Kamalame Cay: The Perfect, Private Retreat

By Kendea Smith

Inside the award-winning escape where barefoot luxury, nature, and bespoke service create one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive experiences.

Tucked away just off the coast of Andros, Kamalame Cay is where barefoot luxury meets Bahamian soul. This nearly 100-acre private island retreat, fringed by turquoise waters and whispering palms has quietly become one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive hideaways; a place discerning travelers, investors and tastemakers alike discover the art of refined island living. Beyond its picture-perfect beauty, Kamalame Cay embodies the growing appeal for sustainable luxury in The Bahamas, blending world class hospitality with a deep respect for nature, community and timeless Bahamian charm.

If you were to speak with Owner and Proprietor of the property Brain Hew, he would tell his dream for Kamalame Cay started more than 30 years ago.

Hew, who is originally from Jamaica, saw Andros as his perfect getaway from all the noise of the outside world.

“I used to come here fishing back in 1987 and at the time, I used to rent a little house in Fresh Creek, Andros and then I built a house there. I started to get to know the island better and then I came up here in Staniel Creek and at the time I was only looking for a second home. It happened at the time that a lady had a property here. She wanted to sell and then she didn’t want to sell it. She told me that she wouldn’t. I was disappointed at the time. But I kept going because I like Andros,” he said.

Meanwhile, he did his research and decided to purchase the cay from the Government of The Bahamas. After two years of negotiations, the seller of the other property reached out to Hew and he built his family home there. His home property is only a few minutes to the cay via a ferry which he built himself. “The day that I moved into the house, the Heads of Agreement was signed by the then incoming Prime Minister, Hubert Ingraham. They were very encouraging. The contract stated that I had to begin building within six months. And so, I moved into my house and started to build Kamalame Cay,” Hew said.

Kamalame Cay opened its doors in 1994.

The name Kamalame came from a tree that was prevalent on the island. The property started with 10 boats as a flat fishing destination.

“At that time, Andros was only a fishing destination,” Hew explained. “The only people who would come were fishermen. But after a while, it became a family-oriented place, and some people wanted to have a home here.” He initially invested $2.5 million in the property but over the years, Hew says over $150 million has been invested and his entire family is involved with the management of the luxury resort.

Today, the island features over 50 oceanfront villas, resort cottages and bungalows. A curated section of spectacular villas is available within the cay’s Private Villa Collection. Homes on the property are designed with a beautiful beach house aesthetic. Many of them are high off the ground for maximum breezes, views and privacy.

The villas are equipped with premium amenities, including gourmet kitchens, outdoor showers and soaking tubs, attended fire-pits, BBQ areas, and private plunge or swimming pools.

Highlight features include luxurious fixtures and fittings, beach gazebos, outdoor showers, and distinctive options such as private yoga studios, fitness rooms, and attended fire-pits.

The property has four restaurants including: Great House, The Grove, Monkey Bar and the Tiki Hut and Beach Bar. It also features a spa, 50-foot pool and soon the property will feature two professional paddle and tennis courts. The property has a myriad of natural flora and local fauna such seagrape trees, coconut trees and more, which makes it a favourite for destination weddings.

Hew said while the resort really caters to families, the great appeals of the Cay are the privacy and high-quality service.

“At times, you would have 100 people here and you would think that you are the only person here until dinner time. There’s not a lot of fuss. It is totally different from your typical hotel where you are constantly having programs for you to do. You are on your own speed like if you want to read a book or just relax,” he said.

“During the holidays, we have Junkanoo entertainment from the local high schools and we have entertainers for different parties.” Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025; » #1 Resort in The Bahamas, 2021; » #7 Best Resort in The World, 2021; » #1 Resort in The Bahamas, 2020, 2021; » #5 Resort in the Caribbean, Bermuda & The Bahamas, 2020; Condé Nast Traveler; Readers’ Choice Awards, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025; » Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, 2018, 2020; » #2 Resort in Bermuda and Turks and Caicos, 2020 The rooms for resort guests cost about $1,000 a night.

He said in the future, he sees the property continuing to grow with more homes being built and a more concentrated resort area.

“We would like to build a few more amenities like another restaurant, a gym and modernday amenities. It has to grow organically,” he said.

Kamalame Cay has quite a number of accolades under its belt.