MARSH HARBOUR, Bahamas -- The bartender at the Abaco Beach Resort
and Boat Harbour here gestured around the circular, outdoor bar.
"You come here in March or April and it will be 20 people deep
around this bar," he said. No guests were in sight.
Welcome to the off-season in the Abacos, the island chain known
for its unhurried attitude that gets even slower between September
and mid-December. Many visitors to the Abacos are boaters and
fishing enthusiasts who usually depart for Mexican waters in
September, so it's not uncommon for clients to have the islands'
white-sand beaches to themselves in the fall. This fall, the crowds
were thinner than usual due to the Sept. 11 attacks.
Abaco Beach Resort, which normally runs occupancies between 40% and
60% during the off-season, had levels of 30% in October, according
to general manager John Neophytou. But aside from standard
packages, Neophytou said the resort will not offer special rates to
entice travelers. "We're not big on discounting," he said. "We have
a very good product that we stand behind."
The property completed a $5 million renovation project last year
and recently opened a new fitness room. "The fishing is good here,
but the Abacos are not just for boaters," Neophytou said. "We're
trying to add other activities, such as a children's
playground."
The resort has 72 rooms, four one-bedroom suites and six
two-bedroom cottages. All rooms have balconies offering ocean views
and decor featuring bright blue bedspreads and wicker
furniture.
The resort's 180-slip marina takes center stage during the high
season, when the resort hosts numerous fishing tournaments. Boat
rentals are available for excursions of up to a week. The resort
pays 10% commission.
Visit www.abacobeachresort.com for more information.
Meanwhile, things are quiet on other islands in the Abacos
during the offseason. On nearby Green Turtle Cay, Lynn Johnson,
general manager of the Green Turtle Club and Marina, attributed the
thin crowds travelers' nervousness. But, "those who are familiar
with this place will come because it is close to the U.S.," she
said.
The resort hosts a fishing tournament each summer and its marina
can accommodate boats up to 150 feet long. Its eight villas are
painted in vibrant yellow colors, and its 37 rooms are a blend of
Bahamian and English influences. A two-night package, priced from
$179 per person through Feb. 28, features two dinners, two
breakfasts and a bottle of champagne. Commission is 10%. For
details, call (242) 365-4271 or visit www.greenturtleclub.com.
Clients who prefer small, intimate stays should check out the
Sunset Point Resort. The property has eight rooms, each with a
private deck overlooking Bustick Bay. The Lazy Parrot restaurant
and bar, which serves three meals a day, becomes a hot spot on
Sundays with live music, karaoke and a buffet. Commission is 10%,
along with an agent discount of 10%. Rack rates range from $120 to
$140, double. For information, call (242) 367-5333.