Just a (plane) hop away resides paradise. Miami born and bred, the ocean feeds my spirit. The Bahamas are a stunning archipelago in a shallow, powdery sanded, clear watered area just a breath away from Florida. Accessible by an afternoon boat ride or brief flight (take off and landing seem to be nearly simultaneous), I opted to bring my son (Max) to Old Bahama Bay on the West side of Grand Bahama Island, now part of The Ginn Company’s Hospitality Group. A client had purchased an ocean front lot in the adjoining Ginn sur Mer not long ago & I decided it might be a good idea to check it out for myself.
Ginn Sur Mer is a “Fly In” community, meaning they have their own airstrip… much more convenient that flying into Freeport/ Nassau, then dealing with airport security, check-in, baggage claim, etc. It’s surprisingly affordable too… about $2 grand each way for the plane, but that seats six. When you compare it to commercial, it’s a bargain really. The airline assistant took my bags (no weigh-ins, limits, etc.) and parked my car. A continental breakfast was served while my luggage was loaded and BAM! Just like that, we were off! The flight was short, the approach was filled with anticipation, and the arrival was the perfect segue to a completely relaxing week. Customs was more like a greeting than the usual inquisition and an SUV met us to whisk us the 300 yards or so to the Old Bahama Bay check in lobby.
Max loved the room which was new and lovely. Wall to wall travertine (and up the walls) in the well appointed bath. I liked the mini kitchen with full refrigerator, two burner glass cooktop, microwave, and coffeemaker set in custom built cabinetry. The Beach view was divine, pool and beachside café were only steps away. This is not an all-inclusive resort, but basics such as snorkels and fins, bikes, Hobie Cats, kayaks, DVD’s, games, etc. are gratis. Meals are very reasonable. But if you want to venture off property, know that it is a good 30 minutes to Freeport and (unless you want to gamble at the Westin) …it’s, eh… not so great and the taxi will run you $120 rt. Max & I were happy just to tool around on bikes, flip flop around snorkeling, meet people staying overnight at the marina, and so on… this was a truly relaxing time. There are dive expeditions, massages, a great fitness center, you can golf, or so many other things to do. Everyone seems to accept USD$, so you can bring cash to tip, etc.
On our last day there, I toured the property with Cameron Kimball who took me out to see my client’s lot, which was accessible only by 4x4. The site work that's been done is astonishing. Ginn style, the golf is already going in before the first home, and the landscaping is beginning to take shape. My client told Cameron before closing that he didn’t want to pay $1.2mm for the lot… but that he didn’t want to pay $2mm for it either… and that’s where he knew it was headed. And so with that thought in mind, he bought the lot in this most spectacular peninsular location.
The trip home was better than the trip to Ginn sur Mer because Max, (only seven years old) got to ride in the cockpit, in the co-pilots seat. That was worth the price of the entire trip!
Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway, a long relaxing holiday, or to purchase a second home; I highly suggest you look into this spectacular place. Write me if you want details of who to contact, etc. karan@internationalgolfandbeaches.com.
Happy Holidays to All, and to All a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!
Ginn Sur Mer is a “Fly In” community, meaning they have their own airstrip… much more convenient that flying into Freeport/ Nassau, then dealing with airport security, check-in, baggage claim, etc. It’s surprisingly affordable too… about $2 grand each way for the plane, but that seats six. When you compare it to commercial, it’s a bargain really. The airline assistant took my bags (no weigh-ins, limits, etc.) and parked my car. A continental breakfast was served while my luggage was loaded and BAM! Just like that, we were off! The flight was short, the approach was filled with anticipation, and the arrival was the perfect segue to a completely relaxing week. Customs was more like a greeting than the usual inquisition and an SUV met us to whisk us the 300 yards or so to the Old Bahama Bay check in lobby.
Max loved the room which was new and lovely. Wall to wall travertine (and up the walls) in the well appointed bath. I liked the mini kitchen with full refrigerator, two burner glass cooktop, microwave, and coffeemaker set in custom built cabinetry. The Beach view was divine, pool and beachside café were only steps away. This is not an all-inclusive resort, but basics such as snorkels and fins, bikes, Hobie Cats, kayaks, DVD’s, games, etc. are gratis. Meals are very reasonable. But if you want to venture off property, know that it is a good 30 minutes to Freeport and (unless you want to gamble at the Westin) …it’s, eh… not so great and the taxi will run you $120 rt. Max & I were happy just to tool around on bikes, flip flop around snorkeling, meet people staying overnight at the marina, and so on… this was a truly relaxing time. There are dive expeditions, massages, a great fitness center, you can golf, or so many other things to do. Everyone seems to accept USD$, so you can bring cash to tip, etc.
On our last day there, I toured the property with Cameron Kimball who took me out to see my client’s lot, which was accessible only by 4x4. The site work that's been done is astonishing. Ginn style, the golf is already going in before the first home, and the landscaping is beginning to take shape. My client told Cameron before closing that he didn’t want to pay $1.2mm for the lot… but that he didn’t want to pay $2mm for it either… and that’s where he knew it was headed. And so with that thought in mind, he bought the lot in this most spectacular peninsular location.
The trip home was better than the trip to Ginn sur Mer because Max, (only seven years old) got to ride in the cockpit, in the co-pilots seat. That was worth the price of the entire trip!
Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway, a long relaxing holiday, or to purchase a second home; I highly suggest you look into this spectacular place. Write me if you want details of who to contact, etc. karan@internationalgolfandbeaches.com.
Happy Holidays to All, and to All a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!
