A bit of James Bond bling added to an elegant seaside estate in the classic colonial style.
Immaculately maintained gardens manicured to within an inch of their verdant perfection.
The triumph of taste and style over excess in a part of the world not known for its refinement.
Fusion restaurant and bar overlooking one of the Bahama's most pristine beaches.
The Whole Story
Some people will recognise the One&Only Ocean Club from the recent James Bond film Casino Royale. If ever there was a place perfectly suited to driving in with an Aston Martin, this is it.
In truth, it looks even smarter in real life: an unusually successful blend of shiny new world bling and old world class. It doesn't come as a surprise to learn that it was once the private estate of Huntington Hartford II, heir to the A&P Supermarket fortune. It still has the feel – that “je ne sais quoi” – of old money. This beautiful house was built on the best location in the Bahamas, and no matter how much the estate has changed, the foundation of discerning taste is still there.
The manicured lawns are really manicured, almost like an immense putting green. But what really stands out about the Ocean Club is its ability to combine the casual beach chic that you would expect from the Bahamas with the polished formality of a summer house built on a Versailles scale.
The swimming pool is worthy of a nobleman’s château in the Loire, yet on the other hand the restaurant Dune features a very modern, pared down chic for which designer Christian Liaigre has become world famous.
With one of the most pristine beaches in the Bahamas and almost perfect weather, the Ocean Club is definitely 007’s taste: a well-bred, perfectly turned out beauty with a bit of an edge.
The Rooms
Guests are genuinely made to feel like guests. The prevailing ambience is that of a stately, elegant home. Classic colonial architecture defines the Hartford Wing, whereas the Crescent Wing is more contemporary in its approach to luxury. There are also secluded cottages within the garden grounds, and three luxurious villas.