Travel - International Indian

Traveldemonstrate proper feeding technique. “I’mnot holding the food up for that one,” he jokesas a larger, aggressive iguana scurries over.Even on land, it’s all about waterWhatever your budget, your Exuma landstay will have waternearby.Peace & Plenty in theheart of George Town is aglimpse into the originalisland lifestyle. This laidback,waterside, historichotel is popular withlocals and visitors alike.The pool and the tidywaterfront bar are greathangouts at day’s end.At the impeccablystyled February PointResort Estates, our threebedroom,upscale villa(great for a family)was extravagant andlocated next to theinfinity pool. There aretennis courts and afitness center, too.The development’smarina is perfect for beginning a day ofexploration on the water. Afterward, thedockside Bamboo Bistro is great for an al frescodinner under the stars.Regardless of where you stay, considerrenting a car and exploring on your own. Go tothe island’s west side for sunsets and a look atthe far-reaching shallow water that’s home tothe standout bonefishing Exuma’s known for.We highly recommend heading south toLittle Exuma where you’ll find a fantastic beach:Tropic of Cancer Beach, named for the imaginarylatitudinal line at 23.5 degrees north thatruns through it (and where the sun is directlyoverhead at noon on the summer solstice).There’s a small public parking area and abeach hut. From the hut is an ocean-accesson which a blue line’s been drawn with thecoordinate noted. The hut is courtesy of the“Pirates of the Caribbean” film crew.Further south on the road is popularSantana’s Grill, where Denise “Dee” Rolle Stylesserves conch creations and more island fare ather roadside beach shack. Ask Dee to pull outJunkanoo is a cultural, food and music festival celebrated on BoxingDay (Dec. 26) and New Year’s Day in the Bahamas, with paradesfeaturing lavish costumes, cow bells, drums and whistles. It is sopopular that some islands hold smaller festivals during the summerfor visitors and locals alike. On Great Exuma, Junkanoo isheld on different parts of the island on different weekends. Here,souvenirs and local wares for sale are displayed at a Junkanoo in theBarraterra community (Photo by: Kathy M. Newbern)the photo of her and Johnny Depp.You never know who you’ll run into onExuma, but it won’t be far from some of thebluest, clearest water you’ll ever see.If You’re GoingTo find out more:Visit www.bahamas.com/out-islands/exumas or call1-800-BAHAMAS (1-800-224-2627).Among places tostay:• Sandals EmeraldBay (www.sandals.com/main/emerald/em-home.cfm);• February Point(www.februarypoint.com);• Peace & Plenty(www.peaceandplenty.com);• At Little Exuma,Turtle Rock House is athree-bedroom privatehome for rent right onTropic of Cancer Beach(www.vrbo.com/81288).Food and fun: Two spots to chill out onStocking Island, a short boat ride from GeorgeTown, for local food, music, sun, volleyball,snorkeling and island exploration are Chat‘N’ Chill and Big D’s Conch Spot. Sunday ispig roast day at Chat ‘N’ Chill. Back on GreatExuma, Friday nights the spot called Fish Fryis hopping — a collection of colorful, pastelcoloredshacks by the beach where each servesits own take on an island delicacy while thetunes get turned up and the dominoes fly.Eco-friendly: Exuma Cays Land and Sea Parkis a 176-square-mile nature preserve, the first ofits kind in the world. It encompasses more than20 miles of cays.U.S. based, award-winning travel writers KathyM. Newbern and J.S. Fletcher write about luxury,spas, cruising and romantic destinations worldwidewhen not operating their personalized romance novelcompany, YourNovel.com, where they put you in themiddle of the romance and adventure by starring youin your own book‘‘Peace &Plenty inthe heartof GeorgeTown is aglimpseinto theoriginalislandlifestyle.This laidback,waterside,historichotel ispopularwithlocals andvisitorsalike.‘‘38The International Indian