Winter Holiday Events at Valentines Residences Resort and Marina
posted by Valentine Admin on December 15th, 2017
Celebrate the New Year in paradise with Valentines Residences Resort and Marina on Harbour Island in The Bahamas. To usher in 2018, the award-winning resort will be partnering with The Bahamas’ premier entertainment company, Reckless Pirates, to host a “Cultural Invasion” featuring a variety of events throughout the holiday weekend.
The celebration will kick-off Friday, December 29th with a fashion show by Calico Trading Co. from 5 pm-7 pm. A “Reckless Pirates’ Happy Hour and Glow Party” will take place immediately after at 7 pm and will feature live entertainment, games, drink specials and more. The festivities will continue Saturday, December 30th from 5 pm – 8 pm with a “Reckless Pirates Cultural Show” throughout the property, which will include a Junkanoo Rush Out, Reckless Pirates costume launch, live entertainment as well as fire and limbo dancing. On Sunday, December 31st, guests of all ages are invited to participate in a Family Treasure Hunt Party for cash prizes and giveaways. Entrance Fee will be $5 for adults and $3 for children.
On New Year’s Eve night, Valentines will host a “New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner” onsite at The Boathouse restaurant. Beginning at 6 pm, the dinner will offer a Prix Fixe menu featuring a delectable five-course meal and bottle of champagne for two. After dinner, guests will be treated to entertainment provided by The Bahamas’ very own Patrice Murrell from Nassau and fireworks at midnight. Dinner is $250 per person, plus 15% gratuity and 12% VAT.
Capping off the celebration on New Year’s Day will be a “Pirates’ Junkanoo Rush” Event, featuring a Pirates Fun Rush Junkanoo from 4-6 pm, and a Pre-Pirates New Year’s Rush Party at 6 pm with a portion of all proceeds to benefit the local and Government clean-up program and HIAS.
The events are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. To make a reservation for the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, please call 242-333-2142.
ABOUT VALENTINES RESIDENCES RESORT & MARINA
Named best Small Hotel in the Caribbean by Caribbean Journal, Valentines award winning resort is the finest Residence Resort on Harbour Island and well-known for its warm ambiance, spacious accommodations averaging 1000 SF many with full kitchens, a 51-slip full-service sport fishing and yacht marina, and the Island’s famous pink sand beach. To learn more visit http://www.valentinesresort.com or friend them on Facebook. For reservations call (866) 389-6864 or email reservations@valentinesresort.com.
Bahamas Junkanoo
Things to do on Eleuthera with Kids
posted by valentineblog on June 02nd, 2013
Unlike some of its sister islands in the Bahamas, Eleuthera’s lure is its simplicity. There is no big business or contrived attractions. The absence of mini-golf, however, does not mean that there is nothing to do with kids in Eleuthera. There is plenty of adventure on this 100-mile long island…from snorkeling with gorgeous schools of fish to jumping into the 600-foot deep landlocked “Ocean Hole.” Here are some of the top things to do in Eleuthera with kids.
- Snorkeling. The water in Eleuthera is breathtakingly clear. The reefs are abundant and close to shore, and the sand below is pinkish-white, makes for really incredible snorkeling. Throw snorkeling gear into the car wherever you go, as there are new reefs and beaches to explore around every corner.
- Surfing. Eleuthera is one of the only islands in the Bahamas that boasts a decent surf break. The Atlantic side of the Island north of James Cistern offers several excellent beaches for surfing, with Surfer’s Beach and Holiday Beach being the most famous. Look for a surf guide for the best tips, such as Bahamas Adventures.
- Sea Glass Collecting. Surfer’s Beach has more sea glass than one can carry. You will find a huge rainbow of colors, along with beautiful shells (which are best just admired and photographed and left for future travelers to enjoy.
- Rock Sound Ocean Hole. Ocean Hole is a 600-foot deep landlocked hole full of friendly fish that claims to have healing waters. The hole is believed to connect to both the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans through underground tunnels. The fish are very used to being fed, so they swim right up to and all around you.
- Lighthouse Beach. Next continue south all the way to the very tip of the island to one of the best beaches in Eleuthera, Lighthouse Beach. The road to the beach is pretty rough and there is nothing down there, so pack a cooler full of food and snacks and get ready for a wonderful day of snorkeling, boogie boarding and exploring.
