camping bay area Throughout the Christmas and New Year s holidays, at the height of the Bahamian tourist season, Junk

Throughout the Christmas and New Year s holidays, at the height of the Bahamian tourist season, Junkanoo a spirited, Mardi Gras-style celebration born of slavery explodes across the islands, but nowhere is it quite as exciting as in Nassau.

The Mansions. This is a private condominium complex, quite upscale, where you can, if you re lucky, rent direct from an owner. camping bay area The minimum stay is one week. Not a family-oriented destination: no children under 12. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, BWI,

fishing, 39-45; the Abacos, 44, 141, 143, 161-165; the Acklins, 258; Andros, 189, 195, 196-197; Behring camping bay area Point, 203; Berry Islands, camping bay area 262, 263-264; Bimini, 39, 43, 44, 205, 206, 208-209; blue-water, camping bay area 40-42; Boat Harbour, 44; Chub Cay, 44; camps, 197, 203; Cargill Creek, 203; Conch Bar, 344; Crooked Island 258; Eleuthera, 227; the Exumas, 237, 249-251; Fernandez Bay, 275; George Town, 254, 255; Grand Bahama, 127; Great Abaco, 160; Great Guana Cay, 157, 182; guides, 44, 359-361; Harbour Island, 235; Hawk s Nest, 274; licenses, 45; Little Exuma, 245; Little Inagua, 276; Long Island, 291; Marsh Harbour, 184; Nassau, 60; New Providence, 55; North Caicos, 338, 339; Out Islands, camping bay area 7-8; packages, 44, 162-164, 209-210, 250; Providenciales, 322; South Caicos, 345, 347; Staniel Cay, 242; Stella Maris, 293; tournaments, 44-45, 162, 185, 210, 250; Treasure Cay, 44, 185-186, Turks & Caicos, 314; Walker s Cay, 44, 158, 186

Turtle Cove Inn. Now we re moving on to the less expensive opportunities. This is a two-story hotel built around a large, freshwater swimming pool. It s rather a simple affair, but clean and inviting. The rooms are comfortably furnished and provide views over either the pool or the marina, which is just a few yards away. All rooms are air-conditioned, and the bathrooms, though adequate, are a little on the small side. Poolside, you ll find the Tiki Hut Cabana and Grill. The other on-site restaurant is the Terrace, but it s open only for dinner; reservations are recommended. No beach, I m afraid, but a shuttle runs throughout the day between the hotel and the beach. Inexpensive and recommended. Turtle Cove Marina, Suzie Turn Rd., Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 800-887-0477; www.provo.net/turtlecoveinn. EP $142.