STYLISH TRAVEL: ON MY WAY TO LYFORD CAY

In a few days I am headed to the Bahamas and the trip is sure to be a beautiful escape.  With the palest hue of pink as it's signature shade, Lyford Cay, located in Nassau, is a pristine spot frequented by New Yorkers and Brits seeking all-things leisure: sun, sand, sailing and play.  The enclave, founded in 1963 by E.P Taylor, recently received a design overhaul by New York-based interior designer and architect, Tom Scheerer. A long-time Bahamian resident, Scheerer understands the Bahamian lifestyle, sense of tradition and tropical temperament of island life. The result is something I have been eager to see, so having the opportunity to visit is a terrific way to start the new year. 

Looking forward to sharing some island style with you upon my return!

Photos Peter Estersohn for Town and Country

The pink and white new tented area houses The Little Club, surrounded by Palms.

The Living Room at The Lyford Cay Club is surrounded with brown and cream painted palms on grass cloth. Seating areas include cozy sofas upholstered in Quadrille fabrics and wicker chairs. Every spot seems intimate in this large room.

The view of the other side of the room, that leads out into the entry. Touches of pale green dot the room to play off the palest pink in the print.

 The dining area in The Yacht Club has a rich royal blue painted floor, and a sailfish as a focal point. Clean and crisp, like a freshly pressed dress shirt, the room is simple and comfortable.

A covered seating area is curtained to let the breezes pass through. A plantation table in the center of the room creates a gathering spot.

An seating area of the  bar with cane-covered walls and coral colored touches.

THE DETAILS: 

Tole Agave potted in an antique urn by artist Tommy Mitchell reads dry heat. 

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lilly

Durable teak and delicate bone inlay in Serena and Lilly's Starburst Tray makes a nice addition on an ottoman or can serve as a makeshift bar in a pinch.

Photo courtesy of Made Goods

The Bruni Chandelier from Made Goods resembles spiny coral, and it's round shape is perfect for illuminating center halls.

Photo courtesy of Soane

Nothing says tropics like pineapples. Soane's stunning Pineapple Lamp in antique nickel is on my short list.

Noir's canopied Gigi Chair in woven rattan has island appeal.

In a cerused light finish, Century's curvy backed dining chair adds a light presence.

Diminutive little Jenna slipper chairs from E.J. Victor are a favorite of mine.

With a lattice back and cushion seat, Global Views light wood armchair has an elegant air. 

Photo courtesy of C. Bell

Fretwork sides and round nickel pulls on the new C. Bell Collection Sarge Desk makes it a winner for it's Chippendale interest and substantial size.

Photo courtesy of Bungalow 5

A simple silhouette with classical lines, the white lacquered Porto Dining Table from Bungalow 5 is sleek and chic.

 X-based bunching tables from the newest Bernhardt collection are simple and functional.

 Always have a place to set a drink with Emissary's ceramic octagonal garden seat with lattice detailing.

Global Views does it again, with a laser-cut fretwork detailed marble coffee table with plenty of surface area for stacks of books and hurricanes.

Photo courtesy of Oomph

Backgammon is a frequent past time that is best paired with rum drinks. I hear the Rum Dum is the thing to swill. Oomph's table has room for each player's glass.

Photo courtesy of Circa Who

A foyer could benefit from the addition of breezy natural bamboo, like this vintage console and mirror from Circa Who.

A nightstand that actually has space to put things is key. This two-tiered version, the Rennie, from Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill does the job well.

A great pediment and column detail on Mr. Brown's vast bookcase brings a touch of English to the islands.

Cut-out doors and a light limed finish on Studio A's cabinet provides storage and surface area for  a dining room or living room.

 Photo courtesy of Haymarket Designs

Monogrammed beach towels from Haymarket Designs come in a zillion bright and cheery patterns and colors. They make great thank you gifts. I was going to get them for my mom in Florida, but she beat me to it.

Photo courtesy of Helen Kaminski

When you would rather go incognito, Helen Kaminski's wide-brimmed raffia hat does the trick.

Photo courtesy of Quadrille/Taigan

For the beach and lunch under an umbrella, Quadrille Shorts in their Aquarius print.  I will be taking along my Quadrille tote bag as my carry on, a job it has performed well for years.

Photo courtesy of Jack Rogers

I'm not advocating wearing these with the coordinating shorts above (!), try pairing these Quadrille for Jack Rogers with all white for a polished look.

Photo courtesy of Della Terasi

Light up the night in a Della Terasi silk Mandarin Tunic made of Fortuny fabric.

Photo courtesy of Shellkare

Keep cool in a versatile Kate linen Kaftan by Shellkare with beautiful embroidery and beading.

Photo courtesy of Sail to Sable

Sail to Sable's linen Flirty Dress is in the perfect shade of shell pink Bahamas homes are often painted in.

Photo courtesy of Chance

Updated classics, like Chance's striped sailor shirt in aqua and white stripes broadens the Breton 's match-ability.

Photo courtesy of Trina Turk

With a singular shining sun charm, Trina Turk's chain link bracelet is simple and elegant on the wrist. It would work well with the striped boatneck shirt above.

Photo courtesy of J. Crew

A nautical Knot bracelet from J. Crew adds a glimmer of gold with classic knots.

Photo courtesy of Julie Vos

A clear aqua Chalcedony hangs from a chunky gold chain on Julie Vos's long Robi necklace that adds a bit of color to a tunic for evening. It is the same necklace pictured above with Della Terasi's silk top.

Photo courtesy of Kotur

Ombred silk on Kotur's blue stried straw bag with silk tassel has charm, with just enough space for the basics.

 Photo courtesy of Annabell Ingalls

Mixing raffia and leather, Annabell Ingall's Sunny Bag is a good carryall tote bag for lugging beach stuff.