Graycliff Factory Tour 2007-Nassau

Graycliff's June 11, 2007

Address
Graycliff Hotel, Rest. Spa & Cigar Co.,
8 thru 12 West Hill Street
P. O. Box N10246
Nassau, Bahamas 10246
Phone
1(242) 302-9150 • Toll Free in US & Canada - 1(800) 476 - 0446



Well it's been almost two years since our visit to Graycliff Hotel & Cigar Company in Nassau, Bahamas. It was on the occasion of my oldest daughter's wedding that gave us cause for this wonderful adventure.

From the moment my daughter and son-in-law decided upon the Sandal's Resort on Nassau the planning (Googling & CS searching) began. It wasn't long before I learned of Graycliff's.

My wife and I arrived at Graycliff's mid-morning, June 11, 2007 to reconnoiter for an afternoon visit/pre-wedding celebration to include the bride & groom to be, best man, maid of honor and proud parents.

That afternoon… Once acquainted with the facility we settled in to toast the next days anticipated ceremony with tobacco & spirits whilst relaxing in the opulent smoking lounge that adjoins the rolling room and the Humidor Churrascaria, a carnivore's restaurant in the Brazilian style.

It is the intent of this thread to encourage (entice) anyone considering a trip to Nassau, Bahamas to take the time to visit Graycliff's. Schedule at least a few hours to tour the walled compound taking in the pools and gardens. I could have stayed there all day, smoking and quenching my thirst while my eyes & heart inhaled the humid air laced with the inviting smell of the glorious seductress Nicotiana tobacum

So join me if you will on a trip through the West Hill Street entrance, into the Hotel, down the steps into the gardens, past the pools and through the doors that lead to a family of torcedor & torcedoras whose hands perform feats of magic. I know that as bothers and sisters of the leaf you will feel a sense of homecoming.



Let us begin by getting oriented, I have prepared a few images from Google Earth to help with this.

As you can see the island of New Providence, with Nassau the Bahamas most populace city is in good company.



In the previous image I have changed the traditional North/South orientation so as we enter the Graycliff compound we are facing South.




As noted on the West Hill Street entrance plaque the Graycliff facility incorporates the ruins of the oldest church in the Bahamas.

The white columns flank the main hotel entrance, which lies to the left of the Cigar Factory entrance.



Through the gate and up the stairs and into the hotel lobby.
If you are not sure where you are headed ask the friendly liaison in the lobby.




Once you've passed through the hotel and Graycliff's 5-Star Restaurant you can follow the meandering path through the gardens and pools
taking you in a round about way to the Humidor.

Re-entering the building you pass through the Brazilian Style Restaurant and adjoining smoking lounge.
This torcedorian gatekeeper holds the number one rolling station.
As we left that day I handed him a modest tip as an expression of my gratitude for their hospitality, "Gracias que esto está para todos."

Off to left of the rolling room is a magical tiled sunlit room where this fellow sat alone preparing the leaf.

Another one of the masterful torcedora.

This women had an old postcard of the hotel entrance pinned to her desk,
the very same one we passed through on our way in. She is bunching.

My daughter enjoyed the experience as well.
Yeah, I thought those guys where checking her out too.




This woman was tasked with placing the bands on the cigars.

How fortunate it was for me to meet this torcedor and spend some time admiring his work.
It just so happened that the very next evening was Mojito night at the Sandal's Resort and who should show up to roll cigars?
Yep, my new friend and he would not accept my money all evening as I smoked my way though several cigars with my rum drinks.
I did persuade him to accept my Xikar cutter before I retired back to my room that night.

The petite Roberta Panatella offered me by the floor manager.
I left with a mazo of 25 tied with a piece of pink cloth.




I hold fond memories enjoying cigars and drinks with my daughter and her wedding party.





Looking at these photo brings back the smells and tastes of those moments and bid me return.





I make my exit.

I hope you enjoyed the tour and are inspired to visit Graycliff's or at least sit back and enjoy one of your favorite cigars and a beverage.

If you'd like to see a few more photos that where not included in this pictorial feel free to visit my web site.


Best Regards,

Richard

[AD720]

Great post!!

[Powers]

awesome post! makes me feel like i'm there again as well

[ade06]

Very nice indeed!

[mike]

outstanding, I was there 3 years ago. This was prior to getting into cigars and now I want to go back. Question about the mazo you bought, did you save a ton from what you would have paid in the states?????

Originally Posted by mike

outstanding, I was there 3 years ago. This was prior to getting into cigars and now I want to go back. Question about the mazo you bought, did you save a ton from what you would have paid in the states?????

If I remember correctly I paid $125 for the bundle of Roberta's. This is the cigar named for the owners daughter.

Looking around I see that Duque Cigars has a bundle of 24 for $129.99
http://duquecigars.com/index.php?mai...roducts_id=220

That was a great post! Loved the pictures.

[Skywalker]

Thanks for bringing the trip back to us Richard!!!

Looks like a very fun experience.