6 Best Hotels in Bahamas

Perched on a small bluff overlooking the Andros Barrier Reef, this dreamy luxury villa provides a consummate private getaway. Comprising a great house and two generously separated suites, everywhere is filled with panoramic ocean views—starting from the superbly appointed kitchen and bar, through the generous living and dining areas, down to the hand-carved limestone terraces and gardens that meet the ocean. Between the sea and the vast Cedar Room are a covered patio, a freshwater pool, a spa, a waterfall, and a hammock-strewn garden. With vaulted ceilings, architectural granite, oversized windows, and hand-cut island stone, KettleStone is a masterpiece of luxurious coastal chic and comfortable living. While you nestle with friends in this breathtaking haven, longtime Andros owners Mike and Page Hornby arrange expertly guided fishing, diving, and nature tours for their lucky guests. Self-cater or ask for a chef to come in. Ideal for families desiring privacy and one-to-one personal service, and surprisingly affordable for small groups and families, KettleStone is located three minutes' walk from Fresh Creek Harbour, conveniently close to shops and the airport.

Six modern cottages sit on a half-mile stretch of white-sand beach between Landrail Point and Pittstown Point Landings. Each has a full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and a western-facing deck to watch the magnificent sunsets. A local market, gas station, and two restaurants are 2 miles away in Landrail Point. The management will treat you like family and can arrange meals in your cottage with advance notice, find you a rental car, or set up a diving excursion. They will also book you with the top fly-fishing guides on the island.

Long Island's newest luxury villas are nestled among garden pathways atop a hillside, each with private balconies affording views of Clarence Town Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. Both one- and two-bedroom or one- and two-story layouts are available, each individually decorated with bright colors for a chic island feel. Wi-Fi is complimentary, and each villa features two flat-screen TVs with access to DIRECTV. Bicycles, kayaks, and snorkeling gear are available for use.

The private Howard Beach House is the perfect luxury vacation home, especially for large groups. The house features four bedrooms and bathrooms, all of which were recently renovated, along with a fully equipped kitchen. Other amenities include a covered sundeck, retractable canopy, lounges, and an outdoor shower. 

Many of the homes and cottages in this designer community are available for rent. All are beautifully decorated and fully outfitted with everything you'd need in a vacation home. Select from two-, three-, or four-bedroom homes that are all just a quick walk to the four pristine white-sand beaches accessible only from within Schooner Bay. Full provisioning is available, or you can head on down to the tiny general store and the community farm to stock up. There are five miles of marked trails through the 50-acre protected hardwood forest and kayaks and paddleboards waiting on the beach. Once dinner is done, hike up to the iron shore (exposed coral reef) for some of the most incredible stargazing outside of a planetarium. Cars must be parked at the community entrance. From there you can only enter the village on foot or by bicycle or golf cart.

This Bahamian-owned 3,000-square-foot, five-bedroom house is completely off the grid, solar powered with a generator as backup. It boasts a large living and dining room space, full kitchen, wrap-around veranda, and three large decks for sunbathing, moon-gazing, and enjoying an almost 360-degree view of the ocean. The house is surrounded by gardens of fruit-bearing trees and flowering plants, and it's just a five-minute walk from a pristine beach. It sits on a 70-foot elevation and is at the end of a 3-mile unpaved road, so ask for 4WD at the car rental company. All that's needed for a time of supreme relaxation is grocery for self-catering, or ask Andrew, the owner, for help with ordering full meals prepared by an excellent cook. There is hot water, air-conditioning, laundry facilities, a hot tub, Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, and a collection of games. If you need anything else, Andrew lives on-property and is available to answer questions and make connections.