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munications (The Americas) for the Bahamas Tourist Office. There are 700 ANITA JOHNSON-PATTY islands, including uninhabited cays and large rocks, totaling a land- mass of 5,382 sq. miles. The islands form a 100,000 sq. mile archipelago. The Out Islands of the Bahamas include: Bahamas Out Island Beach (BMOTA) will point you in the right direc- tion. LONG ISLAND is tucked away from all the regular tourist trappings. There are peaceful villages, wonderful, sandy secluded beaches, old plantation ruins, caves and hid- den coves. WHERE TO STAY The Stella Maris Resort Club is a key property on the island.The resort offers,sin- gle, double, triple hotel rooms, panoramic ocean view rooms, waterfront and beach- front Bahamas bungalows (some even with private pool). The Club offers everything from pools, cycling, table tennis, a gym, several beaches, snorkel excursions, boat cruises and more. The resort's main restaurant offers both international and Bahamian cuisine. Check out Adderley's Bay, Columbus Harbour and Columbus Monument, which offers beach/snorkeling/history excursion sites, the Long Island Museum, St. Peter's & St. Paul's Catholic Church, and Hamilton's Cave. The tour of the cave is fascinating 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 scooters are also available. MEETINGS There are four meeting rooms with a capacity of 240. The largest room holds 100 persons. The CAPE SANTA MARIA RESORT is a boutique resort with only 20 bungalows. The Villas at Cape Santa Maria feature new, high-end amenities like jetted tubs, full kitchens, entertainment centers and high- speed internet. Villa guests can enjoy full access to all the resort's services — from scuba diving to bone fishing. The Abacos, Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, The Exumas and Long Island. Not sure which island to try first, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation 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. Bahamas Long Island visitors museum THE EXUMA ISLANDS The Exuma Islands is actually a group of 365 tiny, vibrant islands. Primarily known for their pristine beaches, snorkeling, sailing and fishing,The Exumas is also home for several boating competitions, including The Family Island Regatta,The NewYear's Day Cruising Regatta, and theNationalOut Island Regatta. **Check with the Tourist Board for exact dates. The Exumas is a historical smorgasbord. Check out The Hermitage ruins,Williams Town and the Salt Beacon and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. ATTRACTIONS Additional attractions are Allan's Cay Iguanas, Thunderball Grotto, St. Andrews Anglican Church,LakeVictoria and the Straw Market. Historical highlights include: Rolle Town Tombs, Cotton Plantation Ruins & Loyalist Tombs, St. Christopher Anglican Church, 18 Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com