AC Volume 11 Issue 1

AIR CURRENTS The Official In-Flight Magazine of Gulfstream International Airlines

Millon-Dollar Makeover A New Look for the British Colonial Hilton

MAKING MEMORIES A Unforgettable Prom for Some Unforgettable Kids

SECOND CHANCES West Palm Beach Revitalized

SKY HIGH Sky Beach Club Takes it to a New Level

Y O U R C O M P L E M E N TA RY G U I D E T O F L O R I D A A N D T H E B A H A M A S

Michael Owen - International Football Player PRC 200

www.tissot.ch

Freeport: Port Lucaya Marketplace Nassau: Rawson Square, Bay Street - 240 Bay Street - Atlantis, Beach Tower - Marina Village at Atlantis

celebrate this moment forever

Celebrating life’s most memorable moments.

3IGNIl CANT 3AVINGS s #ERTIl ED !PPRAISALS s )NTERNATIONAL 'UARANTEE OF !UTHENTICITY &REE $AY 2EPLACEMENT 0LAN s *EWELLERY 2EWARDS s )NSTANT #REDIT Exclusive seller of

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ColombianEmeralds.com

FREEPORT: 1PSU -VDBZB .BSLFUQMBDF t *OUFSOBUJPOBM "JSQPSU 1SF $MFBSBODF NASSAU: 3BXTPO 4RVBSF #BZ 4USFFU t #BZ 4USFFU t "UMBOUJT #FBDI 5PXFS "UMBOUJT 3PZBM 5PXFST t .BSJOB 7JMMBHF BU "UMBOUJT "OUJHVB t "SVCB t #BIBNBT t #BSCBEPT t $BODVO t $VSBDBP t (SFOBEB t +BNBJDB t 4U -VDJB t 4U .BBSUFO "JSQPSU t 5PSUPMB t /PSXFHJBO $SVJTF -JOF

Laid-back Caribbean cool.

More than seven acres of powder-soft beach. Island-inspired cuisine. Underwater adventures.

Access to two championship golf courses, a world-class spa and a Vegas-style casino. Plus, 478 cozy, tropical-flavored guestrooms and suites ideal for the perfect Caribbean getaway.

And it’s all just a short flight from South Florida.

Part of the Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort complex, the family-friendly Our Lucaya Reef Village offers an inviting, casual atmosphere and a blissful Bahamas experience.

Visit ourlucaya.com or call 866.870.7148 for reservations.

find us on facebook ©2010 movado group, inc.

KERRY WASHINGTON, acclaimed actress. belamoda™ in stainless steel with diamond accents, black museum® dial. movado.com

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside Volume 11 | Issue 1 | 2010

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48 FEATURES 18 Wish List Shopping worth taking a vacation for, with fine jewelry from Tiffany, Cartier, Bvlgari & more.

48 An Affair to Remember Kids with cancer are treated to an unforgettable prom.

50 A Landmark Look The British Colonial Hilton gets a $15 million makeover.

54 Four New Cozy Cottages Grace the Ground at Coral Sands Coral Sands Resort on Harbour Island.

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside Volume 11 | Issue 1 | 2010

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Welcome Aboard Flybys Island Hopping Florida Fanfare Customs Information Route Map

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BAHAMAS BOUND Seclusion in the Sky Eleuthera resort offers laid-back luxury.

FLORIDA FUN New Life, Old City West Palm Beach rediscovers its waterfront.

RECREATION Shelf Life Two books that shed light on real life in The Bahamas.

DINING Life is Sweet Visit the set of The Cake Boss.

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Welcome Aboard M

any of you who fly on Gulfstream know us for our frequent flights to The Bahamas, but what you might not know about is the unique relationship we share with the island nation. Under our Continental Connection service, we operate more flights to more destinations in The Bahamas than any other U.S. airline. We provide service to 10 international airports in the Islands of The Bahamas including Nassau/Paradise Island, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Andros, Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay, Abaco, Governor’s Harbour and North Eleuthera, Cat Island, and Exuma.

And there are great things happening!

The Bahama Islands are “bustin” out all over. They are bursting with world class resorts, intimate and romantic boutique hotels, adventure and fishing lodges, all designed to entertain and relax you; to amuse and pamper and most of all acquaint you with a the most beautiful beaches and waters in the world.

Please take some time to read about some of my favorites in this issue.

New properties are open and more are on the way. Sandals Emerald Bay, Exuma opened and has butlers for every room and suite, and a location on one of The Bahamas’ most scenic islands. Internationally renowned marine scientist, conservationist and artist, Guy Harvey of Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, has announced plans to reopen the famed Bimini Big Game Club in time for the summer 2010 boating season.

So before you plan your next vacation or place your deposit on another summer cruise, take another look at The Islands of The Bahamas, and most important of all, call us.

Believe me, it’s not just a jingle, “It’s Better in the Bahamas.” I hope I will see you there.

Sincerely, Dave Hackett President and Chief Executive Officer P.S. For a complete listing of available resorts, inns and locations in The Bahamas, please visit the following websites: Out Islands: www.myoutislands.com; Nassau: www.bahamas.com; Grand Bahama: www.Bahamas.com.

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The Official In-Flight Magazine of Gulfstream International Airlines

PUBLISHER KENT JIMISON PUBLICATION DIRECTOR WENDY CLEMENTS EDITOR DIANE PHILLIPS CREATIVE DIRECTOR JANICE HARDY EDITORIAL STAFF ALEXAVIA DORSETT ADVERTISING SALES KENT JIMISON TRAVEL MEDIA INTERNATIONAL (954) 346-0712 ADVERTISING SALES FOR FLORIDA & GRAND BAHAMA ADVERTISING OPTIONS, INC. (561) 369-8265 ADVERTISINGOPTIONS@EARTHLINK.NET CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CRAIG ELDON MARGIE KAYE

Nya has a secret she must never share. A gift she must never use. A world she must never question. And a sister whose life depends on her doing all three.

THE SHIFTER by Janice Hardy BOOK ONE

OF

THE HEALING WARS

And look for BLUE FIRE, BOOK TWO OF THE HEALING WARS on sale October 5, 2010.

Published by Balzer & Bray An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers

TRAVEL MEDIA INTERNATIONAL 10001 VESTAL PLACE CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA 33071 (954) 346-0712 FAX (954) 252-2123.

KJMSN@AOL.COM EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT (242) 394-0677 DIANE@DPA-MEDIA.COM

AIR CURRENTS© 2010 is published quarterly for the approximately 1,000,000 passengers who travel annually on Gulfstream International Airlines. Copyright 2010 by Travel Media International. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. All opinions expressed in AIR CURRENTS are solely those of the contributors. While every reasonable care has been taken, neither AIR CURRENTS nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage to photographs and material submitted to this magazine. Information contained in these pages is subject to change without notice. Volume 11, Issue 1, 2010.

Subscriptions available for $16.00 per year. Please send check or money order to: Travel Media International, 10001 Vestal Place, Coral Springs, FL 33071, Attn: Subscriptions.

Sold at bookstores ever ywhere, or online at: www.barnesandnoble.com • www.borders.com www.target.com • www.harpercollinschildrens.com www.amazon.com • www.indiebound.org

www.JaniceHardy.com 12 | Volume 11 Issue 1

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LIFE HAS ITS MOMENTS...

Summer vacation

...MAKE THEM UNFORGETTABLE Design your unforgettable moments with PA N D O R A 's charms, rings, necklaces, and earrings in sterling silver and 14K gold. Prices starting at $25.00.

284 Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas (242) 302-2800 >ÀL ÕÀÊ >ÞÊÊUÊÊ >À >Ê6 >}iÊ>ÌÊ Ì > Ì ÃÊ >ÀÃ Ê >ÀL ÕÀ]Ê L>V

Make Our Reality—Yours Just a 40-minute flight from South Florida lies a pristine stretch of coastline where you’ll find the Radisson Our Lucaya Resort, Grand Bahama Island. Kick back and relax on our private white-sand beach. Turn up the heat in our Vegas-style casino. Savor innovative island cuisine. Go snorkeling through majestic underwater caves. Play your best round of golf yet and reward yourself with a euphoric massage.

Visit radisson.com/ourlucaya for reservations.

Radisson Our Lucaya Resort, Grand Bahama Island

View from Iron Shore.

More Exuma to Love Than Ever

A fascinating new exhibit at the Miami Science Museum reveals surprising sources of renewable energy, including your own dance steps. Called Energy Tracker, the exhibit includes the first vertical axis wind turbine in Miami-Dade, 1.5 kilowatt equipment manufactured

by Tangarie capable of supplying up to 10% of the energy demand of a typical South Florida home on a day of average wind. Although more compact than your grandmother’s wind generator, the presence of the turbine is less surprising than some of the more novel ways of producing energy like the Energy Dance Floor.

Do a few dance steps and floor tiles convert the energy you produce into electricity, in turn lighting up the LED lighting effects in the tiles. The Miami Science Museum is located at 3280 S. Miami Avenue, Miami. (305) 646-4200 (www.miamisci.org).

