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| The guest suites at Old Bahama Bay offer visitors a view of paradise from their balcony. |
The expected reopening of The Cove Eleuthera tops The Bahamas’ recent hotel happenings, while a new airport terminal should result in more access to Nassau.
Travel Agent covers this news and more as we break down all the latest selling points to come out of this bustling Caribbean hot spot.
Hotel News
The Cove Eleuthera, which was closed for renovation after damage from Hurricane Irene last summer, will fully reopen on March 1. Twenty-six new garden and beachfront guest suites will complement the existing 24 rooms. Other renovations include a new 110-foot infinity pool; a full-service Bahamian-flavor restaurant featuring Chef Chris Lynch, who trained under New Orleans’ own Emeril Lagasse; a new sunset bar set on the Point of The Cove, which overlooks the beautiful water of the Bahamas; a cocktail park that will include a fire pit and lounge area for evening cocktails; and improved landscaping with walking trails for morning/afternoon strolls. These trails will allow you to enjoy the untouched, natural habitat of the island.
A new “Bahama Bean” coffee shop from local Bahamian Coffee Company serves onsite, freshly roasted coffee. A new fitness and business center will also be part of the hotel.
All guest-room makeovers include 500-plus thread-count bedding, iPod docking stations, 50-inch flat-screen TVs, in-room wireless Internet access, luxury brand bath amenities and more.
Clients can also enjoy private fishing charters, amazing snorkeling and kayaking in the crystal clear water of the Bahamas. In addition to The Cove’s 50 guest rooms and suites, 33 home sites are being added as well.
Agents should contact General Manager Peter Dickinson ([email protected]) for details.
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| Infinity pool at Old Bahama Bay |
Old Bahama Bay, situated on the Grand Bahama Island’s West End, recently joined Guy Harvey Outpost. The resort has 73 villas and a full-service marina, ideal for guests looking to partake in watersports and activities. Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts is based in Ft. Lauderdale. Expedition Properties are independently branded and affiliated with the Outpost marketing and reservation system.
Current Expedition Properties include Green Turtle Club and Blackfly Lodge, both in the Abaco Islands. All Guy Harvey Outpost properties include beach, boating, fishing and diving programs and other amenities.
Agents should reach out to Sales Manager Beth Watson ([email protected], 242-350-6500) with any queries.
Graycliff Hotel has begun the revitalization of the historic West Hill Street, including an old convent, its chapel and the former Mountbatten home, into a pedestrian-only “old town experience” with cobblestone streets; a fun, immersive chocolate factory and visitor-oriented coffee roasting company; a barista café and bistro; space for local artisans; a new 75-room hotel and more. Construction on the $20 million development is underway.
Also, a gourmet chocoholic’s dream can come true at the new Graycliff Chocolate facility. Clients can make their own chocolates under the tutelage of Erika Davis, Graycliff’s chocolatier. Tours will be given twice daily. Gourmet chocolates and truffles will be available for purchase at the boutique. The Humidor Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse at Graycliff has been joined by Giotto Pizzeria and the Beer Garden. Giotto Pizzeria serves up authentic Italian pizzas in a wood brick oven and the Beer Garden lays out a selection of over 20 international and local beers along with delicious bites—from sliders with onion rings, garlic shrimp, truffle potatoes and mussels.
Agents should contact Brenda Deleveaux ([email protected], 242-302-9150), reservations supervisor, for more information.
Flight News
Managed by the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), a $409.5 million airport redevelopment project broke ground at Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN) in July 2009. Following phase one completion and opening of the new 247,000-square-foot U.S. departures terminal in March 2011, the phase two construction of a new 226,000-square-foot international arrivals terminal opened to the public this past October 16.
New Ferry Service Delayed
Balearia Bahamas Express’ anticipated launch of its new weekly ferry service from Florida to Bimini, specifically the Bimini Bay Resort & Marina, has been pushed back to the spring of 2013. The Bahamas Express will service the Miami-Bimini route with the high-speed ferry, the Maverick. The ship, which sails at a speed of 32 knots, can accommodate 357 passengers and makes the trip across the Bahama Channel in just 90 minutes. Additionally, the Maverick comes with a variety of amenities, including a cafeteria, a bar and a first-class cabin. The Balearia Bahamas Express will allow clients to enjoy all that Bimini Bay Resort & Marina has to offer, whether it’s for the day, overnight or for an extended vacation.