What do Wonder Woman, Gilligan’s Island, James Bond, and the Pirates of the Caribbean movies all have in common? Parts were filmed in the Bahamas where you can explore and expand on the usual tropical beach vacation.
The chain of islands known as the Bahamas is hardly a hidden gem or off-the-beaten-path vacation destination. For decades, it’s been the go-to spot for both Hollywood and even “real” royalty, as well as for sports and music stars and high rollers from around the world.
But we common folk can rub shoulders with the rich and famous at Nassau’s Straw Market or along Paradise Island’s miles of white sand beaches. And with more than 300 days of sunshine annually, the place practically guarantees you a warm respite from our impending cold and snow. It’s no wonder the Bahamas is a movie and TV location favourite.
Lots of celebrities call the Bahamas home, at least part time anyway. And we’re not talking a time-share or even a vacation villa. The Bahamas consists of more than 700 islands and 30 are inhabited. A handful are private islands owned by superstars. Mariah Carey, Eddie Murphy, and Nicolas Cage all own private islands. Johnny Depp bought one (and married Amber Heard there) after filming the Pirates of the Caribbean movies nearby.
But if a private island is not in the budget this year, a trip to Paradise Island might be. What was once known as the original home of Wonder Woman and her sister Drusilla (from the ’70s TV show, of course) is actually where some of the Bahamas’ most exclusive resorts are. There are also some affordable, family-friendly hotels as well.
Paradise Island Hotels:
The most famous guest of the Ocean Club is likely Daniel Craig as James Bond (in Casino Royale). Frankly, I’m not certain an officer in the British Secret Service could swing the $7,950 (and up) per night for Villa #108 (#1085 in the movie). Just west of Ocean Club is the mecca known as Atlantis, with six hotels, 21 restaurants, two beaches, 141-acre waterpark, and marine habitat and adventures.
Aficionados of ’90s TV will recognize Atlantis as the honeymoon destination of Monica and Chandler on Friends. The resort also features prominently in Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s big-screen adventure Holiday in the Sun, as well as in After the Sunset with Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek.
Just across the way from Atlantis is the Comfort Suites Paradise Island. Here, guests enjoy complimentary full access to Atlantis facilities. Saving on accommodation could mean splurging on a meal at Nassau’s five-star Graycliff Hotel, where many Hollywood hotshots plus British aristocracy like the former King Edward VIII and Sir Winston Churchill have enjoyed dinner and cigars. Or perhaps plan a snorkel trip to the Rose Island Reefs. Swim alongside tropical fish and a stunning array of elkhorn coral and have a great view of Sandy Cay, which you might recognize as the “real” Gilligan’s Island.
Don’t Miss in The Bahamas:
Pirates of Nassau Interactive Museum
No Captain Jack Sparrow here! This museum features displays and collections of tableaux that tell (in some cases, quite brutally) the real stories of piracy and famous pirates of the Caribbean. It was a thriving community built around stolen goods and pirates’ treasure. The museum’s mix of history and entertainment allows for a fun couple of hours of learning.
Heritage Museum of the Bahamas
Located in Nassau’s historic Mountbatten House, on display here are more than 1,000 artifacts that tell the story of the Bahamas — beginning with the indigenous Lucayans and on to slavery and piracy, colonialism, whaling, race car driving, and clippings from when the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (the former King Edward and Wallis Simpson) were “banished” to Nassau during World War II. Hope for Miss Morris as your tour guide; she is lovely.
See Also:
- Disney Cruise Stop: Castaway Cay, Bahamas
- Best Disney World Rides for Babies & Toddlers
- Theme Park Guide for Walt Disney World with Babies & Toddlers
- Tips for Visiting Disney World with a Toddler
- Can You Enjoy a Disney Vacation if You Hate Theme Parks?
- North Carolina Travel Guide for Parents
- North Carolina with Kids: Charlotte Motor Speedway Tours
- Cuba: Fast Facts for Families
- Baby Travel Destinations
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