The Bougainvillea Estate - a heritage village in Nassau
- Curious Adventurer
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
A little birdie gave me a tip: “Somethings’s brewing in Nassau and the aroma is tantalizing!” My attention was called to the opening of a new immersive experience on island: The Bougainvillea Estate. It’s a place where guests can soak up Bahamas culture and traditions. I decided to drop by and I was pleasantly surprised with my findings.
Located at Delancy Street, the property sits within the historic Charles Towne area. Bougainvillea Estate is an expansion of Tasty Teas which gained popularity for its variety of bush teas (providing medicinal value and natural remedy) and flavorful tea infusions brewed with locally grown herbs, fruits, and spices. Tasty Teas was established by Hilda Forbes and her son Jay Jay. What began as a mom-and-pop business in 2013, with goods initially being sold from the trunk of a car, has now developed into a heritage village in Nassau.
Visitors looking for a one-stop place to experience all things Bahamas can visit this locale to receive warm Bahamian hospitality, learn about history and traditions, get a taste of the local flavor, and shop from a wide selection of retail items to take home. As for residents, this is an ideal community hub where they can gather with family and friends while enjoying traditional and national favorites.
Here’s a breakdown of what I found at Bougainvillea Estate:
Tasty Teas
This is the main building that showcases what started it all. Wall-to-wall shelves are perfectly lined with their award-winning teas, an assortment of coffees, spices, pepper sauces, jams, and more. You’ll even find their branded drink ware and tumblers as well as souvenir T-shirts, and caps with eye-catching designs. They’re all of good quality.
In the back is a walk-up counter where you could choose from blended iced teas and juices with native flair. I tried the refreshing lemongrass infused iced tea. It was a unique flavor and I couldn’t stop sipping the drink.
Before I moved on, I caught Founder Aunty Hilda engaging with guests here. I guess she regularly adds some “happy” to visitors’ encounters by doing a little jig and exhibiting the traditional rake and scrape dance. She wouldn’t allow me to film it, though. You must be present to witness it. Ha!
Jay Jay’s Old Fashioned Daiquiri
Here’s where Daiquiri Specialist Christopher serves up delicious daiquiri using local fresh fruit blended with tasty rum. I typically order pineapple daiquiri but I tried their banana flavor and it was yummy with just the right amount of sweet. I guess the mango flavor is a bestseller because they were already sold out by the time I got there.
Jay Jay’s Chicken Shack
If you come hungry, there are plenty of choices to eat like the must-try conchy conch fritters, fried fish or shrimp, or burgers. I tried their chicken wings and they were scrumptious!
Jay Jay’s Chill Spot
Right next to the snack shack is this bar where you’ll find other beverages to help wash down your meal or quench your thirst.
Sun Blossom
I had fun browsing in this souvenir shop of curated products that are proudly Bahamian-made. There are several irresistible artisanal items ranging from candles and soaps to jewelry and straw bags. I picked up the Island Berry-scented body butter and the Summer Sea-scented candle.
Aunty Hilda’s Confectionery
This cozy space is where you’ll find toothsome treats. Taking center stage is their ice cream of local flavors. The Soursop, which features a delectable combination of sour and sweet, is da bomb! They also feature cookies and desserts including the national dessert called Guava Duff.
The confectionery’s balcony leads to an outdoor area outfitted with sitting areas and hammocks shaded with trees. In this same backyard are other specialty shacks like the fresh conch salad stand and the chicken jerk hut.
—-
All around are Instagram-worthy art and spaces by Bahamian artist and designers. The “Welcome to Nassau” mural by local artist Allan Pachino for one is hard to miss.
Another plus about Bougainvillea Estate is that it has its own dedicated parking lot. But whether you drive there or take a leisurely walk from downtown Nassau, it’s an easy destination to reach. It’s perfect for cruise ship passengers looking for day trip activities while on a Nassau Port of Call.
It seems there will be more to come as this estate continues to grow with their offerings. I’ll be returning and would love to take my guests and visitors here.
