CONTENTS
FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers, What an amazing journey this has been thus far. Seeing our work take shape in such a magnificent way is encouraging but most of all humbling. In choosing what I would write to you about, I thought it fitting to write about the thing that perhaps means most – my team. When we began scouting for the people that would eventually make up our diverse and vibrant group of professionals, we literally stumbled upon so many talented people – all of whom embraced the opportunity. This team of brilliant designers, writers, editors, photographers and marketers have become my rock, and it is with the most gratitude that I extend a special thank you to all the people that helped to make this issue possible. It is because of individual commitment to this group effort, that Bahamian Escapes volume one has come to fruition. I salute you. In this month’s issue, we’re excited to introduce you to one of the most luxurious and exclusive properties in New Providence with a price tag of nearly $20 million. With you – our readers in mind – we also put special emphasis on home ownership with a feature on local real estate options. Realtor Matt Sweeting has spent the last month searching from properties under $500 thousand. His findings are outlined in our Your Agent For Life column. Beyond that, we’ve got this years top design picks and trends with a special emphasis on turning your own space into a luxury abode without spending your life savings. We look forward to pushing forward even more exciting developments over the year, keeping you informed in immediate and interactive ways. In the months ahead, we will be revamping our website, increasing our coverage to include entrepreneurship and bolstering our social and multimedia presence. BE is evolving in many ways, but our foundational charge of quality will remain preeminent under my watch. You represent our most loyal followers and our toughest critics. And while we cannot promise that you will support every decision we make, we pledge that every one will be made with you in mind. — KNK
ADVERTISMENT
Bahamaian Escapes p resents
with
MACARRA FOWLER
dessert for Breakfast Strawberry Cheesecake Waffles The New Breakfast Food _______________________________ BY MACARRA FOWLER BE Contributor macarra@bahamianescapes.com
Who said you can’t have sweets for breakfast? Oh, yeah...our parents! Oh well, I’m grown now and I can do as I please! Just as long as my mom doesn’t find out. I love waffles and pancakes. But Lord knows I DESPISE syrup! I don’t care if it’s flavored or regular; I think it’s disgusting.
Combine all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, graham crackers) in a bowl. Whisk milk and butter together and in a separate bowl whisk the egg. Pour milk mixture into flour mixture and add egg after. Using a hand mixer, mix for about 3 minutes or until There had to be a way to spruce up my break- very few lumps are seen. fast! So I went to my BFF – Google. I found a plethora of creative ways to spruce up my panNow here’s the fun part. The cream cheese cakes and waffles, but I couldn’t tell you how fast I closed the tabs that spoke about peanut butter filling! pancakes and honey infused waffles. So, I went to my refrigerator and found some strawber- You’ll need: ries, heavy whipping cream and cream cheese. 6 tablespoons Whipped Philadelphia Cream Cheese (softened) Over in my pantry, I found some icing sugar and 6 strawberries the wheels started turning. What if I made a straw- 2 teaspoons of icing sugar berry cream cheese frosting for my waffles? Duh! In a bowl, whisk cream cheese until creamy. It sounds a lot more difficult than it really is – I prom- Sift icing sugar into cream cheese. Dice 3 of the ise. I used my favorite waffle recipe that I got from strawberries into bite-sized pieces and stir into food.com. It’s so much better than the boxed stuff. mixture. For years I’ve spread either butter or Dennys’ wonderful, splendiferous buttermilk over my pancakes and waffles and I’ve enjoyed every scrumptious syrup-free bite. But then I got bored.
You start off with this basic waffle recipe: 1¼ cupflour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons white sugar 3 tablespoons graham crackers (crushed) ½ cup milk
1 egg 3 tablespoons melted butter
Cut waffle in half while hot and pour cream cheese mixture into bottom half and drizzle over the top half. Garnish with the remaining strawberries. Serve immediately. Be warned! You can probably only eat one of these bad boys, unless you’re super hungry, LOL. Bon appétit!
with
Montgomery Penn
Boiled Fish and Coconut Kalik Hominy: A Bahamian Delight “Absolutely Sinful” _______________________________ CHEF MONTGOMERY K. MORTIMER-PENN BE Contributor penn@bahamianescapes.com
With the infusion of flavor and flair, my dishes
are born.
Making this dish will require the following ingredients:
Wowing clients is a part of why I love doing what I 1 bottle of Kalik Gold 1 can of coconut milk do and with this first recipe I aim to do no less. 1 cup of water When I first prepared this absolutely sinful version ½ cup of hominy (refined grits) of boiled fish – no doubt a staple in many 1 tablespoon of butter Bahamian homes – I reflected on my childhood. 1 small onion, finely diced Travelling to the Family Islands provided insight 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped into how others shared their meals. 1/2 teaspoon of salt I often saw men enjoying an old-fashioned Bahamian breakfast; boiled fish and hominy (refined grits). They would either wash that all down with our very own brew – Kalik – or some other old fashion “gully wash”.
