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Tr o p i c a l Ti d b i t s by Sue C Travel
Bahamas bounces back with solar energy plans and new investments
Though there’s still much work to be done to get the islands affected by Hurricane Dorian back to ‘normal’, they are embracing the rebuild as an opportunity to do things differently. One way they are doing that is by looking seriously to solar powered “micro-grids” for energy, in fact the goal is to produce 30% of Bahamas energy from renewable sources by 2030. Royal Caribbean has also taken a keen interest in getting Grand Bahama back on the map quickly and have announced a $300 million investment in Freeport in tandem with
new partner Holistica Destinations. Plans to update and expand the Freeport cruise terminal with a project called Harbour Village will include new visitor attractions including multiple shopping and dining venues, beach areas, excursion opportunities and more. They have also purchased the Grand Lucayan resort on the island and will turn it into a showcase 526-room hotel with a shopping village, spa and wellness center, a massive water and adventure theme park, and a 40,000-square-foot convention center. The new projects are slated to be finished winter of 2022.
The couple took great care to ensure that it was built in the most sustainable manner possible, and by only welcoming families with children over the age of 12, they can ensure it remains a peaceful retreat for those seeking romance. The boutique upscale collection of accommodations includes swanky clubhouse suites and private stand-alone villas, and the island is surrounded by the world’s third largest barrier reef and the greatest number of “blue hole” caves that offer superb diving and snorkeling ops. www.caerulamar.com
New luxury Bahamas hideaway on South Andros
You might have already seen this unique property being built on the pristine Bahamian island of South Andros if you’re a fan of HGTV’s Island of Bryan television series chronicling one couple’s quest to turn an abandoned hotel into a new luxury resort. Now, their dream is a reality with the opening of the Caerula Mar Club, a visionary-driven oasis of sublime tropical escape.