A puddle jumper flight from Nassau delivered me to a place where luxury meets authentic island life, and where every detail tells a story of community and care.
Visiting Caerula Mar Club in South Andros had been a longtime dream of mine. I'd watched Bryan and Sarah Baeumler build this remarkable property on HGTV's Island of Bryan, and I knew I needed to experience it firsthand before recommending it to clients. So in December, my partner and I planned a last-minute escape that would take us from the vibrant energy of Nassau to the quiet, untouched shores of South Andros.
The contrast between those two worlds became the most memorable part of our journey. We started at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, soaking in the fun and entertainment of a bustling resort destination. But everything shifted the moment our small puddle jumper touched down at Congo Town airport. Caerula Mar sits just five minutes from the runway, and within moments of checking in, I understood what makes this place truly remarkable: you're oceanfront, yet footsteps or a short bike ride away from the local barge, the bodegas, the churches where residents gather. You feel the truer essence of Bahamian lifestyle here, a slower pace that Nassau simply cannot offer.
What struck me immediately was the hyperlocal mentality woven into every aspect of the resort. Everyone on staff was hired from the island. They speak the native language, and their focus is on supporting the community while providing guests access to adventure tourism. The Apothecary-style bath products in our clubhouse suite were locally sourced from the Bahamas. The Tuck Shop featured hand-knit items from Bahamian artisans and art pieces from native citizens. There's a beautiful ripple effect happening here, and Bryan and Sarah have done a wonderful job tying those stories of Bahamian culture together for guests willing to make the trek.
The adventure excursions exceeded every expectation. The guides took us on private boat charters to incredible snorkelling reefs, paddle-boarding through the lush mangroves, and swimming in their iconic blue holes. Everything felt untouched and exclusive. It was just us and the aquatic life, no crowds, no mass tourism. For avid fishers, divers, or anyone who craves that bespoke outdoor experience, this is the destination.
What surprised me most was the exceptional quality of the food. They hired Executive Chef, Carlos Alvarez, who created spectacular dishes that my partner and I will remember for a lifetime. Whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the level of care was evident. Their pastry chef created an in-house café that felt like its own Patisserie, with fresh croissants, espresso, homemade granola, elixirs, and house-made treats. For such a remote destination with only one resort on the island, they brought their best foot forward.
I learned practical insights I can now share with clients. Getting to South Andros requires either a stopover in Nassau (at least one night, though I'd recommend two) before catching the commercial flight to Congo Town, which only operates certain days of the week. Alternatively, if flying from Fort Lauderdale, there's a direct private charter service that Caerula Mar partners with, perfect for clients on a time crunch. I also discovered the immense value of booking the full board meal plan, as ordering a la carte adds up quickly. And for the Nassau portion, making dining reservations well in advance is essential. We experienced an incredible Christmas-themed Gospel Brunch at Café Martinique, which became one of the highlights of this trip!
This type of travel is ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking an exclusive, intimate escape in one of the Pink Sands Oceanfront Villas. It's perfect for scuba divers, sport fishing and bone fishing enthusiasts, and small groups who enjoy boating, and being out on the water. For couples looking to plan a smaller scale wedding, this would also be the perfect fit for a buyout option to be able to host your private group and have complete exclusivity. And for those who want variety, combining Nassau's energy with South Andros' serenity creates layers and depth that elevate the journey beyond your typical all-inclusive vacation. That element of surprise, that thoughtfully curated balance between fun and relaxation, is exactly what I can now offer my clients who are craving something different than their standard all-inclusive holiday.
