LONG ISLAND
North Long Island: Cape Santa Maria to Gray’s-During the 60’s, the DuPont’s, Kellogg’s, and Kennedys hid away in three, private, leeside fishing ‘cabins’ spread along a stunningly beautiful four-mile stretch of velvety white-sand beach. Nowadays, Cape Santa Maria Resort has 20, one-or two-bedroom cozy, colonial style beach-front bungalows (my favorite) with fully furnished, screened-in porches and ceiling fans so you can enjoy the exquisite beach views sans no see ems’ or mosquitoes at dusk. Keeping things mellow; there are no phones or TV’s in your cottage—you’re free from distractions; read a book on that comfy porch or, with cocktail in hand gaze toward the steps-away azure sea.
For a different feel; in 2009, fifteen, beautifully designed and appointed luxury two-bedroom beach-front villas were completed with all the bells and whistles: 1,800 square feet of superior comfort, plus a 300 square foot terrace, including, fully equipped entertainment centers, Wi-Fi, full kitchens, and jetted tubs. The villas are located on the south side of the property, just a few minutes by foot from the Beach House. Guests can pre-order groceries for delivery prior to their arrival or during their stay for delivery the following day.
The separate, but pulse of the property, is the gorgeous Cape Santa Maria Beach House, which contains a small fitness center, gift shop, library, Oceanside Bar—accented with a vivid, candy color tile floor, and TV room/business center with complimentary Wi-Fi. The busy activities office, is also located here, arranging car rentals, and island excursions to the Adderly Loyalist plantation ruins; an unusual Iguana Tour which includes a visit to Sandy Cay, where portions of Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed; Hobie Cat sailing (a must do), snorkeling, and deep-sea, reef, or bonefishing trips. A mahogany staircase leads to the brightly colored, cozy dining room, where culinary delights prepared by the local chefs feature delicious meals such as steak and lobster to grouper and crispy conch fritters; you’ll taste the best of Bahamian and Continental cuisine. Fine imported wines and sinfully delicious desserts compliment your meal, served with a smile by friendly staff from nearby villages. Vegetarian options are available for guests. Optional meal plans are: full meal plans (breakfast, lunch and dinner), modified meal plans (breakfast and dinner) and kid’s plans.
The resort, began a terrific promotion recently, called “Beach Lovers Vacation,” the promotion is based on double occupancy, with four days/three nights oceanfront accommodation, welcome cocktail and bottle of wine at dinner on your first evening, complimentary half-hour massage for two in your room or on your patio, complimentary conch fritters every evening at happy hour, and complimentary use of kayaks and bicycles.
Website: www.capesantamaria.com, Phone: (242) 338-5273 or (800) 663-7090, Credit cards accepted. Closed Sept. and Oct. ♦
Long Island Regatta: Thu, June 6, 2013 – Sat, June 8, 2013, this sailing regatta is the second largest in The Bahamas, next to the National Family Island Regatta held in The Exumas in April, and it is the major fund-raiser on the island. The regatta takes place during the Bahamas Labor Day holiday weekend in June. Skippers from throughout The Bahamas compete for cash prizes and trophies in A, B and C class races. Some of the sailing sloops that take part in the regatta are built right on the island in the settlement of Mangrove Bush. There is a lot of unique food to enjoy, including tasty native mutton dishes, plus a kids’ corner, games for the entire family, dancing, and island music with performances by local bands. ♦
For more information, contact Long Island Tourist Office: (242) 338-8668 or, visit http://www.bahamas.com/islands/long.