A 20-minute flight from Miami, Bimini is the closest Caribbean island to the U.S. It’s thrilling to take off on a Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane, see spectacular views of the Miami skyline, fly low over the ocean, and land in the turquoise waters of Bimini. There are also daily nonstop commercial flights on Silver Airways from Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports, as well as a two-hour, high-speed ferry to Resorts World Bimini that sails five days a week from the Port of Miami.

The aerial view of Resorts World Bimini for those arriving by air elicits instant relaxation. The tiny Bahamian outpost of Bimini consists of two main islands, with a total population of about 2,000. Resorts World Bimini is on North Bimini, which is seven miles long and has three towns, the largest of which is Alice Town.

Group venues include Hilton’s gorgeous rooftop infinity pool, bar, and surrounding terrace, with 360 degree island views, which accommodates up to 300 for a private reception, says Director of Accounts, Group Sales Melissa Glazier. There’s additional outdoor event space for up to 300 within the Resorts World Bimini complex. Meeting space in the hotel includes conference rooms for up to 180 theater-style and a ballroom that holds up to 180 for a sit-down dinner.

Attendees can see the sunrise and watch the boats go by from guest room balconies overlooking the scenic marina on Bimini Bay and the freestanding houses of Resorts World Bimini. Clean, contemporary guest room design has subtle tropical references and a hip vibe, with features such as glass-walled rainforest showers that open to the view.

Hilton’s sleek, chic lobby is a social hub that attracts guests and locals alike to the only sushi spot in North Bimini. There’s also a lobby raw bar, The Tides restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, and a piano lounge. Bravo’s Top Chef Season 3 winner Chef Hung Huynh curated foodservice at the hotel.

The hotel has continuous shuttles and exclusive access to Paradise Beach, about a 10-minute ride from the resort. Here, the seaside Beach Club can be reserved for private group events of up to 300, says Director of Accounts, Group Sales Melissa Glazier.

The 270-foot S.S. Sapona, built by Henry Ford in 1911, ran aground off the coast of Bimini in 1926. Today, the partially submerged shipwreck is a primo diving and snorkeling spot. It’s fascinating and a bit spooky to explore the Sapona’s underwater nooks and crannies, home to a variety of sea life.

Bimini is one of the world’s top sport-fishing destinations, and attendees can channel their inner Hemingway on group fishing excursions. Reef waters are teeming with such beauties as the yellowtail snapper shown here. Popular water excursions for groups also include shark encounters and wild dolphin expeditions.

With such an abundance of sea life, it follows that restaurants on Bimini serve delicious, fresh fish. Conch is a staple, from savory fritters to vibrant conch salad, seen here at Tides at the Hilton. Create your own conch salad competitions are a popular group activity at the hotel.

The remarkable turquoise water of Bimini is so clear that you can see all the way to the sandy ocean floor. Seen here in the background is Honeymoon Harbor, where you can get up close and personal with magnificent stingrays in a completely natural setting.

Among the hot spots for Bahamaian food and drink is the restaurant at Bimini Big Game Resort, situated on Bimini Bay in Alice Town. A favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway and Martin Luther King, it still has the aura of a long-time local hangout. Chilling with a Kalik, the best selling beer in the Bahamas, while watching the sun set over the marina is sure to de-stress even the most driven type-A meeting attendee.