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As a first generation British-Caribbean teenager, travelling to my mothers homeland was always going to be daunting. My mother came to the UK from the Bahamas in 1974 when she was barely a teenager herself and since has not returned to the island. Although never having visited myself I felt the presence of the place through stories from my family in the UK. When you mention the Bahamas, a white-beached tax haven springs to mind, full of quiet idyllic beaches-the epitome of holiday paradise. However there is a second face to the Bahamas. The island is not a stagnant package holiday destination but instead is teeming with life; full of unique and welcoming people sharing the rich history of the place itself. The Bahamas became independent in 1973, later than many realise- and the remnants of the British Empire remain dotted around the land like imperial spectres. Due to this the island is in the process of creating itself again, finding an identity separate from British reign. During our trip I was treated to the sites of my mothers childhood- her home, her school, and the International Bazaar in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Once a busy and exciting shopping centre the site now sits in disuse: as with the withdrawal of the British much of the island’s infrastructure left too. Parts of this island feel like a real-life Atlantis: a sense of the many citizens who used to live there remains; acting as a palpable reminder of the affect of colonial rule. Of course it is not only history and culture that the island is known for, there is also the opportunity to experience gorgeous wildlife in a natural setting. We visited the dolphin sanctuary on Grand Bahama where you can experience these wonderful animals in their own environment. The set up of the cove means the dolphins are free to swim into open water at any time, yet since all are rescues, they are also tolerant of humans allowing you to dive and play with them in intimate proximity. The sanctuary offers a welcome alternative to the usual overworked, mistreated animals you find in other destinations- and importantly, is run the people of the island themselves. This is one of the most striking aspects of the island itself, that the businesses, hotels, and shops are mostly run by Bahamian people who truly care about their country and its future. Maybe this is what kept the country alive in my mother’s stories nearly 40 years after she left. Wherever you visit has a personal experience to it. I remember visiting one restaurant and being ushered out onto the patio outside to help feed the leftover fish to baby sharks below- purely because we were the last one lefts at the end of service. The experience was as fantastical as it sounds. You’ll find that after leaving the Bahamas even you will question whether you really saw what you saw. Which brings me to the swimming pigs. Thanks to the work of many social media influencers the swimming pigs have become an Instagram sensation- and of course this is good for bringing in revenue to the island. However one word of advice if you do seek them out; just like any other wild animal the pigs are protective of their territory- be careful of going near to the piglets and don’t be surprised of the excrement smell puts a small dampener on the gorgeous surroundings you are in. This country I can recommend to anyone; with a personal relationship to it or not. If you are looking for an intimate holiday with people who truly care about your stay- and giving you the best memories you can, visit the Bahamas. I have barely mentioned the landscape because there are no words to explain it better than a quick google image search can show- endless, perfect beaches, coupled with a clear warm sea. Unlike many other destinations, such as Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh island, Thailand- the beaches have not been ravaged by over-tourism and so maintain their serene reputation. The Bahamas is truly the multi-faceted paradise it appears: magical, evolving, perfect.