Just back from a relaxing weekend in Bimini. It took longer to drive to the FLL airport and go through security there than the whole process of the flight (via Continental/Gulfstream) which was only 20 minutes in the air and seamless. Then there was the short van ride to the water taxi and the few minute ride across the water (both included in the $5 fee) from South Bimini to North Bimini. And another short ride to the property (another $5). As US currency is at par -- no problems using US dollars nor having to do any currency exchange -- another plus.

Checking in -- also a breeze. Just a note: be sure to pick up the weekly activity sheet so you know when the band will be at the pool or there will be the free wine/cheese reception with music, and any other activities as well as the hours of the restaurants. It's on the counter with other brochures. And if your room rate includes breakfast (as ours did), make sure you get your breakfast certificates at check in, too. (We didn't and they just sent someone from the desk with them while we were eating.)

Another thing -- distances between pool and Casa Lyon (breakfast and dinner restaurant) and reception (and business center with computers; small coffee shop place -- Amici's -- with sandwiches, pizza, and gelato) are farther than you realize when it's hot out. We wound up renting a golf cart the evening of the first day. Very easy to do -- the front desk made all the arrangements and it was delivered right there as we waited. Suggest everyone rent a cart!! We were able to drive right to the water taxi dock on the day we were leaving and as instructed, just left it there with the keys (no security problems on island!).

The room -- we had a 1 bedroom condo. It was huge -- full kitchen, washer/dryer, 2 TV's ,large bathroom with tub-shower, and two sinks on the vanity, nice size closets with lots of hangers, huge king size bed. Loved the ice maker in the freezer. Very open, airy, clean, nicely decorated.

The pool area had plenty of chairs -- it wasn't very busy when we were there. They have these big oval sofa seats big enough for 2 people..but get an umbrella for shade -- the sun is hot. Infinity pool is gorgeous and looks just like the pictures. Very clean water and quite refreshing. Gorgeous view of the ocean. The massage by the pool (ask for Donna?) was gloriously wonderful.

The food -- we ate lunch at the pool grill one day. Had a burger and a grilled fish sandwich -- both came with fries. Decent. Standard "island" pricing. Also tried their pina coladas -- nice and coconutty flavor and mixed well. We ate lunch at the take out restaurant by reception (Amici's) the second day -- we had tried to eat in town, but the place we wanted to go to was closed. Shared a panini sandwich of ham, cheese, and sundried tomatoes. It came with sun chips. Pretty decent. Pizzas looked good too. For dinner -- we ate both nights on property at Casa Lyon. First night I had the signature salad (highly recommend! Has bacon, candied walnuts, mixed greens, and had the balsamic vinaigrette), and for an entree had the fettucini with cracked conch. It normally comes Alfredo style but I asked for it without the cream cheese sauce. They did it with a light butter and herbs -- cooked perfectly al dente -- and then it was topped with the lightly breaded strips of conch. Very nice. My husband ate the steamed grouper -- which is fish in a tomato sauce with peppers and onions. We spiced each dish up with a bit of salt and tobasco sauce. We were there during their free wine and cheese reception so my husband was able to get a couple of glasses of wine gratis. Second night my husband had the pasta alfredo and I tried the minced lobster on rice (this is shredded pieces of lobster in a tomato sauce over a mound of rice; again it needed a bit of spice for me -- I doctored it with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of hot sauce -- but still good to begin with and a nice portion size).

Oh -- and breakfast was included so you could have anything on the menu. Large/nice selection. Would highly recommend the Bimini Bread french toast; good grits, too.

We don't fish or dive, but we enjoyed relaxing by the pool the first day; enjoyed the entertainment and dinner at the restaurant the first night; Tooled around town in our golf cart exploring during the second morning -- browsed at the markets; And spent the afternoon back at the pool (me that great massage, too) reading and sunning, as well as swimming. The band was playing out by the pool for several hours in the afternoon -- you'll recognize the songs -- reggae, calypso, etc..

All in all a pretty good trip.

They're still constructing...and in a year or so when all the shops are in, the golf course done, the casino (?) built and what not..you probably won't be able to get in. So my suggestion, if you're easy going (think Bahama time) and looking for a restful vacation -- not much to do (of course you can go diving, or fishing, or swim with the dolphins, etc.) except be lazy by the pool -- then go now!

We went to Bimini in October 2007. If you have traveled a lot you have to keep in mind this is a place to relax, fish, dive, and relax. Not the type of place that keeps you busy. The best place to stay if you are not staying on your boat is the Bimini Bay Resort and Casino. The casino is not up and running yet. The place has all the amenities of home along with a water purification plant on location. One Really good restaurant, another that is at the pool bar, and other things are still being built. This will be THE PLACE to stay. Allthough there is lots of controversy about this place(ruining the ecosystem etc) You be the judge. I know any other resort, building etc has not gone under as much scuitinty as this place, so they have been extra careful.

As far as a place to stay everyone there was helpful, nice, accomidating. The place was very clean, well stocked, plenty of towels, etc.
When you buy things they are expensive since everything is imported. Our beer was $50 a case and coke $25
The place is So relaxing it is worth it.
Hope this helps
Angel