Bahamas

The Art of Making Cigars (video)

Our partners at Voyage.TV visited Graycliff Cigar Co.
in Nassau, Bahamas and were given a The art of making cigars

behind-the-scenes tour of all that is involved in making cigars. Watch the above video and you will learn how to make a cigar and all about the three leaves that are used in making a cigar--one for the flavor, another that makes it burn and a third which gives it firmness.

The Graycliff Cigar Co., which began production in 1997, offers tours and cigar rolling lessons. For more information, visit Graycliff's website.

Tags: awards-main, Bahamas, cigar, cigar manufacturing, cigars, Graycliiff Cigar Co, luxist-awards, Nassau, the art of making a cigar, the+bahamas, thebahamas, video

Abaco Beach Resort's Holiday Packages

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour in the Bahamas.

Looking for a warm destination that still has availability during the Christmas and New Year's holidays? Look no further than Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour, in the Bahamas' Out Islands. Located only 165 miles off the coast of Florida, the resort sits on 40 beachfront acres complete with white sandy beaches, lush tropical gardens and surrounding cays. The resort offers a total vacation experience with endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Abaco Beach Resort is currently offering three holiday packages, each of which has some availability during the Christmas to New Year's week. The packages are valid through March 2011:

Book a Room, Free Boat Rental is a package that includes accommodations (for five nights and six days). This package features the use of a free center console sport boat for three days of your stay to cruise the breathtaking Sea of Abaco as well as the area's many spectacular private beaches and historic settlements. The cost for the package is $909 per person, based on double occupancy.

Holidays Great Adventure is a four night, five day package that includes accommodations in an oceanfront guestroom, round trip airport transfers, welcome cocktail and bottle of rum. It also comes with a choice of any three of the following resort activities: car rental (one day), boat rental (one day), bicycle rental (one day), one-day dive, snorkel trip, ferry transfer to neighboring Hope Town, Guana Cay or Mon-O-War Cay. The cost for the package is $859 per person, based on double occupancy.

Gallery: Abaco Beach Resort

Tags: Abaco, Abaco Beach Resort, awards-main, Bahamas, holiday travel, luxist-awards, travel deals, travel packages

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Exclusive New Villas Launched at Bahamas Celeb Hideaway Pink Sands

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Celebrity Shopping, Real Estate Developments

Keith Richards, Julia Roberts, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell all go there for a getaway – now you can call it home. Pink Sands, the exclusive resort on idyllic Harbour Island in the Bahamas formerly owned by famed record producer Chris Blackwell is now offering a limited number of private residences on the picturesque property built to owners' specifications. Only 13 of the elite estates will be constructed on the celebrity hideaway's 20 acres overlooking the most beautiful stretch of pink sand beach in the Bahamas. Building lots are priced fro $700,000 – $1.995 million, and the resort's luxe amenities including the concierge service, housekeeping, private dining, beach chairs and umbrellas, massage studio and more will be available to estate owners.

Once they've acquired a lot owners can choose to hire their own architect or pick out one of Pink Sands' unique turnkey plans, and can also stay at the posh resort while their villas are being built. One of the first estates, designed by the award-winning Garcia Stromberg architectural firm, is a three-bedroom villa with panoramic views of the beach and the bay, a beautifully landscaped private outdoor courtyard, an open-air sitting area with fireplace and a private swimming pool, and a guest cottage. This villa will also be available to rent with weekly rates starting at about $19,000 during the off-season, as will certain others, with the option of joining the rental program open to all purchasers.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Pink Sands, Harbour Island

Tags: Bahamas, beach, Caribbean, celebrities, Chris Blackwell, island, Julia Roberts, Kate Moss, Keith Richards, Naomi Campbell, Pink Sands, resort

$44 Million Yacht Tops Robb Report's 'Ultimate Gifts'

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Yachts & Sailing, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings, Holiday Guides, Wealth

It seems that Robb Report, the glossy chronicle of the filthy rich, has come back down to Earth a bit after last year's offering of the world's most expensive Christmas present, a matching custom private jet and megayacht set costing $500 million. Each year the profligate publication features an Ultimate Gift Guide, a seasonal offering of over-the-top exclusives. This year's sybaritic selections top out at a measly $44 million, which gets the recipient Aquos Yachts' 164-ft. expedition superyacht Star Fish to be delivered in 2012 and a luxurious three-week, 10-person charter trip aboard her sister ship, the 148-ft. Big Fish, while you're waiting. Among the other big ticket items for the price-is-no-object set:

Tags: Bahamas, Bugatti, Bugatti Veyron, diamonds, fighter jet, gifts, Holiday 2010, magazines, Parmigiani, private jet, Robb Report, safari, submersible, supercar, superyacht, theme park, wealth, yacht

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One and Only and Physique 57 Partner On Fitness Retreats

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

It's a little early to get started on New Year's resolutions but if you are anything like me fitness will probably be on the list. Instead of heading to the gym you can really treat yourself, enjoying a fitness retreat on Paradise Island, Bahamas. One&Only Ocean Club has partnered with acclaimed fitness program Physique 57™ on two exclusive four-night fitness retreats.

