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Although the Bahamas in many respects have become indistinguishable from its neighbour, the USA, for the traveller seeking seclusion, luxury and vibrancy, the country’s 700 islands and mangrove forests provide a holiday paradise.

Andros

Andros is the wild side of the Bahamas. That is not in the colloquial party sense, but in the sense of dense forests, mythical island dwellers and mangrove wetlands. If you dive, then it is worth noting that Andros is home to the third-longest barrier reef in the world, and is certainly worth visiting. The undeveloped nature of the island's focal points (Red Bay and Somerset Beach) is its real charm.

Cat Island

Cat Island is possibly the least touched by the tourist trade, where the inhabitants still make their living from traditional industries, such as basketry.

The town of New Bight is home to historical sights such the Holy Ebenezer Catholic Church; the Mt Alvernia Hermitage; and also (just north) Armbrister Creek, which - to uncover the secrets of the clear lake, Boiling Hole or to observe the baby sharks and rays swimming nearby - is ideally explored by canoe.

Elbow Cay

Elbow Cay is a place for the nature lover. Home to lizards and feral cats but also a solitary hamlet called Hope Town. The town is most concerned with the effects of tourism, and care has been taken to preserve both the atmosphere and appearance of this, one of the most visited places in the Bahamas.

Local museums - including Wyannie Malone Museum and the Cetacean Museum (devoted to whales) - are worth a visit, as well as the lighthouse that overlooks the town.

Long Island

Possibly the most scenic island of the Bahamas is Long Island, bordered by the Atlantic and littered with shallow bays, banana trees and corn. The main place to go on the island is Stella Maris, which is highly acclaimed for its scuba diving and sport fishing, and the home of great beaches and tide pools. The centre of the island is Salt Pond, which doubles as the commercial base. Again though, culture and history lovers can soak in the atmosphere provided by Cartwright's Caves, Deadman's Cay or travel to the hamlet called Petty’s, home to the Wild Tamarind Pottery Studio.

Nassau

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and has a population of nearly 200,000. It has a hybrid American and Caribbean culture, which gives it an interesting flavour.

History and culture can be explored in full with a visit to Parliament Square and then the Historical Library and Museum.

The Royal Victoria Garden is a wonderful sight to behold, with over 300 varieties of tropical plants. Bay Street is the heart of the shopping district, and a short distance away the remarkable view of the never-completed Queen's Staircase will capture your imagination.

From London to the Bahamas is 8 hours 30 minutes

Average summer (June-September) temperature: 21-29°C.

More information available in Exotic Islands