Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Bahamas / Andros / Kamalame Cay
Kamalame Cay
Andros, Bahamas · Independent · High Luxury
Jamaican-born Brian and Jennifer Hew discovered the untouched 96-acre cay off Andros on sailing trips and bought it in 1994, with the Bahamas government requiring they build a hotel and employ Bahamians. Named for its red-barked kamalame trees, the island retreat began as a bonefishing lodge and added the Bahamas' first over-water spa in 2006; Rock House was built as a private retreat for David Rockefeller.
- Opened 1996
- Neighborhood: Calabash Bay
- Architect: Jennifer Hew (beach houses)
About Kamalame Cay
- The founders' son David Hew and his husband Michael King-Hew took over operations in 2011-2012.
- A cottage on the property, called Rock House, was originally built as a private retreat for banking magnate David Rockefeller.
- A 96-acre private cay off Andros with the Bahamas' first overwater spa; Condé Nast Traveler Gold List.
- Guests move the island by golf cart rather than cars.
History
Kamalame Cay is a 96-acre private island off Andros in the Bahamas, separated from the main island by a shallow channel near the Andros Barrier Reef. Jamaican-born Brian and Jennifer Hew, who had settled in Florida, discovered the untouched cay on sailing trips in the early 1990s and purchased it in 1994; the Bahamas government sold it on condition that they build a hotel and employ Bahamians. Jennifer designed the beach houses and Brian oversaw construction, importing materials and planting thousands of palms.
Named for the island's red-barked kamalame trees, the resort opened in the mid-1990s (around 1996) as an intimate retreat, initially serving primarily as a bonefishing lodge. It added the Bahamas' first over-water spa in 2006 and expanded its collection of West Indies cottages and villas. In 2011-2012 the founders' son David Hew and his husband Michael King-Hew took over operations, growing Kamalame into a low-key luxury resort hosting up to 100 guests.
Restaurants and bars
- Tiki Bar — Bar
Experiences
- Wine Pairing Luncheon — Multi-course island cuisine, each plate paired with fine wine or champagne, with a DJ and dancing; served at the Great House or Tiki Bar.
- Overwater Spa — Described as The Bahamas' only Overwater Spa offering restorative treatments.
- Snorkelling and reef drifting — Drift above vibrant coral reefs.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding — Paddle through peaceful mangrove creeks; kayaks and paddleboards included with stay.
- Cycling — Island bicycles included; cycle beneath the island's canopy of palms.
- Tennis — Tennis court, racquets and balls included with stay.
Amenities
- Spa
- Pool
- Pet-friendly
- Private beach
Open Kamalame Cay in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.