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A Touch of Ireland A touch of Ireland is tucked away in a tiny corner in Delray Beach, Florida. Family-run Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub (Linton & Federal Highway) serves food so authentic you’d think it was cooked with a brogue and served by Irish folk dancers. Shannon Shepherd’s Pie, Bonduran fish’n chips, Bogside Bangers & Mash, smoked salmon with pizzazz and much more, Irish and otherwise, most based on recipes passed down from parents of proprietors Lisa Walsh and Tom Regan. Full bar plus Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks, Yuengling, Tucher, Magners. Indoor or al fresco dining and a magical homey feeling even if you aren’t Irish.

Best find we’ve found in a lot of

Exuma has long been called the yachting capital of the Western world and now there’s more to love about this 100-mile long chain of islands than ever. Located in the Central Bahamas, the 365 islands of Exuma are scattered like lush green gems in an aquamarine sea.

Many of those islands are home to CEOs and celebrities—Pirates’ actor Johnny Depp owns a private island. So does magician David Copperfield. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw call Exuma home away from home. Now, with the opening of the newest 183-suite Sandals resort at Emerald Bay (sandals.com, click on Bahamas resorts) and the new and very sweet SeaStar Spa just down the beach at Grand Isle Resort & Spa (grandislevillas.com) there’s more reason than ever to visit the large island of Great Exuma. Should you decide to stay or invest, one of the best deals we’ve ever come across is a 13+ acre site with private residence that could easily convert to clubhouse for resort or residentialresort development, orchard, deep wells, new marina, open zoning, amazing views, high elevation and unlimited potential. On the market for under $6 million. (dillycrabrealty. com, click on Platinum Properties, Iron Shore listing). There are even new restaurants. Try breakfast at Coconut Cove, burgers beachside at La Shante and cocktails and dinner at February Point. Daily flights on Continental Connection from Ft. Lauderdale. www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

SKY’S THE LIMIT

Put your feet up, relax and enjoy a book on our lovely pink sand beach. Or you can find food, solace and the beverage of your choice at the Bistro, with a full-service swim-up cocktail bar. Sky Beach Club seamlessly blends modern amenities with the splendor of unmatched natural beauty and excellent service.

Accommodations range from luxurious poolside bungalows to 3200-square foot, four-bedroom, four-bath villas with private pools. Our elegant residences feature an abundance of glass to capitalize on the breathtaking views. Every detail is dedicated to modern luxury, comfort, and total privacy.

Sky Beach Club Resort Amenities Include: Amazing views of the Atlantic and the Caribbean.

Secluded pink-sand beach.

Contemporary dining in the Bistro.

Infinity edge beachfront pool with swim-up cocktail bar.

Gated resort community.

Energy efficient green construction.

Concierge Services for island activities, fishing charters and pre-arrival pantry stocking.

Located 7 minutes south of the Governor’s Harbour airport.

For information on Reservations or Real Estate Sales contact us at (800) 605-9869 or visit our web site www.SkyBeachClub.com

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Spring Splirges

1: Bvlgari. The Bvlgari Boutique, Crystal Court at Atlantis, (242) 3635824. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau (242) 302-2800.

2: Colombian Emeralds International, Celebrating Life’s Most Memorable Moments. Port Lucaya Marketplace. Grand Bahama International Airport. Rawson Square, Bay Street. 240 Bay Street. Atlantis, Beach Tower. Atlantis, Royal Towers. Marina Village at Atlantis.

1-800-6-NO-DUTY or www.ColombianEmeralds.com.

3: Coach. 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2872.

4: Movado. John Bull, 284 Bay Street,Nassau, (242) 302-2800; Crystal Court at Atlantis; Marsh Harbour, Abaco; Harbour Island; Emerald Bay, Exuma. Our Lucaya, Freeport, GBI. 5: The Perfume Shop. Nassau, (242) 322-2375. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2872; Marina Village, (242) 363-1152.

6: Angelique de Paris. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas, (242) 302-2800. Marina Village, Paradise Island.

7: A. Jaffe Signature Bridal jewelry. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2800.

8: Chanel. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2872; Marina Village, (242) 363-1152 .

9: Cartier. Cartier Boutique, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2872; Crystal Court at Atlantis, (242) 363-5808. The Perfume Shop. Nassau, (242) 322-2375. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 3022872; Marina Village, (242) 363-1152.

10: Colombian Emeralds International, Celebrating Life’s Most Memorable Moments. Port Lucaya Marketplace. Grand Bahama International Airport. Rawson Square, Bay Street. 240 Bay Street. Atlantis, Beach Tower. Atlantis, Royal Towers. Marina Village at Atlantis.

1-800-6-NO-DUTY or www.ColombianEmeralds.com.

11: Tag Heuer. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2800; Crystal Court at Atlantis; Marina Village, Paradise Island, Marsh Harbour, Abaco; Harbour Island; Emerald Bay, Exuma; Our Lucaya, Freeport, GBI. 18 | Volume 11 Issue 1

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6 1: TechnoMarine. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau,(242) 302-2800; Crystal Court at Atlantis; Marina Village, Paradise Island; Marsh Harbour, Abaco; Harbour Island; Emerald Bay, Exuma. Our Lucaya, Freeport, GBI. 2: David Yurman Boutique. Bay Street, next to John Bull, Nassau, (242) 302-2878; Crystal Court at Atlantis; Marina Village, Paradise Island; Our Lucaya, Freeport, Grand Bahama; Marsh Harbour, Abaco; Harbour Island; Emerald Bay, Exuma.

3: Coin of the Realm, Nassau, Charlotte and Bay Streets. (242) 322-4862.

4: Ebel. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2800; Crystal Court at Atlantis.

5: Breitling. John Bull, Crystal Court at Atlantis; Marina Village, Paradise Island; Our Lucaya, Freeport, GBI; Marsh Harbour, Abaco; Dunmore Town, Harbour Island; Emerald Bay, Exuma.

6: Colombian Emeralds International, Celebrating Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Memorable Moments. Port Lucaya Marketplace. Grand Bahama International Airport.

Rawson Square, Bay Street. 240 Bay Street. Atlantis, Beach Tower. Atlantis, Royal Towers. Marina Village at Atlantis. 1-800-6-NO-DUTY or www.ColombianEmeralds.com.

7: Tiffany & Co., John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2800; Crystal Court at Atlantis, (242) 363-3956; Marsh Harbour, Abaco; Harbour Island; Emerald Bay, Exuma.

8: Amijones. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2800. Marina Village, (242) 363-1141.

9: Dooney & Bourke. 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2872; Marina Village, (242) 363-1156.

10: Pandora. John Bull, 284 Bay Street, Nassau, (242) 302-2800.

11: Graycliff. West Hill Street across from Government House, Nassau. (242) 3029150.

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bahamas bound

Island Hopping Your Guide to The Islands of The Bahamas

J

ust 50 miles east of South Florida’s coast lie over 700 tropical islands and cays that combine the seascapes of the Caribbean with the untouched quality of the South Pacific. Flamingos walk the shallows in search of shrimp while just beyond, along the sun-drenched pink-and-white sand beaches, iguanas feast on hibiscus flowers. In The Bahamas, “fast paced” is confined to wave runners and roulette wheels. Here, world-class resorts offer accommodations for families, business travelers, and couples in search of seclusion.

The Abacos The famous red and white candy-striped lighthouse still serves as a beacon to all the sailing, fishing and yachting enthusiasts who come to play in the tranquil waters of the Abacos. The 130-mile stretch of bays, beaches, secluded inlets, pine forests, lagoons and pastel New England-style villages welcomes visitors who seek first-class diversions. The Albert Lowe Museum, located on Green Turtle Cay, highlights the area’s unique culture, from its shipbuilding traditions to its local artists. This quiet island escape entices those seeking unspoiled beaches and an extremely laid-back atmosphere.

Andros Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas and the fifth-largest in the Caribbean, attracting divers and fishing enthusiasts, as well as casual sightseers.

Mostly flat, its 2,300 square miles is one of the biggest unexplored tracts of land in the Western Hemisphere. It consists of pine forests, thick impenetrable bush, mangrove marsh and palm-lined beaches along the east coast, riddled with lakes and creeks, and most of the local residents live along the eastern shore. The Andros Barrier Reef, the world’s third-largest and healthiest barrier reef lies off the coast, and divers come from all over the world to explore it. The reef plunges 6,000 feet to a narrow drop-off known as the Tongue of the Ocean.

The island also offers a vast array of Blue Holes for the experienced diver.

These underwater cave systems are found both inland and in the ocean, and though no one has even gone in one and out the other, it is believed that they do connect. Bonefishing here is among the best on earth, and Andros is also known for its world-class marlin and bluefin tuna fishing.

Bimini Bimini is made up of three major islands—North, South and East Bimini— that are rich with history and natural resources. Most of the islands’ population, about 1,600 residents, live in Bailey Town in North Bimini, while the main tourist center is in Alice Town, also on North Bimini. Most of the hotels, restaurants and fishing operations can also be found here.