The weekend retreat includes four nights in the Caribbean's most luxurious resort, two daily Physique classes on the outdoor beachfront pavilion, a gift bag with Physique 57™ DVD set and more. The retreats are scheduled for January 13-17 and May 12-16, 2011.

Physique 57™ is an exercise method that uses isometric exercises and orthopedic stretches. Interval training sets incorporate muscle-defining arm exercises, intense thigh and seat sequences, waist-chiseling abdominal moves and fluid stretches to create a long and lean physique.

The One&Only Ocean Club also has a Balinese-style spa featuring eight private treatment villas and the package comes with two $50 spa certificates. The weekend event opens with a welcome beach barbecue catered by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges. Guests will enjoy personalized butler service, daily fruit bowl and afternoon champagne and strawberries, complimentary access to on-site fitness center, wireless internet access, a pillow menu, nightly turndown service, CD and DVD library, twice-daily maid service, access to the One&Only Ocean Club concierge, pool concierge services including a selection of music and periodicals in addition to complimentary access to the VIP KidsOnly programming. Package pricing starts at $1,450 per person based upon double occupancy for a total of $2,900.

Tags: bahamas, fitness retreats, One and Only, one only ocean club, paradise island, physique 57

TripAdvisor's Top Ten Hotel Pools

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

If your thoughts are already vacation-centered let me help you on your way. Travel site TripAdvisor has created a list of the top ten most amazing hotel pools from around the world as ranked by TripAdvisor editors and travelers. What makes a pool a top ranker? The view is a major factor, an infinity edge is a help, basically the pool has to transport the lucky swimmer into another world.

The top spot went to the Hotel Caruso Ravello in Ravello, Italy shown above. The hotel is situated on top of the mountains on the Amalfi coast. The 11th century palace has a heated infinity pool that offers timeless views.

Tags: atlantis, bahamas, bali, banyan tree, best hotel pools, Blue Lagoon, golden nugget, hotel pools, Iceland, las vegas, oman, santorini, seychelles, six senses, thailand, the library, turkey

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Private Island in the Bahamas for Sale at $110 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

In a rare offering, an incredibly beautiful private island in Exuma, Bahamas, is being offered for sale at $110 million. Located near David Copperfield's famed Musha Cay, the island, called Cave Cay, features a protected deep-water harbor and marina with floating cement dock system and 35 dock slips, a 2,800 ft. private airstrip and several completed buildings. The island is totally self sufficient with water and power supplied by diesel generators, and features unspoiled beaches, lush vegetation, and elevations of up to 40 ft. capturing breathtaking views. Perched atop one of the highest points on the island is a luxurious owner's estate with 360-degree views and top-of-the-line appointments. Plans are in place for a world-class resort including a large clubhouse and restaurant, marina, shop, and guest houses, though it would of course make the perfect private retreat. Aside from Copperfield, Cave Cay's neighboring island owners are said to include Johnny Depp, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and the increasingly impecunious Nicolas Cage. Christie's Great Estates has the listing.

Gallery: Cave Cay

Tags: Bahamas, Cave Cay, David Copperfield, estate, Exuma, island, Johnny Depp, Musha Cay, Nicolas Cage, private island, resort

Atlantis Hotel Spring Getaway Package

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Looking to enjoy spring somewhere tropical? Atlantis Hotel and Resorts is offering a Spring Getaway Package that's good now through the end of June and includes over $650 in complimentary fun and dining experiences. Interact with the dolphins, play a round of golf at the Ocean Club Golf Course, enjoy free signature margaritas at celebrity-chef Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill and sunset martinis at Jean George's Dune at One&Only Ocean Club, a Sushi and Sake Mini Tasting for two at the world-renowned Nobu restaurant, and one night access to the nightclub Aura. Rates start at $399 and if you book early you can even get additional goodies like free companion airfare and a fourth night free when you stay three.

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Tags: atlantis hotel, atlantis resort, bahamas, getaway, hotel deals, spring, travel

Nandana Resort Opens In The Bahamas

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

A new private resort retreat has opened on the west end of Grand Bahama Island. Nandana is a private resort designed in the style of a Thai beach mansion. The retreat offers 18,000 square feet of living space and comes with a complete staff that includes a chef, masseuse and boat captain. The Lioness, the resorts's 43-foot yacht, is available for fishing, scuba or other aquatic adventures.

The main house has living and dining areas with a 40-foot-high ceiling.Sliding-glass doors open out to a 120-foot-long infinity pool overlooking the sea. Five one-bedroom suites surround the main house: two 1,000-square-foot beach front pavilions, two garden bungalows and a 2,000-square-foot luxury canopy suite. A landing strip allows guests to arrive by private jet, or they can dock a yacht at one of two dock sites which hold yachts up to 100 feet. In the upcoming High Season, January 4 - May 31, 2010, the resort rents for $6,500 per night for up to six people or $10,000 a night for ten people.