Instructions: In a small pot, sauté onion and thyme with butter. Next, deglaze the sauté with Kalik Gold. After the deglazing process, you will add coconut milk, water and salt. The, slowly stir Years in the culinary industry have led me to cultivate a skill that allows me to take something grits into boiling mixture. You will stir grits continuously and thoroughly until well mixed. familiar and transform it into something extraordinary. At this point, allow the pot to return to a boil. And after many attempts I think it’s something Cover the pot with a lid, lower the temperature that will excite the taste buds of many, I hope you and cook for approximately 30 minutes while enjoy preparing it! stirring frequently. Add more water if necessary. Grits are done once they have the Coconut Kalik Hominy consistency of stiff cream of wheat. Total Time: 35mins Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Serving: 2
Bahamian Boiled Fish Total Time: 25mins Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Servings:2
Making this dish will require the following ingredients: 1 pound of grouper fillet, skinless 1 lime (freshly squeezed) 1 lemon (freshly squeezed) 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley (finely chopped) ½ teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon of goat pepper 1 yellow onion (thinly sliced) 2 potato, peeled and medium diced 1 tablespoon of butter 2 cups of water Instructions: Place scaled and clean fish in a bowl. Next, squeeze lime and lemon over the fish. Sprinkle with salt and goat pepper. After seasoning, pour two cups of water into a pot. Then, add onions, potato and butter. Bring to a boil until potato becomes al dente. Once this is achieved, add fish with marinade juices and reduce the heat to low. Let fish simmer for about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot and garnish with parsley. Bon Apetite! Chef MoKaMo
artist profile:
Dede Brown F
resh off the heels of her ‘Tickle Me Pink’ Art Exhibition, which depicts the aesthetics of Bahamian wild life, Dede Brown is about to embark on one of her biggest projects to date! She’s perhaps one of the most adventurous artists the country has seen. So, we decided to dig a little deeper…
After working as an interior designer for three years, In May 2010, Brown – a native of Freeport, Grand Bahama – made the life changing decision to take on a fulltime career in art. It’s a move that enabled the artist to integrate her skills and passion across three disciplines – art, design and photography. This integration has been a fun, fulfilling and intriguing challenge, the artist admits. But Brown speaks specifically about her fine art; consisting mainly of two dimensional, realistic and semi-realistic paintings and drawings, with portraiture and the female figure being the principle subject matter. In the past few years, however, Brown has begun exploring new subjects and mediums, venturing into installations and sculpture. In fact, in 2010, Brown landed a major project for the design and creation of a life size sculpture of 75-100 flamingoes to be placed as a permanent part of phase III of the new Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). The project is scheduled for installation during September of this year and is Browns biggest gig to date. But the accomplishments of this fine artist don’t end there. Both her artwork and photography have been featured in several local and international exhibitions BE sat down with Dede for a candid chat at her studio at Popop Studios International Centre for the Visual Arts. BE: When did you first discover your creative talent? DB: I was interested in art from a very young age. I remember being really excited whenever we had art sessions in elementary and middle school. At the age of 5, I created a painting of a pink flamingo, which my school submitted to a local art competition. Miraculously I won first prize in my age group. I was over the moon.
BE: How did it all start for you? DB: My love for art continued and grew in my early education and nearing the end of high school, I knew that I wanted to study art. But, I wasn’t sure which avenue of art in particular I should explore. I was encouraged by my guidance counselor to check out the Savannah College of Art and Design, as it had a growing reputation of being one of the leading art schools in North America. When I was enrolling with the school, I didn’t have the confidence in my painting abilities to think that I could study it. On top of that you’re really not encouraged to actually study painting. So, I tried interior design and photography. When I came back to Nassau, I started working for an architectural firm and two weeks later I met my boyfriend Dylan. He was an artist, living and working in between Switzerland and The Bahamas and we just really hit it off. We shared our artwork with one another; paintings, doodles or whatever we had been working on and slowly began to encourage each other to step up on the painting. After a year of dating, we decided to rent a studio together at Popop Studios. The following year in 2009, we had our first show together at Central Bank and it was a success. People seemed to be very receptive to the work. By years end, I realized that I was spending all of my free time painting and doing photography. Then, it dawned on me that I should be doing these things all the time, not just after work and on the weekends. So, in May 2010, I decided to leave my job and work for myself. BE: How would you describe your style? DB: I guess I would say that my style leans on the side of realism, but I’m still experimenting and exploring so I’m not sure that I can categorize myself just yet. I can say that I’m very particular with the colors I work with. I actually spend a long time gathering reference images and other things before I start painting. BE: Are there any influences or anyone you look up to when it comes to art? DB: Well, I can definitely say that Dylan has influenced my work tremendously. He encouraged me to paint and even showed me how to work with oils. Before Dylan, my uncle Thierry Lamare was a great inspiration. He’s a very successful watercolor painter and I’ve always admired his ability to capture Bahamian people so emotionally. I’m also greatly influenced by fashion photography. I use a lot of fashion photos as reference images for my paintings. BE: Which of your paintings would you say mean the most to you? DB: Actually, I did a drawing of my grandmother, which was based on a photograph taken of her when she was young on a sailboat in Long Island.
It’s a beautiful photograph that my mother asked me to recreate as a drawing, as a gift for my grandfather. I would say his reaction to it makes it one of the most meaningful pieces to me. When you’re able to create something that evokes so much emotion from another it’s a very wonderful feeling. BE: How do you know when a particular piece is finished and you’re ready to put your signature on it? DB: Well, I guess when I feel like I’ve given it a solid effort and I have a very good balance of highlights and shadows with a good execution of detail, then I’m ready to sign off on it. Sometimes you have to stop yourself so that you don’t do too much. But it is definitely different for every piece. I don’t want to spend too much time on one piece, because I feel like too much time on it will only mess it up. BE: We noticed some of your paintings have a cherry. What’s the significance? DB: I was participating in a group show a while back called Figure Ground. The theme of the show was experimental drawing. The curator was encouraging the artists to think outside the box and to try and demonstrate a different side of drawing. I created an image of nude female figures stacked on top of one another. The finished product looked like ice cream to me so it seemed fitting to put a cherry on top. This offset an entire body of work based on the symbolism of the cherry. I just took the idea and ran with it, creating a variety of images with very playful and provocative imagery. Viewers would really read into the pieces, even more so than I imagined. It was a fun body of work to create. BE: How does art make you feel? DB: Art makes me happy. I know that I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t doing something I love and that is very important to me. I feel it in my drawings and when I’m taking pictures. BE: Who is your favorite local artist? DB: Locally I have a few favorites. Among them are Kendal Hanna and John Beetle. BE: What advice do you have for upcoming artists? DB: Don’t be afraid to pursue a career in art and explore all the different options. It’s not something that is encouraged much in this country, but if you’re passionate about something – be it photography, graphic design, painting, drawing, illustration etc. – there are avenues to explore. So don’t be afraid to try. For more on this artist, visit www.dedebrown.org.
