There’s nothing like a little sand between your toes when you’re in a place where barefoot elegance is the norm. These three eco-minded retreats offer off-the-grid experiences where relaxation and indulgence intertwine seamlessly, environmental ethics are upheld, and luxury thrives.
Kamalame Cay
Andros Island
At Kamalame, you’ll walk down white sand paths edged in conch shells to the Tiki Bar for bites and cocktails or a magnificent dinner at the Great House, an Asian Caribbean-inspired menu with a wine selection so extensive that they come over from Nassau just for the food and drink. You’ll find breakfast baskets delivered to your door each morning, private dining along the shores, multi-course wine-paired dinners, full moon dinner parties, and specialty excursions to nearby islets for picnics and romantic interludes. Socializing is huge here and includes house-hopping cocktail engagements where homeowners and hotel guests mingle like long- time friends. Gorgeous, untouched beaches, a gracious island lifestyle, and a respite from the outside world are a big part of Kamalame Cay. Here, you can discover nature, enjoy active adventures, or just soak in the tranquility.
The freshwater pool at Kamalame Cay invites a cool swim after a day on the ocean. Photo: Danilo Scarpati/Kamalame Cay
This private 96-acre escape is set on a skinny slither of land that sits near the world’s third- largest barrier reef to the east. The west is flanked by a narrow channel separating the resort from the main island of Andros, the largest and least developed island in the Bahamas. Exploration includes walks down the three-mile- long buttermilk sandy shoreline, uncovering secluded coves and private spots for sunning, biking along the sandy road, or kayaking the mangroves and sea. Active types will find reef and bone fishing and even lionfish spearing excursions. PADI-certified pros offer diving and snorkeling trips where 100-foot visibility unveils the region’s abundance of marine life. And when relaxation and rejuvenation are in order, the overwater spa will deliver. Five treatment rooms hang over the lagoon’s turquoise waters, offering the sounds of the sea as background tunes during your session.
Exterior of the 1,400-square-foot Dorado villa featuring a full kitchen and direct beach access. Photo: Kamalame Cay
Launched in 1996 by the Hew family, which has multiple generations of experience living in the West Indies, they know a bit about the elegant and authentic Caribbean lifestyle. Gracious family members are hosts and dinner companions, creating a feeling of visiting a private home. The property grew over the years by adding cottages and cozy beach bungalows to today’s total of 22 private retreats. Chic West Indies design adorns the seaside rooms and suites, topped with Balinese-style peaked roofs all edged in brightly colored flowering bougainvillea and hibiscus punctuated by coconut palms, sea grasses, and sea grape trees. Villas came later and are scattered about with a whitewashed coastal palette and beach-infused décor; sizes range from one to four bedrooms and are favored by extended families and groups. Some are equipped with a full kitchen, outdoor showers, and personal pools that feel like private homes. Guests soon feel the calm, relaxed, and warm presence of the Bahamas while secluded at this private island hideaway.
Family-owned Kamalame Cay shows off Old Caribbean and coastal décor in rooms and suites. Photo: Kamalame Cay
The Green Effect
Conscious of the environment from day one, the property boasts its use of solar power and recycled vegetable oil to run generators, establishing a small environmental footprint. An onsite nursery provides herb and salad greens for the kitchen, and the resort’s free-range chickens provide eggs for the restaurant.
Getting There
You are free to arrive via private seaplane or helicopter, landing on the white sandy shoreline for a most memorable experience. However, flights from Nassau are just 15 minutes away. They touch down in Fresh Creek on Andros mainland, where a taxi will meet your arrival. In twenty minutes, you’ll reach the ferry to cross over to the resort. Flights from Florida and charters are also available.
Tiamo Resort
South Andros Island
Seafront bungalows where guests can immerse themselves in natural splendor, blissful solitude, and ultimate luxury are what the Hartmans had in mind when they built their dream resort: Tiamo. Of course, the couple’s intention was to preserve the physical and cultural elements of the area, and their success is evident as the resort is seamlessly woven into the natural tapestry of the environment. Once you stroll the sandy pathways, enter the wooden bungalows, and meet the staff, this environmentally responsible retreat shines. The staff, versed in eco-minded practices, act as Mother Earth’s ambassadors and nature guides for the area. Guests and staff mingle in the Great Room, an open-air activity center built in true Bahamian style with a whitewashed ceiling, sea- colored accents, and local artwork. Breezes blow through, and views of the infinity pool and ocean are within the sight line. This is where you’ll find snacks, meals, and cocktails along with engaging conversation.
