Kamalame Cay: the closest faraway island oasis for luxury travellers

I almost witnessed the destruction of a marriage this weekend when I visited the island oasis Kamalame Cay in Staniard Creek, Andros, Bahamas, but not for any reason I am sure you may be thinking. A young professional couple from Atlanta enjoyed a weekend stay at the private island, but someone got the flight arrangements wrong, forcing a disgruntled wife to leave the island begrudgingly a day early.

During a refined Saturday night wine pairing dinner, the error was not mentioned once or twice or three times, but so many times I lost count. I guarantee you, in addition to memory of the coconut spiced soup served in a fresh jelly-filled coconut husk or the sauteed lobster plated with traditional Bahamian grits, which they delightfully sampled on their last night of island romance, I am certain, one memory that will always be a source of marital discontent is how they had to dismount from the lap of luxury 24-hours too soon.

Kamalame Cay is one of the most accessible luxury escapes within 20 minutes of the capital Nassau. A 15 minute helicopter ride will land you on a private beach, minutes away from your very own beach-front bungalow. This is the preferred choice if bumpy roads sour your taste. The alternative, a 15-minute charter or commercial flight that will carry you into Fresh Creek, where a 25-minute taxi ride and a three-minute ferry boat will transport you to Kamalame. Booking a stay there is no more hassle than visiting www.kamalame.com and securing your connecting flight from Nassau at www.bahamago.com.

From the Western shore of the island, the glow on the horizon at night is the capital Nassau, so far but just close enough; a perfect metaphor for the type of experience you will find on the island: service at your convenience and autonomy at your leisure. You can make your own private fun on the island, or join the organized action available at the main social hubs.

You will find the Manhattan-esque social scene at The Great House and the Tikki Bar on Kamalame Cay: interesting people with a passion for life and a love of their own eccentricities. The energy of the island comes directly from the owners and managers, a Jamaican family naturalized in the Bahamas with Asian roots; they are at the same time sophisticated, smart, flamboyant and saucy with a touch of spice. For sure, they are full of life with a knack for ‘making you have a good time’, even if you and they are the only ones on the island. They live there and treat guests as if family returning home.

And although the social scene is a major part of the island, it is large enough to offer a completely different experience. Four words to let you know if you identify with this side of Kamalame Cay: privacy, comfort, service and romance. Children are welcome on the island, but it definitely suits an adult taste more completely.

The 96 acres is lined by three miles of white-sand beach; the swaying palms and coconut groves hide the beach and cottage suits nestled amongst the lush vegetation. Their sweeping verandas and panoramic views are paired with the essential amenities and the finest service. And there are lots for sale, where you can buy or build a private home. You can stay as a guest, or visit for a short stay to simply dine on the island or seek refuge and relaxation at the over-water spa. From the Western end of Nassau you can reach Kamalame Cay by boat faster than Rose Island.

I certainly only had a small taste of Kamalame Cay on my first visit to the island, but I saw enough to know, the island is the type of retreat that luxury travellers could certainly dream of owning or experiencing. The resort has been around for 15 years, and as long as it delivers on the service side, every time, it should have an easy go at another 15 years.