THEDASHPROJECT B aha m i a n
R ha p s o d y
BY: LLOYD ALLEN
Picture this, circa 2030-something and you’re in this
really retro seaside Bistro. As you reminisce on years past, you think of that one entertainer who remains timeless. The summer of 2013 was when you first heard his album, The RnB Experiment. Many artists come and go as their sound often speaks to a specific audience, genre, and sometimes movement. But there’s something fresh, even magical to be said about this budding Bahamian artist, simply known as Dash. In this premiere edition of Bahamian-Escapes, we’re introducing Dash to the world as he prepares for his very own premiere of sorts. In just over three months, part one of his three-part album series will be released. The sound, according to Dash, bounces between a few decades and genres, but offers a flavor of what we can all agree is Bahamian. “People nowadays have a very small box of what they think RnB is. Rhythm and blues is supposed to be soulful and heartwarming and danceable, fun, and energetic,” says Dash who is otherwise known as Rashad Davis. “I kind of want to bring a little bit of that back. Disk one will be followed by two unique collages which will marry jazz, rock, pop, and even an electronic twist.”
Having been compared to the likes of Theophilus London, Maxwell, and R Kelly, Dash says music is about who you are, and how fans connect with you. This truth, he says, can make or break indie artists of today. Now, this Piscean says by nature he ignites a new feel to the business by introducing fashion, charisma, and raw personality which he sees as the new trend in the art of entertaining. Diving further into the world of Dash, BE thought to engage in some off-the-beaten-path questions. Who knows, you may have more in common with Wildcard Dash than you thought. We call this: The Countdown. 5. If today were your last day on earth, how would you spend it? “I would like to have my family and friends over andcook the best food we’ve ever had, dance all night, and laugh the hardest we ever have. That’s the greatest part of life! 4. Your favorite story? “I love the story of Leonard Chess…moving from a place of squalor, to a place of excellence.” 3. Does your brand celebrate differences? “It’s important, but the artists who I listen to are not popular here like Solange, or even Theophilus London.” 2. Your advice to future artists? “People will second guess art, they figure if you’re not a doctor, lawyer, teacher, what you’re doing is not skillful. [But] always remember that it is.” 1.Crack conch or scorch conch? “Scorch…I love onions.” Final Question. Your Favorite island and why? “New Providence. I do not like quiet.” For more on this artist; visit Wildcard Dash on Instagram or Youtube, and the Dashproject on Facebook and Twitter. You can also see Dash in action every other Wednesday night at The Daily Grind, West Bay Street.
Matt Sweeting
Your Agent For Life matt@mattsweeting.com
Awesome Condos For Under $500k
With an abundance of condo options available to pro-
spective purchasers in New Providence, one would be lost in this market without some guidance. With tighter lending practices, buyers have lower borrowing capabilities and need to make every borrowed dollar count. Making what I call the ‘double I decision’ (informed and intelligent) in this market is extremely essential.
Venice Villas, my exclusive development that my brokerage Bahama Islands Realty represents, tops the list. I have had an integral part in its design, finishes and fixtures. Venice Villas is a three-unit development located within the gated community of Venice Bay. Priced affordably at $189,500, with an in-house financing option, Venice Villas has a well-deserved place as number one on my list of Condos Under $500,000. These 2 bedroom 2 bath units are approximately eleven hundred square feet and come packed with interior amenities such as custom cabinetry, tray ceilings, recessed lighting, an appliance package and awesome tiling that is almost identical to hardwood, without the maintenance. This awesome product removes the headache of having a professional hardwood floor installer and the annual maintenance. These tiles are available in a wide range of colors and can be sourced locally from retailers such as The Tile King. We have already put two units under contract and sales are going so well that we are now in discussions to begin developing phase two on a neighboring property. The next development on my list is The Devonshire, aptly located on Devonshire Street. With a more favorable location on its side, compared to our first pick, this development is minutes away from the much-anticipated Baha Mar Development, which is set to cause the value of neighboring real estate to skyrocket. At a price unrivalled by older developments on the rebranded Cable Beach Strip, now called “The Bahamian Riviera”, The Devonshire is set to soar. Developments like Cable Beach Villas & Chardor West with comparably sized units are dinosaurs to this new kid on the block. Their outdated interiors pale in comparison to what The Devonshire has to offer. This 20-unit property is being sold as a preconstruction development only requiring a small deposit at this point to reserve. And with developers who hold an impressive track record, buyers have little if anything to fear regarding the pre-construction promises made. The Devonshire has two price options; two-bed units listed at $239,000 and three bedroom units at $279,000.
At the turn of the year the developers reported a surprising fifteen units sold only weeks after hitting the market. With a few units remaining, this is a good indication that this will be another great development in the west, causing greater interest for similar products in the future. Next on my list is The Venito located in North Westridge. It’s another property I’ve paid special attention to. In fact, I met with the developers and immediately bought into their vision of creating a development different from any other. The goal to provide high-end finishes and fixtures affordably was achieved at this new western development. Again with the developers boasting a successful track record, with properties like Hampton Ridge and Vizcaya – both sold out developments – under their belt. This gated community features 3 bedroom 2 bathroom units that are 1,250 square feet with varying floor plans on the interior and exterior units. The Poinciana units, all on the exterior, have balcony access from every room and a sprawling balcony in the master bedroom. The master bedroom also has an ultra modern Jacuzzi tub and a tiled shower stall. The Allamanda units, all situated on the interior, are priced most affordably at $299,000 with less balcony and windows. Hard wood cabinetry and granite countertops adorn every unit. An elevator in each of The Venito’s three buildings makes the trek up to your third floor unit a breeze. With both neighboring developments maintaining great rental rates and low vacancy, these units are a great investment in this rising market.