Aerial view of a beachfront villa at Tiamo Resort on South Andros. Photo: Tiamo Resort
Adventure and activities wait for those who choose to partake. Of course, lounging with a book or swaying in a hammock are good choices when the sea is your vista. When you feel like moving, you’ll find inland, underwater, and on- the-water excursions to get you acquainted with South Andros. Snorkeling, diving, reef fishing, bone fishing, sailing, and paddleboarding are a few of the on-the-water offerings. You might explore the waters in a transparent bottom kayak, take a private snorkeling trip with the resort’s marine biologist, or survey the rugged inland of South Andros, discovering local medicinal plants and the island’s famous blue holes. The resort’s Nature Concierge team members lead hikes to Buttonwood Pond, an inland lake, and organize kayaking trips throughout the mangroves. When relaxation and rejuvenation are in order, spend some time at the spa unwinding with a treatment of organic products sourced from the sea.
Interior villa with private plunge pool overlooking the sea at Tiamo. Photo: Tiamo Resort
The eco-resort is in the southern corner of the 2,300 square mile island of Andros and dots the eastern coastline with a small enclave of rustic and intimate seaside cottages, rendering a textbook romantic getaway. With only 11 cottages (one a three-bedroom) and two small beachside rooms, there are a limited number of guests, which contributes to the feeling of seclusion and tranquility. Individual cottages are set back from the beach with private paths leading to white sand where lounges are already in position. Interiors are accented in coastal hues of blues, greens, and whites, and screened patios and wrap-around verandas allow for tropical breezes. Situated alongside South Bight, one of the tidal rivers that slice through the island, this private enclave is a nexus for nature surrounded by mangrove forests to the west, north, and south, leaving the pristine stretch of soft white sands against the azure sea to the east.
The gathering spot at Tiamo is the beachfront pool, deck, and restaurant. Photo: Tiamo Resort
The Green Effect
The buildings are constructed with local pinewood and thatched roofs, and remnants were used in furnishings and various items to be admired. Cottages are elevated, allowing for airflow below and around limited impact with the earth. Solar panels generate one hundred percent of the electricity, composting is inherent, and the onsite garden offers freshly collected herbs and vegetables.
Getting There
There is no road access to the resort; direct arrival is by boat or seaplane. Two airports on the island make flights in and out, with options from Nassau and Ft. Lauderdale. Arrive at either airport, and the resort will organize your short boat ride to the property. Local flights land at Mangrove Cay, and both international and local flights land at South Andros Airport Congo Town.
The Cove Eleuthera
Eleuthera
Hidden from the main drag that runs through Eleuthera’s long, skinny, flat island is where you find the stylish yet environmentally ethical resort, The Cove Eleuthera. One of the most popular islands of the Bahamas Out Islands, Eleuthera still remains quiet and off the beaten path. The 40- acre property affords the 29 suites, cottages, and villas of the resort plenty of space between rooms, and the pristine grounds dotted with palms and rolling grassy knolls lead down to the white sand beach. In fact, there are two private beaches, one best for an encounter with local sea life with masks and fins and the other for chilling on the quiet sands overlooking the crystal-clear waters under an umbrella or cabana.
The Cove exterior villas have a grassy lawn that leads down to the white sand beach. Photo: The Cove
When the agenda calls for activity, there are kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear for the water, and for land exploration, the resort’s bikes are ready for a spin. The onsite spa with individual cabanas touts a locally inspired menu of treatments for serene moments of restoration. The highlight of the resort and pride and joy is the organic garden run by Angie Cooper. Guests can join her for a one-hour tour highlighting the plants she grows that eventually end up on the dinner plate. Raised beds overflowing with vibrant greens and vegetables, fruit trees, and herbs used in teas, which she explains with a tasting at the finale of the tour, are showcased. The resort will also connect you to tours led by local guides centered around ecosystems, heritage, and culture.
Angie Cooper is the keeper of the organic gardens at The Cove Eleuthera. Photo: The Cove
Rooms and villas are a harmonious blend of luxury with natural elements. A soothing palette of white and neutrals with wooden accents brings the natural environment surroundings into the interiors. Spaces are expansive and vary from bungalows to oceanfront three-bedroom villas. The villas range from one to three bedrooms, with kitchens and grand baths sporting soaking tubs, showers, and private plunge pools. Local artwork comes in room decor and meeting places, and staff from local communities adds the touch of authenticity so rare and cherished in today’s world. The Cove is known on the island for its innovative menu, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table dining. Freedom, the main restaurant, serves three meals daily, and menu options change depending on the local catches and what might be harvested from the garden. The talented chef operates a sushi bar in the evening, with a revolving menu highlighting what he caught spearfishing that day. Tropical cuisine is featured at the Gregory Town Grill, where dining in beach attire is acceptable, and a clear view of the ocean enhances the experience.
Interior of a three-bedroom oceanfront villa at The Cove. Photo: Michael Stavaridis/The Cove
The Green Effect
Adopting eco-friendly policies like energy conservation, waste management, and protection of marine life are high on the list of eco-friendly attitudes. Guests are given options to continue to save on resources. Electric vehicles, as well as bicycles, are available on the property. The hotel sources most of the food from local suppliers.
Getting There
With three airports on the island, guests have options for flying in. However, most choose the North Eleuthera airport, which is 30 minutes away. Daily flights from Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Atlanta, and Nassau are available.
