 |
ROMANCE & INTRIGUE... VACATIONING WITH JAMES BOND
By Karen Hamlin
The stunning brunette glided past the spacious lobby to the Palm Court and ordered a martini at the bar. The handsome, suave dark-haired gentleman next to her added "shaken, not stirred" and introduced himself: "Bond, James Bond".
Perhaps it might even happen to you at the British Colonial Hilton, where the movies Thunderball and Never Say Never Again, both starring Sean Connery, were filmed. In celebration, the hotel will offer a series of 007 packages beginning with the "Live and Let Dive" James Bond package where you will dive at Stuart Cove with the same instructors who taught Connery's doubles. If you're a diehard Bond fan, stay in the "007 Suite" adorned with movie memorabilia, a dry martini and 007 movies.
The British Colonial Hilton has just completed a $68 million dollar renovation of the 77-year-old property located in the center of downtown Nassau, making it wonderfully convenient to shops, restaurants and the Straw Market. The back of the hotel leads to the pool area and a lovely, peaceful (no motorized sports) beach. In fact, it's the only downtown hotel with a private beach. Float in the crystal sea, or kayak up close to watch the huge cruise ships silently maneuver into the harbor.
The hotel is unique on the island because of its location. It was built on the site of Old Fort Nassau (1695), once the home of the notorious pirate, Blackbeard. After the British Crown drove Blackbeard out, Woodes Roger, a former pirate leader, was appointed Governor. Now, his life-like, swashbuckling image with sword drawn and cloak swirling around him stands at the front of the hotel as a vivid reminder of Nassau's turbulent past.
In commemoration of "100 years of history," the hotel's historic display will include Blackbeard; the wealthy Sir Harry Oaks who discovered gold in the Bahamas; the Duke and Duchess of Windsor who found asylum here; and the arrival of Hollywood for the James Bond films. Former guests of the hotel are invited to share any memorabilia they might have of past visits such as a hotel bill, a postcard or photo and receive a free night stay. If you find any treasures from a past visit that you'd like to share, contact Rebecca Simon at 212-868-1900, ext.225.
With the recent renovation came a new face: the historic hotel was changed from pale pink to pastel peach. According to the General Manager, Michael Hooper, the 7-story property "preserved the Caribbean-colonial charm of the prominent landmark while adding the luxury that travelers desire". This mammoth, 291-room hotel exudes turn-of-the century elegance. Royal palms grace the interior of the hotel, lending a romantic ambiance for couples in love. In keeping with Nassau's reputation as a popular honeymoon island, the British Colonial Hilton offers a dreamy "Moonlight over Nassau" package that includes matching kimonos, candlelight dinner, a sunset cruise, champagne and more.
There are a wide variety of rooms: some are adequate, some are spacious and others are so small you can't open the dresser drawers without hitting the bed. Most of the rooms have a partial ocean view or city view, although some overlook a parking lot/construction area as well. Therefore, when making reservations, request a front ocean view, and ask the room size. The rooms are well equipped with a coffee machine, oversized desk, modem, TV, iron and hair dryer.
When it's time to eat, guests have a variety of on-site restaurants to choose from: the Patio Grill and Pool Bar offer Bahamian and American style food and tropical drinks, the Portofino Café serves delicious Italian fare and the Wedgwood Restaurant (my favorite) offers sumptuous gourmet meals in a proper English setting. The rack of lamb I ordered served nine thick chops instead of the usual six and it was divine.
The new Azure Spa was added in the renovation. This is a full service salon/spa offering beach massages, couple's massages and vichy showers. You can be wrapped in seaweed, mud-scrubbed, hydrotherapized, deep cleaned, pedicured, made-up, salt and peppered and served on a platter if you wish. Then, when you feel totally special and beautiful, go do things around the island.
For a most unusual experience, visit Stuart's Cove, and drive your own personal yellow submarine. The sub pilots follow each other in a line 20 feet below the sea, resembling little yellow duckies all in a row. No snorkel or scuba equipment is needed to breath because as a sub aquanaut, you sit on a motorcycle in the shape of a seahorse with your head in a bubble of air (technically, an airhead!). Pilot your sub around the colorful coral reefs and watch swarms of fish in luminous prismatic fashions swim straight at your face bubble. And since the bubble magnifies anything that comes close to it, you're soon eyeball to eyeball with supersized angel fish, hogfish, trumpetfish and maybe a barracuda. It's like an IMAX movie, only you're in it.
The usual island activities are all here, from shark diving or snorkeling through coral caves and wrecks to racing a yacht. If you're into water pets, try playing with the sting rays at Sting Ray City or hug a dolphin at Dolphin Encounter on Blue Lagoon Island. Squeals of delight are heard from children as well as adults when these adorable, happy creatures show their affectionate personalities.
Whatever your preference, you'll find it in the Bahamas. Or you may prefer simply to sway on a hammock under the warm Bahamian sun and watch the flamingos march by.
IF YOU GO
British Colonial Hilton, Ph: 242-302-9011
Fax: 242-322-2286 or call Hilton World Wide Reservations: 1-800-Hilton
Karen Hamlin of Longmeadow, MA has written for numerous travel publications. She can be reached at toobatoot1@yahoo.com.
|
