Just east of Florida's Southern shores lies a charming island in the Bahamas known as Bimini. A member of the Out Islands, the most remote in the Bahamas archipelago of islands, Bimini is a hidden tropical paradise. Legend has it that centuries ago, Juan Ponce de León was lured to Bimini in search of the Fountain of Youth. The wonders of Bimini captured even Ernest Heming-way's heart - his repeated visits and years spent living there inspired various works including Islands in the Stream and To Have and Have Not. Today, the lush island retreat of Bimini Bay Resort is enticing families searching for a relaxing haven to journey to this convenient yet exotic getaway destination.

The waters in and around Bimini are calm and serene, therefore perfect for just about any boat. Bimini Bay Resort features its own fully equipped private marina, which can accommodate boats of all sizes. The full-service marina has 136 floating boat slips and will soon offer dry-dock storage. With its own customs and immigrations office that offers ease of entry into the Bahamas, guests can tie up their boat and quickly get situated. The marina also offers electric power, portable water, washdown water and lighting.

Service, luxury and comfort are the hallmarks of Bimini Bay Resort's accommodations, which offer a choice of 135 vacation rentals comprised of condominiums, loft-like treehouses and single-family homes. The Bahamian-inspired architecture showcases the color palettes reflective of the ocean and flowers native to the island. Painted in tropical hues and accented in white, all units offer views of the Atlantic Ocean and/or Bimini Bay. Exotic massages and body treatments can be performed in the condominium or home, or poolside under a cabana.

Contemporary in design, the Infinity Edge Pool offers magnificent views of the emerald-blue ocean. Equipped with large, plush beds, umbrellas, loungers and tables, the pool also features an adjacent Grille restaurant, which serves exotic island food and beverages such as conch delicacies and frozen cocktails. For fine dining, the resort's Casa Lyon restaurant serves Bahamian-infused culinary creations by world-renowned Chef Kermit Mackey. This elegant stand-alone restaurant has a distinctive Mediterranean design, with natural stone floors and an onyx-top bar, intricately decorated with shells. Open seven days a week, the Casa Lyon overlooks the Caribbean Sea, so guests can enjoy stunning views of the ocean whether dining indoors or al fresco.

Lining the property of the Bimini Bay Resort are five miles of white-sand beaches with giant palapas that provide shade. Although its scenic beaches are Bimini's main attraction, it's the fishing that makes the island known throughout the world. Widely known as not only the "Big Game Fishing Capital of the World" but also the "Bonefish Capital of the World," the island of Bimini has been heralded for its pool of big-game fishing dating back to the early 1920s. While the waters are brimming with grouper, snapper, yellowtail and wahoo, catching marlin and tuna is what draws avid anglers to where the Great Bahamas Bank meets the Gulf Stream. Boats can be chartered at the resort's marina for a more low-key fishing experience or a day spent exploring the waters around the islands. Sunset cruises, sailing trips, diving and snorkeling trips can be coordinated by the marina as well.

Fisherman's Village, the resort's outdoor community located adjacent to the marina, is equipped with unique retailers and markets for convenient shopping. The quaint plaza area will soon be home to even more conveniences for resort living, including a food mart, golf cart rentals, fuel, and a bait and tackle shop.

With its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Bimini Bay Resort offers an intimate charm and premier locale that makes it an ideal family escape to the islands.

At A Glance

LOCATION: Bimini Bay Resort is located just 48 nautical miles east of the Florida Coast. It's a brief 25-minute flight from Fort Lauder-dale/Hollywood International Airport or a 1 1/2-hour boat ride to the marina.
PRICES: Bimini Bay Resort rates range from $250 per night for a studio to $950 per night for a four-bedroom oceanfront home. Marina slip dockage rates are $2.50 per foot; electric (metered) rates are 50 cents per kilowatt and water (metered) rates are 45 cents per gallon.
FOR THE FAMILY: Beautiful beaches and the Infinity Pool are main attractions. There's a children's sandy recreational area, with a playground featuring a jungle gym with slides and climbing structures. Two tennis courts will be built nearby.
CONTACT: 1680 Michigan Ave., Penthouse 5, Miami Beach, FL 33139; (305) 513-0506.