Beach villas and airbnb in the Bahamas

If you are a beach-lover who is looking for the ideal place to choose a holiday villa by the sea, then look no further than the mystical haven of the Bahamas. This North Atlantic jewel is the dreamiest destination for those who love nothing more than dreaming the day on pure oceanic sands, as you can choose one of the 2000 islands and cays which make up the country, meaning there is a slice of undisturbed sand just waiting for you across the pond. Choose a holiday apartment rental in the capital of Nassau which lays on the exhilarating New Providence island, while being just a bridge away from Paradise Island, which is as good as it sounds. If you are looking for a more low-key escape to this beachy paradise, consider a beachfront holiday villa on the boutique Berry Island, or a traditional vacation home which is nestled in amongst the organic landscape of cat island (named after the pirate Arthur Catt, not for its excess cat population, unfortunately).

When to visit

The best time to visit the Bahamas is between December to April, which avoids the Atlantic hurricane season which takes place between June to November. That being said, the climate is almost always hot in the Bahamas, and the temperate is unlikely to ever fall below 16 degrees, so whenever you choose to visit, and however long you hope to stay, there is always going to be a warm temperature to welcome you to its beautiful shores.

How to get there

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, just south-east of Florida and north of Cuba, the most efficient way of reaching the Bahamas is to fly. British Airways flies four times a week from London Heathrow direct to Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, with a flight duration of approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, and a connection time of around 15 minutes to the capital's centre, or longer depending on the island, you will no doubt be ready to crash to the sound of the waves in your beachfront holiday villa when you arrive. Indirect flights are also available from Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh; one option could be to split up your journey so that you can experience a North American city along your way. Many flights from airports across the UK stop in the nearby southern state of Florida, for example, flights from Manchester which stop in Orlando International or Miami International Airpot. Reserve a holiday home in Orlando or a beachfront villa in Miami, where you can recover and enjoy the Sunshine State before the short trip to The Bahamas, whether you choose to fly for less than hour, or you hop on a ferry from Fort Lauderdale which takes only three and a half hours. Though the Bahamas is not officially classified as a Caribbean Island, there is no denying that this kingdom is recognised as one of the treasures of the continent, so if you already have a holiday villa in Central America and the Caribbean then it is worth looking into boat trips, where you can island hop across this beautiful part of the world.

Bahamian food and culture tips

Thanks to its close proximity to the Caribbean islands and the US, along with its connection to British colonialism, Bahamian cuisine takes its influence from a range of rich cultures, meaning you can enjoy some familiar dishes with an exotic twist. You might not expect to be eating Mac and cheese while laying on the beach, but that is possible here in the Bahamas, as you can experience this ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist of jalapeños and bell peppers. As a collection of islands, it is also unsurprising that there is a rich seafood scene across the land, with some of its most popular dishes coming from the surrounding waters. You do not need a kitchen to enjoy the most famous of these national staples are Conch, which is a sea sail that is cooked and fried to create 'corn fritters', which is a take on the American corn fritters which are enjoyed in the deep south. Rum is the nations favourite drink, and this something you will quickly realise, as it is a staple in many foods and drinks, including 'rum cake', yes, a cake dedicated entirely to rum, and in the Bahama Mama, the most popular cocktail in The Bahamas.

The Bahamas: The never-ending beach paradise

When choosing a beachfront holiday villa in The Bahamas, it is hard to know which island is the best, and this is because they are all that good. The truth is that you can't go too far wrong with any accommodation anywhere in this heavenly land, because wherever you choose to stay, you are never going to be without access to the finest beaches in the world. Some stand out names include the picture-perfect Tahiti Beach, which truly looks like it is a desktop screensaver, Treasure Cay Beach which has been recognised as one of the best beaches in The Caribbean and Shelling Beach which is almost guaranteed to be secluded, meaning you can truly become one with the beauty of the most organic and unspoilt locations on the planet. If you are searching for a beach adventure unlike any other, choose a holiday home on Harbour Island to wake up in a bedroom with a view of Pink Sands Beach, which is as beautiful as it sounds, as it is indeed pink! The beautiful rosy shore gets its unique shade from the tiny from the broken coral pieces, calcium carbonate and red and pink shells which live in the reefs around the beach.

Nassau: The Commercial Centre of the Commonwealth

Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, has rare energy running through its coastal veins, as this city is the answer to your cosmopolitan urban dreams, without sacrificing the raw scenery which the Bahamas is so loved for. There is no better place to secure a house than right in here in Nassau, where you can shop in the mall and markets, before dining in the exclusive restaurants and partying to your heart's content in the tiki and bamboo bar. Nassau is bursting with authentic art stores and chic boutiques, all of which contribute to this sandy haven taking the crown as the commercial heart of the Commonwealth. Once you have worked up an appetite exploring the colourful streets, where evidence of British colonial rule is documented in the rainbow kissed architecture, you will not go hungry with the selection of acclaimed restaurants of this area, before refuelling for a night of bustling Bahamian bars and casinos, when Nassau turns into a luxurious film set and becomes one of the most glamorous places in the Caribbean. Going to bed might be the last thing on your mind in Nassau, but when you need to recharge, make sure you do it in a luxury holiday home which has a views of the electric city scape from your bedroom window.

Adventure in the Bahamas

Just like most aspects of life in this Atlantic jewel, you are never too far away from the sea in everything you do, and this is the case when it comes to adventure in the Bahamas. Most of the adrenaline pumped actives are based upon the exceptional Watersport scene in the North Atlantic, which at a year-round moderate climate, welcomes a host of enthusiasts who hit the water. Take up the opportunity to kayak, snorkel and dive to the depth of the magical kingdom which lays underneath the fringe of the country's shore, which will undoubtedly be a memorable experience for families or groups of friends who want a shot of Bahamian adventure. If you are looking for a more romantic or slow-paced answer to adventure, try an organised shell collecting experience to find a unique souvenir from the ultimate seaside destination, or unwind on a sunset cruise, where you can dine on the water around Paradise Island.