It’s believed that this tiny island was once part of the road system of the Lost Continent of Atlantis. But today it’s the fishing that makes this island known throughout the world.

Cat Island Named after the pirate Arthur Catt, Cat Island is the sixth largest island in The Bahamas, located near the Tropic of Cancer. With temperatures in the high 60s during the short winters, rising to the mid-80s in summer, and pristine virgin beaches, Cat Island is one of the most beautiful islands in The Bahamas.

Local historians claim that Cat Island residents were the first to see Columbus.

The great explorer himself was believed by some to have been welcomed here by the Arawaks. www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

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bahamas bound

Beautiful beaches offer an array of water sports. Boating and diving are among the main reasons to go to Cat Island, and diving lessons are available for novices.

Eleuthera Eleuthera is one of the longest islands in The Bahamas, 110 miles from top to bottom. This intimate isle of rolling hills and lush green forests beckons visitors with the subdued charm of yesteryear.

Quaint colonial villages echo the history of the island’s pilgrim settlers who arrived over 300 years ago and named the land Eleuthera, “freedom” in Greek. Vacationers indulge in that same carefree spirit as they roam miles of pink sand beaches that lead to lush plantations where exotic fruits from pineapples to mangos grow in abundance.

The mile-long Cave at Hatchet Bay invokes the Earth’s past with spectacular stalagmite and stalactite formations that glitter by torchlight.

Harbour Island

Make it Elgin.

Countertops • Tiles • Pavers • Copings Stairways • Turned Columns • Fireplaces Custom Inlays • Hand Carvings

Elgin Marble, Inc.

Purveyors of marble, granite and natural stone to The Bahamas, Caribbean and the Eastern United States for more than 30 years.

6005 U.S. Highway 1 • Vero Beach, FL 32967 Telephone: 772-562-1469 • www.elginmarble.net

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Harbour Island was a noted shipyard and sugar refinement center in the late 1800s, and the resourceful residents have also made their way in the world as skilled shipbuilders and farmers. The island itself has little fertile soil, but residents were given land to farm on the “mainland” (Eleuthera) in 1783, and much of that original grant is still being tilled

by Brilanders today.

The Exumas This 100-mile-long string of 365 islands and cays—most of them uninhabited—is the great yachting mecca of The Bahamas. These waters, some of the prettiest in The Bahamas, are also ideal for fishing (bonefishing especially).

The Exumas stretch from Beacon Cay in the north to Sandy Cay in the south. The Exuma National Land and Sea Park, protected by The Bahamas National Trust, encompasses much of the coastline.

The park is accessible only by boat and is one of the major natural wonders and sightseeing www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

destinations, with an abundance of undersea life, reefs, blue holes, and shipwrecks. Portions of the James Bond thriller Thunderball were filmed at Staniel Cay. Not far from George Town, the largest settlement on Great Exuma, is the rapidly growing Emerald Bay area with the luxurious 5-star condotels at Grand Isle Resort & Spa and the famous Greg Norman Golf Course.

Grand Bahama Island A favorite port of Old World pirates and modern day rumrunners, Grand Bahama remains largely untouched since its swashbuckling days. Those seeking adventure can explore uncharted primitive forests, scuba dive through prehistoric underwater caverns, or swim side by side with dolphins. Freeport/ Lucaya offers posh resorts with service designed to pamper, splendid oceanview suites, and nightlife from casinos to musical revues. This tropical metropolis appeals to the

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sports minded with championship golf, renowned tennis facilities and deep-sea fishing. Discover vibrant island history where remnants of the Arawaks, the native Bahamians, depict the ancient culture that invented the definitive tool for the skilled beach bum: the hammock.

Nassau Captains of all walks of life have long welcomed the sight of the sheltered harbor in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau displays the island’s colonial history with the Old World pageantry of the Supreme Court and the traditionally dressed police force. Visitors roam through the straw market filled with handwoven baskets before heading to scores of designer boutiques that house fine jewelry, watches, leather and perfumes. Hit the white sand beaches for the ultimate in water sports and relaxation. The club scene comes alive with lively cabaret

shows and upscale casinos where visitors revel—and gamble—into the night. From steel drum bands to cab drivers, the inherent charm of the locals makes a stay in Nassau truly a pleasure.

Paradise Island Aptly named, this island treasure attracts the world’s most recognizable people for worldclass yachting and casino action, Bahamian style. Stately hotels line the sugary sand beaches and pristine reefs adorn the shallow coastal waters. Though the jet-setters call this port the Monte Carlo of the New World, the island’s West End retains the flavor of its colonial past with white picket fences, exotic flowering plants and breezy front porches. Visitors can slip into the island mentality without leaving luxury behind. 4

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ust 55 miles off the coast of South

Florida lies Grand Bahama Island. A unique destination where you can bask on endless beaches, kayak through national parks, swim with dolphins, snorkel in crystal clear waters, golf, boneďŹ sh, rejuvenate in a world class spa or do nothing at all.

For our latest special rate promotions or our ongoing $50 rebate offer visit us at www.grandbahamavacations.com and enter the special rate code bahamas50.

bahamas bound

Seclusion in the Sky Eleuthera resort offers laid-back luxury

By Craig Eldon

www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

T

ropical vacations can be testing. Just when you vowed you and your wife would rekindle old flames, a fire extinguisher called Jason howls, “Mommy, I’m hungry” or your elderly father who was going to take his grandson fishing decides he’d rather honker down and watch a movie—with the two of you. You thought you had it all planned out, Dad looks after Jason, we all get to go on vacation together and Jason’s mommy, my wife, looks after our marriage. Only something went awry.

Next time, I promise myself, I am going to get it right. To do that, I begin my search for the perfect location for a romantic getaway. First, the basic requirements. I realize they boil down to letters, one “l”—luxury—and five “s’s”—sun, sea, sand, service and seclusion.

I found a resort that was, virtually, letter perfect. It’s called Sky Beach Club and it’s just outside Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, about an hour’s flight from Ft. Lauderdale or 30 minutes by air from Nassau, Bahamas.

Just a five-minute drive from Governor’s Harbour airport, the beachfront retreat sits on a hilltop 145 feet above the ocean.

The 22-acre hideaway is a mixture of luxury rental homes and bungalows, modern comforts and nature. Sky Beach Club refreshingly only has a handful of guests on any Volume 11 Issue 1 | 31

bahamas bound given day and with roughly 18 staff members, it’s rare to see more than a handful of people at any time. While some enjoy the usual beach activities, most are simply seeking that idyllic patch of pink-hued sand where they can stretch out a towel, unplug and unwind.

Casual check-in takes place at the poolside bistro, instantly sending a message to guests that this is a private, trusted environment, worlds away from a mass market hub of hospitality. The staff is friendly, the infinity pool is welcoming and the beach view is unbelievable. A coral reef follows the pink shoreline and runs parallel with a shady trail

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that has been around long before the first brick was ever laid at the club. Stretching 5 miles south and 10 miles north, the historic nature walkway is filled with edible vegetation like coco plums, coconuts and seagrapes and occasional “No Trespassing” signs are the only reminders that there really are neighbors.

The private bungalows are romantic and ideal for couples while the four-bedroom rental homes offer families every amenity for the perfect getaway. Italian chateau stone marble coats the floor. Teak planks float 18 feet overhead. Breathtaking views of the sea appear in almost every room.

And just in case guests need a dose of technology, each home is outfitted with built-in sound systems, highdefinition flat screen TVs, Blu-ray players and wi-fi.

So what do travelers to the island of Eleuthera need to enjoy a week in the Sky? Pack sun block, a good read and a swimsuit and fly to the road less traveled. Snorkeling gear, walking shoes and anything fancier than a tee-shirt are optional.

For more information or to book your reservation at the Sky Beach Club Bahamas, call (800) 605-9869 or visit www.skybeachclub.com. 4

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Florida fun

Florida Fanfare Your Guide to the Sunshine State

M

ention Florida and instantly images appear of white-sand beaches, endless expanses of blue sky, sunshine and sparkling turquoise waters, but Florida offers much more. World-class restaurants, shopping, museums and cultural events fill city streets, while theme parks, nature preserves and historical parks cover more square miles than sunbathers. Here are just a few of the many things to do while visiting Florida.

Fort Lauderdale Often referred to as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is worldrenowned as a yachting and sporting destination. Boating enthusiasts enjoy the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the biggest in the world. Water lovers will also delight in water skiing, kite surfing, canoeing and kayaking, while landlubbers will revel in hiking, biking and fishing. Fort Lauderdale’s diverse ecosystems provide a magical world of flora and fauna. Scuba Diving magazine has named Fort Lauderdale one of America’s “Best Dive Destinations” and “Best Overall Value” for diving. For those who enjoy a more leisurely day, Las Olas Boulevard provides boutiques and art galleries, world-class cuisine, sidewalk cafes and jazz houses. Tucked away in the heart of the city is the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, a delightful assortment of shopping, dining, waterfront parks and major cultural attractions.

Key West

Top: Shrek 4D at Universal Studios Orlando. Above: A stroll along Tampa’s shore.

