Posted by: Editor on Nov 03, 2004 – 11:22 AM
exoticlocations More flights, big star power – The Bahamas are back.
How’s this for a celebrity endorsement: Martha Stewart, facing five months in Camp Cupcake, chose to play in The Bahamas before heading for the clink.
And not just anywhere in The Bahamas – the domestic diva was spotted at the exclusive One & Only Ocean Club resort on Paradise Island, where the likes of Regis Philbin, Paris Hilton and Nick Carter have all spent time.
It’s compelling evidence that Paradise Island and Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas just 600 feet away on New Providence, have again become the place to go.
Back in the early- to mid-1900s, these islands became a swanky winter retreat for high-rollers, rich celebs and European royalty. But in the ’70s, developers invaded, chopping away palm trees to make room for tacky high-rises and resorts, and bargain gem shops.
And then, in 1994, along came Sol Kerzner. The colorful hotelier, for years most famous for his Sun City extravaganza in the wilds of South Africa, erected the 123-acre Atlantis resort, a lavish hotel, casino and theme park that looks as if it were conceived in a drug-induced haze. Furthering the resort’s surreal magnificence, in 1998 he added on the “Royal Towers,” a 70-foot high complex of suites, fountains and aquariums. Its opening attracted such A-listers as Julia Roberts and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Paradise Island – and Nassau – were back.
Since then, clubs and restaurants have sprung up along with upscale shops and art galleries, and many hotels and resorts have undergone renovations.
The area has also become a Hollywood darling. Upcoming big-budget movies “After the Sunset” (Pierce Brosnan) and “Into the Blue” (Jessica Alba) were filmed in Nassau and Paradise Island, and a Billy Zane indie feature, “Three,” begins production there shortly.
Perhaps the biggest sign yet that the Bahamas have come back is that both JetBlue and Song are flying non-stop between New York (JFK) and Nassau. JetBlue’s service started yesterday ($99/one way; jetblue.com) and Song starts Dec. 1 ($99/one way; flysong.com).
BEFORE YOU GO
While Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne made their mark in-country, the twin tempests left this area pretty much alone.
GETTING AROUND
Paradise Island is best known for its fancier hotels and casinos, Nassau is where you’ll want to dance, drink and shop. Although a harbor separates the two, you can easily walk across the toll bridge (free for pedestrians).
Tool around Nassau, which lies on the north side of New Providence, and Paradise Island by taxi or motor scooter (scooters are usually $50/day, and can be rented through most hotels).
WHAT TO DO
The cacophony of “beeps” and “boops” you’ll hear on Paradise Island is coming from the Atlantis. The largest casino in the Caribbean, its 980 state-of-the-art slot machines are open to you whether you stay at the hotel or not. You’ll also find 78 gaming tables (Martha reportedly was up $200 when she was here).
The casino, built over a seven-acre lagoon – the only casino in the world that hovers over a body of water – has huge skylights and glass sculptures (atlantis.com).
To up the stakes, go swimming with the sharks via Stuart Cove’s Dive and watch them feed around the coral reefs ($125, Southwest St., South Ocean, Nassau; stuartcove.com).
Pirates – they looted and pillaged, but darn it if we don’t love them now anyway. Celebrate their dominance over the ancient Caribbean at Pirates of Nassau, where kids can explore a pirate ship replica and watch the last moments of an unfortunate soul walking the plank. Adults can have a beer for $3 at the Pirates Pub ($12 for adults, free for kids under 12, Marlborough and George streets, Nassau; pirates-of-nassau.com).
Did you know there were 200 species of palm trees? See most of them at the Retreat, an 11-acre garden ($2 for adults, $1 for kids under 12, Village Road, Nassau).
For upscale shopping, try Solomon’s Mines. On sale are $50,000 watches alongside rare African diamonds and china (Bay Street).
The Kennedy Gallery is for pieces crafted by local artists (Parliament Street).
DINING
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s sophisticated Dune in the Ocean Club resort is where a sarong-wrapped Martha was spotted eating an egg-white omelet and a croissant with jam. Go for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Dishes range from $12 to $50 (oneandonlyresorts.com).
For your chopstick fix, head to Double Dragon, where entrees start at $8 (Bridge Plaza Commons on Mackey Street, Nassau).
To nosh as the locals do, check out the open air Crocodile Waterfront Bar & Grille. It has grinning reptiles on the protective wall (to keep out the street noise), live music and gorgeous views. Dishes start at $11 (East Bay Street, Nassau).
WHERE TO STAY
The exclusive and secluded Ocean Club resort will cost you (from $795/night; oceanclub.com). Atlantis is less expensive, but can go as high as you’d like (from $346/night, Bridge Suites from $25,000/night; atlantis.com).
For something more modest, stay at Nassau’s Buena Vista Hotel. Only caveat:It sits above a crowded restaurant (from $65; buenavista-restaurant.com). And check out the Ocean Spray Hotel, in Nassau (from $78/night; [800] 695-8284).
Note: Chris Bunting, New York Post Online