Atlantis Bahamas

Big. Really big.

It’s impossible to get past that first impression of Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas and you’ll be reminded of it everywhere you go in the resort. This is not a destination for a quiet and restful romantic recharge; this is a destination for a full-bore, pedal to the metal, fun fest with several thousand other vacationers. So, with that in mind, what are the highlights if you want to make the most of a family vacation at Atlantis Paradise Island?

Bahamian banking secrecy is somewhat misleading in that that banking institutions are prohibited from divulging a clients or account holders information to a third party without the clear consent of the account holder (think Americans may have to sign waivers when opening an account) or under a Bahamian court order. The bad part is that banking institutions are freely permitted to divulge that a particular person or company does in fact have an account with that bank. While the bank cannot, according to Bahamian law, divulge specific details or account balances, they certainly can divulge who their account holders are. This means wholesale fishing expeditions are a distinct possibility, for example give us a list of every account holder from a certain country. No wonder 45% of the deposits have left Bahamas banks since they went to this new legislation that compromises bank secrecy severely.

The Bahamas also known as the shallow sea has the most unbelievable waters: warm and nice just like the inhabitants of this part of the world. People her take their time, enjoying life and trying not to become overwhelmed by the every day problems. It’s like the time has frozen for them. The calm and beauty will surely get to you, and in a few days you will become a part of this magnificent place, enjoying the endless sandy beaches and the seashells that cover everything like a divine painter used his brush to paint them.

Promise not to tell? One of the best kept secrets of the Bahamas is Harbour Island. This romantic little island, known as “Briland” by its inhabitants, is a short hop from the States. A one hour flight from Florida to North Eleuthera followed by a brief cab and water taxi ride gets you to this Bahamas gem in a hurry.

In 1993, the International Persons Landholding Act was put into motion to encourage foreigners to purchase a second home in The Bahamas. And it couldn’t be simpler. If a foreigner buys a single family dwelling or vacant land to be used in the construction of such a dwelling, then he no longer needs to obtain a permit from the Government prior to the purchase. He only needs to register the acquisition later with the Investments Board. Permanent residents of the Bahamas and foreigners who inherit property in the Bahamas don’t have to obtain a permit before acquiring land but must register afterward.

The Bahamian Islands cover 100,000-square-miles of tropical paradise that comprises over 650 islands and 2400 cays and located a mere 50 miles off the Florida coast. Once called the “Isles of Perpetual June” by George Washington, the Bahamas is blessed with a tropical climate that makes it a year-round destination for people who long for a relaxation from the grueling North American scene. An excellent time to visit the Bahamas is in the summer, which falls between June and August. Winter is sometimes surprisingly cold, and daily high temperatures in the Bahamas rarely go below 60

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