Left: Boys enjoy the beach in Fort Lauderdale. www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

Visitors to Key West can pet a shark, tour a cemetery, visit Hemingway’s former home with a wall dedicated to portraits of his wives and lovers, or experience the riches of a spectacular salvage expedition. The island’s beaches offer ample sunning and water sports opportunities, while beneath the surrounding turquoise waters, historic shipwrecks, a living coral reef and a myriad of marine life beckon underwater exploration. Hardly a weekend goes by without some kind of special event or festival. January brings the Key West Literary Seminar, celebrating the island’s heritage as a writer’s haven. In July, the 10-day Hemingway Days Festival begins with writer’s workshops, costume contests and other activities. In late October, Fantasy Fest features revelry and surprises to the island.

Land lovers can discover the coral reefs without getting their feet wet at the Key West Aquarium, the first tourist attraction in the Keys. And no visit to Key West is complete without viewing a sunset at Mallory Square or atop LaConcha Hotel.

Volume 11 Issue 1 | 35

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From parks to animals, shopping to nightlife, you can be sure to find the right activity to fit your personality and budget. Nature lovers will enjoy Everglades National Park, the third largest national park in the continental United States, with 1.5 million acres of rare and beautiful ecosystems. Miami Metrozoo lets you experience the excitement of the world’s jungles with more than 800 animals in a 290-acre habitat. For late-night fun, head for South Beach and Coconut Grove, where you can dance the night away in a trendy nightclub, sample the fare at a world-class restaurant or shop at the stylish boutiques. Check your calendar because Miami also hosts festivals throughout the year, including Taste of the Grove, a food-lover’s paradise, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, for those who are more artistically inclined, and Calle Ocho, an extravaganza of Cuban music, food and dance.

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36 | Volume 11 Issue 1

The Orlando/Kissimmee/Lake Buena Vista area is home to some of Florida’s best-known attractions.

Walt Disney World theme parks guarantee to bring out the child in us all. Adventurous types will want to check out Universal Studios Florida, where they can “ride” their favorite movies. More thrills can be found

The Goodwin Museum in Tallahassee.

at SeaWorld’s newest attraction, Kraken, a floorless roller coaster that plunges underwater. Downtown Orlando boasts Church Street Station with restaurants, shops and games for the whole family. Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven slows you down and offers stunning botanical gardens and Southern belles in billowing skirts. On the water, the action-packed water ski shows are as thrilling as they are entertaining.

Pensacola Known as the “City of Five Flags,” Pensacola’s history gives tourists the chance to soak in its varied and colorful past. Historic Pensacola Village offers guided tours of exhibits including furnished period houses, museums, and archaeological sites spanning from the earliest Spanish explorers to the 1920s. The downtown area burgeons with art galleries, theatrical and symphony performances, big-name musical stars, and delightful restaurants and shops ranging from down-home to exquisite. To the west is the Naval Air Station, which boasts the worldrenowned National Museum of Naval Aviation and hosts the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show each November. Boasting some of www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

the most pristine white sands in the state, Pensacola’s breathtaking beaches offer the perfect setting for a seaside vacation. Nearby Milton offers opportunities for camping, canoeing, kayaking and tubing along its crystal-clear spring-fed waters.

Tallahassee With its rolling hills, canopied roads of moss-draped oaks, and Southern charm, Tallahassee defies the stereotypes most people hold when it comes to Florida. With the Gulf 25 miles away and the Georgia border only 14 miles to the north, Tallahassee is strategically located in the foothills of the Appalachians and at the juncture of Florida’s Panhandle and peninsula.

Magnificent plantation houses, the newly restored capital building and the Museum of Florida History reflect the city’s deep-rooted history.

Florida State University, home of the Seminoles, is the second largest university in the state. The city is brimming with school spirit, and football season is a colorful and exciting time to visit when there is a game in town. With college students around, a thriving nightlife is far from lacking. But if a leisurely day about town is more your style, you will find every sort of shopping, dining and interesting things to see.

West Palm Beach Featuring historic architecture and a variety of restaurants, West Palm Beach’s downtown makes it one of the most unforgettable cities in South Florida. Check out the first signature restaurant of Bravo! Network’s “Top Chef” star and Palm County native Stephen Asprinio—Forté di Asprinio.

Featuring modern Italian cuisine and 500 bottles of wine, the restaurant is already creating buzz on a national level.

Those wishing to venture further afield can take a drive on the wild side through Lion Country Safari, one of the world’s first cageless zoos.

For the less daring, the Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park is the number one family attraction in Palm Beach County. This 23-acre zoological garden is home to more than 400 animals from around the world. 4

Tampa Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is 335 acres of family adventure, combining world-class animal habitats with heart-stopping rides.

The exotic African theme whisks you to another land as easily as the roller coasters whisk you into the air.

For something different, try Duck Tours of Tampa Bay, a narrated 80-minute land and sea tour in a genuine WWII amphibious vehicle.

Wander along beautiful Tampa Bay, with shops, restaurants and sights for visitors of all ages. Be sure to stop by historic Ybor City, restored to its old-time charm. Watch Cuban cigar makers roll a stogie in Ybor Square, and dance the night away along La Séptima.

www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

Volume 11 Issue 1 | 37

Florida fun

New Life, Old City West Palm Beach rediscovers its waterfront

By Diane Phillips

W

hen Lois Frankel took the oath of office of mayor of West Palm Beach in 2003, she faced a city center that was down on its heels and straight out of

luck.

Roads were torn up, civil disobedience reigned and brand name stores were fleeing downtown faster than Apolo Ohno on a downhill run.

“Clematis Street was the wild, wild West,” says Frankel, referring to the avenue that was once the heartbeat of town. Less than 48 hours in office, Frankel rode with the police chief to see trouble after dark firsthand. Why had downtown West Palm Beach, basking in the South Florida sun, a city bordered by water at its front door and the wealth of Palm Beach across the bridge, fallen on such hard times?

The answer was a confluence of strikes against it—road works that had dragged on for years, competition from malls and a twist of real estate fate that created a new center of attention just outside the old downtown.

“Competition from malls and places like Wellington was fierce,” said Frankel, the mayor referred to as feisty so often it’s become her unofficial first name.

“Cityplace had just opened and was the new kid on the block. There were a lot of vacant storefronts and owners saw the best way to collect rent was to lease to night clubs. Clematis Street was filled with what I called saloons. At 1am, the street was so packed you could barely move.”

Next Steps, Toward the Revival Frankel knew it was going to take dramatic action to turn the situation around.

She appointed a safety and security committee. They installed better lighting in parking lots and security staff in bars. “Then we did something that completely changed everything. We banned everyone under 21 from going into bars. That was the turning point from a crime point of view.”

Like cities throughout the world that have fallen victim to a rush to the suburbs and more recently to gated communities, West Palm Beach had to play by the two basic magnets of winning friends and influencing business to move back in. It had www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

Volume 11 Issue 1 | 39

Florida fun

to be clean and safe. But beyond that it had to create an environment that made a statement and offered a wow factor. A think tank called The Urban Land Institute was called in. For five days, they interviewed stakeholders, researched, analyzed, and photographed before producing a report that became the blueprint for revitalization. Along with the clean and safe components, the report added another mandate: open up your view, no one even knows you are on the waterfront. Uncork the bottle, they said. Raze the library.

40 | Volume 11 Issue 1

It was almost unthinkable to some.

The colorful tile-faced building overlooking the wide Intracoastal Waterway had been the pride and joy of the city when it was built decades before on land where the main streets of downtown West Palm Beach converged. But enough members of the city council bought into the vision.

“We adopted this plan and I wasn’t going to let it sit on a shelf,” says Frankel who seven years later says she could write a book about what she called the ordeal of moving

from plan to reality, a journey that impugned personal reputations and threatened political futures.

A Plan Comes Together Fast forward to March 2010, a Saturday afternoon. Some 20,000 were expected to gather. By evening the crowd swelled to an estimated 80,000, there to witness the official ‘opening’ of the waterfront, a $30 million investment that is breathing new life into a city that was in desperate need of renewal and is now collectively grinning from ear to ear. There are water features, great expanses of lawn, walkways, an urban beach, three docks, including a floating pier with a window to an artificial reef to allow glimpses of marine life. Yachts are tied up.

Restaurants are flourishing. On opening night, there are fireworks.

Cirque Majik performs. The hue and cry of joy reverberates.

Still, not everyone falls into step.

There are naysayers who argue that the park is too big, too exposed to the hot Florida sun, that it will be unusable during the day in summer heat, that it is an architectural disaster, that the cost was too high when the U.S. was in the throes of a barely recovering economy. But their warnings of fiscal abandon are getting harder to hear over the din of satisfaction. People are all but swarming the new area. Return on investment is already strong. A vacancy rate of 28% in 2008 is now almost non-existent.

Palm Beachite Jonathan Gladstone, a visionary who never doubted West Palm Beach would make a comeback, invested in property years before. What lay fallow during the lean, mean years is leased, including one location that is now an impressive art gallery and another, a popular chic restaurant.

