Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/5950
For a more casual setting, the Pool & Beach Bar offers informal alfresco dining. If you're an explorer, Adderley's Bay is locat- ed immediately west of Stella Maris. It's a stellar bone fishing area. North of Stella Maris is Columbus Harbour, an excursion site that fea- tures beach/snorkeling and shelling. Columbus Monument also offers beach/snor-keling/history excursion sites. It's located north of Stella Maris (25 minutes by bus). It offers breathtaking views and is considered a great site for children. Other highlights include the Long Island Museum, St. Peter's & St. Paul's Catholic Church, and Hamilton's Cave. The tour of the cave is fasci- nating as is Deans Bluehole, the world's deepest blue hole (underwater sinkhole), which plunges 202 meters (663 ft.) to the ocean floor, in a bay west of Clarence Town on Long Island. Getting around the island is easy. Cabs are readily available. However, if you ride a bike you can take advantage of the fabulous weather, while getting some exercise. Rental cars and IN THE BAHAmAs THE OuT IsLANDs Is RuLE S I T E R E V I E W # 2 The islands of the Bahamas have long been consid- ered the epitome of a tropical respite. They are tem- perate, sun-drenched, beautiful, vibrant and relaxed islets surrounded by crystal clear water and inhabited by pleasant, welcoming residents. There are 700 islands, including uninhabited cays and large rocks, totaling a landmass of 5,382 sq. miles. The islands, which form a 100,000 sq. mile archipel- ago, have an effortless feel allowing visitors to recline, rejuvenate and renew. That being said, the best way to be "in" the Bahamas is to visit one of the Out Islands. The Out Islands of the Bahamas include: The Abacos, Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, The Exumas and Long Island. They may not be as well known as Nassau or the Grand Bahamas, but each one of the Out Islands has its own warm and charming personality. Not sure which island to try first, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA) will point you in the right direction. If you want an exotic locale, away from the hustle and bustle; remote, but not too isolated, The Exumas and Long Island are just what the doctor ordered. LONG ISLAND is tucked away from all the regu- lar tourist trappings. There are peaceful villages, won- derful, sandy secluded beaches, old plantation ruins, caves and hidden coves. The Stella Maris Resort Club is a key property on the island. Whether you're traveling on business, for leisure, a romantic getaway, with the family or just want some quiet time for yourself, there is something for everyone. The resort offers panoramic ocean view rooms, water front and beach front Bahamas bunga- lows (some even with private pool). The Stella Maris offers single, double and triple hotel rooms. There are only six to eight per individual building and only one two-story. All of the rooms, tropically furnished with king, or two double beds, have ocean views, with either a balcony or terrace. A variety of living quarters with varied living spaces is available in the Edith's Harbor building, the Dolphin House, the Flamingo House, the Gecko House and the Rainbow House. The Club offers everything from pools, cycling, table tennis, a gym, several beaches, snorkel excur- sions, boat cruises and more. The resort's main restau- rant offers both international and Bahamian cuisine. It also has the island's largest selection of fine wines. B Y D A R L E N E C . D O N L O E Black Meetings & Tourism December 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 48 Exuma, one of the "Out Islands" of the Bahamas