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Paradise Island

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Paradise Island
NameParadise Island
LocationAtlantic Ocean

Paradise Island. A renowned island destination celebrated for its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant casinos, it stands as a premier tourist locale in the Atlantic Ocean. Located near Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, the island is connected to New Providence by a pair of architecturally distinct bridges. Its development from a private retreat to a global hospitality hub is closely tied to the investments of figures like Huntington Hartford and later, the Kerzner empire.

Geography and location

Situated directly north of Nassau harbor, the island is separated from New Providence by the narrow Nassau Harbour. The island's topography features a series of low ridges and coves, with its northern shore facing the open Atlantic Ocean and its southern coast providing calmer waters. Key natural features include the renowned Cabbage Beach along the northern Atlantic coast and the protected Paradise Island Lagoon to the south. The island's eastern end is less developed, with some areas of natural mangrove and coral reef.

History

Originally known as Hog Island, it served as a private retreat for American loyalists and was later used as a smuggling base during Prohibition. Its modern transformation began in the 1960s when A&P heir Huntington Hartford purchased the island, developed the Ocean Club resort, and renamed it. Subsequent pivotal development occurred under South African magnate Sol Kerzner, whose company, Kerzner International, built the massive Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the 1990s, fundamentally altering the island's economy and global profile. The island has also been a site for high-profile events, including the Miss Universe 1992 pageant.

Tourism and attractions

The island is dominated by the Atlantis Paradise Island mega-resort, featuring the iconic Aquaventure water park, the expansive The Dig aquarium, and the Predator Lagoon. Other major properties include the Ocean Club, a Four Seasons resort, and the Baha Mar casino complex on nearby Cable Beach. Attractions extend beyond resorts to include the historic Versailles Gardens and French Cloister, the Marina Village shopping and dining district, and the championship Ocean Club Golf Course designed by Tom Weiskopf. The annual Junkanoo festival is a major cultural draw.

Economy

The economy is overwhelmingly driven by tourism and hospitality, centered on large-scale integrated resorts that combine hotel accommodations, gaming, convention spaces, and entertainment. The Atlantis Paradise Island resort is the largest private employer in The Bahamas. Secondary economic activities include real estate development for luxury condominiums, yacht servicing at the Paradise Island Marina, and retail within resort complexes. The island's economic fortunes are closely linked to airline traffic into Lynden Pindling International Airport and cruise ship arrivals at the Prince George Wharf in Nassau.

Transportation

Primary access is via the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge and the adjacent Paradise Island Bridge, which connect to New Providence. Most visitors arrive through Lynden Pindling International Airport on the mainland, with transfers provided by taxi or private limousine services. On the island, transportation consists mainly of taxis, rental golf carts, and shuttle services operated by the major resorts. Ferry services also operate between the island's marinas and downtown Nassau, while private boat and yacht access is available at the Paradise Island Harbour.

The island has served as a filming location for several James Bond films, most notably as a backdrop in *Thunderball* and *Casino Royale*. It was also featured in the television series CSI: Miami and has been referenced in songs by artists like Kanye West. The lavish resorts, particularly Atlantis Paradise Island, are frequently depicted in travel documentaries and have been used as a setting for episodes of *The Bachelor*. The island's casinos and beaches are a recurring setting in literature within the thriller genre.

Category:Islands of The Bahamas Category:Tourist attractions in The Bahamas