Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2013 On Location In Great Exuma, The Bahamas

NASSAU, The Bahamas, Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The pristine beaches of The Bahamas attracted more than your average share of visitors in 2012. In December, The Exumas served as one of the key locations for the highly anticipated Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2013, which hit newsstands today, February 12^th and will launch online at www.si.com/swimsuit.

The Islands Of The Bahamas have served as a backdrop to many national and international film and photo shoots, and this marks the fifth appearance in SI Swimsuit. During the crew's visit, SI Swimsuit celebrated some of its most iconic past covers with swimsuits recreated from body paint. SI Swimsuit models took part in these tributes on the white sand beaches of Great Exuma Island.

Located in The Islands Of The Bahamas, The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau. Great Exuma Island, together with the Exuma Cays offers an amazing variety of vacation possibilities, from resorts and hotels with luxury amenities to basic fishing lodges. Hidden coves, bays, and harbors throughout are magnets for yachts and sport fishermen, but it was the secluded white-sand beaches, stunning sunsets and crystal blue waters that attracted SI Swimsuit to the destination.

Grand Isle Resort & Spa, hotel partner with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, is a unique villa resort property that offers luxury, spacious living and all the comforts of home on Great Exuma. Recently named in TripAdvisor's 2013 Travelers' Choice Award as the third top hotel in the Caribbean, life at the resort is all about Exuma Blue beauty on the water and is ideally suited for families, destination weddings, honeymoons, or other special occasions.

Travelers planning a trip to The Bahamas can take advantage of island hopping between various destinations with the current fly free from Nassau promotion, offering complimentary airfare options on air-inclusive bookings. Those interested in visiting Exuma can also book a getaway package at Grand Isle Resort & Spa, including a beautiful ocean front villa, favorite dishes and spa treatments from $450. This and other special offers can be found at www.grandisleresort.com.

For an inside look at SI Swimsuit on location in The Bahamas, visit www.si.com/swimsuit and tune in to the TRAVEL CHANNEL on February 17th at 8 PM EST for an exclusive look at the program "The Making of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2013: 7 continents, 17 Wonders."

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world's best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It's Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. To purchase one-of-a-kind items from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism