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For starters, they have both been to Albany House in the Bahamas. Being a secluded and magical estate, Albany House ^[2] was chosen as the setting for the latest James Bond movie Casino Royale. Not only is the setting magical, but this has helped to put the place onto the world map with renewed acclaim for the Bahamas.

While Bond was sipping his Martini, Tiger Woods got busy buying into the brand new Albany development. His joint venture with fellow golfing buddy Ernie Els and the Tavistock Group (owned by Lyford Cay resident Joe Lewis) has created much speculation and interest from all around the world.

When it all started

First approved ^[3] back in November 2006 by Bahamian officials, the new planned luxury resort will include an 18 hole championship golf course designed by Ernie Els and create some 1,600 jobs during construction.

It took a full two years of environmental studies and planning to get this deal come through and judging by a recent interview ^[4] with Tiger Woods, he is only too excited for it to happen.

The construction will take place in the southwestern end of New Providence and include some 565 acres. It will include the formerly mentioned golf course, oceanfront homes, cottages, a fitness center, a spa, luxury apartments and a 500 million dollar new marina.

The project is going to be built in two phases with the second phase being completed by 2011 or 2012.

The ground has been broken

Despite rumors about the recent loss of some $800 million by the principal investor and billionaire Joe Lewis who is the founder of the Tavistock Group, the ground was finally broken ^[5] to start building just over a week ago.

The 88 slip marina will be surrounded by 10 buildings incorporating office space, retail, hotel units and approximately 100 luxury apartments selling for a nice price tag of $3 million each.

There will also be townhouses who will sell for $40 million each.

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Living the life

Albany ^[7] is certainly a dream development for many and being part of a paradise setting only makes it more attractive. Around 1,000 new jobs will also be created once the development is finished which is great for the local economy.

The project is actually the most ambitious undertaking ever planned anywhere in the Caribbean and already cost $10 million in design fees alone.

James Bond can also return to Albany House knowing that it will get a spruce up with a more hip appearance as part of the new development.