We almost feel a little guilty – as if divulging a well-kept secret – when talking about The Abaco Club. The private sporting club lies within a secluded, pristine bay in the Bahamas with calm cerulean waters, powder-soft sand, and a flower-filled tropical landscape. Beyond the jaw-dropping natural beauty, the property exudes a true barefoot luxury vibe and embraces island life with classic Bahamian architecture. It’s also home to the best golf course in the Bahamas, along with a wealth of world-class water sports. Whether you’re a member, guest or visitor, this exclusive retreat offers an experience unmatched in all of the Caribbean.
After an easy island-hopper flight from Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour Airport, we arrived on the island of Great Abaco – only 186 miles from the coast of Florida, yet world’s away. Pulling onto the property, we were greeted with a glass of rum punch and personal golf cart ready and waiting. In no time at all, we were breezing down the palm tree-lined pathways to our beach cabana.
As a private club, the property has an array of accommodation types from grand island estates and waterfront homes to multi-bedroom cottages and charming single-bedroom cabanas. Whether you’re looking to own your own island retreat or rent a home for family, friends or group stay, the club has options for everyone and every occasion. Homeowners can also place their property in the club’s rental program, which affords a variety of real estate benefits.
With a spacious bedroom and living space, king-sized bed, and private patio, our cheery pastel-peach cabana was perfect for two. Stepping out the door and into the white sand each morning, we were presented with the difficult task of choosing whether to head to the beach (a stone’s throw to the left) or the golf course (a stone’s throw to the right). Equally enticing, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
The golf experience at The Abaco Club is epic – in both scenery and design – and it’s one of the main reasons the club has a membership base which includes both passionate players and PGA tour professionals. Recognized as the best course in the Bahamas, the links-style layout stretches down the beachfront with spectacular views of the turquoise bay and winds up along the back cliffside, where Atlantic waves crash dramatically into the jagged rocks. Whether you’re an avid or leisure golfer, this one must go on your bucket list of world’s coolest courses to play.
Just as impressive, the club’s white sand beach with crystal clear water looks like a postcard brought to life. The private beach stretches for two miles, offering ample space for your own peaceful relaxing area. Every day we sunk into one of the palm-shaded loungers and sipped coconut cocktails from Flippers Beach Bar.
It’s easy to find the perfect mix of activity and relaxation at Abaco. Along the beachfront lies a periwinkle-painted Activities Hut with kayaks, paddle boards, hobie cats and more. Sail out to the Sugar Cay, the club’s private island, or snorkel around Winding Bay in search of sea turtles.
One of our favorite experiences during our visit was bone-fishing. The Bahamas is known for having some of the best deep sea fishing and bone-fishing in the world, and fishing enthusiasts from all over flock to these waters. With established partnerships, the club offers unrivaled access to some of the top outfitters in the islands. Even on a windy day, the water was clear and we had an awesome morning reeling in 6 different types of fish.
When you’re ready for a little break from sun and sports, grab a cold drink and lunch at Flipper’s Beach Bar (the conch fritters are amazing!) or head to the club’s spa to completely unwind with a therapeutic massage or sugar & salt scrub.
Before dinner, we suggest squeezing in a friendly barefoot putting competition on the practice green. Loser can buy sunset cocktails up on the cliffside patio, as the sky turns brilliant shades of cotton-candy pink and tangerine orange.
When it’s time to eat, make your way to The Cliff House. More upscale, the club’s signature restaurant serves some delicious seafood, steaks and pastas, along with excellent wines. We were even excited to see some great organic wines on the list! While the meal is sure to impress, so will the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford breathtaking views of sunset over the calm, clear waters of Winding Bay below.
The Abaco Club is truly a unique and special place where members and visitors can enjoy barefoot luxury, endless water sports, and exceptional golf – all within the setting of a picturesque island retreat.
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Compass + Twine was a welcomed guest of the Abaco Club and thanks them for a lovely weekend. As always, all opinion are our own.
