Island of sunshine and stars
Want to know what it’s like to be rich and famous? Just head to the Bahamas, urges Wendy Gomersall
WHERE do you go on holiday when your face is so famous that anonymity is impossible?
Surely the only way is to choose a resort where everyone is as celebrated as you are in their field and as well-off, so guests are used to seeing Julia Roberts in the swimming pool, Daniel Craig in the restaurant, and Hugh Jackman arriving in the elegant lobby?
Step forward the effortlessly luxurious One&Only Ocean Club in aptly named Paradise Island Drive, Nassau. In our bleak midwinter, what you need is something to look forward to, somewhere sunny and sandy and warm. What you need is a trip to the glorious Bahamas.
The archipelago’s 16 main islands offer a smorgasbord of leisure activities, from sailing and snorkelling, to golf, diving, fishing, even swimming with sharks – or pigs.
You might favour climbing aboard your own personal mini yellow submarine to dive under the waves and see the multicoloured marine life.
Sightseeing specialist Viator offers this and other unusual experiences, such as beer- or rum-tasting, cigar-rolling trips and interactive chocolate tours (yum!). Or you might just want to flop beside the One&Only’s extraordinary new infinity pool – if you can get a lounger, that is.
The pool is part of a five-month, multi-million-dollar revamp, and it’s fair to say that it is a victim of its own success, with early risers bagging their seats in the sun with towels and books before disappearing to eat breakfast – somewhat frustrating for guests who prefer to sleep a little longer. Measures are in hand to remedy the situation, I’m assured.
The new infinity pool is the most obvious result of the extensive renovation. There’s a new Ocean Pool Grill, too, where you can order Bahamian lobster salad or a killer cheeseburger.
These additions complement existing amenities including the Dune restaurant by culinary wizard Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and a delightful lounge and library where afternoon tea, cigars and fine wines and whiskies are served.
There are more rooms in the Crescent Wing, and some nice private villas with private chef and butler if you really can’t face your public( Villa Bougainvillea appeared in Casino Royale). There are also family cottages, a pool with toddler area, and the KidsOnly club.
The Hartford Courtyard has been completely redesigned and transformed into a luxurious, relaxing al fresco lounge. The Hartford Wing rooms have been made bigger and plusher than ever, and feature extraordinary extras such as bathtub TV and $10,000 lavatories that have an inbuilt seat warmer – surely the height of luxury?
Guests are well looked after by the resort’s butlers, too, who pride themselves in satisfying every whim, from unpacking your luggage to ironing your underwear. Mine was called Prince.
I was tempted to order the ‘Romantic Turn Down’ in the hope that Hugh Jackman might be involved somewhere along the line.
Apart from the oversubscribed infinity pool, there’s the beach, of course, and another gorgeous Versailles pool surrounded hidden away in a quiet spot with the resort’s famous terraced garden and cloister ruins as a romantic backdrop. It has its own cafe, too.
If you’re struggling to switch off, there are early-morning yoga sessions every day. You never know who you might be doing the downward-facing dog next to…