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If you’ve been searching for incomparable Bahamas weddings, look no further than Stella Maris Resort. Here, we’ll work with you to create that special day you have always dreamed of, whether it’s saying your “I do’s” on the sandy beach or celebrating with friends and family in an intimate reception setting. Our complimentary Bahamas wedding planner can help you choose the right setting to create a uniquely memorable Bahamas weddings. Stella Maris Resort offers:

• Customized Bahamas wedding packages
• Complimentary dedicated wedding planner to help ensure your day goes smoothly

Considering the Bahamas for your family holiday this year? Don’t let the idea of not having a white Christmas stop you from the vacation of a lifetime. When you’re planning a Bahamas Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas or New Year’s vacation, you will be surprised by how much you will still enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

At Stella Maris, we go above and beyond to offer our guests all the comforts of home with the added benefit of warm weather, glistening waters and sandy beaches. By combining your family traditions with the traditions of the Bahamas, you can enjoy an entirely new way to celebrate your holidays.

We make it easy for you and your family to spend time scuba diving, or snorkeling during the day and enjoy having a home-cooked holiday meal dinner in the evening. Just some of the things that makes a Christmas special in the Bahamas includes our:

• Weekly Rum Punch parties
• Junkaroo rhythm beats
• Island games
• Live bands
• Dinner buffets

Also, you can enjoy our year-round island delights which include snorkeling, boat excursions, sun bathing, diving, fishing and much more. We are happy to offer your family a new adventure every single day.

Not sure your family can afford a Bahamas Christmas vacation? Check out the available holiday vacation packages and gift certificates our island resort offers. We want your holidays to be stress-free. What better way to eliminate stress than to live the Bahamas lifestyle? Start planning your Bahamas Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s vacation today. Contact us to let us know how we can help you celebrate.

This one is too good to miss! For a very limited time guests of the resort can take advantage of this special offer from the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

Promotional Offer: Receive a $400 Instant Savings on stays of 6 nights or longer or a $250 Instant Savings on stays of 4 or 5 nights

You must make your reservation by October 24, 2011 Travel Period: December 22, 2011 through and including December 28, 2011 (customer must check out no later than December 29, 2011) to be eligible for this Christmas special offer

Minimum Stay: 4 consecutive nights

Terms & Conditions: The Christmas week special offer must be booked in conjunction with an air-inclusive vacation package, is valid when flying from any city in the USA or Canada, and requires a stay at one of our participating member hotels. The $400 Instant Savings requires a stay of 6 consecutive nights or longer, while the $250 Instant Savings requires a minimum stay of 4 or 5 consecutive nights. Limit one Instant Savings per booked room; up to two rooms allowed per booking. Minimum of double occupancy in the room. Not valid for group bookings.

To take advantage of this special please contact us now.

You can save up to $400 when you dive with Stella Maris, stay 4 nights or longer, and book a 2-tank dive day for two people. This special offer from the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board, and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism may be applied to any 4 night or longer dive vacation. The offer: 4-nights (or more) air/hotel/dive package from USA & Canada to any BOIPB participating hotel = a $300 credit per double room, plus a $50 dive credit per person savings for your purchased vacation package.

Offer Details:

• You must make your reservation by September 30, 2011 to travel now through December 23,2011
• Offer valid for a minimum 4-night or longer air/hotel/dive air-inclusive vacation package (double occupancy) from the continental USA and Canada, at a participating member hotel, minimum double occupancy. •Offer valid at participating BOIPB member hotels only.
• Offer valid for one dive credit per person and requires a minimum 2-tank dive purchase per person.
• Both airline tickets must be purchased on same flight/same itinerary and cannot include voluntary stopovers.
• Not combinable with any other air credit promotions.
• Not valid for purchase of First or Business Class tickets.

Contact us soon to take advantage of this special!

Sport Diver Magazine dropped in for a bit of R&R and diving at Stella Maris. Thank you Keri Wilk for the photo, and thank you Brooke Morton for sharing your experience.

A Quiet Peace

I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about Long Island that is instantly relaxing. I’m standing on my balcony at Stella Maris Resort, noticing how greatly the view varies from what I’ve seen on Nassau and Grand Bahama — no high rises or chain restaurants stand between the glittering Caribbean Sea and me. It’s almost silent here, save for birdsong and the rustle of lizards across dry leaves.

The next morning, we join divemaster Robert Cokley for a day of diving, and again, I feel at peace. We’re not rushed, and instead find time to gawk at what lies beneath the boat. Even the harbors in Long Island are worth noticing, not just for the clear water, but also for the patchwork of undulating Cassiopea jellyfish, a harmless variety that resembles the Queen Anne’s lace flower.

We take our time underwater as well. Cokley takes us first to the MV Comberbach wreck, a 102-foot long British freighter. Right away, we spot a turtle. But as we slowly wind around the structure, our eyes settle on cleaner shrimp, gold spotted moray eels and other finds we would have missed if swimming at any other pace.

As time runs out on the dive clock, we gradually ascend and I realize that I’m grateful that every island moves at a different speed. Rushing around is a must in places like Manhattan, but I believe I’m much better suited to a place like Long Island, where a slow amble is perhaps the best pace to take in all the beauty it offers.

Brooke Morton

Now it’s your turn and the timing is great to take advantage of our 5 or 7 night Sun & Sea Inclusive Package. And Stella Maris Resort Club offers diving for nearly every experience level. Visit us to learn to dive, experience the Bahamas first Shark Reef, and much more. Make your reservation today!