My Ocean

I am in constant search of those discoveries which make me feel alive – the ones that are a call to my soul and allow me to feel a part of the bigger picture. I look to The 700 Experience to be said bigger picture and the voice that inspires others to experience the lifestyle of the real, authentic Bahamas – whether it be through excursions, shopping or dining. Therefore, you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon My Ocean in the heart of downtown Nassau. Here among a strip of jewelry importers and ten-dollar t-shirt sellers is a small factory where a handful of local artisans work together to create soaps, candles and ceramic dishes, all by hand – putting “handcrafted” an otherwise overused term to shame. Owned by founder and art scholar Tanya Klonaris and husband Eduardo Azevedo they strive to bring their love and respect for the ocean, their inspiration for design, and their belief in sustainable quality products to their five lines: Blue Hole, Summertime, The Shallows, Bush and Wild Flamingo. If the names are not enough of an indication of their appreciation for island life than their descriptions and ingredients are; think shea butter infused with coconut milk and Bahamian grown pineapple, papaya, mango and avocado muddled together to create a blend brimming with antioxidants. My favourite you might ask? Somewhere between “The Shallows” and “Blue Hole” my heart lays, in a constant tug-o-war amongst a raging sea. Drawn to the tantalizing colours of the ceramics, they are a call to Tanya’s childhood stories filled with chickcharneys roaming about Andros and the ocean as she rises and falls in line with the drama of the tropics. As always though seeing is believing.

What line is your immediate favourite?

P.S. Be sure to include My Ocean on your Paradise Island/ Nassau Island Itinerary.