Bahamas: Although the 700 islands of the archipelago were mostly unaffected by Hurricane Dorian, which was the greatest hurricane to ever impact this region, Grand Bahama and the Abacos will need to rebuild for years. It’s an exciting moment to visit the Bahamas owing to a collection of freshly opened and restored independent hotels that reflect the pride of their owners. Tourist funds go a long way towards the northern islands’ rehabilitation.
1. South Andros
Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, who are known for their work on HGTV Canada, started work on the 24-key Caerula Mar last month after buying a 1960s-era resort in 2016. It’s the island’s first new hotel in over 20 years, covering 10 oceanfront acres, and the owners have already seen how it’s reviving this formerly sedate region with infrastructural improvements and new local businesses like conch shacks and bone-fishing tours in the Bahamas.
2. Eleuthera
When considering an island vacation in the Bahamas, “solar-powered safari camp” may not come to mind. However, the Other Side, located on one of the country’s least populated “out islands,” is not your typical beach hotel. With outdoor baths, in-room massages, and access to the hotel’s 30-foot Hinckley boat, a stay here is the epitome of barefoot luxury. Three new villas with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea will soon join the three tented suites and three hilltop cottages (locals refer to them as “shacks”).
3. Providence New
Compared to Nassau’s bigger beach resorts, the 30-room Island House offers a more intimate setting with a Zen temple style, an in-house wine label, and an art-house theatre. Visitors can use a nearby private beach club exclusively, but if it’s too busy, ask the staff to set up a stay on Highbourne Cay, their own island in the Exumas.
4. Toros North
After Dorian, the team behind family-run Kamalame Cay donated more than $30,000 to the devastated areas, collecting food and supplies and giving those who were displaced job chances. Owners David and Michael King-Hew continued to make upgrades despite the storm in the Bahamas; in 2019, they unveiled two additional villas, and 10 more are planned for later in the year.
