Old world Italy in the heart of the Bahamas
ASHLEY ROCHEFORT
(Photot above: Elegant and unexpected, the landmark Graycliff Hotel & Resort is a AAA Four Diamond rated property boasting 20 unique guest rooms and suites in three buildings right in the centre of Nassau, Bahamas.)
History
This historic mansion, set among lush private grounds, was originally built in 1740 by Captain John Howard Graysmith, a real-life pirate of the Caribbean. With a long list of famous, and infamous, owners and proprietors, Graycliff has served as both an inn and private residence throughout its 277-year history. From royalty to rock stars, the mansion has played host to notable guests like Sir Winston Churchill, Al Capone and Beyonce. Current owners, Enrico and Anna Maria Garzaroli, purchased Graycliff in 1973 and returned it to a working hotel and fine-dining restaurant. Both owners and staff are more than happy to regale visitors with tales from the property’s storied past.
Wining and Dining
The Graycliff is home to the third-largest wine collection in the world valued at $10 million. A 1727 German Riesling worth $200,000 alone is the oldest and most expensive bottle in the collection. The on site sommelier is happy to host tours of the winding and cavernous cellar and talk about the impressive collection. The cellar is even available for private dining experiences for groups ranging from two to 18 people.
Whether you’re staying at the hotel or just want to enjoy a sophisticated, five-star dining experience, the Graycliff offers a unique menu of Italian classics infused with traditional Bahamian ingredients and preparations. It’s hard to go wrong, but the potato gnocchi with pesto is an exceptional dish. On occasion, the charming proprietor, Mr. Garzaroli himself, makes his way through the dining room to welcome guests, recommend wine and share stories of his life and his hotel. Garzaroli is a character with a wild sense of humour and a genuine enthusiasm for Graycliff and The Bahamas, the opportunity to chat with him is an experience you’ll not soon forget.
How To Sell It
A beautiful pool oasis, strong and decadent traditional English decor, private event spaces, tropical gardens, on-site cigar factory and chocolate factory, the Graycliff isn’t just a hotel
and restaurant, it’s an experience.
After visiting Graycliff on a Travel-Brands’ Experiences by Sunquest FAM, Paul Nielsen of Paragon Travel Agency in Toronto was excited to tell his clients about Graycliff.
“I can already think of several clients who would absolutely love this property, and not think twice about telling me to make them a reservation when I tell them about it,” he said.
“Our opportunity is to go through our knowledge of our past guests and find those people who would truly appreciate this kind of dining experience or has a strong interest in historical properties. I can send anybody to sit on a beach, but I have the chance here to provide somebody with a life-changing experience.”
How To Book It
Rooms range from US$385 to US$900 and are offered through TravelBrands’ Experiences by Sunquest Historic Collection.
For more details and to book a Graycliff experience for your clients, visit www.sunquest.ca/experiences/historic-collection/graycliff-hotel-restaurant .