Dunmore Court, South Ocean takes my number four pick. Dunmore sits adjacent to the billion-dollar Albany Development. It’s almost always a good move to buy real estate next to successful high-end developments. These units boast a spacious 2,200 square foot floor plan, with space for a large family looking for security and maintenance-free living. Hurricane impact windows, ten-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and doors are on the short list of good design choices made at Dunmore. Four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms, give every family member their space to roam. As location has played an integral part in my top five-selection process, this is another property that has earned a justified spot on this list. The shores of Love Beach hold my fifth pick. Columbus Cove is a waterfront development that has once again made living on the water affordable. Sprawling 1,400 square foot units with water views and large balconies can be the place you call home. Beachfront units at Columbus Cove are being sold at upwards of $800,000.00 per unit. But you can still find an affordably priced unit of under $500,000 at this property. Any prospective buyer with big enough pockets should consider a buy at this development. With 24-hour patrol, this development offers ultimate security. Your new home at Columbus Cove will also boasts twelve-foot ceilings, granite coun-
So, there you have it! My top five picks for condos under $500,000. With many budding developments in the west, buyers should be very selective in their real estate choices. With the help a of an agent, or maybe an “agent for life”, potential homeowners can sort through the multitude of billboards, full page spreads and email blasts to find a place that they can truly call home.
Interior Tren This year’s trends are sure to invigorate and
renew your appetite for style! The human need for stability, personal identity, influences from technology and nostalgia has set an impression on the trends for 2013. The old and new marry in this year’s trends. The color authorities at Pantone have recently crowned “emerald” as the color of the year. This radiant and luxurious hue is also the color of balance, harmony and growth. Its jewel-like quality provides enough energy to feed the need for accomplishment, while its radiance can cater to a side of playfulness in all of us. It all depends on how it’s expressed through style.
Mix It Up! Incorporate stark whites, deep blues and high gloss finishes in a space for a crisp modern appeal, or pair it with neutrals, chestnut brown or mustard for a more sophisticated style. For a nostalgic approach, try it with wooden or leather pieces. There is no need to toss the other green accessories you’ve collected the past few years. Emerald is comfortable amongst other shades of green, and is also not shy to stand out of the crowd as a main color in a space. Whether as a minor touch or a major deal, emerald is sure to fascinate you. Metallic finishes have been a favorite in the trends for home décor for many years. While brass has taken a long back seat to many other materials, this year its back! Look for lamps and other accents of brass that make for an even greater scheme with paired with emerald.
Emerald Steals
BY TAHIRA Home E tahira@bahami
nds This Season The Spotlight
A N. KEMP Editor ianescapes.com
Natural materials and fibers such as sisal and wood are not giving up their spot as an important contribution to current design trends Our need for stability is closely related to sustainability and our homes continue to reflect it showing up on walls, ceilings, floors and furniture.
Recycle! Repurposed and up-cycled wooden pieces add interest. Mixed with newer pieces, this makes for a more “lived in� feel that can easily be the conversational piece of the space. A simple collection of old wood frames or a rustic wood clock can add natural charm this way. Trends for graphic prints this year include techno and digital prints showing up in bedding and other textiles. On the other hand, trends take us back to bold stripes, vintage florals and tribal prints. You may also note the appearance of vintage lace and knit craft in items such as throw pillows and cushions.
All In The Hand Handmade items are also getting more attention to personalizing a room. Subtle application of any of these can add character and flair, especially if carefully incorporated with complimenting prints and textures throughout the space. Amongst updating your space from these trend ideas, be sure to create a room that makes you long to come home. A tip to accomplishing this is to be sure to stick with items that carry a lot meaning like a handed down piece, buy only the items that you really like, including ones that make you smile.
Ever Heard
BY THEANDRA theandra@baham
I
t’s almost surreal believe we’re alread of us, this time me schedules. Whatever the reaso from it all. But have Have you even give Well for me and for with an economy lik And I’ve got some v financial path and s to go.
Travelling on a Budget
Research, Resear First things, first! Ne is key! I’ve heard m and got a great dea you never be that p
Become an “On-li Shopping online us accommodations m you will potentially n the necessities.
Pricing is Key! A great place to sta my personal favorite Unlike specific airlin has the cheapest r amount of stopove like me, who aren’t Looking at various a one, sometimes ca where from $50 or predict that it will, b always look up ticke • EWR (New • LGA (Lagua • JFK (John F hattan)
Once you find the b is not just to go for you to get to your fin is enough to make When traveling to F Lauderdale-Hollywo with so many other what price you can
M. THOMPSON mianescapes.com
Become the “Deal Hunter” Really good “package deals” on any combination of airfare, accommodations and/or rental cars, even cruises to multiple destinations around the world can be found on these travel sites. But when it comes to accommodations, I head right over to Priceline.
that summer’s right around the corner! Heck, I can’t dy into the first quarter of 2013. Either way, for many eans family vacations and time off from our busy work
Ever Heard of the Priceline Negotiator? I’m sure we’ve all seen the commercials with William Shatner – the Priceline Negotiator advertising the “Name Your Price” tool. He claims to negotiate prices for you so that you can get the best deals on the best flights and accommodations. He’s the Negotiator and he always wins!
d of Naomi Price?
on, many are planning some much-needed trips away e you thought about how much it’s going to cost you? en any thought yet to what you can realistically afford? r many other travel veterans, it’s all about saving. And ke this, you might want to exercise some prudence. valuable tips that – I hope – could lead you on the right still get you to wherever it is in the world that you want
rch, Research! ever plan a trip before doing your homework. RESEARCH many people say, “I booked my hotel at the last minute al!” But when you are travelling on a budget, I suggest person.
iner” sually gives you a better idea of what ticket prices and might be like. You’ll never know just how much money need, or if a trip is even within your budget, until you price
art is an online travel agency such as Expedia, Kayak, or e, Travelocity. nes, this gives you the opportunity to see which airline rate at varying airports, best travel times and the least ers (if relevant). This is particularly useful for individuals, loyal to any particular airline. airport hubs, if you aren’t forced to arrive at a particular an make a drastic difference in your ticket price; anyr more. I can’t say exactly why this happens or even but when traveling back to New York/New Jersey area, I et prices at: wark International Airport, NJ) ardia Airport, closer to northern NYC) F Kennedy International Airport, closer to lower Man-
better price there is still work to be done. The key here the lower price, but also consider how much it will cost nal destination and then determine if the price difference that decision. Florida I always looked at Miami International and Fort ood International Airport. You can do this comparison locations, all throughout the world. You will never know get until you take some time to look for the better deal.
