Paradise Island

Then it was off to the Straw Market– something I was really excited about. Zach, not so much. (There’s also the Bahamas Craft Center. They sell the same things. Don’t waste your time, like I did, going to both.  I thought the better of the two was the straw market.)

 In my natural habitat.

We selected a traditional Bahamian basket for our girl. With Elmo on the front and her name on the back, which the designer cranked out in under a minute.

Bimini Road in Marina Village has live music in the evenings. Even if you don’t eat there, go for a walk after your own dinner and/or grab a cone at Ben & Jerry’s or candy at Oh Sugar and stop to listen.

The hidden gem of the resort? Sea Glass. It’s a one-stop snack shop, bar, lounge but no one is ever there (probably because the pool is so stunning and there’s so much else to do there). We loved to order a drink at the bar and go sit out on the comfy couches nestled in the leaves, perched among the jungle.

You chose swimming with the dolphins so swim we did. Full disclosure, I’d done it once before when I was 10 in Key West and actually remember it vividly. But when you have the option to go again, you go again. Plus, it was Zach’s first and to see it through his eyes was worth it. They’re such incredible creatures. So gentle, fun-loving and smart. We had a blast with them.

Sasha was a 28-year-old “grandma”, (Made me feel great turning 36!) and a “diva”, according to the staff. She apparently does her own thing, in her own way, on her own time. I know nothing about that! 😉

I thought she was a delight. I will absolutely bring my girl back in a few years to meet their girls!