“It’s not your grandfather’s downtown and that’s a very good thing,” says Gladstone, calling the phenomenon of West Palm Beach’s success anti-cyclical to the economy as a whole. A few remnants of the past remain. Pioneer Linens, which never abandoned providing luxury www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

bed, bath and table linens for the estates of Palm Beach, celebrates its 99th anniversary this year, a stalwart on Clematis Street.

Hundreds have moved back to the city. There’s a neighborhood association. Activities and cultural events topple over each other for attention. In February alone, there was the Arti Gras Fine Arts Festival, Diggin Dinosaurs at the South Florida Science Museum, Joan Rivers at the Kravis Center, a greenmarket every Saturday, Clematis by Night with live music on Thursdays, the Cyclic art exhibit at the brand new waterfront lake pavilion. March and post-season April were just as active.

If there is anything missing, it’s financing for new hotels. But for the mayor who laid her reputation on the line to bring a city back to life there’s sweet success in the police reports she sees daily.

“It used to be a war zone.

Now the most serious thing is a car burglary. Last year, we had a

period where there was no crime for a whole month.” And there is the business side, transformation from desolate to desired, with high commercial occupancy and busy cash registers. “We had a plan and we made it happen,” says Frankel, who never backed down despite critics.

“We won’t see any revenue from it immediately, but call me in a year or two.”

That’s one mistake the mayor did make. She underestimated the recovery. Results were immediate.

Action and revenue are flowing, like the open harborfront that has breathed new life into this city that reached out to re-invent itself and found the formula for lifestyle and liquidity. 4

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Volume 11 Issue 1 | 41

recreation

Shelf Life Two books that shed light on real life in The Bahamas

By Diane Phillips

www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

O

ne is the story of a young girl who grew up on a remote island without electricity or indoor plumbing and went on to become a legendary educator and the beloved Governor General of The Bahamas. The other is a tale of a woman who, with her husband, traded the comforts of city life for what she thought would be the paradise of managing a small island only to discover that getting through a day demanded more innovation and energy than she dreamed and in the midst of nowhere, an unexpected death can mean frantically chipping ice normally reserved for cooling fish and drinks to pack around a body for shipping back to the mainland.

Both books offer unforgettable insights into the hidden surprises of life in The Bahamas. Written by two very different woman of courage connected by their willingness to share deeply personal memories, the two tales are based on real-life experiences. And neither is the world that the visitor to these islands in the sun expects.

In Rose’s to Mount Fitzwilliam, former Governor General Dame Ivy Dumont takes readers on a journey that begins in a small settlement called Rose’s on the island of Long Island in the south central Bahamas where catching lizards, gathering silver palm to dry for plaiting straw and separating fish guts from gills is as routine as learning to read. It was a childhood that at first blush stands in stark contrast to the high-profile public career that included Cabinet posts, dinners with world leaders and royalty and an appointment as the Queen’s titular head of the island nation.

Humor and humility are the threads that bind childhood and later life and the humor is evident from the opening sentence of her memoir: “I believe I have retired more times than most people. I could hardly wait to begin my first retirement. Planning for my second retirement was less stressful…The third retirement was a celebration over several days…My fourth retirement was a quiet withdrawal from office…” Rose’s to Mount Fitzwilliam is chock-a-block with detail about the people who influenced the woman who would become a teacher, administrator, Cabinet minister, human resources director of a major offshore bank and trust, and finally Governor General.

But just as importantly, it’s packed with detail about small moments, “the use of shady tamarind trees” as classrooms in an overcrowded three-room school, and historic Volume 11 Issue 1 | 43

recreation

events, the “dancing in the street” and unplanned explosive celebrations following the first FNM election to government in August 1992. Dame Ivy, a gentle woman with a quick wit, spent six years writing the book and when she completed it, her inscription to one dear friend was a simple as this: “I finally finished.”

But it will be a long time before those who know Dame Ivy finish telling their own tales of the first and only female Governor General

who grew up in the settlement called Rose’s and retired, for the fifth and finally successful time, after living in the Governor General’s official residence on the West Hill Street hilltop called Mount Fitzwilliam.

For Kate Albury, author of Life on a Rock, the story of out island adventure took a different path, nearly 180 degrees opposite from Dame Ivy’s humble beginnings to hilltop peaks. Living a comfortable life in Nassau with her husband,

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Peter, who had a secure if less than exciting job with government, she recalls vividly the moment that changed the course of their lives. It was at breakfast when Peter opened the newspaper and saw an ad for island manager. His eyes lit up. His voice was excited. Kate knew her professional position could soon be eliminated with upcoming changes.

With their two daughters grown and on their own, she knew if they were ever going to have a life of adventure, this was the time to do it.

Peter and Kate, competent, healthy, respected in their own rights with the added ingredient of being avid fishing enthusiasts, had no trouble landing the job. The fit seemed perfect. Life, they thought, would be idyllic—24 hours a day, seven days a week on a 500-acre island in the Exumas, the yachting capital of the Western Hemisphere, the most beautiful waters in the world.

It wasn’t long before 24/7 took on a new meaning. Keeping the island going, maintaining boats, generators, rental cottages, docks, making sure the mailboat delivered supplies and the tanker delivered fuel on time for yachts depending on it to get to their next port of call, babying old tractors that kept the land partially clear and refrigeration that kept the few perishables they had in the ‘store” cold and tempers from getting hot and everything running smoothly was 24/7 and then some. Romance often took a back seat to exhaustion, though a little red pillow moved from kitchen to bedroom carried its own meaning. From low points of near despair, including a break-in by armed thugs days after they arrived, to high points of spontaneous parties, lively fishing tournaments and friendships that would last a lifetime, Peter and Kate Albury spent five years living what they thought would be a dream and discovered that dreams are not about where you are, but what you hold in your heart.

Two books, two very different stories, piecing together parts of the never-ending puzzle that is The Bahamas. 4

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A Perfect Day at Small Hope Bay

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One Stop… to Build Your Dream Home!

I

f you have ever planned or built a house, you know about the run around factor. Every time you need to select something for the new house you run from one store to another. You stop at one location to look at flooring and another to choose your furniture. Then on to the next place for cabinets and on it goes. Fortunately for you, D’Asign Source is truly a one stop shop for all your home building needs.

Nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys is the visual stimulant which is D’Asign Source. The 25,000 square foot design center allows you to choose everything from landscaping to furniture in one location. Stroll through the flooring depart, stop and watch a movie in a state-of-theart home theatre system or enjoy a

delicious cup of coffee in our custom cabinet department. The all-in-one design center works especially well for people with time constraints. One can stop in and select every finish for their home.

As an Abbey Carpet dealer D’Asign Source offers a wide selection of wood, tile and carpet floor covering. Flooring options reach many price points and accommodate every budget. The same holds true for the fantastic furniture selection at the design center. Stanley Furniture, Hickory Chair, Thomasville Furniture and Hickory White are a few of the lines represented. These companies are fashion forward and earth friendly; many being manufactured in the good old USA. No home is complete without window treatments. D’Asign Source is the largest Hunter Douglas dealer in the Florida Keys. Hunter Douglas offers extreme function for extreme sunshine. And don’t forget to visit the fabric room where you can choose from thousands of fabrics for drapery, bedding ensemble or even a custom sofa.

Of course, if you are no Martha Stewart, do not fear being overwhelmed. The professional interior designers and sales consultants at D’Asign Source make the selection process a breeze. It’s the

reason why they have been voted the best interior design center in Florida for the forth year in a row by the readers of Florida Magazine.

No detail is to small a task. Custom finishes are their specialty.

But don’t forget about the most precious area of a Florida home, the outside. Located inside and outside of the D’Asign Source showroom is an Outdoor Environments display.

View beautiful outdoor furniture from Brown Jordan, the leader in long lasting, beautiful outdoor products. While visiting the designer showroom make sure you take time to sit down and enjoy the fresh water and saltwater ponds stocked with tropical fish; stroll outside and view tropical palms and salt tolerant plants. When it comes to knowing what grows and lives in Florida, the friendly people at D’Asign Source are the experts.

But what if you don’t have a home in Florida? No problem. D’Asign Source works throughout the United States and abroad. They ship anywhere and can help you with any style of home. D’Asign Source is completely wired and can work with you even if you aren’t here. The are only a float, flight or highway away.

Ge ing to Marathon is a breeze thanks to the airport, marinas and of course famed US 1. Come on over to Marathon and plan your dream home, they will even pick you up.

A er your planning is complete you may even be able to squeeze in a fishing trip with their experienced boat captain.

No ma er the location, budget or style, D’Asign Source can assist you in making your dream home become a reality.

To learn more about D’Asign Source please visit www.

DAsignSource.com.

An Affair to Remember Kids With Cancer are Treated to an “Unforgettable Prom”

By Margie Kaye

K

ids undergoing cancer treatment often miss school and the milestone celebrations that fill the calendar and their adolescent memories.

