Ocean Club
French-style terraced gardens (appropriately referred to as Versailles Gardens) decorated with sculptures made out of Italian marble and bronze, a 12th century Augustinian cloister dismantled in France and rebuilt stone by stone…the former colonial mansion built for Edmund Lynch (of Merril Lynch) in the 30s has kept the zany décor that millionaire Huntington Hartford II wanted. An overdone environment, which however does not take any glamour away from what is one of the most elegant hotels in the Bahamas.
The beautiful colonnade-decked building with patios and verandas immediately brings to mind a chic colonial style. Nothing like the Pharonic madness of the Atlantis ofSol Kezner. Renovated, guests today will delight in the additional spaciousness and the luxury amenities that definitely merit five stars and of course the 108 rooms overlooking the ocean. Five small buildings house ten or so suites with a private balcony or terrace. The most spectacular of all are the five exquisite villas that come with a sports centre or private Jacuzzi.
The atmosphere can be described by simplicity of colours, harmonious precious wood and linen, “ rose-wood ” parquets, trinkets hunted out at antique dealers. Real temples dedicated to beauty, bathrooms that come with a Jacuzzi and elegant blue tiles. To top it off, a butler is at your beck and call.…
After a cocktail on your terrace, just as the sun rays are inundating the sea, you can head for “ Dune ”. Jean-Georges Vongerichten signs the menu of the beautiful dining hall and patio decorated by Christian Liaigre at the private beach of the Ocean Club. A journey for the discovery of new savours to end a mellow day with a splash in the peace and quiet of the Bahamas.
