The Out Islands of The Bahamas are another universe entirely. Home to marvelous natural environments, untouched beaches, sparkling turquoise water, they’re some of the most spectacularly beautiful places anywhere in the wider region.
That’s particularly true in Cat Island, a fishhook-shaped island in the Central Bahamas that’s about an hour by plane from Nassau.
It’s a place for those in seek of privacy, relaxation and the ultimate laid-back vacation — and some of the best boating, fishing, snorkeling and diving in The Bahamas.
It’s also home to the highest point in The Bahamas, Mount Alvernia, a “Healing Hole” and some truly remarkable, endless white-sand beaches (and of course the world-famous Pink Chicken beach bar.)
It’s even easier to get to Cat Island right now, with service on Makers Air from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport four days per week (along with service on Western Air via Nassau). For more (including a $250 Air Credit, see here).
So where to stay?
The island is home to a plethora of boutique hotels and resorts, all oozing classic Out Islands charm and most with either direct beachfront locations or dramatic views.
Here are our favorite places to stay on Cat.
Fernandez Bay Village The most legendary place to stay on the island has nearly a half century of history, with a prime setting close to the New Bight Airport and set on a dramatically beautiful stretch of sand. It’s a classic Caribbean beach resort, with a total of 18 rooms and villas, delicious food and unforgettable touches — a tiki honor bar. If it’s available, make sure you go for Shane’s Shack, the quintessential toes-in-the-sand room.
Rollezz Villas Beach Resort It’s hard to find a more beautiful beach anywhere in the Caribbean than Old Bight Beach, the home of the lovely Rollezz Villas Beach Resort. This is all about the beach, with eight authentically decorated villas all right at the edge of the sand. Indeed, Old Bight is one of the longest uninterrupted beaches in all of The Bahamas, and other than guests at Rollezz you may go days without seeing another visitor. That means the ultimate amenity — and the chance for unique beach experiences including meals in the sand itself.
Shannas Cove Resort There are just five rooms at this boutique resort at the very northern tip of Cat Island, all with stunning sea views from an elevated perch above the beach. It’s also a great jumping off point for everything from hiking to bone fishing to kayaking and the miles-long, always-empty Port Royal Beach. The food is terrific, too, anchored by what’s easily the best restaurant on the island.
Hawks Nest Resort and Marina Every room is right on the beach here, but that’s not the biggest amenity. In a part of the region that’s ultra-popular with private pilots, the Hawks Nest has a rather unique amenity: you can fly right into the hotel, home to its own private landing strip. It’s also home to the premier marina on Cat Island, making it the prime fishing center on the island. And that’s just the beginning at Hawks Nest, with a restaurant, two terrific bars and a world of activities to enjoy.
Greenwood Beach Resort If you’re a kiteboarder, this is a Caribbean Mecca. But if you’re looking for a beach getaway, it’s hard to beat. Home to 16 colorful rooms, Greenwood is a throwback to the island resorts of yore, with a simple recipe: good food, warm service and a world-class, pink-sand beach.
Fountain Bay Resort This boutique beachfront resort has five bungalow-style bungalows and another four two-bedroom condos. It’s a residential-style hotel, meaning even the bungalows have mini fridges, microwaves and coffee machines. But more importantly, the rooms are all just steps from the sand. It’s a bit like staying in your own private beach club.
Orange Creek Inn You get two bodies of water here, one a stunning beach just across the street and the other the Orange Creek mangrove channel. There are 16 rooms, an on-site grocery, great bonefishing and welcome touches like on-site car rental and even an included airport pickup.
Pigeon Cay Beach Club There are eight cottages here, about three miles from Bennetts Harbour in the northern portion of Cat Island. Every one of them has its own kitchen, ranging from one to three bedrooms. It’s deliciously low key, with a wonderful direct beachfront setting and an emphasis on toes-in-the-sand, rustic cool.
The Ocean Dream Beach Resort The greenest hotel on the island, the Ocean Dream is completely solar powered, with a commitment to eco-tourism. Billing itself as the “ultimate eco escape,” it’s home to a unique Greek-Bahamian eatery, a gift shop and a collection of hillside cottages looking out at Cat Island’s wild Atlantic-side water.