This summer, hundreds of cancer patients in South Florida ages 12-19 will have the chance to trade in their hospital gowns for prom dresses and tuxedos to attend the first annual “Unforgettable Prom,” a gala red carpet evening designed in their honor. All of the festivities are provided free of charge, including hair and make-up, wardrobe, limousine service, food, music and dancing.

A South Florida first, the idea for the “Unforgettable Prom” was inspired by the Friends of Scott Foundation in San Diego, an organization committed to helping families receive the needed support in dealing with this devastating disease. Friends of Scott was founded in memory of Scott Delgadillo, who lost his battle with acute lymphocytic leukemia at age 14.

Fort Lauderdale resident and financial advisor, Brandon Opre, learned of the event from one of his clients in San

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Diego and decided he wanted to bring a similar heartwarming experience to South Florida. Opre now leads a committed group of friends, family, and colleagues towards a memorable night for some very special people. Opre is a financial advisor and CFP® practitioner with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney by day, and admittedly now a prom organizer by night.

“I’ve always wanted to have a positive influence and do something unique for kids,” Opre stated. “This will truly be a special event, and the amount of support we have in putting this together has been spectacular. Knowing the impact this will have on the kids in this area, I wonder why more of these aren’t done in other parts of the country. It’s a big project and we have nearly 300 kids attending, but I have a very motivated committee helping to make this event possible.”

The prom is provided at no cost to the children or their families, thanks to the assistance of sponsors and donations.

“The amount of community involvement is very exciting, especially in the struggling economy,” Opre said. “To have the Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale donate their space to us and to have Aveda salons providing a day-of-beauty for the women—it goes to show how excited the community is about this event.”

www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

Not to mention that generous, individual donors have provided enough contributions to cover the large stretch Hummer limos, and Blue Martini is holding an exclusive golf tournament in which all proceeds go towards prom.

Broward Health/Chris Evert Children’s Hospital is one of the event’s primary sponsors, with six additional hospitals spanning the tri-county area also contributing to the event. The other hospitals include Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Broward County; Palms West and St. Mary’s Hospital in Palm Beach County, and Baptist Health, Miami Children’s Hospital and University of Miami/Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami-Dade County. The prom will be held at the elegant Ritz-Carlton hotel on Ft. Lauderdale beach.

“The kids are so excited about the prom,” said Trish Lira, Director of Child Life Services at Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. “When their days are usually spent focusing on their illness, the prom takes their mind off of being sick.

And because all the attendees are cancer patients, they don’t worry about looking or feeling different—everyone understands what they’re going through.”

To learn more about “Unforgettable Prom”, visit their web site at www.unforgettableprom.com, or call (877) FTLPROM (877-385-7766). 4

www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

“When their days are usually spent focusing on their illness, the prom takes their mind off of being sick. And because all the attendees are cancer patients, they don’t worry about looking or feeling different—everyone understands what they’re going through.”

Volume 11 Issue 1 | 49

A Landmark Look Nassauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landmark gets a $15 Million Makeover

By Diane Phillips 50 | Volume 11 Issue 1

www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

Like grand dames who have weathered storms and emerged stronger, the British Colonial Hilton is at the apex of her 120-year existence

ENew York its welcoming Statue of Liberty, Paris its Eiffel very major city has its defining landmark.

Tower, London its Big Ben. In Nassau, the symbol of the city for as long as anyone can remember has been the heart of the city, Number One Bay Street, the British Colonial, a hotel since 1898, a Hilton since 1999. The original wooden structure burned down in 1922 and was rebuilt by the following year. Since then, the hotel has been an architectural seesaw, in good times adored, in tough times, an eyesore abhorred.

But today, she shines as never before.

Like grand dames who have weathered storms and emerged stronger, the British Colonial Hilton is at the apex of her 120-year existence, dressed to the nines, looking smarter than ever. After a $15 million makeover, she’s tough as nails, elegant as Waterford and classy as Tiffany’s. With new style from first floor lobby to seventh floor Executive www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

Lounge, re-born restaurant and sophisticated, chic lounge, the BC Hilton’s staying power as the hub of Nassau’s business center and the heartbeat of its social setting is guaranteed.

Here, for Air Currents readers, is an inside peek at the new edition of Nassau’s best-known landmark.

Built on the site of the former Fort Nassau, the BC as it is called by locals, pays homage to its past with a life-size statue of Woodes Rogers at its portico entry. Partially hidden by landscaping, the bronze figure is easy to miss, but worth looking for. It was the privateer Rogers who was credited with ending piracy and restoring commerce in an age when courage boiled down to who drew the fastest sword and while the hotel was built where the fort once stood, the long wharf that runs along Nassau harbour downtown still carries the name Woodes Rogers.

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It is at this moment that you begin to sense the history attached to this place. Past the portico, doormen in cream-toned, lightweight formal uniform welcome you through oversized glass doors adorned in brass, the BC insignia making its introduction.

Stepping into the lobby for the first time or the 50th, the effect is the same. You are awestruck by a stunning space that speaks of an age when style was not sacrificed for revenue sources. The grand staircase with winding mahogany rail and brass balustrade is the most photographed indoor backdrop in The Bahamas for weddings, corporate gatherings, proms, graduations and family reunions. Everything about the space is impressive.

A 60-foot high domed glass ceiling graces the lobby space, allowing soft light to pour through. The marble floor is artistry in earth tones. Dark woods contrast with light fabrics. Historic black and white photos of days gone by adorn walls throughout, including upper floor corridors.

“It’s what we call colonial fusion,” explains Hilton executive Jermaine Wright, explaining the mantra that guided the 18-month remodeling. Nearly every inch of 52 | Volume 11 Issue 1

the hotel was re-done.

Indoor meeting room space went from 7,500 square feet to 13,500 with one quadrant completely and stylishly revamped. Hotel room numbers shrunk slightly from 291 to 288 while 10 rooms were stretched to make for more comfortable family vacations. Bathrooms took on the glamor of marble, glass and luxury.

There are now 20 suites and 47 executive rooms entitled to what could easily be the hotel’s best selling point, access to the attractive and well-equipped executive lounge with continental breakfast in the morning, snacks, complimentary cocktails and canopies at sundown, balcony views of the gardens, palms and the sea beyond. Off to the right is a view of the bustling port of Nassau, the region’s busiest cruise port.

Located in the heart of downtown, close to dining, luxury goods duty free shopping and the signature architecture that makes Nassau so distinctive, the hotel features the only private beach in the city. Unlike resorts that load up on shops, activities and in-house attractions to keep guests occupied—driven by the belief that more time on property www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

means more jingle in the register—the BC Hilton is, according to one regular guest, “the home base for every great stay in Nassau.

The real Bahamas is just outside my door and I can explore parks and historic churches, other beaches. I am not a resort captive but a guest in a vibrant environment staying in a really smart hotel.”

That ‘smart hotel’ got a lot smarter with the upgrade that included the equivalent of a total razing of the lobby level. Gone are the Palm Court Lounge, Blackbeard’s Cove, Portofino Restaurant, the vestiges of yesterday’s BC Hilton. In their place are the chic new Bullion Lounge and Aqua restaurant. The difference is dramatic, not only in style but in substance. Bullion decor includes touches like a copper-topped and leather-fronted bar, dark herringbone parquet flooring and furnishings that mix ultra-modern with art deco in the lounge. Activities abound. Salsa Night leads to Salsa Networking—Bullion is the place www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

You are awestruck by a stunning space that speaks of an age when style was not sacrificed for revenue sources.

to mix with the local professional population.

Aqua is bright and airy with touches of turquoise and a shallow sea feel, tastefully crafted, taking a theme that could have been sunk into corny and raising it to a level of absolute beauty. The real test is not just in the style, but in the taste that lingers on the tongue.

Every great hotel must have a great restaurant and it is what the Hilton lacked in the past.

With Executive Chef Kabuti given freedom to invent, he has created an eye-popping palatepleasing presentation ranging from standards like seared salmon and grilled tenderloin to Buccaneero Coquille or freshly grilled chunk chicken salad in coconut shell. Daily breakfast specials may include the exotic—this morning’s is baby shrimp and fresh spinach frittata.

Just leave room for the chocolate fountain, the dessert that announces the grand dame of historic Nassau has never looked so good or been so much fun. 4

Volume 11 Issue 1 | 53

From family to celebrity friendly, a steady stream of vacationers, honeymooners, love birds, fishing buddies, and groups looking to spend quality time away seek out this glorious destination year round.

By Margie Kaye

Four New Cozy Cottages Grace the Grounds

at Coral Sands

A

s if the world-renowned pink colored sand beach, sun streaked turquoise water, delectable island fare and laid back luxurious amenities weren’t tempting enough to make you pack your bags for Coral Sands in Harbour Island, Bahamas, they have just added four new beachfront one-and two bedroom colonial style cottages to their inviting and varied selection of accommodations, offering just a few more reasons for you to come and stay a while at Coral Sands.

Brimming with attention to detail and indulgent comfort, these beautifully appointed dream cottages are awash in environmentally friendly function and designer décor, making them the ideal accommodations for an island escape.

