The Abaco Club, Bahamas

Behold my 2011 Spring Break destination. In March, I traveled with my family to The Abaco Club, a Ritz Carlton club located on exquisite Marsh Harbour. The resort is unique in that it is all self-contained so there is little incentive to leave the property. It is equipped with a golf course and driving range, tennis courts, a croquet court and a life-size chess board among other activities. Because the club has so much to offer, it is an ideal place for families with young kids who are constantly in need of entertainment. The  resort's exclusivity also makes it a great destination for a couple's getaway. 

The resort is positioned alongside Winding Bay and boasts some of the island's most pristine white sand beaches. I rarely wore shoes while staying at the club, not only because the resort was so casual but because the sand was so soft on my feet. My favorite time to enjoy the beach was at low tide, when the water was at its warmest temperature and the sand dollars were plentiful. 

This infinite-edge pool is one of my favorite spots on the property. It offers panoramic views of the island and truly gives one the feeling of being on top of the world. It is a short walk from the main beach area, nestled among the hotel cottages at the top of a hill. Not only is its positioning remote, but I was almost always the only one present despite the fact that we were traveling during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

This shot depicts the view from the resort's clubhouse where guests can enjoy dinner in a more formal setting. The food here was good, not great, but the atmosphere made up for what the kitchen lacked. Our most memorable dinner was at Pete's Pub, a local beach bar that serves freshly caught fish daily. The music was loud, the drinks were strong and one would not feel out of place wearing a bathing suit and beach coverup. We also hired a private chef one night and enjoyed dinner from the comfort of our own home. The cracked conch appetizer that our chef prepared was incredible.

The spa at The Abaco Club is rather limited but is sufficient for a quick and simple treatment. I recommend the "Spa-To-You," as the treatment rooms on-site do not provide the best atmosphere. A massage may be more thoroughly enjoyed from the beauty of one's hotel room. 

When booking a visit to The Abaco Club, one should remember that hurricane season is at its peak between August in October. Additionally, unless flying private, one will typically fly into Florida and take a puddle jumper to Marsh Harbour in order to reach the resort. Because of this, the club may not be ideal for weekend getaways. Despite these setbacks, I can confidently say that this destination is one of my favorites. The home that my family and I stayed in was stunning and the staff was both attentive and friendly. The resort is extremely low-key and is conducive to a flip flops and tee-shirt wardrobe. I highly suggest a visit... and, of course, a Malibu Bay Breeze compliments of the beachfront bar. It tastes just like the sunshine!