dolphin Encounter - interact with friendly dolphins and watch them perform tricks from a waist-deep platform in the warm waters of Nassau
• Flying Cloud Catamaran - spend a half-day sailing on a 57-foot catamaran, and take some time to snorkel and explore the beautiful Bahamian seascape

For more information on the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort or to book the Adventure Package by July 31, 2010, call (866) 716-8106 and mention rate code PICK2 or visit www.sheratonnassau.com/AdventurePackage

NASSAU, The Bahamas - June 20, 2010 - It’s no secret that The Abacos are one of the world’s best sailing and cruising locales. Known as The Bahamas’ boating capital, the island chain’s serendipitous layout provides a calm and warm turquoise haven for boaters and sailors. With Regatta Time right around the corner, visiting The Abacos this summer offers lively festivities, stunning beaches and an unforgettable experience at rates that accommodate varying budgets.

The 35th annual Regatta Time in Abaco is taking place July 2-10, 2010, bookended by the American and Bahamian Independence celebrations and bringing dozens of sailing enthusiasts to The Abacos for a week’s worth of fun-filled, exciting competition. Captains will race throughout the entire island chain, beginning at Green Turtle Cay, with stops at Great Guana Cay and Nippers Beach Bar and Grill, famous for its Sunday Pig Roast; Man-O-War Cay, celebrated for its boat-building tradition; Hope Town, home of the world-famous candy-striped Lighthouse; and Marsh Harbour, the commercial hub of The Abacos.

Not piloting a yacht? Venture into the protected underwater areas of Fowl Cay National Reserve for astonishing snorkeling and diving; enjoy superb fishing off Walker’s Cay; relish in the charming settlement sites of Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay, which might be mistaken for New England fishing towns, if not for the distinctive Bahamian touch of pastel colors; or join a special shindig on Fiddle Cay hosted by sailing apparel outfitter, Stranded Naked.

Anchor a Regatta Time trip on Great Abaco at Pelican Beach Villas (www.pelicanbeachvillas.com), with rates starting at $175 per night for two and located on a sunny, private peninsula, or at the Ritz-Carlton managed Abaco Club on Winding Bay (www.ritzcarlton.com), a luxurious sporting retreat that claims the world’s first Scottish-style golf course in a tropical location and offers starting rates of $259 per night.

Beyond the “big city” of Marsh Harbour, populated with boutique hotels, restaurants, bars and full-service marinas, lay a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury beachfront villas to modest, comfortable condos. The premium condominium rentals of Schooners Landing Ocean Club (www.schoonerslanding.com), nestled on a picturesque bluff on Man-O-War Cay, feature two-story units starting at $275 per night that were designed to provide a choice of spectacular views from a private patio or balcony. Elbow Cay’s Crystal Waters & Villas (www.bahamarentals.net) provides guests with golf carts to explore the quaint shops and museum of the nearby village of Hope Town and features accommodations with full kitchens for a reasonable $300 per night for two.

Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Join us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Bahamas or follow us on www.Twitter.com @VisitTheBahamas. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

# # #

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102204579820184&index=1

Nassau/Paradise Island
• The Nassau Junkanoo Summer Festival will take place from July 10 - July 31, 2010 at Junkanoo Beach East and will feature live Bahamian bands, traditional dances, local crafts and literature, Bahamian cuisine, heritage contests and more.

• The Fox Hill Day Celebration, which recognizes the freedom granted to ancestors in 1834, making it the oldest event in The Bahamas, takes place annually on the first Monday in August with this year’s date being August 2, 2010. Travelers can enjoy a Junkanoo rush-out, street parties and dances, beaching, sailing, gospel concerts and native cuisine.

Grand Bahama Island

• Grand Bahama Junkanoo Summer Festival spans five weeks of summer from July to August. Local bands jam at various locations, but especially Taino Beach Park, as residents take part in song contests and other festivities.

Eleuthera/Harbour Island

• The Pineapple Festival is held annually in Gregory Town, Eleuthera and will take place June 2, - June 6, 2010. The festival honors pineapple farmers for their contributions to the community and brings together Bahamians and visitors for activities such as the Pineapple Eating Contest, Pineapple Cooking Contest, 40 Mile Pineapple Cycling Classic and the Little Miss Pineapple Princess Pageant. Attendees of the festival will also enjoy dancing, craft displays, pineapple farm tours and of course, a traditional Junkanoo parade.

