Bahamas Hotels Making Big Pitch for Seniors

Several resort hotels in the British Commonwealth nation of the Bahamas are extending a welcome to mature travelers by offering discount incentives.

The Bahamas, which lie off the coast of Florida, are made up of 700 islands, with the capital city, Nassau, located just 50 miles from Miami. All of the participating hotels are in Nassau.

The cost of getting to Miami can be alleviated through use of the senior discount coupons offered by every major U.S. air carrier. The coupons provide cross-country travel at an affordable average of less than $100 each way. Contact any travel agent or airline office for details on the senior airline discount coupon program.

The Bahamas is famous for year-round sunshine and every kind of water sport adjacent to miles of white, sandy beaches. There are family restaurants or gourmet dining, casino gambling and other typical resort diversions.

Bahamian hotels that are offering discounts include:

--Casuarinas of Cable Beach. Family-run apartment-hotel with two pools and two restaurants, and free jitney to downtown Nassau. High-season rates of $95 and off-season of $75 per room are reduced by 25% for members of AARP or other recognized senior organizations. Price includes daily continental breakfast. Major U.S. holidays excluded. To obtain this discount, reservations must be booked directly with the hotel. Contact Casuarinas of Cable Beach, P.O. Box N-4016, Nassau, Bahamas, (800) 327-3012.

--Harbour Cove Hotel. On Paradise Island overlooking Nassau Harbor. Bingo games, volleyball, table tennis, walking and jogging tours are included in rates. Regular double room rates range from $125 to $165 per day, depending on location in hotel. Travelers over 65 receive a 25% discount Sunday through Thursday, 10% Friday and Saturday. Contact Harbour Cove Hotel, P.O. Box SS-6249, Nassau, Bahamas, (800) 363-2561.

--Comfort Suites Paradise Island. The Prime Time Program offers a 10% discount to AARP members, United Airlines Silver Wings Travel Club members and other travelers over 60 upon proof of age. This discount is valid year-round. Comfort Suites Senior Saver Program provides for a 30% discount off published rates, and is limited to slower periods of the year, beginning after Labor Day and continuing through November. Low-season rates before senior discounts run from $110 to $165 per room per night, high season from $149 to $199. Prices include daily continental breakfast. Contact Comfort Suites, P.O. Box SS 6202, Nassau, Bahamas, (800) 228-5150.

--Nassau Beach Resort Club. Offers 25% off published rates for seniors over 60. Discount applies to both high and low seasons. During high season (until April 13), rates before and after discount are $190 and $143 for a luxury room. Low season (April 14 to Dec. 21), $135/$101. Standard and deluxe categories are less expensive. Discounts also apply to suites. Additional charges include daily maid gratuity, luggage handling and room tax. Resort features include complimentary evening cocktail hour with snacks, free use of non-motorized water sports equipment, exercise club with equipment, tennis club, children’s clubhouse. Contact Nassau Beach Resort Club, P.O. Box N7756, Nassau, Bahamas, (800) 223-4140.

Note: U.S. postal rates to the Bahamas are 50 cents per half-ounce.

For general information on the Bahamas, contact the Bahamas News Bureau, 666 3rd Ave., New York 10017, (800) 327-0787.

The National Registration for Study Abroad has published its 1992 New Horizons newsletter listing all of its worldwide study programs, which include study of crafts, art, foreign languages, cultures and literature. An NRCSA survey has shown that retired or semi-retired seniors have grown to include more than 20% of its registration, with some participants 90 years old.

NRCSA is a consortium of 86 universities, foreign language institutes, adult education colleges and activity centers in 16 countries. Study programs vary in length from one week to a year. Countries participating in the program include Argentina, Austria, Britain, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Guatemala, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and Venezuela.

Costs for participation in the program vary widely and are dependent on the country of choice, course of study, length of stay, living and dining accommodations and other factors.

For current information on 1992 programs, send a self-addressed stamped envelope (58 cents postage) to NRCSA, P.O. Box 1993, Milwaukee, Wis. 53201.