Bahamas in Atlanta at Tyler Perry Studios Simply Haute

Last Week, I had the pleasure of attending The Bahamas in Atlanta event at Tyler Perry Studios (TPS). It was amazing! Officials from the Bahamas Tourism Board transformed TPS into a Bahamian retreat. More than 400 people turned out for the invitation-only affair to sample Bahamian cuisine and culture.

 The Minister of Tourism and Aviation Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace spoke earlier in the day during a private media luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta… and then played host once again for the evening event along with U.S. Ambassador to The Islands of the Bahamas Nicole Avant who served as the keynote speaker.

Vanderpool-Wallace makes a compelling story of why Atlantans should consider the islands of the Bahamas as their next vacation destination with more than 700 options… there is plenty to see and do in the tropical paradise. It’s absolutely one of my favorite places to visit in the world… because we all know that It’s Better in the Bahamas! I would also venture to say that Tyler Perry would probably agree… after all he owns his own island along with film star Johnny Depp! Now that’s beyond HAUTE!

The celebration continued with Junkanoo dancers and give-a-ways like a trip to the Bahamas for two with accommodations at the exclusive Cove Atlantis on Paradise Island! Next year, the Bahamas travels to our nation’s capital and you better believe that I’ll be making a return trip.

Which islands are on your list of favorites?

In the photos: Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation for The Islands of the Bahamas, Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager Communications for The Islands of the Bahamas and Yvette Castlin with Rolling OUT, Katherine B. Smith, Consul General for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Brienne Herbert, Shoe Designer

Haute State of the Art Airport Terminal Unveiled in Nassau

The who’s who in Nassau came out Friday and walked the red carpet to see the unveiling of the new terminal at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). Prime Minster the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham made the reveal to a crowd of 1500 dignitaries and other guests, including Haute Travels!

This is the first phase of a $400 million dollar redevelopment project for the airport… the new state of the art facility is now the best in the Bahamas and Caribbean. The government is delighted by the “successful” conclusion of the first phase of the redevelopment of the LPIA, “a job undertaken and completed on time and within budget,” says The Prime Minister.

The night was amazing… the terminal came alive with music and fabulous people. The party moved up stairs to the gate area where we feasted on a variety of food including roast beef, chicken, shrimp, and a potato bar. A few hours later we moved back down stairs for a private concert by rock star Lenny Kravitz!

 

The new USA departure terminal is gorgeous! I can’t wait to return to the island and walk through the new terminal for the very second time.

Is the Bahamas on your list of haute destinations?

My Haute Sailing Adventure in the Bahamas

On Saturday, I spent my afternoon at sea on a luxury yacht in the Bahamas. It was so HAUTE! We sailed around Rose, Nassau and Paradise Islands. We even ventured over to the Atlantis where the super rich came in on what else—their private boats.

Our afternoon was full of fun, sun and a wonderful lunch of roast beef, salad, lobster tails and rice and beans. We even had an open bar to go with our cool conversation!

It was such a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon sailing through the Nassau harbor while Vaughn told us all about the new development that’s headed to the downtown area with new shops, restaurants and so much more. I can hardly wait… because I wonder who will sit alongside some of my favorite boutiques—Gucci, Fendi, David Yurman and John Bull on the famous Bay Street? Hmmm

There’s so much excitement in Nassau right now… and you’ll hear all about it on Haute Travels.

What do you want to know about Nassau, Bahamas?

The Bahamas is HAUTE

I love the beautiful island of Nassau for so many reasons. I was just in the Bahamas over the weekend and I got to spend time ocean side reflecting on a number of things. But more importantly, I got to enjoy warm tropical breezes, crystal clear turquoise water and stunning views of Nassau and Paradise Islands. I even got to meet some cool new friends… and convert a few to my Haute Travels following.

Whenever I travel to this pretty little island, I feel at home because the people are warm and beautiful. They’re so friendly; I feel a shared connectedness even though I’m not Bahamian. Over the last several years, I’ve been to Nassau many times, occassionally with my mother, but I always find something new to discover every time I return.

This time I found even more reasons to explore Nassau in a way that I’ve never done before as a writer and photographer. I’m already planning my return for fashion week in the fall. Look for upcoming features on the Bahamas as exclusive Haute Travels profiles because it's just that HAUTE!

Have you ever visited the Bahamas?

A Spy Lovers Pampering Retreat Remembered

Did you know that jet setters have long held a secret that the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau, Bahamas is where the “beautiful” people retreat for a chance to unwind? Although, it is widely known that the hotel has been the location of two James Bond spy movies, "Thunderball" and "Never Say Never Again," its real claim to fame was its spa.

Sitting beachside just a stone’s throw away from the towering, soft yellow hotel on Bay Street, in downtown Nassau, was the charming Azure Spa. This full service 3,200-square-foot day spa served has a holistic retreat for those seeking to de-stress and detox at an ocean’s edge. The dècor was typically Bahamian with rich and colorful paintings adorning the walls. Each of the seven treatment rooms were named for different islands that make up the Bahamas. And the spa director, Isabelle, had healing hands that even 007 couldn’t resist. I still remember my visit to this little spa.

I’d met Isabelle earlier and she invited me in to sample their services. Refreshing and deep cleansing facials, body scrubs, massages and wraps were served à la cart. A relaxing 50-minute Vichy shower with a body scrub, using natural ingredients from the island, was my indulgence of choice. After a week of duty-free shopping, art gallery and museum hops and lunch by the sea… it was time to experience the Azure Spa for myself.

Just a few minutes after I walked into the spa and traded my beach cover-up and swimsuit for a comfy robe, I remember entering the Exuma treatment room where marble tile walls and overhead shower jets greeted me. Isabelle went right to work slaughtering a berry scrub all over my body before polishing with a loofah sponge. She worked quickly on both sides, while gently removing dull dry skin and improving circulation. Next, warm water fell from overhead like tropical rain revealing my sparkling new skin. After a soothing moisturizer was applied, I was well on my way to a Zen moment.

But soon, I was on the table again for the most amazing Swedish massage that I had ever experienced. Generally, I stay away from this type of massage because it’s a little rough for me. But under Isabelle, it was nothing short of blissful. She asked, “What would make the message more comfortable for you?” And she adjusted her strokes accordingly, while strategically targeting muscles that were in need of a little TLC. An hour later, I felt brand new kind of like a Bond Girl ready for an afternoon martini... shaken, not stirred!

It was some weeks later when I learned that the spa closed. I couldn’t believe it. After all what’s a spy lover to do without her favorite hideaway? Although, I’ve been back to Nassau a number of times… still staying at the Hilton, I can’t help but reminisce about that day at the spa

Do you have a favorite spa?