54 | Volume 11 Issue 1

A wondrous blending of luxury and tranquility converge for the ultimate in relaxation in the new cottages, featuring the artistry of architect William Tagland of Tagland International and worldrenowned interior designer Barbara Hulanicki One two-bedroom and two one-bedroom cottages are located directly on the ocean front with breathtaking ocean views, the other one-bedroom model is nestled just 100 feet from the beach with a spectacular partial ocean view.

The cottages each feature plush memory foam king size beds, stylishly dressed in fine Anichini linens, crowned with headboards and surrounded by custom night tables, desk, and bookshelves beautifully designed to house your belongings,

and feel familiarly comfortable and homey.

Walnut plank wood floors adorned with area rugs add drama and warmth to the cottage, where every mood is enhanced with custom lighting and decorative blackout window drapes.

Whether enjoying a book perched in the oversized reading chair, watching television on the 32” flat screen television or winding down to music on your iPod, every comfort and convenience is there for guests to enjoy. www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

After a day spent basking in the sun, you can wash your cares away in the sensuous free standing bathtub illuminated by soft chandelier lighting or step into the large walk-in shower boasting oversized jet shower heads and a sitting bench for a spa-like experience. A round decorative porthole window invites sunlight, sunsets and star gazing, adding to the essence of seaside serenity.

If you can’t get enough of nature’s beautiful surroundings, retreat to your spacious outdoor covered terrace with designer lounge furniture, day beds, and all the fresh air you can inhale.

The cottage wet bar complete with refrigerator, coffee maker and tea kettle keeps your favorite libations and snacks close at hand for enjoying an intimate happy hour day or night.

You can double your pleasure and your living space in the new two bedroom cottage, Sea Oats, the ultimate beach front villa at Coral Sands featuring the same artistry and architecture of the one bedroom cottages. Sea Oats features two elegant master bedrooms, two

www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

luxurious bathrooms, kitchenette and dining areas presenting the ideal scenario for families and friends traveling together and maintaining their privacy when desired.

The master Colonialstyle bedrooms are cloaked in warmth with walnut plank floors, area rugs and designer furnishings built with shee shan sustainable wood. Elegant French doors stretch nine feet tall welcoming sunlight and awe inspiring views of the world famous pink sand beach just steps down the path leading from the cottage.

The living/sitting room offers a tranquil setting indoors, as does the spacious outdoor covered terrace. With ceiling fans stirring the intoxicating ocean air and an array of inviting patio furniture grouped atop the Ipe hard wood decking, the living is laid back from sun up until sun down, and then some.

The beauty of this quaint 37-room boutique hotel lies in the understated elegance that transcends the property, set along the notorious pink sand three mile stretch of beach recognized as the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean by the Travel Channel, and consistently voted as one of the top five beaches in the world.

From family to celebrity friendly, a steady stream of vacationers, honeymooners, love birds, fishing buddies, and groups looking to spend

quality time away seek out this glorious destination year round. With weather consistently warm, in the 70s and 80s, balmy nights and breezy days make for a comfortable stay with a nobrainer light dress code and mindset of “anything goes.”

Staying on the lush grounds at Coral Sands is an all encompassing date with down time, but if the adventurer in you beckons, Coral Sands’ efficient and friendly staff will happily arrange various island excursions including deep sea fishing, scuba diving, bone

fishing, and scenic tours by bicycle or golf cart. Whether a picnic on a private island is on your wish list or a historic tour of Dunmore Town is right up your alley, your hosts will make it happen for you.

Isn’t it time to unpack your bags, and stay a while? Paradise awaits at Coral Sands, where the living is easy, in your dream home away from home. 4 Chapel Street, Dunmore Town, Harbour Island, Bahamas. www.coralsands.com. 800468-2799 or 242-333-2350.

Volume 11 Issue 1 | 55

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Instead of glitz and glamour, there is nature at her finest, incredible beaches to walk or run, turquoise waters to swim or snorkel, hills to climb or bike, caves to dive, or play a round of golf on a Par 6 course.

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Be at Peace Peace and Plenty Resorts offer three small, intimate and relaxing hotels on Great Exuma for your vacationing pleasure. Complete with the amenities of home, Peace and Plenty Resorts give you a pampered haven youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come back to again and again. Spend your days enjoying our beautiful beaches, snorkeling, PADI scuba, fishing and more. Spend your nights dining at one of our restaurants, sampling the cuisine of local chefs. However you choose to spend your time, Peace and Plenty Resorts will make it memorable.

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7iÊiÊÃÃ>Û 7iÃ>Û 7iÃ> 7iÃ>Ûi` 7 >Ûi`ÊÞ ÕÊ>ÊÃi>Ì° >Ûi` >Û >Ûi`ÊÞ >ÛÛi` i`` ÞÞ Þ Õ Õ Reconnect with friends or enjoy some alone time between the Sea of Abaco and the deep blue Atlantic in one of our 12 bungalows, 8 luxury villas, freshwater pool or restaurant and bar.

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dining Life is Sweet And Getting Sweeter—for The Cake Boss

T

he Cake Boss is in the house.

The Cake Boss is Buddy Valastro and actually he’s in the bakery, Carlo’s Bakery, but if it’s Monday night and you’re one of his devoted followers, he’s in your house, making your sweet tooth act up and whetting your children’s appetites to aspire to become bakers when they grow up which suddenly they want to do in a hurry. Everyone wants a piece of Buddy or at least of the thousands of cakes he’s made that have made him and the entire crew of Carlo’s Bakery feel like family. The man’s popularity is boundless, like his energy. Buddy Valastro is not so much a TV star as a phenomenon.

The central figure in the reality show The Cake Boss (Monday, 9 pm, Eastern Standard Time, TLC), Buddy is just your everyday guy from New Jersey with no airs and a million fans. And, oh yes, he bakes for a living. Been doing so since he was tall enough to stand on a bucket and peer over the counter, next to his dad who ran the bakery before him. Unlike some counterparts who have made a TV living out of making

others in the kitchen quake in their rubber-soled shoes, setting their nerves on edge so much their soufflé is shaking, Buddy never threatens.

He shouts a little now and then, sure, but, hey, he’s just trying to be heard over the din of the crowd, it’s all friendly and he’s keeping verbal pace with the rest of his Italian family who are preparimg the cookies, cakes and cannolis that are going into the oven as dough and coming out as masterpieces.

The Cake Boss is a reality show with a difference. No devouring of creepy creatures, no catching

midnight trains to nowhere, no trampling through bush to survive, it’s based on the real-life story of a family that bakes together. Mom, Mary, who with her late husband, bought the bakery in 1964 and still oversees much of what goes on, Lisa, Buddy’s wife, an assortment of siblings and in-laws, a few friends, a delivery boy who has dropped more than his fair share of cakes but manages to hold on to his job because, hey, we’re all like family on TV and off. That’s the thing about Carlo’s Bakery. It’s a reality show based on reality. From the outside, Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey, looks like bakeries in lots of towns that still, blissfully, have a main street. Dark red and white striped awning, Bake Shop written in big letters. And that’s where the similarity ends. Ever since Carlo’s Bakery became the caloric answer to Monday night football in America, crowds have gathered, number of staff exploded and Buddy’s popularity shot up like fireworks on the Fourth. The bakery that’s been in business for 100 years is packed with customers ordering wedding cakes months in advance, buying goodies, keeping Carlo’s so busy they’re working round the clock, 30 people every shift, three shifts a day. And still on holidays, and weekends, the line is around the block. Two glass cases line the sides, filled with pastry.

Three floors of controlled chaos and cordial staff who reach around and over customers, ducking and lifting

By Diane Phillips 58 | Volume 11 Issue 1

www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

Graycliff. FiveStarLuxuryatitsBest.

Good taste, great cuisine, superb wines, award-winning cigars and gracious living all come together at Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant, a beautiful, historic mansion, in the heart of Nassau.

THE HOME OF RELAXED ELEGANCE West Hill Street, Nassau, In The Bahamas

(tel) +1242.322.2796 (toll-free) +1800.476.0446 www.graycliff.com

dining

with trays filled with fresh-baked temptations. What the TV cameras capture isn’t put on. It’s the everyday life of a booming bakery business run by a booming family with a ton of personality and a way of reaching right around the counter and into your heart.

The Cake Boss is so popular that its main star, Buddy, is taking the show on the road. In his first appearance in January, he got a quick lesson in stage fright.

“I walked out and there were 1500 people there,” he said. “I thought, ‘Oh, my God, what am I gonna do?’ I was a mass of nerves. Then I felt the positive energy from the audience and it was great because everyone was so warm. It was like being with family.”

It’s the family value thing that matters most to this man for whom life is sweet and getting sweeter.

Sure, there are the amazing cakes —the real life-size NASCAR cake (5,000 lbs of flour, 50 people laboring four days and nights to create) and the aquarium cake with coral reefs built around real fish tanks to give the appearance of fish swimming through the layers.

And sure, there have been the disasters, like the time at the end of filming season two. He walked into the bakery the next morning and discovered a member of the TV crew had left the fridge door ajar.