Abaco

• Abaco Junkanoo Summer Festival, the street festival that captures several elements of Bahamian culture on a single stage for a dramatic one-night experience, will take place on June 18, June 25, July 2 and July 9 on Marsh Harbour. The festival gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of Bahamians and features local musical artists, calypso bands, skits, dance performances, native dishes and arts and crafts.

• The 35th Annual Five Towns Regatta Time in Abaco will take place July 2 - July 10, 2010. Held in between the American and Bahamian Independence celebrations, the event brings dozens of sailing enthusiasts to The Abacos for a fun-filled and exciting racing series. One highlight of the race is the Fiddle Cay Party hosted by “Stranded Naked” Sports Wear.

Andros

• Andros is known as the land of crabs and its people are renowned for their crab-catching expertise, resulting in the annual All Andros Crab Fest celebration, which will be held June 10 - June 13, 2010. Highlights of the event are the crab cultural show, the releasing of the crabs, crab culinary contest, crab habitat display and Rake-N-Scrape music.

• The All Andros & Berry Island Regatta will be held July 8 - July 11, 2010 and is popular among sailing enthusiasts. Highlights include the class A, B and C boat races, featuring traditional Bahamian wooden sailing sloops and local entertainment.

Bimini

• The Bimini Junkanoo Summer Festival is held every Friday in July (July 2 - July 30, 2010) and features local and other Bahamian musicians, Bahamian games, fashion shows, native food and Junkanoo rush-outs.

Exuma

• The Exuma Junkanoo Summer Festival will be held on select dates through June 2010 at the Fish Fry in George Town. A community fun day for visitors and Exumians, the festival will feature local and visiting bands, kids sailing, boat building displays, arts and crafts for sale, fish scaling and onion peeling contests and more.

• The Forbes Hill Homecoming celebration will take place August 13 - August 15, 2010 and is a weekend full of activities for people of all ages. The celebration kicks off on Thursday with a DJ, dancing, native Bahamian dishes and Bush tea. Visitors will have the opportunity to compete in marble shooting, straw weaving and sack race competitions on Friday and Saturday and attend the major event of the weekend, a church service followed by a beach picnic on Sunday.

Cat Island

• The 12th annual Rake ‘N’ Scrape music festival, a Cat Island signature event where Bahamian culture is celebrated with spirited rivalry, will take place June 3 - June 6, 2010. Featuring a battle of the bands, dancing and a farmer’s market, the festival celebrates Cat Island’s role in the origination of rake ‘n’ scrape music and islanders’ ingenuity in using materials at hand to make whatever instruments they need.

• Local residents and regatta lovers throughout The Bahamas will reunite July 28 - Aug. 2, 2010 at the Cat Island Annual Regatta for sloop racing, live entertainment, games and native cuisine.

Long Island

• The 43rd Annual Long Island Regatta is the second largest in The Bahamas and is well attended by Bahamians and international visitors. Scheduled for June 2 - June 5, 2010, skippers will compete for cash prizes and trophies in various class races. Those who will stay on land will enjoy tasty native dishes, a kids’ corner, games for the entire family and performances by live native bands.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is making it easier for visitors to get on-island and celebrate these exciting festivals with endless ways to save, making travel easy on the wallet.

• Take advantage of the Free Companion Airfare offer (bookable by June 4, 2010) to the island destination of choice and choose from more than 40 participating properties on a booking of four nights.

• Visiting Nassau/Paradise Island, but have the urge to explore the vibrant cultural festivals on another island? The Bahamas’ are allowing travelers the opportunity to island-hop with the free airfare for two from Nassau to any 10 islands (bookable until June 4, 2010) with travel through Dec. 22, 2010. Airfare must be purchased as part of a package that includes a minimum night stay from one of the 20 participating hotels.

• Last, but not least, book a Bahama Fridays Free Getaway through September 30, 2010 at a participating resort and receive free accommodations on Friday nights with a minimum four-night stay.