[via Elite Traveler]

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Tags: bahamas, grand bahamas, GrandBahamas, nandana, private resort, PrivateResort

Justin Bieber Concert Lures Tweens To The Bahamas

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

If your tween or teenager shows a sudden interest in the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas here's the reason. Teen singer Justin Beiber will be holding an acoustic performance at the resort on January 9. If you book a last-minute winter getaway with the resort's reduced rates you get free tickets. Tickets are first come, first serve and guests can book any price point currently available online and use Atlantis' free companion airfare promotion. Rates start as low as $499 per night. The move is a savvy one for Atlantis, a way to get older kids interested in a vacation with their parents.

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Tags: atlantis, bahamas, justin bieber, JustinBieber

Sandals Picks Up A Four Seasons Resort

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The recently-closed Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay in the Bahamas will have a new life as a Sandals Resort. The property will be the 14th Sandals Resort in the Caribbean and the third in the Bahamas. The 500-acre property has a Greg Norman golf course and a marina. The resort closed in May after being in receivership and will re-open next January. It will be given some Sandals-style amenities including a new pool complex with a swim-up bar and additional restaurants. The resort occupies an enviable swath of white sand on Emerald Bay and has 190 rooms. The marina has 133 slips and can accommodate yachts up to 300 feet in length. It seems like a good deal for Sandals, they've acquired a great resort at what was probably a very good price.

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Tags: bahamas, caribbean, exuma, four seasons, FourSeasons, resorts, sandals

The World's Oldest Wine At Graycliff Resort

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Wine

What happens to the world's oldest wines? Many bottles sit in private collections, some remain in the custody of the originating winery (like the world's oldest champagne which was recently opened) and some is in restaurant cellars. At the Graycliff Restaurant at the Graycliff Hotel in the Bahamas one of the world's oldest wines is in residence. The restaurant, which serves Bahamian fusion food, has a comprehensive wine cellar that includes the 1727 Rudesheimer Apostelwein from Bremer Ratsfeller in the "Rheinghau" region of Germany which is considered to be the oldest drinkable wine. The bottle and label date from the 1950s when the wine was drawn off from the cask which remains in the city of Bremen.

Should you prefer something a bit younger, there's always the 1865 Château Lafite and of course, a whole host of modern vintages in a wide range of prices. The wine cellar has over 275,000 bottles with over 4000 selections from 15 countries. Graycliff also has a Cognacteque, a unique collection of Cognacs, Armagnacs and Ports which can be paired with one of the cigars from Graycliff's humidor. An average dinner for two costs $150 not including wine.

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Tags: bahamas, graycliff hotel, GraycliffHotel, vintage wine, VintageWine

Sean Connery Stars in New Vuitton Ad

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Sean Connery has become the latest iconic personality to star in Louis Vuitton's "core values" ad campaign. The original James Bond posed for Annie Liebovitz near his house in the Bahamas with a waterproof version of Vuitton's famous Keepall bag, WWD reports. The ad (above), which is slated to appear later this month is the latest in a series featuring the likes of Keith Richards, Francis Ford and Sofia Coppola (Vuitton's next guest designer) and Mikhail Gorbachev. Vuitton parent LVMH says the classics-oriented campaign has been getting good results.

Tags: Ad campaigns, AdCampaigns, Annie Leibovitz, AnnieLeibovitz, Bahamas, James Bond, JamesBond, Louis Vuitton, LouisVuitton, LVMH, Sean Connery, SeanConnery

Lusso Debuts New Multi-Million Dollar Residence Club

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Lusso Collection portfolio of multi-million dollar residences in the world's most desirable vacation spots has just announced an exclusive new membership club. The 30 properties in the Collection, worth an average of $4 million each, are located in luxe spots such as Cabo San Lucas, Aspen, Miami, Hawaii and the Bahamas (the Turks & Caicos property is pictured above). Each features an on-site concierge, pre-arrival grocery shopping and a chauffer service from the nearest airport. The new offering enables members to experience the properties for 21 days out of the year for a deposit of $325,000 and annual dues of $21,000. Only 50 of the Lusso 21 memberships are available. By year's end the company plans to expand its portfolio to 39 properties in 21 destinations, including Europe.

Gallery: The Lusso Collection

Tags: Aspen, Bahamas, Lusso Collection, LussoCollection, turks and caicos, TurksAndCaicos

Sheraton Cable Resort Opens

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

A new Sheraton resort has opened one the beach in the Bahamas. The Sheraton Cable Beach Resort is located on a 1,000-foot stretch of white sand beach in Nassau. The resort is on seven acres that include three freshwater pools with waterfalls, a swim-up bar and large Jacuzzis. The hotel is huge with 694 guestrooms and suites each with a private balcony or patio. The rooms have flat-screen televisions and the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed with down pillows. The hotel has six restaurants and many lounging areas in the two-story lobby. The resort is part of the Cable Beach Resorts which also includes the Wyndham Nassau Resort, and the Crystal Palace Casino which also include a complete tennis facility; an 18-hole golf course and a variety of water sport activities. The 35,000- square-foot Crystal Palace Casino offers nearly 400 state-of-the-art slot machines and nearly 40 table games as well as sports betting. Rates start at $275 per night.

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Tags: bahamas, cable beach, resort, sheraton, vacation

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