Stay Where Spies Meet: The British Colonial Hotel and Its Iconic Spy History

 

Vacation Like a Spy: Luxury and Intrigue at the British Colonial in Nassau, Bahamas

     If you’ve ever dreamed of a vacation where you could relax on a talcum-powdered beach and maybe bump into a secret agent, the Nassau British Colonial Hotel is calling your name. This historic gem, nestled right on Bay Street in the heart of Nassau, offers the perfect blend of luxury, tropical beauty, and a dash of espionage. You might not just be soaking up the sun—you could be sitting where real-life spy novels and iconic films were made.

     This hotel, often called the “BC,” isn’t just any beachfront retreat. It’s the only beachfront hotel in Nassau, offering jaw-dropping views of the cruise ship harbor, and a lush, private 8-acre garden behind it that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll. Oh, and did I mention it’s pet-friendly? So, bring the family, bring your dog—everyone’s welcome.

     And while you’re at it, enjoy the nearby duty-free shops and famous Junkanoo Beach, just a 10-minute walk away. That’s where CIA spymaster Corey Pearson, the hero in my spy thriller series, hangs out.

     But here’s where things get interesting. The British Colonial Hotel is more than just a place to unwind; it’s been the backdrop for some serious spy action. James Bond himself, Sean Connery, stayed here while filming Thunderball in 1965. The underwater battles, high-stakes action scenes, and Connery’s iconic 007 persona left an unforgettable mark on the place.

     Fast forward to Never Say Never Again, another Bond classic, and you’ll realize this hotel practically oozes secret agent vibes. Who knows, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of a modern-day spy sipping a cocktail at the bar.

     Speaking of spies, the British Colonial Hotel also plays a starring role in my spy thriller, Penumbra Database. It’s where CIA spymaster Corey Pearson and his elite CIA team meet contacts, plot covert operations, and strategize to recover a stolen database algorithm.

     The plush Bullion Bar, with its mahogany top and panoramic views of the tropical gardens, is the perfect place for clandestine meetings. Picture this: Milo, the bartender, wipes down the bar and then discreetly sets a vase of ornamental reeds on top of it—a subtle signal to Corey that the coast is clear for a rendezvous. Every corner of this hotel screams intrigue and mystery—who needs a movie when real-life espionage and my thrillers unfold here?

     And don’t worry, you can enjoy all of this with a cocktail in hand at the hotel’s Patio Grill & Pool Bar. It’s where Corey Pearson himself (well, in Penumbra Database) unwinds and meets his contacts, while the breeze from Nassau Harbor keeps things cool. Whether you’re there for the history, the views, or to imagine yourself in the middle of a high-stakes spy operation, the British Colonial Hotel has it all.

     So, if you’re planning a family vacation, but secretly hoping to feel like James Bond (or Corey Pearson), the British Colonial is your spot. It’s where luxury meets espionage, and who knows—you might just have spies in your midst. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the "Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster" spy thriller series. Check out his latest spy thriller, Misson of Vengeance.