Barefoot Luxury & Island Soul: A Journey Through The Abaco Club

Photo Credit : The Abaco Club

Some places are beautiful, and some places feel like a secret whispered just to you. The Abaco Club—a private, 500-acre retreat on Great Abaco Island—manages to be both. It’s a sanctuary where “barefoot luxury” isn’t a slogan; it’s a way of life. A place where the turquoise water looks airbrushed, the homes blend effortlessly into nature, and every person, from members to staff, welcomes you as if you’ve always belonged.

Some of my days began the way I wish every day could: yoga overlooking Winding Bay, breathing in the calm as the ocean mirrored the sky. The sound bath that followed lulled me into such deep relaxation I nearly forgot where I was—and yet I’d never felt more present. It’s easy to see how this devotion to well-being will only deepen when the club unveils its new spa village in 2028, an indoor–outdoor sanctuary inspired by the healing nature of water. With meandering paths, ocean-view pools, saunas, cold plunges, and bespoke wellness journeys—from golf recovery to restorative sleep—the forthcoming spa promises to become one of the most extraordinary holistic retreats in the Caribbean. Even in anticipation, you can already feel its gentle imprint woven into the club’s restorative energy.

Afternoons unfolded in an entirely different rhythm, full of movement and joy. The club’s two-mile stretch of powder-soft beach became my personal playground. I swam, paddled across water clear as blown glass, and one especially unforgettable day, I tried e-foiling, a club favorite water activity that lets you glide above the waves like you're bending the rules of physics. Thrilling, peaceful, and utterly addictive.

Though my golf resumé consists mainly of social outings and the occasional Topgolf appearance, The Abaco Club’s Scottish-style tropical links course captivated me instantly. Ranked the #1 course in The Bahamas, it’s the kind of landscape golfers dream about: undulating fairways framed by ocean blues and soft, Atlantic breezes. My introduction to the course came under the guidance of Toby Young, Assistant Golf Professional, whose thoughtful coaching transformed what could have been a humbling experience into something genuinely rewarding. Standing on those fairways with waves rolling in the distance, I understood why professionals return year after year for the Korn Ferry Tour’s Bahamas Great Abaco Classic. It’s more than a game here—it’s pure immersion.

Nature, too, is an inseparable part of the club’s magic. Brilliant Abaco parrots streak across the sky like flashes of green and gold. Sea turtles drift through the quiet bays with effortless grace. Sunsets unfurl in shades of amber and rose. And then there are the island kitties, unexpected ambassadors of charm, who add just the right touch of familiarity to the club’s polished elegance. Somehow, their gentle presence makes everything feel even more like home.

That sense of harmony extends to the architecture as well. The homes don’t compete with the landscape—they echo it. From the coveted Cays Reserve beachfront residences that open directly onto Winding Bay to the turnkey golf-front cottages at The Green with their refined Restoration Hardware interiors, each space feels curated yet unpretentious. And the newly opened Bay Club, with its toes-in-the-sand cocktail bar, infinity-edge pool, cinema, cigar lounge, and thoughtfully designed member areas, beautifully reflects the club’s signature blend of refinement and ease. This is barefoot luxury, perfected.

That feeling carries into the dining experiences, each one a celebration of flavor and sincerity. At the heart of it all is Cem Erenler, Director of F&B Operations, whose passion infuses every space with a sense of warmth and welcome. His hospitality lingers long after the meal ends. Executive Sous Chef Lane Lehman brings the island’s flavors to life with creativity and precision, crafting dishes that honor local ingredients—many sourced from the club’s hydroponic gardens or trusted local fishermen. From wood-fired dishes at The Beach House to fresh seafood at The Cliff House, from relaxed breakfasts at Flippers Beach Bar to tacos at the beloved Tingum on 5, every bite felt like an invitation to savor the island more deeply.

And woven through all of this are the people who give the club its soul. Fun Bob, the beloved racquets pro, christened by a child and embraced by the entire community, brings joy to every lesson, whether tennis or pickleball. With the newly unveiled Stables racquet complex introducing new tennis and padel courts, a park, and even a fishing pond, his world is about to expand in wonderful ways. And then there’s Kristi Hull, the Director of Sales whose insight and warmth embody the spirit of the club itself.

The Abaco Club is more than paradise—it’s a feeling. A rare blend of sophistication and sincerity, adventure and tranquility, luxury and barefoot ease. It leaves its mark quietly: a perfect breeze, a perfect meal, an unexpected connection, a sunset that stays with you long after it slips below the horizon.

Cheers to The Abaco Club, as Cem says best: “Glass to glass, heart to heart.” This island sanctuary will always have a special place in mine.