From Here to There: Paradise Island isn't a gamble for a getaway

Getting there

* American Airlines leaves Southwest International Airport and arrives in Nassau with a stop in Miami for slightly less than $300.

* You can fly non stop to Nassau from Miami on American Airlines or Continental. Prices vary, but American has an Internet special of $99 roundtrip very frequently.

* Chalk's Ocean Airways, this is a seaplane, departs from Fort Lauderdale International Airport and lands in the water before taxing onto their airstrip right on Paradise Island for under $200 roundtrip. This mode of travel will put a little adventure into your getaway and save you the taxi fare from Nassau.

Accommodations

* Atlantis, Casino Drive, (800) 321-3000, is a large property with shopping, several restaurants, aquariums and the largest casino in the Bahamas. Once here you don't have to leave, but it is quite large and seems to be growing bigger by the day.

* Breezes Bahamas, W. Bay St., Paradise Island, (800) 859-7873, is an all-inclusive Super Club property. The rate includes lodging, food, beverages, activities, entertainment and taxes and gratuities for those 16 and older.

* Clarion Resort, S. Ocean Drive, Paradise Island, (800) 252-7466, is on the beach and has two pools, a golf course, four tennis courts and three restaurants.

* Club Med, Casuarina Drive, (800) 258-2633, is an all inclusive property that has 18 tennis courts, 2 pools, a gym, beach sports that include snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing. Once here you do not leave, because all meals, sports and entertainment is included.

* Comfort Suites, casino Drive, (800) 228-5150, gives you Paradise Island at moderate prices. You can use the pool, beach, health spa and tennis of the Atlantis, which is across the street, or stay at your own pool on the property. All rooms have a sitting area with a sofa bed.

* Ocean Club Golf and Tennis Resort, Ocean Club Drive, (800) 321-3000, is the ultimate on Paradise Island and luxury by anyone's standard. It is quiet, understated and elegant. The property has two restaurants, tennis courts, a pool, health club, spa and all beach sports. You also have golf privileges when you stay here.

* Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa, W. Bay Street, (800) 726-3257, is a couples only resort with eight restaurants, a spa, two tennis courts, five pools, and all beach and water sports.

* Sheraton Grand, Casino Drive, (800) 325-3535, is next door to the Atlantis. This is a quieter property than its neighbor and all rooms have a water view. The hotel has a health club, dive shop, pool, tennis and all the beach and water sports you will ever need.

Restaurants

* Androsia Steak & Seafood Restaurant, W. Bay St., enjoy the specialty of the house, peppersteak au Paris, for dinner at this elegant restaurant. This restaurant also have very good local seafood. Closed for lunch.

* Anthony's Caribbean Grill, Paradise Village Shopping Center, gives you Caribbean flavors when you order the Caribbean flavors of the Junkanoo steak, pasta rasta or Exuma chicken. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

* Bahamian Club is located in the Atlantis and has a men's club feeling. Steak and chops are the specialty in this dinner only restaurant.

* Blue Lagoon at Club Land'Or, overlooks the harbor near the bridge and serves lunch and dinner. Enjoy conch fritters or salad, grouper and snapper at this mainly seafood restaurant.

* Caf Johnny Canoe, W. Bay St., has a small Junkanoo show on Friday evenings and serves Bahamian food as well as chicken and burgers. Don't forget to get a piece of the rum cake for dessert.

* Columbus Tavern, Paradise Island Drive, overlooks Nassau Harbour and serves mostly seafood. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a view.

* Courtyard Terrace at Ocean Club, Ocean Club Drive, continental food is served with a calypso combo serenading the diners. Dine outdoors or inside.

* Mama Loos, Atlantis Hotel, serves Chinese food and exotic drinks, but is open for dinner only.

* Villa D'Este, Atlantis Hotel, is the place for Italian food on the Island. Northern Italian cuisine is served for dinner only.

Activities

If you can tear yourself away from the beach and just relax you can go parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, have a dolphin encounter, go on a catamaran cruise, horseback ride or take a tour. Most hotels can arrange any of the activities for you, and most have them available right on the property, but listed are some tour operators.

* Island Tours, (242) 327-0504.

* Dolphin Encounters, (242) 363-1003.

* Flying Cloud Catamaran Cruise, located at the Paradise Island ferry dock, (242) 363-4430.

* Island Helicopters, Paradise Island Heliport, (242) 363-4016.

* Runaway Superboat Safari, (242) 327-2364.

* Carriage Tours, (242) 326-9781.

Sightseeing

* Ardastra Gardens and Conservation Centre, Chippingham Road, Nassau, the flamingos give a performance at 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. every day. You will see rare tropical birds in over 5 acres of greenery. Admission is $12 and hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* The Retreat, Village Road, Nassau, has more than 150 species of palm trees on 11 acres and is the headquarters of the Bahamas National Trust. Admission is $2 and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

* Balcony House, Market Street and Trinity Place, Nassau, is the oldest wooden residential structure in Nassau. Admission is by donation from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday and Saturday.

Shopping

* Straw Market, Bay St., Nassau, you can buy all the straw hats, bags, baskets, mats, and dolls you will need as souvenirs right here. Bargaining is accepted and expected.

* International Bazaar, Bay St., Nassau, further east than the Straw Market you will find a variety of shops that sell souvenirs and fun items.

* Crystal Court, Atlantis, Paradise Island, has designer shops that include Cartier, Faconnable, Gucci, John Bull, Ferragamo and more.

* Bay Street, Nassau, is where you will find Fendi, Gucci and other designer stores.

If you can't get into a shopping mode you purchase whatever you want tax free at the airport before your plane departs.

Paradise Island is the place to rest, regroup and relax to gear up for the holidays and the months after. Try your luck at the tables, slots and blackjack, but don't forget the beach is waiting and the sun will be shining in the morning.