- Glass Window Bridge. Just above Gregory Town is the Glass Window Bridge. The man-made bridge that is there today replaced a natural bridge that was destroyed by a hurricane. Eleuthera is only about 1-mile wide, and the Glass Window Bridge is the narrowest point of the island, affording pretty cool views of the deep blue of the Atlantic contrasted with the clear aqua of the Caribbean water. Low tide is the best time to visit Glass Window Bridge.
- The Cow & The Bull. Another interesting land formation on Eleuthera Island is The Cow & The Bull about a mile south of the Glass Window Bridge. There are two large boulders, on one side, the boulder looks like a bull with two cows and on the other side, a bull with one cow. Both sets of boulders overlook the sea on both side, and when the weather is inclement and the wind passes through, the result is a roar that sounds like bulls.
- Hatchet Bay Cave. Just south of Surfer’s Beach is Hatchet Bay Cave. The cave is a mile long and filled with stalagmites and stalactites which will take on the appearance of underground cathedrals in your torch light. Centuries-old graffiti of charcoal signatures line the walls. It’s recommended to tour with a cave guide.
- Kayaking. The water is so clear that you can explore the reef from above as well as below.
Valentines Resort & Marina on Harbour Island is offering a Family Focus Special Offer with any 3 night minimum stay through December 15, 2013.
- Kids Eat Free (12 and under)
- Room upgrade from Junior Suite to One Bedroom Suite (with pull out for kids)
- Kids 12 and under stay free
Go to https://blog.valentinesresort.com/bahamas-vacation-packages.php for more information and reservations.
5 Things To Do In Harbour Island
posted by valentineblog on May 23rd, 2013
By Sherice Major
Although there are 30 more days until the summer season officially kicks off, we’ve already started our summer adventures. Over the weekend, we packed up and sped off into the sunset to Harbour Island, The Bahamas to escape the hustle & bustle of city living in exchange for the deliciousness of the island life.
Briland,’ as it is affectionately called is located three hours away from the capital Nassau [via boat], and is one of the [not so] best kept secrets in The Caribbean! For centuries, the island has attracted the rich & famous, who, in their pursuit of all things major, found one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, the most enchanting architectural structures, the most hospitable islanders, and the most palatable plates this side of town.
If you’re considering a MAJOR getaway here are 5 things you must do in Harbour Island…
- Rent A Golf Cart – Although the island is only approximately 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, you will need to rent yourself a buggy for your stay on the island. Golf carts range from $45-50 ish for a 24 hour period, if you’re a good talker you might get it for a few coins cheaper. Grab a map and go on the ultimate adventure, trust us – you won’t get lost!
- Have Lunch at Sip Sip – Unarguably one of the best spots on the island to grab a bite to eat at lunchtime. The restaurant is off the track most beaten, deep in the cut on Court St. Enjoy a five star meal with an amazing view of Pink Sands Beach.
- Swim – The Briland temperature is always perfect to take a dip in one of the best beaches in the world, Pink Sands. Stroll on three miles plus of nothing but untouched powder pink soft sand. Grab a spot, lay back and inhale the island breeze.
- Take a Cocoa break – Need a pick me upper? Head over to the quaint & quiet Cocoa Coffee House over on Bay St. for a fill up! The boutique coffee shop offers hot or iced Starbucks coffee as well as Lavazza made drinks. Get cozy in one of their chairs, grab a drink and enjoy the view of Valentine’s Marina. For the social influencers, WIFI is readily available!
- Drink & Dine At Valentine’s – Even if you’re not staying at the luxury property, Valentine’s Resort & Marina, you are still able to enjoy all that they have to offer. Head out for a night of fun with the girls and pop into the Rooster Tail Bar for drinks or grab a bite to eat from the Boat House Restaurant. Live entertainment weekly coupled with a view makes it a major must.
Shopping Highlights on Harbour Island
posted by valentineblog on February 25th, 2013
Central to Harbour Island is Dunmore Town. This quaint and friendly community features old Victorian structures adorned with Bahamian colorful pastel paint schemes. No high rise hotels, fast food or traffic jams on this island!
For such a small place, Harbour Island has more than its fair share of sweet boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind fashion and keepsakes.
All ages love the Dilly Dally, located at the main intersection in town, for Bahamamian straw goods, “briland” tees, postcards, and jewelry and ornaments crafted from pink conch shells. (In other words, the irresistible trinkets you buy on holiday and start questioning on the plane ride home.)