In January of last year the Negotiator sacrificed himself to save a group of tourists, plunging off a bridge and meeting his demise in an explosion. I don’t know about you, but I was hoping this wasn’t the end for the Negotiator. I’m a marketer at heart. So don’t judge me! Luckily, I wasn’t the only viewer that missed him because his absence was short lived. In comes “Naomi Price” (love the ‘name your price’ play on words) – a priceline.com agent, who later finds Shatner on a remote beach and urges for his return. William Shatner is likable as a spokesperson but what’s more important is what he purports as a “Priceline Negotiator”. The commercials are great, but I am sure that most of us have no idea what the tool really does. For those of you unfamiliar with the feature, it is more or less a “reverse auction” – where just as its name suggests – you name the price you want to spend per night on a hotel. You get to choose a specific location, a one to five star rating, and any amenities you require. Priceline does the rest. Talk About Nerve Racking The trick with this is that you have no idea what hotel you’ll end up in until you’ve already made the purchase! I can tell you from personal experience that this is absolutely nerve-racking. If I never suffered a panic attack before, I certainly had one staring at my computer waiting for the results. But I can also tell you that I’ve used the tool on more than one occasion and wound up in beautiful hotels for a really good price For instance, the first hotel I stayed in after using the tool was the Westin on the Hudson River, Jersey City. We spent about $100 a night, on a corner room (which is usually bigger in a hotel) with an amazing water view. In the second instance friends and I were able to book the Affinia 50 on Lexington Avenue, NYC this past Christmas. This one was a little more expensive, at about 150 dollars a night, but so near to 5th Avenue in the heart of Midtown, Manhattan; it was well worth the price. Without the negotiator, we would have paid over $250 per night to stay in New York City. For the Risk Averse For those of you who aren’t looking to have a heart attack at an early age or even those readers who aren’t taking my advice about doing advanced research, priceline.com offers “Express Deals”. You have the option to choose from a huge collection of top hotels, up to 45% off, with no bidding required. You’ll find out the exact name of the hotel immediately after purchase, but the neighborhood, amenities and price of each hotel are displayed before you book so there is no need to panic. As I mentioned previously, Priceline isn’t the only site that can be used. For accommodations, there is also hotels.com, which acts as a search agent for all the best deals they have access to. Until you find that favorite site like I did, test them all out. After being a career student for 7 ½ years and still wanting to travel and build on my college experience, I’ve learned quickly how to do it on a budget. Take my advice; if you want the cheapest airfare or the cheapest but nicest accommodations, you are bound to find it on one of these websites. But don’t forget: Research! And another thing, availability disappears the longer you wait. Follow these tips and you’re all set. When you’re all checked in, cleared homeland security and you’ve finally made it to your departure gate eagerly waiting for that first boarding call, your pocket will thank you! Good luck traveller! And remember that Bahamian Escapes is here to help you to Trip Easy!
Interesting
Sites
Sophisticated Saturdays in NYC When: Every 1st Saturday Where: 760Rooftop, NYC Address: 268 W. 47th St, New York, New York New York, NY 10036 I love going out in New York City because there is ALWAYS so much to do. But don’t be fooled, I am truly a Caribbean gal at heart. So Saturday nights mean DANCING! This is always a bit tricky because I’m not looking to go to some “hole in the wall” to hear good music. What I’m looking for is a great environment to have fun and still be able to “shake-a- leg”. Finding an upscale location where I can still enjoy Reggae, Soca as well as a mix of Hip-Hop and R&B, is essential. So, Sophisticated Saturdays at 760 Rooftop, NYC may just be that place. It’s a new rooftop lounge/club on top of The Copacabana or “The Copa”, a famous nightclub in NYC. I danced from the moment I walked in to the moment I left, reluctantly I might add! Not only was the music great, it was a well-dressed crowd with a beautiful location. I recommend you party there if you’re ever in NYC! Who knows, you just might spot me. See you all on the next adventure!
Travel Blog
Maui Anyone?
BY JONICE WITHERNATCHI BE Contributing Writer
Aloha to my travel bunnies, jet setters and adventure seekers! Join me on a trip to Maui, Hawaii! In April 2011, I was four months pregnant with my daughter. My husband and I discovered the “baby moon”. It’s the last trip a couple takes before their lives are completely consumed by all things baby. We both love beach destinations as a vacation spot and after much research and debate we finally decided on Hawaii, informally known as “the Caribbean of the west coast.” Hawaii is one of the 50 states of the United States and consists of eight unique islands Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii. Each island has its own story and distinct experiences to offer. Oahu is one of the more popular islands because it is where the “action” happens. It is the home of the famous Waikiki, a beachfront neighborhood that was once the playground of Hawaiian royalty. Visitors can enjoy endless amenities, shopping, dining, entertainment, and all the things a traditional “big city” has to offer. Kauai, however, is quite the opposite. It is a more romantic island and has vast untouched natural landscapes, with beautiful picturesque scenes that have been featured in numerous Hollywood films. And then there’s Maui – a combination of every island, the best of worlds, nature, liveliness and leisure. This was the island for us. According to Maui information guide, over 2.5 million people visited Maui and in 2011. The most daunting thing about travelling to Hawaii for east coasters is the flight. For us New Jerseyans, it was an 11-hour flight time with a stopover in Los Angeles. This is no easy feat for anyone, and being four months pregnant did not make it easier. But Maui had so much promise to be the perfect vacation I could not resist. With approval from my doctor, lots of water and short walks around the plane midflight I made it and I could not have been happier. The second we landed in Hawaii we were greeted with song and hula dancers. Beyond that, the first thing I took notice of was the weather…no humidity!!! Can you say happy baby mama! While in Maui we stayed in a beautiful resort – H onua kai in Lahaina – which I highly recommend and would stay there again. Maui has a vast array of accommodations for any budget from the four seasons Maui to local budget hotels. While it is known for its opulence and sophistication it can be affordable and not off limits to anyone. Before traveling, I always do my research and find out what are the “must see” or “must do” of my destination. My favorite source is trip advisor. I have found that their reviews ring true and there is no shortage of information. I also refer to anyone that has travelled where I am going. But asking the locals when you arrive is just as good.
