Have you ever wondered what it would be like to vacation, on your own private island……?
You don’t need to wonder anymore, look no further than Kamalame, a 96-acre Cay in the heart of the Bahamas surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Andros Barrier Reef, equipped with its own marina, helipad and seaplane from Nassau for on the beach landings.
The winner of numerous travel industry awards, this hidden tropical gem, needs to be seen to be believed, with pristine deserted beaches and some of the most spectacular Caribbean sunsets I have ever seen.
If ever there was a place that embodied “barefoot luxury”, it would here, it has its own blend of laid back chic and an atmosphere of intimacy and warmth that embraces you from the moment you arrive. Hospitality is paramount, and the Kamalame family, make you feel like a long lost relative coming home, and there is no request that is considered too absurd…
A mecca for A-list celebrities, this very private retreat also offers the ultimate in island luxury for families and friends traveling together. The island’s accommodations comprise a collection of chic veranda-wrapped villas which blur the lines between indoor & outdoor living; my personal favourite is the outdoor rain shower in each unit, which organically extends from the indoor bathroom, giving you glimpses of the magnificent tropical surrounds. The invitation to feel the sand between your toes and take a dip into the sprawling aquamarine oasis in front of you is beyond compelling. Each villa has direct beach front access and breathtaking views over the expansive shoreline and there is a vast amount of space and native foliage between each property so that your privacy is protected, if that is what you are looking for.
You can be as reclusive or social as you would like to be on Kamalame, the choice is yours. But every need is catered to… If you came to unwind; the serene over the water spa acts as a reset button for all your wellness goals. If you came for a “foodie” experience; the cuisine is a gastronomic delight, a fusion blend of traditional Bahamian flavours with Asian flair; Chef Tomiko’s creations will transport you daily to epicurean heaven. Not to be missed is the breakfast basket that gets delivered to your door every morning with the freshest of orange juice, pastries and island produce… . If you came to party; it’s the owners raison d’être. Even an unassuming mid-day meal is fair game…. How could lunch possibly be a bucket list experience??? Go to Kamalame, and you will find out. Their breezy but elegant weekend lunches, where crisp rosé flows from noon to sundown and sometimes beyond is like no other lunch I have ever attended…… carefully planned yet effortless down to the very last detail and every guest feels like the guest of honour; but of course they do, that’s the Kamalame way. The head bartender Samson is also waiting for you with whatever specialty cocktail your heart desires to lure you long into the sultry Caribbean nights…..
There are no cars on the island, the closest you come to any form of motorized transport whilst you are here is the golf cart allocated to you upon your arrival which moves at a rather sedate Caribbean pace.
So if you want a totally off the grid experience that reveals the pristine natural beauty and warmth of the Bahamas… look no further than Kamalame……
Better known to her friends as the Global Nomad, Karen Kranenburg has traveled to over 94 countries; from scaling the heady heights of Mount Everest to diving with sharks in Borneo… Her travel stories have been published in numerous magazines and newspapers around the world. For more photos of Kamalame and other inspirational destinations from her global travels, check her out on Instagram @karenkranenburg
