What it is

A 96-acre utopia with 27 bungalows and villas ringing a pristine white sand beach, plus the Bahamas’ only over-water spa.

What it isn't

Just laying around. Activities here are bountiful and bucket-list worthy, including kayaking mangrove tributaries, bone fishing, and diving the world’s third largest great barrier reef with their official PADI Dive Centre.

What we think

There’s something about family-owned resorts that feels extra welcoming, and that’s doubly true here. Brian and Jennifer Hew built Kamalame Cay from the sand up in 1996, and have lovingly tended it like a child; it’s now one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems, with lush hibiscus, bougainvillea and frangipani adorning the immaculate grounds. Bungalows are as airy as the beach beyond their verandas, with 16-foot ceilings with whitewashed exposed beams and linen curtains dancing in the wind. To feel like you have your very own Bahamian beach house, book one of their villas; the 1,100-square-foot Rock House comes with its own plunge pool, an outdoor shower and a gourmand-ready kitchen that’s fully stocked with top shelf liquor, wines, snacks and your caffeine addictions of choice, including Nespresso.

You're here because

Well-heeled socialites kept Kamalame Cay their little secret for eons, and it’s no wonder, with service like this. Breakfast arrives by basket each morning; you can hop on loaner bikes at your every whim; and staff are happy to arrange your dive lessons, babysitting needs, airport transfers and more.

The Moment

When you heard the words “over-water spa,” your shoulders dropped. But nothing could have prepared you for the level of relaxation you’re experiencing with your Deep Sea Footbath Ritual, which includes a seaweed scrub, mineral soak, and foot and leg massage—plus plenty of ogling the turquoise water lapping before you.

Restaurants & Bars

Great House Dining Room & Lounge - innovative locavore menus that change daily

Tiki Bar - seaside

Location

Perched on the crystalline turquoise waters of Staniard Creek, just across the road from Blue Holes National Park—where you can swim in coppice forest-shrouded turquoise blue swimming holes.