Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Bimini Bay Bound


Last week, Sara and I had the great fortune to be invited down to visit Bimini Bay Resort in Bimini Bay, Bahamas. We had long had our eyes on the resort as a possible location for destination weddings so we were thrilled to have the chance to see it for ourselves. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed!

After a rather adventurous trip down to Miami (involving sitting on the runway for an hour, nearly missing our connecting flight and making a mad dash through the airport), we joined several other wedding planners and Bimini Bay's fabulous events coordinator, Danielle Dunfee, on a private jet for the thirty minute flight over to Bimini.

Flying in over Bimini's incredibly turquoise waters was breathtaking. The island is only 7 miles long so you can take in the entire island as you approach (and we were close enough to see stingrays swimming in the waters below us)! After landing, we hopped a water taxi to the resort and enjoyed island music on the way over. Even though the weather wasn't as tropical as we'd hoped, just seeing such crystal clear blue water was enough to make me chill out. And the bright colors of the buildings made us feel like we were far away from D.C.!



We had a yummy lunch at the resort's restaurant Sabor (I recommend the cracked conch), then took a tour of the resort. The thing that impressed me the most were the number of options couples have for their wedding.




They can have their ceremony on the beach, in the gazebo looking over the water, in the glass pavilion or even by the reflecting pool. Receptions can be held in the main pool around Sabor, around the infinity pool, in the glass pavilion or even inside Sabor. A wedding dinner for two could even be held in the gazebo! Unlike a lot of outdoor wedding venues, Bimini Bay has really great indoor back-up options so couples don't have to worry about getting rained out.







Although it was too chilly to go swimming or lay out, we did enjoy walking on the beach (and watching an amazing sunset) and Sara even took a run the next morning. The two bedroom suite where we stayed was gorgeous and brand new. The decor is very neutral and Pottery Barn chic, which is refreshing for a Caribbean resort. No cheesy tropical prints in this resort!

Before we left the island the next day, we took a tour via golf cart and saw the house where Hemingway lived and worked on some of his novels as well as a pretty cool wreck washed up on shore. For an island only 7 miles long, it has some interesting history. Lots of shipwrecks and piracy!



We were so sad to leave but the only question is when we'll be back with a wedding. This is the perfect spot for a destination wedding and we can't wait to plan one there!

Laura