Destination: The Grand Bahamas, Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort

A whirl wind adventure to the Caribbean for pennies on the dollar! Last week I had no plans to be whisked away to a luxury resort in the Bahamas. Now I sit on Vision Airlines premier flight from Richmond, VA enroute to be “Wined and Dined and dived!”

This is one of the advantages of being a PADI Pro, something lovingly known as the “FAM Trip” (Did I mention we have a GoPro night scheduled 30 November?). “FAM” for familiarization trips are where Dive locations, Airlines, Ministry of Tourism’s team up to educate Travel brokers and Dive Shops on the advantages of planning trips to their locations. It’s typically a great deal and an outstanding way to get first hand information on potential new travel locations.

This morning I rose early (4AM) and traveled to Richmond Airport. I had never flown from that airport and I have to say, “Not Bad.” Vision Airlines begins its direct flight from Richmond to Freeport in November, so today was a test run as well. (I guess we were already on Island time!) No worries as they checked us in to our hotel (Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort) while we waited we had plenty of time for a nice breakfast. Full plane, free drinks…so far so good.

Flight is away, the party atmosphere continues.  The Bahamanian Ambassador flew with us and welcomed us to his Island.  (<2 hr flight direct from Richmond on Vision Air - Sweet!) A quick bus ride to the resort and a grand welcome to the Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort.  Free Bahama Mommas are flowing and a small trade show is inside.  As soon as I am recognized as a Diver I am whisked away across the street to the UNEXSO Dive operation.  Here I am informed that the boat will be leaving shortly, and we are off to a Shark Dive at "Shark Junction!"

We line up and the show begins.  I don't want to ruin the story...you'll need to experience it yourself!  A short boat ride back and lunch is waiting for me. I chat with other divers eating lunch and then off to get ready for the evening festivities.

The Evening party began at 6PM.  Conch in many dishes, open bar, dancing music and a parade! About 9PM the party moves to the Casino and goes on to the wee hours of the night.  Absolutely fabulous!

A full day of tours the next day, including Stuart's Coves new location at the West End and back to the airport!  Bags already there!  They had free Bahama Mammas again and we fly home when the plane is loaded!  Yahoo!  What a great time, what a great dive location with tons to do and what a friendly island!

I'm in for another Grand Bahama!