Date Night

The outdoor terrace of Shima restaurant at The Island House

"Got our tickets?" Alan double-checked with me.

"Already saved in Apple wallet," I confirmed as I buckled up in the front passenger seat of the car. Then we started our journey to the other side of Nassau for dinner and a movie.

We made it to The Island House (see my previous story) right before our 6:30 pm dinner reservation. Walking through the lobby, I noticed they've added a big sofa  since my last visit here only three weeks ago. They do a fine job with seating areas. They're inviting and relaxing.

The lobby seating area with the newly added sofa

We proceeded to Shima, the Asian restaurant on the second floor. It has an open design with its upper walls wrapped in a colorful frieze by artist John Cox.

Normally, Alan would shake his head in frustration, if not disgust, when I take pictures while we're at a new restaurant. He didn't flinch this time, ignoring me while I wandered around and snapped away with my iPhone. The late afternoon sunlight challenged my camera skills and I worried about taking photos that might sell the place short. But the place is gorgeous. I couldn't possibly fail.

Main dining section 

The great thing about Shima is that it has two open-air spaces offering splendid views. One, which is to the left of the entrance, is the terrace overlooking yachts in Lyford Cay Marina and the ocean beyond.

Outdoor terrace overlooking Lyford Cay Marina

The other, directly across, is the outdoor bar and lounge area overlooking the hotel's pool. And in case your back faces the pool, you'll be gazing at an intricately wood-carved mural behind the bar. It's a spectacular creation by local artist John Beadle.  

The bar and lounge overlooking the pool

A wooden carving creates a spectacular backdrop for the bar.

Our lovely server, wearing a chic denim apron, assured us we'd have plenty of time for a relaxing meal and still catch the 7:30 p.m. movie. After placing our orders, she brought us our sodas in glasses with black paper straws.

Meanwhile, I noticed the chef was chatting with a family in the next table. I overheard him say he's originally from Sydney. He came to our table too and personally brought our appetizer. As we exchanged pleasantries, he revealed that his specialty leans more on Thai cuisine.

Our starter: Shrimp Tempura Roll with spicy mayo, avocado, and black sesame

Later, he returned to check on us. "That will go straight to your hips," he teased as his eyes landed on our entree. "So having it once a week should be fine."

Chef Dave Rogers of Shima at The Island House

His smile faded when he realized something was absent from our meal. We already had the chicken curry plus egg fried rice on the table. I didn't think anything was amiss.

He vanished for a moment and then reappeared with the missing dish saying, "The Thai Style Butter Chicken is best with our papadum." (They spell it "poppadom" in their menu, by the way.)

"Just dip it in the curry sauce and enjoy!" he added. I thought it peculiar to eat Thai curry with the Indian papadum but hey, it works!

Thai Style Butter Chicken with green chili, cherry tomatoes, and fresh coriander. 

As promised by our server, our delicious dinner was complete with enough time to spare. I stopped at the restroom before heading to the movies and felt spoiled lathering my hands with Bamford products. The scent of spa replaced my Asian dinner's aroma from my fingers.

From the outside, the small cinema appeared nondescript. Inside, the moon-shaped piece of art and pretty chandelier in the doorway served as a prelude to what's to come. 

The Island House art cinema

Surprisingly, I only had to give my name and didn't have to show the tickets from my iPhone. Once my reservation was verified, we were led to our sofa in the back row.

The intimate theater seats only 48

Making myself comfy and ready for the movie

Each seat was appointed with a plush pillow and a tray table intended for snacks or drinks. Although the seats don't recline, each sofa comes with a matching ottoman as a footrest. I stretched out and glanced at Alan, "You better not fall asleep."

We didn't know what to expect of the featured film, Dunkirk. Thankfully, it wasn't a snoozer. But after watching the movie, I came to this realization: If you're not going to speak for a couple of hours after dinner, try not to have Asian food. Or at least bring some mint. I took a whiff of my own breath and man, was it lethal! So much for date night.

Shameless selfie at the movies

The Island House

I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place before. The topic came up during a get-together with our friend, Tanya McCartney. She spoke about the upscale restaurants and the intimate movie theater at The Island House.

"You can buy your movie tickets online," she even said. I was intrigued. After visiting The Island House's website, my interest grew even more.  Alan and I were there the following weekend.

At the lobby of The Island House in The Bahamas

One of the seating areas in the lobby

Lobby sofa seating that makes you feel at home

I must say, it isn't what I would normally expect to find in Nassau. It's contemporary, sophisticated, and zen all at once. I just wanted to luxuriate in the simple but elegant surroundings. I loved everything about it.

The well thought-out details and stunning interior proudly spoke of the collaboration by global architecture firm Hart Howerton and renowned interior designer Champalimaud. Every nook could easily be a page out of Architectural Digest. I was impressed.

The front desk at The Island House

The Coffee Bar

More of The Coffee Bar's interior

This 30-room boutique hotel was built with the idea of creating a gathering place for both tourists and locals. The open layout, allowing ample natural light, helps achieve a welcoming attitude.

This fully Bahamian-owned property also features:
     • Six rental apartments for long-staying guests
     • Three dining options:
        - Mahogany House (Mediterranean) - See my previous story
        - Shima (Asian fusion)
        - The Coffee Bar
     • 48-seat cinema

Since wellness is also an important theme here, facilities include a lap pool, movement studio (gym with yoga, Pilates, and Barre classes), squash and padel courts, and a Bamford Spa. If I stayed here, I may never want to leave.

The lap pool

Outdoor gathering spot

The owners, born and raised in The Bahamas, intended to provide their guests a luxurious yet authentic local experience, quite different from what you might find on the opposite end of the island. Majority of Nassau visitors are passengers from cruise ships that dock near Paradise Island, located on the other side of town. Hence, The Island House beckons with their slogan, "Discover this side of paradise."

To promote Bahamian culture and talent, all artwork found here is created by local artists. My favorite -- a striking cardboard cut-out -- hangs on a wall facing the lobby elevator. The showpiece was crafted by Junkanoo artist John Beadle.

Intricate cardboard cut-out by Junkanoo artist, John Beadle

Lobby areas are enhanced with all-Bahamian art

On Thursday evenings, a local jazz band provides live entertainment. Sometimes band members include young aspiring musicians such as the gifted 12-year old trumpeter (recently accepted in Juilliard). On other evenings, another local band plays rake-and-scrape, also known as "The Music of The Bahamas," with goombay drums, accordion, and percussion produced by bending and scraping a handsaw.

Live entertainment on the premises

The intimate 48-seat cinema

Half-hidden among a grove of trees in Mahogany Hill, The Island House seemed to be the best-kept secret in town. Not anymore. Since opening in April 2015, it has grown staunch support from the local community and celebrities the world over. It has also captured the attention of the likes of Conde Nast and Travel Luxury Magazine.

This way to The Island House in Nassau

Being there reminded me of the saying, "Home is not a place. It's a feeling." And that feeling lingered with me long after that first visit, luring me to return. After only two weeks, Alan and I were back there for date night.


The Island House is located in Mahogany Hill on Western Road (found on the west side of New Providence Island, The Bahamas.) Just outside the exclusive Lyford Cay Club, it is about a 10-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport.