Bahamas’ Best Kept Secret

Andros Island, the largest of the Bahamas’ 700 islands, is an enigma. 

No one seems to know much about it. Not surprising, since Andros, made up of three land masses — north, central and south — is sparsely inhabited with about 7,500 people and doesn’t produce a lot of news. 

But there is some news now, all wrapped up in a small but luxurious boutique resort called Caerula Mar Club on the eastern shore of South Andros (population around 2,000). The resort, about 200 miles from Fort Lauderdale, boasts first-class accommodations combined with environmentally-conscious practices, such as solar panels on the roof, to make it what owners, Canadian HGTV celebrities Bryan and Sarah Baeumler call “the epitome of barefoot luxury.”

No matter what time of day, Caerula Mar guests are hard-pressed to find many, if any, footprints on the expansive sandy shoreline. It’s the kind of destination where doing nothing more than soaking up the sunshine, finding bliss during a yoga session or throwing back a few Kaliks (the local beer) by the pool bar is perfectly acceptable. 

For those wanting adventure, there are plenty of options. Explore the island on one of the property’s complimentary bicycles or embark on a bone fishing expedition — after all, Andros is home to some of the largest bonefish in the world. Visitors will want to check out the island’s blue holes — hundreds of underwater cave systems rumored to have been home to Lusca, a mythological half-octopus, half-shark sea creature highlighted on nature walks led by islander Barbara Moore. Moore combines the expedition with bush medicine tours woven with colorful anecdotes, treating tourists to native fruits such as sapodilla or jelly coconut. Traditional outdoor excursions ranging from sailing and snorkeling to scuba diving are available as well.

Caerula Mar Club opened in late 2019, a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and not long after Category 5 Hurricane Dorian wiped out much of the Bahamas. Fortunately, South Andros was spared the worst of the storm. Despite the less than perfect timing, the 10-acre resort has generated good buzz, thanks largely to the HGTV series “Renovation Island: Paradise Regained.” The popular show is hosted by the Baeumlers, the Canadian renovation stars who made a successful crossover into HGTV U.S. The Baeumlers uprooted their family (including their four children) and moved to the island after coming across it on a fishing trip. 

The first and only luxury resort on South Andros, the 18-suite, four villa property overlooks the Caribbean Sea and is easily accessible from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport via a one-hour flight. South Andros has its own customs office at Congo Town Airport (pretty much a one-person operation), so getting in and out is a breeze.

Once guests arrive, they will find accommodations for up to 56 (only children 12 and older are welcome) in suites and villas constructed with sustainable, natural materials and breezy outdoor spaces, like the clubhouse to make them feel connected to their surroundings. 

Credit Sarah for the sleek design of the property. As soon as guests step into the reception area, they’re likely to feel a sense of calm. A grand archway connects the main lobby to the dining room, where guests can dine, socialize and enjoy the ocean view. “I designed Caerula Mar so that the interiors, furnishings, and artwork would act as a neutral canvas to help showcase the island’s natural beauty in its truest form,” she said in a press release.

“I opted for a warm aesthetic with touches like crisp white linens, understated furnishings and fixtures that evoke elements of barefoot luxury and life on the water.”

Caerula Mar is home to the area’s only fine dining restaurant, Lusca (named after the mythical sea creature) which offers a menu that combines locally sourced seafood with seasonal produce. Since the resort is small, customer requests are welcome. 

Other food and dining options at the resort are Switcha, a café and smoothie bar and Driff's Beachbar, which serves favorites like grilled shrimp, fish tacos, salads, ceviche and burgers.

Like its restaurants, Caerula Mar is bound to leave a good taste in your mouth and a hankering to return. Isolation has never felt so divine.

Caerula Mar Club is at the Queens Highway, Driggs Hill Settlement, South Andros Island, Bahamas. For more information, call 800-790-6845 or visit caerulamar.com.