Welcome to Rebooked, a Condé Nast Traveler column where we share the properties our editors and contributors loved so much, they’ve booked them over and over—and over—again. Travel journalists have their pick of the litter, so you know these are something special.
For a beach-obsessed Floridian, the Caribbean was the definitive backdrop of my upbringing. My family’s penchant for island-hopping began early, with frequent excursions to various islands, cays, and reefs that were only a short, convenient flight from home. While the Gulf of Mexico was technically in my backyard, the electrifying, impossible turquoise water and the soft, talcum-powder sand of the Caribbean held a magnetic pull that kept us returning. My family became so infatuated with the region that we eventually purchased a condo in Turks and Caicos. At the time, it felt like a quiet, pristine discovery, long before the destination became a playground for celebrities like the Kardashians and surged in popularity to the point of near-constant bustle.
Over the years, however, I watched as the inevitable tide of tourism brought significant commercialization to those once-quiet shores. While Turks and Caicos has never lost its inherent beauty, my travel philosophy began to shift. I found myself increasingly drawn to places that offered a sense of discovery, destinations that felt untouched, special, and, ideally, deeply committed to the preservation of their surrounding natural habitats. This longing for something more authentic and secluded led me to look beyond the well-trodden paths of my youth. In May 2023, I decided to venture to a place that promised the kind of stillness I had been craving: Kamalame Cay, located in Andros, Bahamas.
The resort, which occupies its own 96-acre private barrier island, seemed to check every single box on my travel wish list. It offered the privacy of individual villa accommodations, miles of practically waveless, crystalline beaches, an overwater spa that featured products from Osea Malibu—a brand that has long been a staple in my own skincare routine—and a culinary philosophy dictated entirely by nature’s local bounty.
Yet, the primary draw for me was the isolation. Reaching Kamalame Cay is an intentional journey. Guests must navigate the logistics of flying into Nassau before taking a 10-minute hop to Fresh Creek Airport, or, for a more seamless arrival, they can book one of the property’s private Coco seaplanes directly from Fort Lauderdale to the island’s iconic shoreline. For someone whose ideal vacation leans more toward the solitary survivalism of Wilson from Cast Away than the chaotic, high-energy antics of a National Lampoon family trip, the experience was transformative. My first visit was everything I had hoped for, and I knew almost immediately that I would return. I was right; in the three years since that initial trip, I have found myself back at Kamalame Cay three more times.
A Sanctuary for Nature and Solitude
Kamalame Cay is a property that masterfully lets the environment take center stage. While it is fully equipped with the necessary amenities—including a restaurant, bar, meeting house, freshwater pool, and a gift shop—the grounds themselves remain intentionally rustic. The landscape is dominated by dense, swaying palm trees and serves as a natural refuge for thousands of unobtrusive, fascinating hermit crabs. Because the sandy paths are kept purposefully unmarked and unpaved, the resort maintains the distinct, grounded feel of being marooned on a deserted paradise. Guests are provided with golf carts to navigate the island, a necessity that only adds to the sense of adventure and freedom that defines a stay here.
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The accommodations are defined by a "barefoot-chic" aesthetic, encompassing 21 seaside rooms and suites that are perfectly suited for solo travelers, couples, or small families. Each bungalow is designed with the meticulous care of a cozy home, though the decor remains intentionally minimalist. You will find whitewashed woods, soft linen curtains, and tasteful accent pieces that pay quiet homage to the marine life flourishing just feet away. The property truly shines, however, through its impressive portfolio of villas, which can house anywhere from four to 12 guests. These villas vary in architecture and vantage point, allowing the resort to cater to the specific needs of diverse groups, from those seeking total seclusion to those wanting panoramic ocean views.
For those who feel the urge to stay active, the resort provides Mongoose fat-tire bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks. Whether you are cycling down a sandy path or gliding over the shallow waters, you are guaranteed to encounter the vibrant local wildlife. Sea turtles, various tropical birds, stingrays, and schools of brightly colored fish are constant companions in this ecosystem.
Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Andros
One of the most defining features of a trip to Kamalame Cay is the deliberate lack of external distractions. Andros, the largest island in the Bahamas by landmass, has a total population of fewer than 8,000 residents, and the surrounding area remains blissfully undeveloped. This is, quite frankly, the entire point. Most of your time, meals, and adventures will be contained within the resort, but the property offers exceptional access to the natural wonders of the region. I always encourage other guests to take full advantage of the resort’s private boat excursions, whether that involves reef fishing, lionfish spearing, or the patience-testing art of bonefishing.
For those who look beneath the surface, the opportunities are world-class. Andros is home to the third-largest barrier reef on the planet, stretching nearly 200 miles along the eastern coast. It is a dream destination for snorkelers and divers alike. Furthermore, the island houses over 200 blue holes—the highest concentration of sinkholes and cave systems in the world. These geological wonders are scattered throughout the forests and along offshore anchor points, demanding exploration for those with an adventurous spirit. For guests who prefer a more relaxed pace, a quick boat trip to the neighboring, uninhabited islands—some of which are only visible during low tide—is an essential experience, perfect for private picnics, shelling, or intimate sunset soirees.
Why I Keep Coming Back
In an era defined by the unpredictable nature of global events and the relentless, often exhausting pace of modern life, Kamalame Cay has become my sanctuary. It is the one place where I can truly detach from the world’s constant stream of headlines and pressures. As someone who works in the media, I am all too often consumed by the news cycle, a reality that can be as draining as a harsh Chicago winter. This total separation from the outside world is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for my well-being.
The atmosphere at the resort is a refreshing departure from the stiff, often performative pretentiousness that can accompany high-end luxury bookings. The staff treat every patron like an extended member of the family. While it is undoubtedly pleasant to enjoy the services of a butler or the trappings of a traditional five-star hotel, I don’t always need that level of formality. What I value at Kamalame is the genuine hospitality—the staff members are gregarious, deeply passionate about their craft, and, perhaps most importantly, they are exceptionally skilled at mixing a perfect rum cocktail.
Every sojourn I have taken to Kamalame Cay has left me with the sensation that I have had the entire beach to myself. I have spent countless hours drifting in the ocean, bobbing like the ice in a mojito, staring out at a horizon that seems to stretch into infinity. It is here that I allow the Bahamian sun to warm a body long plagued by the gray, biting cold of Midwestern winters. We all have different definitions of paradise, but for me, this place is as close as it gets. It is a rare, quiet, and deeply restorative corner of the world that keeps calling me back, year after year.