Six wedding cakes were destroyed, melting in a collage of butter, eggs, brides, grooms and disaster with six weddings that same day. Without reality TV cameras rolling, with every staff member working and other ovens contracted, they recreated every cake in time.

No matter how you slice the thousands of cakes and the millions of cannolis, Buddy says his greatest pride is being the ingredient that keeps people united, sitting on the couch to watch the Carlo’s Bakery family, laughing, or trying to bake something he talked about.

“What I get to do for my living is awesome,” he said, “but the best part is that I am making my mark in a way that brings families together.

That’s what makes it special.” 4 60 | Volume 11 Issue 1

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The Hassle Free Way To Fly GULFSTRE AM INTERNATIONAL AIRL I N E S Provides business and leisure travelers with over 140 scheduled, daily, non-stop flights to 24 destinations. Currently GIA ser vices 8 destinations in Florida, 10 in the Bahamas.

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For reservations please call Continental Airlines: 1-800-523-FARE or 1-800-231-0856

Air Currents’

Dining Picks Anthony’s Grill Located within walking distance of the Paradise Island resorts and next door to Quiznos Subs, Anthony’s has been a staple of the Bahamian visitor diet for years. The popular eatery with its kids-friendly atmosphere is open for breakfast (from 7:30am), lunch and dinner. Starting at 11:30am and running straight through 11pm, you can order anything from the 8-page spread, including some two dozen choices of appetizers, soups and salads. Among the starter favorites: Anthony’s Super Combo—spinach dip, chicken strips, Buffalo wings, pork ribs, conch fritters, and the top choice—Anthony’s famous conch salad marinated, chopped, diced and served fresh each time. Main course choices include a hearty, hefty seafood platter, grilled Bahamian lobster tails, herb crusted red snapper, speared grilled shrimp, as well as burgers, pizza and the all-time meat favorite: sweet, tender baby back ribs. Authentic Cuban cigars can be purchased here. No reservations or jackets needed, casual, lively and fun. $$ Full bar with tropical drinks, beer, wine and cocktails. Breakfast 7:30am-11am, lunch 11:30am-4pm, and dinner menu available from 4pm-11pm. Nassau.

Alexandra’s at August Moon For the ultimate in variety taste the ever-changing menu at Alexandra’s. Choose tasting trios with a continent theme (Land of Dragons—Asian cuisine, Old Bailey—British) for $15 or sample individual plates for $7.50. While the menu may frequently change, the quality and service never do.

Open Monday-Saturday. Lunch 11:00am – 3:00pm, dinner from 6:30pm. Call (242) 362-6631 for reservations. Nassau.

Graycliff The only restaurant of its kind in The Bahamas, Graycliff blends old-world charm with 5-star dining.

Located in the main house of a 250-year-old Georgia style mansion, the restaurant’s menu offers the finest in traditional Bahamian meals as well as popular seafood and continental cuisines. Diners can feast on succulent Nassau grouper filet served on a bed of spinach with French Dijon mustard. The filet mignon with seasoned butter is a choice dish for patrons seeking a more familiar meal. Indoor and outdoor dining. Open daily for lunch from 12:30pm-2pm and dinner from 7:30pm. Reservations required. Jackets required. West Hill St. Nassau; (242) 322-2796.

62 | Volume 11 Issue 1

Mangoes At Mangoes you’ll find pieces of the succulent fruit in almost every dish. A bold, but utterly delicious culinary idea. Seating up to 140, owner and Chef Brandon Sheffield mixes traditional Bahamian dishes with Continental cooking techniques for a scrumptious dining experience.

Open Monday-Saturday, 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30pmmidnight. Reservations are preferred. Call (242) 3672366 for more information. Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

Shula’s Steak House Americans love affair with steak is as passionate as ever and with restaurants like Shula’s Steak House, it’s easy to see why. The real score card of Shula’s is the meat, custom center cuts of Certified Angus Beef® steaks handled with a secret aging process make up their award winning SHULA CUTS. Shula’s: check out the location nearest you. www. donshula.com and arrive hungry. Casual dress at all restaurants. Seafood, including dolphin, shrimp, oysters Rockefeller, stone crab, lobster and local fare almost as popular as the steaks, lobster bisque in season. And save room for dessert. You’ll be asked to order your soufflé in advance as each takes about a half hour to prepare, but like everything else worth waiting for, it’s a treat you’ll treasure.

Sloppy Joe’s A Key West institution, Sloppy Joe’s is a dining and social adventure with festive local fare and atmosphere. The famed Sloppy Joe sandwich is a savory mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, onions and celery. Make sure you indulge in a Papa Doubles, a favorite drink of Ernest Hemingway; it’s a sublime mixture of Bacardi light rum, grapefruit juice, sour mix, 7UP and local fresh lime. This celebrated hot spot plays live music three times daily and is definitely worth a visit. 201 Duval St; (305) 294-5717. Key West.

Tippy’s Restaurant, Beach & Bar For a true taste of the islands with a barefoot lunch and a casual happy hour, check out Tippy’s, a place where “you’ll see shirts and ties at lunch and bikinis or sarongs at dinner.” Patrons from all walks of life rub shoulders over a sumptuous menu filled with island spirit.

Open seven days a week for lunch (12:30pm2:30pm) and dinner 6:00pm-10:00pm). Dinner reservations are recommended. (242) 332-3331.

Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera. 4

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IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR YOUR ARRIVAL IN THE UNITED STATES INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE A SU ARRIVO A LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS On your arrival at any U.S. airport all passengers, including those in transit to another country, must fill out a customs declaration (blue) form and, if pertinent, an immigration form (green or white). To facilitate compliance with the necessary documentation you will find some brief instructions on this matter below. Many thanks to you for your cooperation.

ATTENTION • Write your country using English • Write male or female • If you are in transit to another country: Write down TRANSIT TO...in address in the U.S. www.aircurrentsmagazine.com

A su llegada a cualquier aeropuerto de EE.UU., todos los pasajeros, incluidos aquellos que realizan tránsito con destino a otro país, deben rellenar una declaración de aduanas (impreso azul0 y, si procede, un impreso de inmigración (impreso verde o blanco). Para facilitarles conforme a la documentación necesaria, encontrarán en estas páginas unas breves instrucciones al respecto. Muchas gracias por su colaboración.

ATENCIÓN • Escriba su país en INGLËS • Escriba MALE Ö FEMALE • Si está en tránsito a otro país, escriba TRANSIT TO ..en la dirección en EE.UU. Volume 11 Issue 1 | 63

rOUTE mAP Pensacola Tallahassee

Orlando Tampa

Freeport

West Palm Beach

Treasure Cay

Grand Bahama

Fort Lauderdale

Marsh Harbour

*** ** * ** * * **

Miami

Key West

The Abacos Bimini

North Eleuthera Nassau

Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera

Andros Town

*

Cat Island

* New Bight

Andros

*

*

* ** ** **

Havana

Georgetown *** Cuba Route is Charter Service Only: ALL CUBA Charters are subject to U.S. Government approval.

The Exumas

Alliance Partnerships & Frequent Flyer Programs

OnePass is Continental Airlines’ award-winning frequent flyer program. When you enroll, you earn mileage every time you fly Continental Connection— mileage good for free travel rewards.

To enroll in OnePass, call (800) 523-FARE or visit the web site at: www.continental.com *Valid on all Continental Connection flights operated

by Gulfstream International Airlines.

As part of our longstanding Code-share partnership with Gulfstream International Airlines, you can earn miles on Continental Connection flights operated by Gulfstream International when booked with a United Airlines code and flight number. To enroll in Mileage Plus call (800) 421-4655 or visit the web site at: www.ual.com.

OnePass is Continental Airlines’ award-winning frequent flyer program. When you enroll, you earn mileage every time you fly Copa Airlines, Gulfstream coded flights— mileage good for free travel rewards.

To enroll in OnePass, call (800) 523-FARE or visit the web site at: www.continental.com

*Valid on United & Gulfstream International Airlines Code-share flights.

*Valid on Copa & Gulfstream International Airlines Code-share flights.

A rare opportunity to own an exotic private island estate in the Bahamas.

Designed and built to create lasting memories and to be part of a family legacy.

Tilloo Pond is a unique and luxurious villa on Tilloo Cay, Abaco, Bahamas. The estate is set on 11 acres including a very rare, safe harbour. The villa has three separate buildings connected by curved, covered sidewalks. Built in 2004, the triplex has over 12,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor living. The private master quarters is its own separate villa, and there is a total of five bedroom suites, with more than enough room for 10 to 12 people to sleep very comfortably.

The estate sits between the dramatic waves of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the calm turquoise water of the Sea of Abaco to the west.

Tilloo Pond is just a one-hour flight from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and a 20-minute boat ride to your own private paradise.

Priced at $6.4 million U.S. and includes the art and furnishings of the highest quality, imported from around the world. Owner financing is available.

For more information, visit BahamasHome.net or call Duane Walburg at (303)762-6454 or email duane@taysidellc.com.