Monthly Archives: June 2014

The Domestic Tourist

BTC goes on island adventure with Domestic Tourist

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Iconic Long Island attractions take centre stage in a new television commercial thanks to a partnership between the leading island hopping travel blog, The Domestic Tourist, and the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

BTC signed Noelle Khalila, the Domestic Tourist as the newest brand talent for promoting its internet service last week. Noelle Khalila will be featured in ads for the company’s ongoing BTC Everyday brand campaign.

The new commercial features some of Long Island’s most distinctive treasures, highlighting the simple and free fun that makes island life so appealing. Children at play by the Salt Pond dock, where hundreds usually congregate for the annual Long Island Regatta, finding amusement by daring each other to jump off the dock and goading strange travellers to join the fun.

“On the Domestic Tourist Facebook page we plan to run a fun giveaway around naming these iconic locations, so we hope our fans stay tuned,” said Noelle Khalila.

The world renowned Dean’s Blue Hole makes the cut, with Noelle Khalila plunging from its 30 foot cliffs. Sandy Cay Beach is also featured, along with its native residents, protected Bahamian rock iguanas.

“BTC’s message – every island, every connection, everyday – was something I could align myself to, because the Domestic Tourist is about discovering, exploring and sharing island experiences across the Islands of The Bahamas all the time. I am promoting a lifestyle of self- discovery through travel, of life enjoyment through trying new things. I sum it up best by saying, live better, travel more. The Bahamas happens to be a playground for all of that to take place and I am blessed to showcase the faces of the islands many people do not know,” said Noelle Khalila.

“As an online brand we rely on BTC’s Internet services everyday, so it is only natural they would see value in an endorsement by The Domestic Tourist. We use their products in a way that is fresh, fun, exciting and innovative, plus it serves a broader national development interest. I believe the relationship has a lot of potential, so hopefully it will be maximised,” she said.

Full time island-hopping is quite an undertaking, and producing digital content to go along with those travels is no easy feat. It is an important job made possible through technology.

“We can’t live in a country selling travel to tourists and not enjoy the pleasure ourselves. We hope to continue inspiring our readers, motivating them to go on their own island adventures. We are always open to mutual collaborations to help us achieve that objective,” said Noelle Khalila.

Readers can follow the Domestic Tourist on Twitter @explorebahamas, on Instagram and Facebook and at the website http://www.domestictourist.com.

Read BTC goes on island adventure with Domestic Tourist on The Domestic Tourist.

This article was originally published on The Domestic Tourist

The Domestic Tourist

All you need to know about Sapphire Hole: Belly flops sting

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In case you wondered, belly flops sting, and they bruise. I know this because I over rotated on a front somersault and belly flopped in Sapphire Hole, my favourite blue hole in North Eleuthera.

Tucked inside the bushes of Northern Eleuthera, a few feet off an unnamed track road, is a blue hole with unmatched water visibility. You will not find Sapphire Hole on tourist maps, even though less than five minutes down the road sits the most historically significant natural attraction in Eleuthera, Preacher’s Cave.

The significance of its depth is not below the water. Light penetrates the salty pool illuminating the bottom. The perimeter walls, however, stand about 20 feet around the entire circumference. In other words, cannot be afraid of heights and fully enjoy this natural attraction.

I attempted the daring flip because more than 10 years ago I used to be a gymnast. Every now and then, when I’m on the beach showing off in front of fast-talking boys or being a dare devil diving off cliffs, I draw on my skills. Every now and then (actually this was the first time) my aging body and fading memory fails me. I usually keep within my limits.

Of course the lesson I’m taking away is not, do not somersault off 20 foot cliffs. It is, do not over rotate when you somersault off 20 foot cliffs. Fortunately the only evidence of my failing judgment is this blog, and my bruised leg.

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Sapphire Hole is one of those spots you never tire of visiting, because each visit adds a new dimension. Fellow Domestic Tourist Mark Daniels, a Bahamas National Trust park ranger and manager of the Leon Levy Nature Preserve introduced me to the spot and it keeps calling me back. On my virgin encounter I jumped. The second time I visited I dove in (not so gracefully). The third time I belly flopped. So naturally, I have to go a forth time to redeem my honour with a graceful dive and a somersault worthy of my former gymnastics fame.

As far as I know, the blue hole has no official name, so I named it. Most people refer to it as “the blue hole in the bush close to Preacher’s Cave”. Its new name, according to The Domestic Tourist, is Sapphire Hole.

What is most intimidating about the blue hole is the thought of getting stuck down below. Two sturdy ropes hang from a tree truck to assist in climbing out. But you hardly need to use the ropes. The rocks on behind the ropes are assembled perfectly for free climbing. It takes a bit of confidence, but not a lot of skill to scale the wall.

The bottom-line is do not leave Sapphire Hole off your itinerary when visiting Eleuthera, especially if you’re looking for things to do that will get your blood pumping.

Read All you need to know about Sapphire Hole: Belly flops sting on The Domestic Tourist.

This article was originally published on The Domestic Tourist