Travelers can visit Bahamas.com or call 1-800-BAHAMAS book one of the Bahamas’ travel offerings and to view a full list of festivals and events on each islands.

Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on The Islands Of The Bahamas, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Join us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Bahamas or follow us on www.Twitter.com @VisitTheBahamas. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

###

In upcoming months, Andros is hustling, bustling, and full of cultural activity with annual island events. Known as the land of crabs, Andros and its people are honored for their crab-catching expertise at the
All Andros Crab Festival, June 10-13, 2010. High-energy Bahamian rake ‘n’ scrape music accompanies all event activities, including the crab cultural show, the releasing of the crabs and a crab culinary contest. During July 8-11, 2010, the entire Andros community unites as it celebrates the All Andros and Berry Islands Regatta Festival with boat races featuring traditional Bahamian wooden sailing sloops and live local entertainment.

 To experience these cultural events and other hallmarks of Andros, book air-inclusive packages by June 4, 2010 and receive free companion airfare offered roundtrip from the U.S. when traveling by December 22, 2010. Resorts throughout Andros are offering this special, including Small Hope Bay Lodge, a boutique all-inclusive hotel offering eco-tours and underwater activities in one of the largest and most unexplored barrier reefs in the world; Swains Cay Resort, formerly a private oceanfront estate, is a newly renovated all-inclusive; and Andros Bay Cottage Fishing Lodge, an all-inclusive “real deal” fishing lodge where a stay includes accommodations, meals and bonefishing excursions with some of the best guides in the business. Visit www.MyOutIslands.com or call 1-800-OUT-ISLANDS to book now.

NASSAU, The Bahamas - April 29, 2010 - Balcony views are commonplace at hotels around the world, but The Islands Of The Bahamas are one place that teems with resorts that offer picturesque views from more private sanctuaries. Beginning and ending the day gazing at something beautiful can be counted as one of life’s simple pleasures and at these Bahamas resorts, travelers don’t have to leave the ocean, sun, moon or stars when they leave the sand.

At Andros’ Kamalame Cay, a romantic, private island hideaway only accessible by ferry or seaplane, the bathrooms in secluded beachfront cottages feature Roman soaking tubs and shutter-paned windows that look out to the sea. Also distinguishable by its cottage walls lined with French doors, Kamalame Cay is the ideal retreat to re-center, relax and rejuvenate. Visit www.kamalame.com or call (800) 790-7971 to book accommodations starting at $400 per night.

Lather up under the sun or stars in a lush, private oasis on Cat Island at Fernandez Bay Village, host of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit photo shoot and located on a stretch of uncrowded beach dotted with thatched-roof villas. There’s nothing more refreshing than an open air, outdoor garden shower, especially one surrounded by a lovely stone wall and shaded with bougainvillea. Rates at Fernandez Bay Village, which offers on-site boat rentals, complimentary use of kayaks, and guided fishing and snorkeling tours, start at $235 per night. Visit www.fernandezbayvillage.com or call (800) 940-1905.

The charming and historical Club Peace & Plenty in The Exumas, with 32 rooms overlooking Elizabeth Harbour, offers incredible views of lapping waves from inside its baths and showers. Lie back and unwind with a peaceful soak in the tub after a day in the freshwater pool before retreating to Club Peace & Plenty’s gourmet restaurant for its fresh-made conch fritters or a night of live Calypso and karaoke around the bar. Visit www.peaceandplenty.com or call (800) 525-2210, to book affordable accommodations starting at $155 per night.

For those looking to truly indulge, the marble bathroom in the palatial $25,000-per-night Bridge Suite at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort offers a birds-eye-view of Dolphin Cay Atlantis, the resort’s 14-acre marine mammal interaction and education center. Guests of the Bridge Suite, which marries the east and west wings of Atlantis’ Royal Towers, can relax in the spacious Jacuzzi tub while observing the dolphins and sea lions swimming in a natural lagoon setting of crystal-clear seawater. Visit www.atlantis.com or call (888) 877-7525 to book.

Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Join us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Bahamas or follow us on www.Twitter.com @VisitTheBahamas. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

Editor’s Note: Photos available upon request