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At the grand opening of The Cove on Paradise Island Friday night, fireworks dazzled hundreds of invited guests. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com) |
The surrealism of the night began with moving Grecian statues serving blue cocktails and ushering celebrities and common-folk alike through towering fire torches.
Behind the gate of guards, a host of celebrities sparkled in designer outfits, added more heat to the warmth of the night.
"I always love coming to The Bahamas, and to come now for the opening of The Cove, it’s so magical here," said R&B singer Ashanti.
The theme of the night on Friday was bringing Atlantis to life, according to event planner, Colin Cowie, who said he was inspired by the story of Atlantis.
"I just thought it would be fabulous to have the gods of that time come to life, and have the colours of the ocean just pop out," he said.
Plates piled with succulent lobster that melted the moment it touched the tongue topped tables covered with metallic shag by the poolside. Desserts were petite cream and chocolate filled tarts, fruity meringues and buttery, flakey pastries.
Counters serving endless amounts of food and cocktails imprisoned the area.
Near the Aquaventure pool, adequately called the Place of Gathering, and beneath strings of lights, singer Natalie Cole, editor in chief of O Magazine Gayle King, model and talk show host Tyra Banks, and singer Usher all mingled among fellow celebrities and excited guests.
"I can’t wait to see Janet perform," said Ashanti, giving her best rendition of Janet Jackson’s Control.
The aura of the night was filled with excitement as sounds of clanking champagne glasses diffused through the air. At an instance, the clatter was invaded by silence after the sound of a scorching microphone wailed through the air.
The name Janet flashed up in pink lights and her dancers rushed on the stage that had an extended runway out to the middle of the pool.
"It’s almost criminal," said partygoer, Brandon McCoy, visiting from Michigan.
"How often to you experience something like this?"
Ms. Jackson performed a series of her most acclaimed hits, "That’s the Way Love Goes", "If" and "All for You" as onlookers sang along to the record breakers.
After her performance, the fireworks began … starting at one end of the pool. All heads moved in synchronization following the blasts of fire as it moved toward the other end.
Sparks of fire burst out of each window of the luxurious hotel, fogging up the sky with smoke and causing a haze of enchantment.
If you ever wondered what magic looks like, a direct representation of the enchantment was portrayed with every dazzling light, mystifying taste and spellbinding sound of the evening, and stunning its captives with its grandeur and making them crave even more.
