With clear blue skies above and the warm temperatures rising, Kerzner International’s vibrant Marina Village at Atlantis opened on Friday.
Seafire Steakhouse will provide guests and locals with the ultimate dining experience. Above, guests are shown enjoying the new restaurant in Marina Village.
The company said in a release that Marina Village at Atlantis is an exciting new addition to the renowned Atlantis, Paradise Island resort and offers a dining and shopping experience that is unrivalled anywhere in the Caribbean.
Developed by Kerzner International, the new Marina Village at Atlantis features a 65,000 square-foot marketplace, boasting superlative dining and world-class shopping all in one spectacular location.
Situated around the existing Marina at Atlantis, Marina Village resembles a quaint Bahamian marketplace, with three main plazas each defined by their own sense of place and style.
The design features colourful paved walkways, lofty coconut trees, boldly painted buildings and lush vegetation, combined to create a spirited and authentic Bahamian setting.
This charming and vibrant bazaar features 21 retail shops and five distinct restaurants, as well as local entertainment, providing visitors with an unforgettable and distinctly Bahamian vacation experience. A collection of retail carts in each area of the village also feature local products and crafts which showcase the artistry and energy of the island.
Sol Kerzner, Chairman of Kerzner International and the master architect behind Marina Village, toured the development project on Friday along with senior officials of Kerzner International.
“It’s even nicer than I anticipated,” Mr. Kerzner said. “I think it is really super, obviously today is day one-We are looking good and we are opening one restaurant almost every day and they (the restaurants) are looking pretty exciting. I think we have a great variety of restaurants here-people seem to be very happy and excited and I am very pleased.”
Local business merchants were equally as excited as they had an opportunity to open their stores and display their colourful wares.
“We are thrilled to be opening. We are very, very excited. It was a long journey and we are finally here and we are very happy,” said Sarah Obront, Manager of Pirana Joe.
Jeff Cooper of Heymon Graphics said, “It is a wonderful feeling to be a part of the new Marina Village and to showcase my paintings-to the world.”
Cooper, a distinguished local artist, features various islands of the Bahamas as well as the Bahamian people in his work.
Wayne Smith of the Caribbean Steel Drum Band said it is a great opportunity to perform at Marina Village and that he is grateful to Kerzner International for allowing him to showcase his musical talents.
With dining options that range from Jean Georges Vongerichten’s Cafe’ Martinique to the family-style Carmine’s to the Caribbean’s first Starbucks and retail outlets that include The Versace Collection, Dooney & Bourke, and a host of local crafts kiosks, Marina Village has indeed something for everyone.
Dining to Tempt Every Palate
Seafire Steakhouse is a modern steakhouse that boasts a traditional butcher and wine market for Marina guests.
The restaurant offers an extensive menu of delicious grilled meat, poultry and fish entrees in addition to its signature dish – Spit Roasted Prime Rib.
The high-pitched ceilings, large chandeliers and rustic brick wall illuminated by amber glass in the dining room at Seafire create an elegant yet relaxed ambiance. Eclectic artwork, painted pressed metal ceilings and mosaic flooring intermingled with more traditional elements including heavy ceiling beams and wood wainscotting, define the ultimate atmosphere for a modern steakhouse. Seafire Steakhouse is now open. For Reservations call 363-2000 and ask for restaurant reservations.
Also located in this plaza, Jean-George Vongerichten debuts his recreation of the island’s legendary Cafe’ Martinique – originally made famous by its appearance in the 1965 James Bond classic, Thunderball.
The restaurant features a delectable menu of French gourmet fare for which Chef Vongerichten is known. Redesigning the legendary Cafe’ Martinique in a more contemporary style is acclaimed New York designer Adam Tihany, who has achieved worldwide acclaim for his spectacular hotel and restaurant designs including Jean Georges in New York.
Iconic elements including a wrought-iron birdcage elevator, a dramatic mahogany staircase and elegantly etched glass windows help to rekindle its much celebrated ambiance. Cafe’ Martinique marks Vongerichten’s second project in the Caribbean, following the success of Dune at the nearby One&Only Ocean Club. Cafe’ Martinique opens July 29, 2005
Yet another option for guests at Marina Village is the popular New York institution, Carmine’s, which offer classic Italian cuisine served family style on sumptuous platters meant to be shared.
The restaurant is the dramatic focal point in the third plaza at Marina Village, situated under the canopy of an enormous tree. Reminiscent of an old Bahamian waterfront warehouse, Carmine’s feature traditional Italian decor and a main open dining area defined by stone walls, oversized iron chandeliers and wine racks. This is the first Caribbean venture for this restaurant, renowned for its lively and enjoyable atmosphere. Carmines opens July 21st, 2005.
Upon entering Marina Village, guests can delight themselves in a quaint plaza reminiscent of a true Bahamian marketplace, complete with live music and street performances.
Here, Bimini Road provides a thoroughly Bahamian experience – from the colorful ‘junkanoo’ decor to the savory local cuisine to the high-energy live music on the outdoor deck. Serving typically island fare, the restaurant offers a casual and festive dining experience, the centerpiece being a one-of-a-kind conch bar offering fresh local conch prepared to order. Bimini Road opens August 2, 2004.
For those visitors looking for a quick bite to eat, Johnny Rockets never disappoints, with a menu of All-American favorites including juicy hamburgers, hand-dipped shakes and malts, and freshly-baked apple pie.
Founded on the belief that everyone deserves a place where they can escape today’s complicated world and experience the food, fun and friendliness reminiscent of feel-good Americana, Johnny Rockets makes its Caribbean debut at Marina Village. Johnny Rockets opens late August.
An Unrivalled Shopping Experience
In addition to the remarkable dining options available at Marina Village, visitors can explore a shopper’s paradise, with 21 boutiques and shops featuring luxury fashion, sports and beachwear, and beautiful handmade crafts from local Bahamian artisans.
These include The Versace Collection; Dooney & Bourke; Royal Palm, offering the latest styles from Tommy Bahama; the Caribbean’s first Starbuck’s and Jamba Juice; Paradise Blue Surf Shop, casual beachwear and accessories; The Plait Lady, Bahamian handicrafts;
A La Plage French Boutique, upscale French swimwear; Columbian Emeralds International, fine jewelry; Donngalik, original sculpture and artwork; Piranha Joe, casual wear; Calypso Carousel, music boxes; Solomon’s Sea Treasures, charms and nautical jewelry; La Perfumerie, perfumes from around the world; Sunglass Shack; Park Lane Jewelers; and more.
The carts featured in the plazas also include Crystallix, known for its crystal wares; Completely Nuts; Heymon Graphics, Bahamian prints and handicrafts; and Glorybee, selling local honey.
From: The Bahama Journal
