VISIT
THE ISLANDS

The Bahamas -
An Overview

Andros Island

The Abacos

Grand Bahama - Freeport

The Exumas

Long Island

Bimini and Berry Islands

New Providence -
Nassau

Eleuthera - Spanish Wells - Harbour Islands

Cat Island

Crooked and Acklins Islands

Mayaguana - Great Inagua - Ragged Islands

San Salvador - Rum Cay - Conception Islands

NEW Turks & Caicos Islands

 

 

NEW PROVIDENCE - NASSAU

Island News: "It's Better in the Bahamas." .......it really is! Major new developments are always under way at Atlantis Resort and Marina...The Cove at Atlantis is there new exclusive all-suite section of the resort. The new Reef Atlantis is the ultra-luxury section right on Paradise Beach, plus the Residences at Atlantis Tower with full ownership condos has sold well, and these units can also be rented. The Atlantis Harborside Marina Village is complete and open, with a number of new outstanding restaurants, including an old favorite that is reopened, Cafe Martinique. Fantastic food and service a CM, and a cool piano bar, but very expensive. And in the Royal Tower, the famous Nobu Restaurant is now open, in the spot previously occupied by Five Twins. We ate at Nobu and the place was packed....you can't go here without a reservation. It is some of the best sushi and seafood in the world, and it is VERY expensive.

Also, the entire Cable Beach development of the Radisson, Crystal Palace, and Nassau Beach resorts has been purchased by one company....and they are converting it into one mega-resort they hope will rival Atlantis. The Wyndam now operates the old Crystal Palace, and the Sheraton group has take over the Radisson, and is now called the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, which is part of the Starwood Hotel Groupl. The complete remodel, plus new construction has turned this into an upscale luxury resort, but in our view, it's still not in the same league as Atlantis.

May 9, 2011

"Our favorite place to stay in Nassau. The staff is extremely nice, very helpful. It's just a pleasure to stay here, and super-convenient. Plus the hotel was completely renovated in 2009 and 2010. "

BRITISH COLONIAL HILTON HOTEL and Beach Resort, Number One Bay Street - Built on the site of Fort Nassau in 1900, the British Colonial is the only hotel in downtown Nassau with its own beach. This hotel is first-class in every way. The massive high-ceiling lobby has marble floors and columns, mahogany paneling and furniture, a large lobby lounge with live music and dancing four nights a week. A super-friendly staff makes this THE place to stay for business travelers, or for vacationers who want to be in the middle of the downtown action. The Blue Note jazz club on the mezzanine level should be at the top of your nightlife list.

The hotel is just steps away from the cruise ship dock and the best shopping in the city. Features: 291 well-appointed rooms, a special business travelers floor, 24-hour room service, a ballroom, fitness center, freshwater swimming pool, private beach, scuba and snorkeling facilities, plus conference and meeting rooms. There is also a selection of restaurants and lounges on the property, plus one of the best bars in the city to have a drink and enjoy live music and dancing.

THE BAHAMAS VACATION GUIDE - This site is a good source for vacation information throughout the Islands of the Bahamas. We recommend checking it out

CAFE MATISSE - Our favorite downtown restaurant for lunch and dinner! Located just off Bay Street, this fine Italian-themed restaurant is within easy walking distance of the Hilton British Colonial Hotel. Topnotch professional service is combined with well-presented delicious dishes that range from lobster pizza, to pasta specialties, veal, rack of lamb, and fresh seafood. This is also a nice spot if you just want to stop in for a drink at the bar. For dinner, we recommend making a reservation. 242-356-7012

COMPASS POINT Beach Resort is open and doing well. We have a recent report from a couple who enjoyed their stay here, and liked being away from the crowds of Cable Beach and Paradise Island. Also, there have been bonefish on the flats in front of the resort, and our reporter was able to land a couple. Good job! The restaurant is also nice for lunch and dinner, and the beachfront location is ideal for sunset cocktails. And if you like Eggs Benedict, stop by for breakfast. When we have an early morning flight change between Out Islands, we always zip over for breakfast instead of waiting at the airport. It's a quick taxi ride.

GRAYCLIFF RESTAURANT AND HOTEL
PLUS THE HUMIDOR CHURRASCARIA BRAZILIAN RESTAURANT
- Graycliff continues to be our favorite restaurant in Nassau. The combination of great food and service, unbeatable wine selection (over 175,000 bottles of the world's finest vintages, including rare cognacs and ports), fresh-rolled cigars, and overall atmosphere creates an epic dining experience.