Many activities were not feasible for me with baby in tow, but my must see, must do recommendations are not short in supply. First up – the helicopter tour of Maui and surrounding islands. Nothing beats seeing the beauty of the coastlines and the waterfalls from an aerial view. The beauty is unmatched, and our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. If you’re afraid of heights, the way to get a glimpse of the natural landscape is the drive to Hana. Travel sights and locals recommended this. We did the drive and did not regret it. It’s an arduous drive with lots of deep curves, bridges and tight passages. But if you take your time you will find hidden waterfalls, canyons and amazing views. We took a relaxed approach about the drive and just stopped where we saw others gathered. At one point we hiked about half a mile up a small hilly area to find a waterfall and lake. It was like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
Lesson learned, wear your swimsuit so you can be prepared to take a dip at any moment, which is exactly what we did. Another unique activity is whale watching. Mid December to mid April is peak season. We had just missed peak season but was able to see a few Humpback whales. Watching this majestic animal attempt to entertain by playing and breaching is truly spectacular. And if you don’t mind rising with the sun, I definitely recommend watching the sunrise at Haleakala. If the skies are clear this will be a view to remember. You cannot visit Hawaii without enjoying a traditional Luau. A Luau is a Hawaiian fest where they serve Hawaiian delicacies and traditional entertainment. Onlookers watch as a whole pig is buried in an underground oven called an imu. This will be one of the main dishes of the feast along with chicken cooked with coconut milk and poi (an acquired taste) made of corn and taro plant. Lastly, if you’re looking to relax, the beautiful beaches are made for you. When I left for Hawaii I wasn’t sure I would return. The long flight and the time difference played a major role in my first impression. But once I arrived I knew I would return. And return I did. A year later, we were back, but this time with a great bundle of joy - my daughter Nia. Nia wasn’t the only one with us though. We had a new baby in tow and a whole new set of experiences on the island of Kauai. Who knows, they say the third times a charm. But enough about my experience for now! It’s time now for you to go out and have your own. To my travel bunnies, jet setters, and adventure seekers, as the say in Hawaii: “A hui hou!” Until we meet again!
A Closer Look at Paradise Kamalame Cay -An Intimate Account
Off the coast of Andros sits an “idyllic escape for those whose idea of paradise is a tropical hideaway, where a sarong is all that’s required to be ‘dressed’ for dinner,” as cleverly stated on its website. With a 15-year existence, Kamalame Cay is the perfect place for an elegant wedding, romantic honeymoon or simply to get away from the hassles of “city” life so many of us are now accustomed to. If you don’t believe me, take a look at what James and Denise Smith had to say about their recent honeymoon trip. anyone that has travelled where I am going. But asking the locals when you arrive is just as good. BE: How did you find Kamalame Cay? Denise: I always knew that we had hidden resorts in islands of Bahamas, other than the major ones like Atlantis. I decided to do an online search to see what else was out there. It took a little digging, but we found it. BE: After all that digging, I’m sure you came across a few locations. What made you choose Kamalame Cay? Denise: A few things…we got married at the beautiful Atlantis Resort. But I knew we didn’t want to honeymoon there as well. We wanted something quiet, but still luxurious. Kamalame Cay seemed to be offering that. After the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, we wanted to relax, do absolutely nothing and have everyone cater to us. BE: What was your first impression when you got there? James: We had to take a ferry from Andros to the island. As soon as we got there, it was exactly what we wanted. We knew then that we had made the best decision. BE: What were some of the things you liked most? James: It was a small island; we had our own villa on a private section of the beach. We were assigned our own golf cart to get around the island. It was as if everything was personalized just for us. At dinner, if we wanted to have something off menu, the chef was willing to do that for us. We even had a personal butler that brought anything we needed to our room. Every morning we woke up to cookies, muffins, and orange juice; all kinds of treats. There were no keys to lock the doors. No TV or telephone in the room. It was a great hiatus from modern technology and distractions.
We could just focus on one another and relaxing. BE: Would you recommend staying there to anyone else? Denise: Absolutely! In fact, I already have and would love to go back. We plan on doing it again for our 5th anniversary or possibly a vow renewal.
Things to do: • luxury treatments at the “Overwater Spa” • scuba diving in the “Big Yard” (the third largest Barrier Reef in the world) • guided tours of the cay and Andros Island • fly fishing in bone fish flats •romantic dinner or drinks at the Tiki Bar •day trip on a private seaplane •snorkeling, picnics, tennis, kayaking and so much more Elle Magazine UK said, “It is really no exaggeration to say, a true piece of paradise…Kamalame Cay is all about comfort and indulgence, but delivered with a relaxed attitude. ‘Do whatever you want, whenever you want’ would appear to be the mantra.” This is truly apparent throughout the tales of experiences on this island. With places like Kamalame Cay in our backyard, you don’t have to travel very far to get the relaxation, beauty, fun and luxury that your lifestyle requires!
Suite Escapes Escape to a local suite
Rather than spend your next vacation in a Florida hotel room, why not source a local suite like the one featured in this month’s Suite Escapes segment.
Suite Escapes presents
THE BOB MARLEY RESORT Branded as a home away from home, Marley
Resort & Spa is a luxury boutique resort and spa nestled on the Cable Beach strip in Nassau, Bahamas. Sixteen uniquely-designed rooms and suites; Natural Mystic Spa; Marley’s Boutique; Simmer Down Gourmet Caribbean Restaurant and Stir It Up Bar awaits you. What was once the Marley’s private summer haven, can now be where you spend summer mornings or warm winter evenings.
