THE PERFECT JOURNEY EXISTS
The official start of summer has come and gone. Scenic Escapes Travel spent the Memorial Day holiday in Nassau, Bahamas at Riu Palace Paradise Island. The resort underwent a much-needed renovation about two years ago. Overall, the resort did not disappoint.
We were provided accommodations in the penthouse sea view suite and even Mr. Brown was impressed with the suite and view from the balcony/terrace.
The suite was spacious and well equipped with a minibar, liquor dispenser, air conditioning and coffee machines. The sitting area was a great addition. The television was on a swivel thus, Mr. Brown was able to enjoy the TV from the sitting area while I napped.
The bathroom was equipped with double sinks and two showers both with dual shower heads; one shower also had a full-size bathtub attached.
The only downside to being on the penthouse floor - - if being on the penthouse floor can have a downside - - the elevator. Only one elevator served the penthouse floor but was usable and accessible to all other floors as well. It would have been better if the one elevator that serviced the penthouse floor was a direct and private elevator. #FirstWorldProblems
The specialty restaurants at Riu Hotels are included in the all-inclusive costs. But, Riu does not take reservations for its specialty themed restaurants. I was looking forward to eating at Kulinarium, the newest addition to Riu’s restaurant offerings. Gourmet Kulinarium is a concept based on the fusion of modern and Caribbean cuisine, using mainly local products. And, boy did it not disappoint! I enjoyed the grouper filet while Mr. Brown enjoyed the Nassau Surf and Turf offering (lamb, chicken, and lobster). I have eaten at every restaurant offered by Riu and hands-down, Kulinarium is the best.
My favorite part of the resort was the resort staff. We arrive early and our room was not yet ready. Even though we were able to have full use of the resort facilities while our room was prepared, I was hesitant to leave my luggage and personal items unsecured. Demond, the porter, went out of his way to make me confident that he would secure my luggage. Bartenders, Kellen and Donny, concocted tasty vodka cocktails without added sugary and syrupy additives in deference to my keto needs and never once questioned it. Our housekeeper, Sharleen, maintained our suite without re-arranging all of my toiletries and personal items which I had strategically placed around the suite. She seemed to appear and re-appear like a ghost, moving and working in silence. The resort staff was experienced and focused on making our stay one to remember.
EXCURSIONS
Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting
While in Nassau, we embarked on two excursions. The first tour was promoted as a Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting tour operated by Bahamian Hospitality.
We were expecting to visit a local-approved conch stand on the bay and learn how to prepare authentic Bahamian conch salad from start to finish.
We also expected to see how to remove the conch from its shell, score and slice it, and add other ingredients such as peppers, cucumber, lime, and tomato to make the fresh and spicy dish conch salad, and then taste some for ourselves.
Slim, our driver, transported us to and from the resort. Slim was very entertaining and knowledgeable about the Bahamian islands and its culture and heritage. Although we made the most of the experience, the tour was not as expected or advertised.
Bites of Nassau Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
Our second excursion was everything we wanted and more.
For three hours, we explored Bahamian cuisine and culture on this food and walking tour in Nassau’s historic neighborhood.
We enjoyed tasty food from six venues – including family-owned restaurants and specialty shops; sipped on handcrafted rum cocktails while nibbling on classic conch fritters and Bahamian mac ‘n’ cheese. The food quantities were equivalent to a hearty lunch.
Beyond the bites, we also experienced the rich culture and architecture Nassau had to offer. It was a small-group tour of about 13 people which ensured a personalized experience.
Highlights:
Stop at six Bahamian food venues – plenty of tastings for a full lunch;
Tastings ranging from classic conch fritters to locally sourced artisan jams;
Travel off the beaten path to discover hidden culinary and architectural gems with a local guide;
Small-group tour ensures personal attention from your guide;
Enjoy exclusive privileges from tasting locations including in-store coupons, recipes, and behind the scenes access to local chefs and restaurateurs; and
Excellent photo opportunities at major historical sites and downtown landmarks
THE BAHAMAS IS A GEM
Paradise Island is a wonderful destination where you can spend a well-deserved vacation. You will certainly enjoy the beaches, Nassau, and other tourist attractions. I look forward too many more visits.
Allow yourself to play and enjoy the little yet exquisite moments that make life worth living. Contact Scenic Escapes Travel for your vacation needs. #VacationAwaits #MakeItAScenicEscape
