If you are longing for the feel of powdery sand between your toes after a freezing winter, check out the offerings of new-to-Boston operator Grand Bahama Vacations.

The Florida company will begin flights from Jan. 16 with Monday and Thursday departures from Logan, non-stop to Grand Bahama Island, on jets operated by Laker Airways (Bahamas) Ltd. Rates for three-night getaway vacations with airfare start at $429 per person if you travel by Feb. 10 (or in late April or early May) or $479 for the rest of the winter.

The company is also holding a start-up promotion called ‘You Pick the Rate, We Pick the Date’, offering airfare-inclusive packages as low as $249 per person for three nights and $399 for four nights. The catch is there are specific dates for the sale prices. According to the company`s Web site, the $249 deals are available Jan. 20 and 27 and May 5 and 12; you can travel for $279 on Feb. 3 or 10 or April 21.  The four-night $399 deals are available Jan. 16 and 23, and May 8 and 15.
There are additional dates at the low rates from Hartford. Government taxes are extra.  Accommodations for the low-cost package are at The Royal Oasis Golf Resort & Casino, which has been recently renovated and includes two branded hotels - a Crowne Plaza and a Holiday Inn Sunspree resort. Features include a million-gallon beach pool, a Fazio-designed golf course, an upgraded casino and a new spa. The resort`s children`s program features a kids-only restaurant.
Also included in the package price are airport/hotel transfers and gratuities.  For reservations, call 800-545-1300; or go to www.gbvac.com

——-