Guests wake up to the sound of ocean waves and the scents of delicacies prepared by award-winning chefs.
Why not experience what so many others have, particularly those who have flown thousands of miles to get a taste of it all. Make Marley your next Suite Escape.
The One Love Suite This honeymoon suite is a true lover’s nest with captivating décor, wide plank floors, and seductive amenities including an in-room whirlpool tub made for two. This romantic One Love suite offers couples a customized king size bed, large separate dining area, wet bar, couple’s shower with two rainfall showerheads, double sinks, bidet and an ocean view balcony. Love is truly defined in this elegant suite
Sparta It’s one of the newest restaurants on the West
Bay Street strip. Its name – Sparta –was derived from Greek mythology.
It was engineered and introduced by the Greek operators of the El Greco Hotel last November, making it the newest kid on the block, going head to head with other big name restaurants that share the same address. For those of you that love a good movie, anytime I hear ‘Sparta’ the movie ‘300’ comes to mind. But Sparta – an ancient Greek city – was known in its day for its military prowess. I guess, the owners of Sparta today, are hoping the restaurant will become known for its great food, ambiance and stellar service. In the months following its late 2012 opening, I would pass Sparta almost everyday, sometimes even twice. In those moments, the thought often occurred to pull over and check it out. Well, I finally decided a few weeks ago that Sparta would be my Friday nightspot. And even though the restaurant is situated right on the main West Bay Street nestled between the Daily Grind and Ichiban, the glass windows serve as insulators, minimizing street noises. The seating nearest the roadside provides a cozy, romantic kind of atmosphere. On arrival, I was greeted by the hostess who was warm and friendly – a plus when ever you’re visiting a new restaurant. I make a mental note that indeed I felt welcomed. As I’m seated and have a glance at the menu, immediately a dish called, “The Last Meal of the 300” jumps out at me. This one’s for you movie lovers. My mouth is salivating; it’s a hearty 12-ounce T-bone steak meal. Unfortunately, I’m not having it, tonight, but the name alone highlights it as something I will definitely be having on my next visit. There are a number of appetizer options like the Leonidas platter, which includes crab and conch cakes, bruschetta, three cheese stuffed mushrooms and it would not be complete with-
“The Newest Kid On The Block” out wings. All of the morsels are delectable, but I especially like the wings and bruschetta. If something is good, I often say, “it’s been made with love” and they sure delivered. It’s now time for the entrée and I inquire about some of the more popular dishes that patrons keep coming back for. Apparently two dishes – the pan-fried stuffed snapper with okra and rice and garden vegetables, and the boneless leg of lamb – stand out the most. My stomach has to make lots of space tonight. The snapper is nicely seasoned and the accompanying starches and vegetables are pleasing to the palate. It’s a great piece of fish, but the lamb blew me away! I don’t know what was in the sauce that coated it, but it was straight from heaven! In keeping with the Greek theme, I tasted the Bahamian Goddess drink which is Sparta’s twist on the popular Bahama Mama drink. It was refreshing. No meal would be complete without desert which consisted of Guava cheesecake. First bite, home run! What I can tell you about Sparta is that in the three months it’s been open manager Marlon Hendfield says the business has already become known for its good food and special emphasis on service. The ambiance and music offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere. And, while Hendfield admits it would be nice to “corner the market”; he says there’s enough business to go around. So, if you want a nice outing, in a family-friendly atmosphere then Sparta just might be the place to bring out the warrior or goddess in you. Spartans!
Bahamian Escapes SHAMON CAMPBELL President MATT SWEETING Vice President _____ KENDENO KNOLWES Editor in Chief TAMARA MCKENZIE Managing Editor Creative Director RODERICK WELLS Home Editor TAHIRA KEMP Contributor INDERIA SAUNDERS Travel Editor THEANDRA THOMPSON Lifestyles Editor JIMENITA SWAIN Contributor MACARRA FOWLER Contributor MONTGOMERY PENN Contributor LLOYD ALLEN Production Assistant I TOMICINA CULMER
The House of Elements A house of Dreams
It could be an ordinary house — this masterfully created luxury abode on 12,000 square
footage of breathtaking oceanfront property. Indeed it could. If, by ordinary house, one wondered if this was Paradise Island or simply paradise.
The Allure mansion in the swanky Ocean Club gated community certainly evokes all that its name promises. Layers of tropical indulgence and earthy simplicity, infused expertly with harmony and tranquility to create an ambiance of complete solace. As beautiful Bahama homes go, it’s just plain old stunning!
Starting with elegant furnishings and striking views of the Nassau Harbor, this home has attracted some of the world’s top A-list celebrities for vacation with its first class amenities. Five plush bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, an 80-foot infinity pool, gourmet kitchen, home theater, a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, poker and billiards rooms and an accompanying dock for a 115-foot yacht. This, all topped off with a boardwalk entrance, flanked by a mini lake of exotic fish and baby nurse sharks. Impressive to say the least!
Yet it was the effect designer Adriana Hoyos and owner Kingsley Edgecombe created when they began collaboration on the sophisticated home in 2009.
Hailed as one of Hoyos’ proudest works and a testament to the owner’s graceful taste, this house’s fusion of Asian and Latin American influences carries with it a price tag of $16 million. Undoubtedly, this property is the ultimate dream home. Yet, lead designer Tahira Kemp says Allure’s laid back, but classic and contemporary ambiance is one that everyone can create in his or her own home — sans the eight figure price tag.
“What they have done with Allure is created a Zen like atmosphere,” says the expert. “The core elements of the house – the earth, stone, wood and water – are key for relaxation and it makes you not want to leave.” Creating that ambiance can be done with a few relatively small steps. Kemp (Our Home Editor) outlines several tips for those seeking to create those key elements in their homes. Together with the BE team, Kemp has chosen four rooms of Allure to use as a D-I-Y guide.
