Airbnb is offering five people a sabbatical in the Bahamas

Jan 29 2020, 11:27 pm

Imagine being presented with the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the world with no strings attached.

Airbnb is on the lookout for five lucky people to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the Bahamas.

The quintet will get to explore the islands as they work side by side with Bahamians to rebuild the once-vibrant tourism industry.

 

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Wanting to rebuild its tourism industry following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, the selected group will explore all of the rich and diverse tourism opportunities that the 700-island archipelago has to offer.

Activities include “travelling to pink sand beaches, one of the world’s largest reef systems, and other lesser-known natural areas to help preserve authentic culture and natural resources,” according to the official press release.

In conjunction with Bahamas National Trust, a local NGO protecting 32 national parks in the country, the offer presents the five participants with the “life-changing opportunity to take time away from the everyday grind to live in an ecological oasis with the Bahamas Sabbatical.”

“These industries, which face issues impacted by a changing ecosystem and population decline, play a pivotal role in establishing autonomy and self-sufficiency for the country’s ‘family islands,’ a moniker used by locals to describe how the hundreds of islands connect and belong to each other,” the press release explains.

The sabbatical will be eight weeks in length and will span three islands.

Over the first three weeks, members will help restore the beautiful coral reefs in Andros, the third-largest living organism on the planet.

They will learn from conservationist and master scuba instructor Katie Storr before they dive to collect coral, construct and care for already existing coral nurseries, and transplant new growth back into the reef.

Weeks four through six will involve supporting ethical fishing in Exuma.

 

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The group will join a team of fishermen and divers led by Andre Musgrove as they learn about ethical fishing practices and assist in creating dining experiences that combine locally grown produce with Bahamian delicacy lionfish.

Finally, for weeks seven and eight, participants will be educated regarding traditional agriculture in Eleuthera.

Omar McKlewhite, a Master Gardener at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, will assist in immersing the group in constructing a “bush tea pop-up” as well as conducting workshops aimed at preserving this vital facet of Bahamian culture.

The Bahamas Sabbatical was explicitly designed as a program to benefit local communities while contributing practices committed to building a sustainable future.

If this sounds like a can’t-miss opportunity, there is still time to apply!

But don’t wait too long! You must submit before 11:59 pm EST, February 18, 2020.

Emily RumballEmily Rumball

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