Exchange to Paradise Island Beach Club

Par Island Beach Club (PIBC) is the only timeshare on Rar Island right on the beach. Twelve of the 44 units border the ocean with spectacular views and tranquility. PIBC reciprocates with Harbor Club, an RCI Gold Crown Resort for several years running. This provides access to the marina on the channel separating Par Island from Nassau. Free water taxi to Nassau is offered.

PIBC snack bar is adequate. Full dining is at Atlantis Resort (very expensive) and at Blue Lagoon restaurant (Club Land'or), which is a better value. Other restaurants are in Nassau.

The main attraction at PIBC is the beach, with all water sports.

Prices on Par Island are on the high side and taxi fares, including airport transfers and taxes, are hidden costs.

Quick Tips:

Visit the Atlantis Resort (less than a mile walk down the beach or complimentary shuttle on Par Island Blvd. for the casino). It is a spectacular site and the aquarium is well worth the for non-guests. Otherwise, Atlantis is overpriced.

Golf at Ocean Club, designed by Tom Weiskopf - very spectacular but expensive unless you stay at Atlantis of Ocean Club Resort. In any case, negotiate the best deal of which there appear to be many.

Shop for groceries at the Winn Dixie shopping center in Nassau. Group taxi rates are available at PIBC

Best Way To Get Around:

Be prepared to walk a lot on and off the beach or else you will pay a lot for taxi fares. Alternatives include water taxi to Nassau (free for PIBC guests) and free Atlantis shuttle van for casino players - they're pretty generous with this service.

Paradise Island Beach Club (PIBC) was opened in 1984 by Peter Kugler. From 1984 until the mid 90s, 89% of the weeks were owner-occupied. Since the late 90s PIBC has declined a bit. Everything is functional but a bit tired. Marriott Vacations ceased operating PIBC at the end of 2002. The resort is now managed by Tibor and Rebecca Saddler, who are collaborating with Mr. Kugler to update the resort. Their management company is called Vacation in Paradise and they also operate the Harbor Club on Paradise Island, a perrenial RCI Gold Crown Resort.

PIBC consists of 44 two-bedroom, two-bath units which sleep 4 privately. Six would be crowded, but otherwise there is plenty of space. A full-kitchen allows option of eating meals in versus "on the local economy" and can reduce total vacation costs considerably. There are also barbecue grills on the property for use by guests.

PIBC has two pools, a snack bar, a laundry, a mini-mart (very expensive), a rec room (needs updating), an exercise room (needs updating), bicycles for use, and fishing equipment for use.

If possible request units facing the ocean, e.g. units 10,11 amd 12 in the building where we stayed.

Outstanding lounge separate from the restaurant. Lounge has happy hour and great tropical drinks. Entertainment after 8pm. Restaurant has terrific ambiance, excellent service, and a great menu. Wine list is pricey, so we skipped that. Entrees were all excellent, from a varied menu with "catch of the day" and other specials. The best restaurant we've been to in all the Bahamas.