Setbacks in the Bahamas: Baha Mar Saga Continues

With 48 hours to go before their long-heralded grand opening, Baha Mar has pulled the plug on the 'open' sign and has announced a delay of another 2 months.

Baha Mar has been billed as the "Riviera of the Caribbean" and is a 5star resort on Cable Beach in The Bahamas.

The lesson in this will be how it blows up on them in the social media, in the next 5 days.  It appears the announcement was made on Facebook. They have not yet made any reference to the delay on their website and are, in fact still inviting bookings. This, is a big mistake.

I feel terrible for their marketing team. It is indeed THE golden rule of marketing in this modern age. DO NOT HYPE WHAT YOU CAN NOT DELIVER.   And that is exactly what they have done, for months.

Since I have a deep love for The Bahamas, and have been following this project for about 2 years, I really hope they are able to make it work and come to terms with their suppliers and construction team in order to see the project through to opening. To see a project crumble, when it is so very close to achieving its goal would be absolutely devastating for the island and its economy.

Lots to read on this subject. Much of it is quite frightening. The politics and the money tied into the project is beyond my comprehension.

Jilted travellers with Spring Break plans will no doubt be knocking on the door at Atlantis in hopes of salvaging their vacation. This might just be what the Marriott's recent acquisition (Atlantis Hotel & Casino) needs to bolster their bottom line and keep on top of travellers' lists in The Bahamas.

Booking Atlantis - Great Deals on Now!

Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island, in the Bahamas is having their President's Sale. There are several options and packages available right through to the end of 2014.

They are offering incentives like a $250 airfare rebate, or resort credit. Low rates on their rooms as well. Keep in mind that there are several classes and locations available in the same resort complex. In ascending order of expense and luxury are: Beach Tower, Coral Tower, Royal Tower, Reef & Cove.

We have been to Atlantis a couple times and it is definitely my happy place. Though, you have limited beach/ocean access there are about a dozen pools, waterslides, a lazy river and so much more. There is something at Atlantis for every age, ambition and pocket book. Atlantis is simply amazing.

I have been there in July, August and October. Keep in mind the fall is hurricane season, but you will find the same all across the Caribbean and coast.

Both Westjet and Air Canada offer great flights to Nassau. The airport there is outstanding! Life is good in the Bahamas!

If you have any questions about Atlantis, or Nassau, I'd be more than happy to reply to your comments.

Their iconic waterslide. 

My favourite view.

The lazy river & some random waving at me! 

The cabana area at The Cove

Comparing the Bahamas

Here's a bargain if you can go in the next 5 weeks. Sure, the weather here at home is still nice, but it's not BAHAMAS nice!

The hotel is the Wyndham. I've stayed at the twin sister Sheraton on the same 1/2 mile stretch of beach. (Cable Beach and it is seriously gorgeous!) I've even wandered thru the Wyndham but I have never stayed in the rooms. The Sheraton Cable Beach is amazing and I would stay there again in a heartbeat. It is about 10% more expensive than the Wyndham here on average.

For comparison, I searched the same week and destination for each of the next 5 months. All are Westjet packages and are the same flights. So... apples to apples.  As always, I recommend NOT making a decision on price alone. Do check the recent Trip Advisor reports on the destination and specific hotel BEFORE you book.

Typically the price in the 5star column for the Bahamas is Atlantis Resort. Which, as you know, is my favourite place on earth.