Captain John Howard Graysmith built Nassau's first inn in the 18th century, in the heart of downtown Nassau, just opposite the official residence of Queen Elizabeth the Second's Official Representative, the governor-general. The 250 year-old building has been an officers quarters, a private residence, and most recently, Graycliff.

Enrico Gazaroli bought Graycliff in 1973. For 2000, he has both expanded and diversified the unique property. Only Graycliff can show you the humidor once owned by Napoleon, encased behind glass in the room beside the entrance foyer. And also in the foyer, you can sometimes find the 80+-year old Avelino Lara, the first manager of the El Laguito factory in Havana, where the world-famous Cohiba cigars are made. Lara created that "finest of cigars" in 1968.

In no small way, Lara was the impetus for Graycliff's newest achievement --The Humidor Churrascaria Restaurant and Luxury Guest Quarters. The Humidor building--part of the Graycliff complex that includes the Gazaroli mansion, the restaurant and small luxury hotel, and three swimming pools-is 150 yards down the street from the original restaurant. A giant cigar protrudes skyward from the entrance. A charming Old World bar greets visitors in the reception area. Through a foyer are two dining rooms that seat one hundred guests. Upstairs are six luxury suites complete with walk-in closets, business centers, and immaculate Italian marble bathrooms with full Jacuzzi, bidet and double sinks.

The innovative Brazilian Rodizio menu at the Humidor includes chicken, pork, steak, and lamb, all the best cuts, grilled to perfection, plus a variety of fresh fish, lobster, and crab dishes. And of course, fine cognacs and the best hand-rolled cigars in the world. The Humidor is open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, with a request that men come in jacket and tie. Less than half the men we see, do not wear ties. Reservations are necessary. The telephone number for Graycliff and the Humidor is 242.322.2796.

OCEAN CLUB RESORT & GOLF CLUB - For the discerning traveler looking for a luxurious beachfront hideaway, this is the place. All rooms and facilities have been upgraded, plus the Crescent Wing offers elegant beachfront guest rooms and suites. Acclaimed chef, Georges Vongerichten's new restaurant, Dune, is also a highlight of the resort. This splendid restaurant features the finest recipes for preparing everything from lamb and steaks to fresh seafood. The Ocean Club is the more quiet and relaxed sister resort of the Atlantis Resort and Casino, which is just down the beach. Contact the resort at 800.321.300 or direct in the Bahamas at 242.363.2501.

FISHING OPTIONS - We receive a huge amount of email from people who want to fish around New Providence on their family vacations. Most of these people are staying on Paradise Island, though many stay in the Cable Beach and other areas. Please check out the book for maps of the areas where you can fish on your own along the southern shores of the island. You'll need to rent a car, and be familiar with the local tide information to be successful, but you can catch some nice fish on occasion. The flats around the settlement of Adelaide have been productive but there is a lot of construction going on in this area, so some beach access is limited. A better option right now is around Coral Harbour, where access is pretty good, and anglers are reporting some nice fish in the five to seven pound range.

GUIDE SERVICE...there is now be a good option for a fly-fishing guide service if you are vacationing on New Providence or staying on Paradise Island.....Simon Bain is now guiding on New Providence, and also fishing the cays out toward Eleuthera. Brian Hodges. has booked a number of clients with Simon this past season, and reports that anglers have been happy with the services and the fishing. Simon charges $750 for a full day of guided fishing (7 am to 4 pm), $500 for a half-day. You can contact Simon directly at 242-535-6726 or 242-456-2105, or email Brian Hodges at Double Haul Travel, and Brian can set you up.

JOIN OUR NEW MAILING LIST -- Be kept up-to-date on the newest developments in The Bahamas--everything from new lodges, to new information on the best guides, new fishing secrets, new government regulations, new options for non-anglers, more travel tips, and special trips that will be hosted by Stephen and Kim Vletas, the BFFG authors. Also, BFFG will be reserving prime dates at selected lodges just for members of the BFFG mailing list. We look forward to keeping you on top of things in The Bahamas. JOIN THE LIST.

Join the Mailing List
Email Us
Home
© 2003 Stephen and Kim Vletas