India Hicks’ Sugar Mill is the glamorous source for caftans, European finds, and beach gear. Here you will find an eclectic mix of treasures found from India’s travels around the world, everything from a $1,000 embellished evening kaftan to a child’s bucket and spade. The Sugar Mill also is the flagship store for India Hicks Fine Jewelry. At the Blue Rooster on King Street, you’ll find gorgeous sundresses, scarves, and unique sandals.
At the top of Gustie’s Hill you will come across The Sand Dollar Shop. Here you can find many locally made treasures including little bottles of pink sand, which Harbour Island’s beaches are renowned for. You might want to take one home to prove pink sand really does exist.
Even a trip to mini-supermarket The Piggly Wiggly is good fun, just to see what came in on the boat from the mainland that day.
WHERE TO SHOP
- Princess Street Art Gallery
- Straw Market- local souvenirs
- Shell’s & Things Island wear, local crafts
- Miss Mae’s- Refined Tropical Fashion
- Island Treasures Resort wear, collectibles
- Blue Rooster Home décor
- Dilly Dally Artwork , photography and Bahamian music
- Briland Brush- Tea Shop, art and framing
- Down Home Authentic Bahamian crafts
Harbour Island, Bahamas Active Things to Do
posted by valentineblog on January 30th, 2013
Just like its surrounding islands, Harbour Island, Bahamas is a great place to engage in all sorts of water activities, such as fishing, snorkeling, diving, and horseback riding along the beach. If you wish to dive, The Plateau and The Arch, two magnificent coral formations, are must-sees.
Martin “Horseman” Saunders – Horseback riding is done on the Pink Sands Beach only. There are five friendly brown and white horses that eat right out of the palms of your hand.
Byron Bullard Horseback Riding
Community Park & Ball Field – This is the community playground where the schools hold their sports meets, the churches have crusades/revivals, community fairs and other fund-raising events, and other locals play a game of football or soccer.
Lil Shan’s Watersports – Captain Devon “Lil Shan” Stuart offers a number of water sports and equipment rentals, including the following; Jet Ski Rental, Boat Rental/Charters, Kayak Rental, Windsurf/Sunfish Rentals, Wakeboarding/Waterskiing, and Kneeboarding/Tubing.
Valentines Dive Center – The acclaimed Valentines Dive Center offers world-class PADI scuba diving in a resort setting.
Harbour Island’s weather is delightful; especially during late Winter and Spring when there is little chance of rain. Ocean breezes take any edge off of moderately warm temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s during the day and late 60s at night, so always a good time to come and try out these adventures.
The Haunted House on Harbour Island – Eleuthera, Bahamas
posted by valentineblog on January 09th, 2013
While visiting Eleuthera, Bahamas, I decided one day to take the ferry over to Harbour Island. It is a beautiful place and while wandering around, I stumbled upon what is called by the locals, The Haunted House. It was a grand old building and it made me sad to see such majesty gone to ruin. I had to take out my camera and get pictures!
Struck by the beauty of the place, I immediately set about researching it when I got home. Unfortunately, there was not much history to be found. What I did find was that the mansion was built in the Stewart style during the 1940s by a wealthy family (name unknown) who came over with servants to live a life of luxury on the island. Shortly after, the owner either left for medical tests, or the couple had an argument (depending on which story you believe) and the house was left just as it was, with the table set for dinner. Everyone inside the home just vanished.
And there the house sat, stuck in time, until the 1960s when a Greek shipping magnate bought it for one million dollars as a wedding gift for his new wife. The legend goes that she spent exactly a half an hour in it before she came screaming out, convinced there were ghosts and demons inside. The couple left and never returned.
During the 1970s, the locals decided to take over the property and used it for Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties. However, the 80s brought a fire and looters, leaving the house once again, to decay.
Recently, the property has been given a new life as a wedding spot for locals and travelers worldwide. It is lit up with a thousand candles and couples can say their vows at midnight in the eerie ruins.
I did not experience any type of supernatural feeling while I was visiting the haunted house on Harbour Island. What I did experience was a sense of wonder at the beauty surrounding me. I am always amazed at the contrast of beautiful places falling to ruin.
If you ever find yourself on Harbour Island, put the Haunted House on your list of places to see!
Article by Stephanie Stebbins