The Bahamas — from the Abacos to the Exumas — and Bermuda to their north have long been popular vacation destinations for American travelers because of their proximity to the United States. They offer much of the same tropical sun and fun that you can find in the Caribbean, but without the longer airplane rides that are required to enjoy a vacation in the heart of the Caribbean Sea.

Here is a look at a few Bermuda and Bahamas timeshares that continually receive high rankings from exchange companies and consumer groups alike.

Harborside Resort at Atlantis, Nassau, Bahamas

This Interval International Five Star Award resort works in conjunction with the nearby Atlantis Resort and Casino to offer you the best of both worlds: a turquoise-water paradise and the hot nightlife of a thriving resort town. Timeshare units at the Harborside Resort come in one- and two-bedroom configurations, sleeping as many as eight people in total. On-site amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, and whirlpool tub, while nearby you can enjoy boating, a spa, fishing, golf, shopping, and more.

Paradise Harbour Club and Marina, Nassau, Bahamas

The Paradise Harbour Club and Marina, located on the beautifully named Paradise Island Drive, has earned the Gold Crown distinction from Resort Condominiums International. Complimentary water taxis and bicycles are available should you wish to cross the bridge and visit the shops in Nassau, where many items are available for you to purchase duty-free.

All of the timeshare units at this resort are air conditioned, and some have full kitchens, as well. Laundry facilities are on site, as are a restaurant, conference facilities, and child-care services. Water sports are the main activity, with everything available from swimming to fishing to scuba diving. A casino, golf course, and tennis courts are nearby.

Royal Oasis Vacation Club, Freeport, Bahamas

The Royal Oasis Vacation Club has earned the Gold Crown designation from Resort Condominiums International. It is part of the Royal Oasis Golf Resort and Casino, which is just three miles from the nearest international airport. All of the timeshare units are air conditioned with full kitchens. Laundry facilities and a grocery store are available on the resort's property.

In addition to the golf course and casino on site, you can enjoy a million-gallon swimming pool that includes two water slides, a swim-up bar, and a waterfall. The resort also has a health club, game room, sauna, and tennis court. The beach is nearby, along with everything from fishing to water skiing to scuba diving.

Sandyport Beaches Resort, Nassau, Bahamas

A Resort Condominiums International Gold Crown property, the Sandyport Beaches Resort is a small operation run by Festiva Resorts. It has just seventy-two rooms, all of which are air conditioned and some of which also have full kitchens and/or private laundry facilities.

The resort is just three miles from the international airport at Nassau, though the property's size means on-site activities are limited. There are adult and children's swimming pools, along with a restaurant, tennis court, and beach. You can use the local bus in order to enjoy the nearby casino, golf course, scuba diving, wind surfing, and other activities.

The St. George's Club, St. George, Bermuda

This resort is on the northeastern tip of Bermuda, about a mile from its private beach and beach club. Moped rentals are available on site for exploring the island when you're not making use of the resort's three outdoor swimming pools (one heated) or three tennis courts (two lighted for night play).

All of the timeshare units at The St. George's Club are air conditioned, and some have full kitchens and/or private laundry facilities. There is a grocery store on site, as well as a full-service restaurant. Golf is also available at the resort, and there is a health club for workout buffs. The island's international airport is about three miles away.