Dining Room With its’ Japanese inspired wooden pocket doors that double as screens for added
intimacy, this dining room sets an impression. “The appeal of this room is founded in the architectural details of the woodwork in the ceiling, doors and furniture. The contrast of colors between walls and wood make the overall design crisp and allow you to notice the square motif carried out as a signature theme in the design,” says Kemp. “An accent wall of color acts as a backdrop to showcase the art, décor and the various prints and textures applied to this design. Lighting in this space is not lacking because of the open and airy feel the elongated windows give. “By night, the design should take on another feel because of the light reflected from the metals and other finishes that the grand chandelier emits.”
To create this appeal at home: •Choose dark hardwoods and off-white wall color as a base to build upon. Painting doors, molding and trim in an espresso color can achieve this. Selecting the same color in flooring will work as well, but it is not advised if natural light is not ample in the space. Instead, bring that color in an area rug that mimics the (geometric) print of the Zen motif in the doors and ceiling treatments shown. It will ground the space and keep your design balanced. • A low budget option for ceiling treatment can be achieved by painting wood trellis panels in a dark brown color and mounting them on the ceiling. However, low ceilings may not benefit from a large application of it. •Next, select an understated green hue for an accent wall such as a sage green. •Choose a piece of metal wall art that continues the square motif and mount it on the accent wall. Select textiles that are from the same color family but vary in prints and pattern scale. You may choose to select a simple animal print of two tones to accentuate seating. This will draw your guest’s attention to the dining table and make it more inviting. •Décor pieces and floral arrangements should be natural and or tropical in nature.
Open and airy is the feel of this space — something that has come from many elements of the design, says Kemp. The designer notes how the natural stone mosaic on the focal wall brings much interest and detail without overwhelming the space. Because it blends easily with surrounding walls, there is no square footage lost. In addition, the low scaled, off white furniture groupings allow your eyes to view the whole space including the breathtaking outdoor views of the ocean and foliage. “Some personality is brought in with accent colors of green and chocolate brown in the whimsical print of flowers on the accent chairs and pillows,” she adds. “The continuation of ambience is applied by placing a huge drum shade chandelier above the setting, bringing attention to the home’s signature ceiling wood treatments. “An oversized metallic wall art hangs above golden hurricanes used as a fireplace, flanked by wall-mounted sconces create a great focal point for the space.”
Living Room
To create this appeal at home: •Choose wall colors in off white shades. •Ground the design with an interesting geometric patterned area rug. •Select furniture that sits low and choose light shades that keep the space light and airy. •Dark wood accent pieces and furniture fixtures will balance the light shades and keep things interesting. •Be sure to have pieces incorporated that reflect light such as glass and metallic finishes. •Add a splash of color without overwhelming the design. You can do this through throw pillows, décor pieces and accents on furniture like the back of a chair.
Master Bedroom
A walk through this master bedroom is like a walk through an exotic oasis. It is a well-adorned space with finishing décor pieces such as glass vessels, metallic sculptures, mother of pearl vases and pendants on pedestals. Overall, the choices and application in the space create good chemistry, says Kemp.
“The first thing you experience is the luxurious glow that seems to wrap you from the gold silk-like wall covering,” describes Kemp. “The design, with its clean lines is far from boring. The floor to ceiling headboard flanked by oversized table lamps and impressive bedding create tremendous appeal and is the focal point of the space. There is no absence to detail in this space.” Architectural structures like dark wood tray ceilings, floors and furniture are the bones in this room and help to ground the design as a whole. “The design undoubtedly appeals to the sense of sight and touch,” she adds. “A myriad of textures, patterns and finishes are harmoniously represented and lend to balance and depth. “The chartreuse accent color pops and can psychologically translate as wealth because of its gold parts, as well as growth, and renewal from its green nature
To create this appeal at home: •Create a statement for luxury and style. To do this, a strong presence from the focal wall is a must. Nothing screams “grand” like oversized pieces. If you have fairly high ceilings and a lot of wall space, this can translate well in your room. •Choose a floor to ceiling headboard, or at least one that reaches seven feet from the floor in a light color of leather or vinyl. •Bring balance by placing side tables that match the woodwork and place large lamps with simple lines on top. •Wall colors can be warm in nature such as those represented in the yellow-gold color family. Be sure to choose muted shades as opposed to intense ones. •Select bedding of large prints with softer lines such as those found in jacquards and mix linens with various textures like a box stitched quilt or others where the pattern runs in a linear direction. •To accessorize, create an eclectic mix of finishes; shiny, smooth, pearlescent, vibrant for example. •Those rooms with ample space can also include a simple lounge by arranging a pair of low seating chaises or accent chairs and a textured ottoman.
Office/Library
This space is amply supplied with ceiling to floor applications of seike and Ipe dark
finished woods and makes the space warm and inviting. “The most interesting application is that of the ceiling treatment which are like a grouping of wooden cubes,” Kemp details. “Consistency of design continues in this space with clean lines and luxurious textiles. The wrap-around built in shelves showcase a library of books as well as a few interesting pieces of décor. “The intimate grouping of seating in the lounge area is well arranged. Plush off white textiles on the seating with pops of autumn orange allows for more light. The lighting is warm and is strategically placed for specific tasks and showcasing décor. The accent wall multi-functions as art and its lighting and makes the design spectacular.” Wide-open views of the ocean also contribute to light in this cozy space.
To create this appeal at home: •Opt for shelving that reaches as close to the ceiling as possible. You may opt for boxed shelving and choose one in a dark finish. •For additional storage and style, try multi-purposing a credenza, buffet server or low dresser that has clean lines and apply the same dark finish by painting or staining. •Ground your design with an area rug in keeping with the style. •Arrange books haphazardly in spaces and balance it out with a few vases and sculptures that vary in finishes. •Select lighting fixtures with simple lines and be sure to place them according to task.