Posted by: Editor on Nov 12, 2006 – 12:39 AM
excursions To experience the world of Bond as depicted in the new “Casino Royale,” head here and to the fancy One & Only Ocean Club, which not only appears in the movie but was incorporated into the plot.
Or check out the popular resort Atlantis, on Paradise Island, which also can be seen in the film.
This is not the first time 007 has come to the Bahamas. In fact, the islands have hosted the legendary film franchise six times; the Bahamas wins the award for most utilized location in the history of Bond films.
Sean Connery enjoyed the islands so much he ultimately made his home here, on New Providence Island in the posh community of Lyford Cay.
007 first visited the Bahamas in 1965 for “Thunderball,” in which this city played a starring role. Cafe Martinique and the British Colonial Hilton were among the sites featured in the film, in which Bond (Connery) enjoyed his martinis “shaken, not stirred.” Today, the famed restaurant has been revived at Atlantis Marina Village under the direction of celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The Hilton, meanwhile, has a “Double-O” suite filled with Bond memorabilia including posters, books and DVDs of the Bond flicks.
The Rock Point house – better known to 007 fans as Palmyra, estate of the villian Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi) – is another notable attraction from the movie.
In 1983, “Never Say Never Again,” a “Thunderball” remake, also was set and shot extensively in the Bahamas, featuring many of the same locations.
Key underwater sequences for several Bond films, including “Thunderball,” “Never Say Never Again,” “You Only Live Twice,” “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “For Your Eyes Only,” were filmed around the islands, using shipwrecks and natural formations and featuring the area’s colorful marine life. Featured in “Thunderball” and now named “Thunderball Grotto” is a natural limestone cavern near Staniel Cay in the Out Islands.
If you go
STAYING THERE: One&Only rates are $490-$1,590 per night (www.oneandonly.com). Atlantis’ three-night Bond special through Feb. 10 features a helicopter excursion, a snorkel trip and gourmet dining.Rates from $1,007 per person (800-ATLANTIS; www.atlantis.com).
By Fran Golden
Boston Herald Travel Editor
www.bostonherald.com