Bahamas' Out Islands ideal for quiet getaways

Spectacular views await lounge lizards on the Bahamian island of Abaco

In this story: Historic Harbour Island Ecotourism RELATED STORIES, SITES

From Kalin Thomas-Samuel
CNN Travel Now Correspondent

ABACO, Bahamas (CNN) -- Visitors to the Bahamas often gravitate to touristy Freeport or bustling Nassau, the nation's capital, but there's more to the islands than that.

For vacationers who want a little more solitude, the crowds are smaller and the pace is slower on the so-called Out Islands such as Abaco and Eleuthera.

INTERACTIVE GALLERY See more of the Bahamas     QUICKVOTE What would you most like to do in the Bahamas? Sunbathe on the beach Go shopping in town Observe the wildlife View Results     ISLAND OVERVIEW Click for a brief description of the islands of the Bahamas     BEFORE YOU GO Get some traveling tips from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

"When you come down here it takes about five minutes to get in the different speed of life," one visitor said. "Everything slows down and it is just very, very relaxing."

Of the Bahamas' 700 islands, only about 36 are inhabited, including Eleuthera. Although direct flights connect many of these to Nassau and Florida's major cities, they remain a lower-key alternative to higher-profile coastal resorts.

"We are not looking to put up the mega-resorts in places like Eleuthera," said Raymond Harrison, manager of the Eleuthera Tourist Office. "We want to maintain the small cottages or smaller-size resorts."

Neighboring Harbour Island, whose colorful houses are reminiscent of a New England town, is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas, and one of the most picturesque.

Visitors have plenty of leisure options there, including boating, fishing, riding bikes or browsing the street-side souvenir stands where they can buy paintings by local artists.

A good place to break for lunch -- or a longer stay -- is the upscale Pink Sands resort.

Colorful houses dot Bay Street on Harbour Island, one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas

"We have guests from all over the world come here. We have a lot of celebrities that come," said co-manager Pamela Berry Brouchier.

The resort has 25 cottages on a lushly landscaped, 18-acre site, many of them right on the ocean.

For another piece of heaven, go north to Abaco, home to the famous candy-striped lighthouse in picturesque Hope Town.

Abaco's largest town is Marsh Harbour, where visitors will find an out-of-the-way resort called Nettie's Different of Abaco. The difference there is the emphasis on ecotourism.

The flamingo is the national bird of the Bahamas

"It's very important, because as I see it, this is the way the world has to go. One has to have respect for the environment," owner Nettie Symonette said. "I found myself living among these birds and animals and whatnot, and then I found that they became like a tremendous closeness to God."

The resort is a sanctuary for many animals, including about 75 species of birds.

Savoring the environment doesn't mean roughing it, though. Guests enjoy a daily buffet of home cooking, with local favorites like roasted wild boar, macaroni and cheese and coconut bread. While the rustic huts are popular with bird watchers, there also are comfortable cabanas on the beach, a pool, and hammocks where guests can simply relax and enjoy the views.

"Most people who come here, they feel it's the most special place in the whole world," Symonette said. "They feel that they're spiritually connected, and they feel that it's a place where you can be at peace with yourself."

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The Islands of the Bahamas: Ministry of Tourism
Nettie's Different of Abaco
Discover the Islands of the Bahamas
CDC Travelers' Health: The Caribbean
U.S. Consular Information Sheet: The Bahamas

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