It begins, as it should, with a perfect stretch of sugar-white sand, with navy umbrellas and turquoise waves.

This is the other side of Nassau, a kinder, gentler edge of the island of New Providence called Sandyport.

It’s a true town, built around a series of canals just off the coast, with the sort of colorful Bahamian architecture you expect and a community feel just past the bustle of Cable Beach.

The location is the star here — it’s a short jaunt from the airport, from downtown, and there’s even a convenient guest shuttle that takes you on a five-minute drive to the impressive new Baha Mar and all of its entertainment venues.

It’s one of the island’s best bets for families, thanks to spacious, well-designed guest rooms, a large pool complex, several beaches and the comfort of a condominium with the service (and friendliness) of a large resort.

There are 72 rooms in all, a mix of one, two- and three-bedroom layouts, most of which have either ensuite kitchens or kitchnettes, with property amenities like tennis and basketball courts, shuffle board and easy access to the surrounding shops and restaurants of the Sandyport Marina Village (yes, it’s a great destination for boaters, too).

Of course, the night is best punctuated with a meal (or a Kalik) at Chef Jacques Carlino’s excellent Sandyport Blue Sail Restaurant, home to one of the best views in Nassau — the one with the umbrellas and the waves.

This is a place to experience the other side of Nassau, the real Nassau — not just a place to stay in Nassau but a place to live — to go out for groceries, to picnic on an empty beach.

This is the real Nassau, the authentic Bahamas. And that makes it one of the island’s best kept secrets.

For more information, visit the Sandyport Beach Resort.