We had to see what the fuss was all about so we hopped to the Bahamian Out Island named Abaco. Flying over from Miami we were up in the air and back down so quickly that I almost forgot to fasten my seatbelt. Relax, I said almost. Eyes peering out the window at what can never be overstated, hues of blues that can only be seen surrounding this archipelago. It’s the canvas of one’s journey to the Out Islands, if you will. The vantage point of an aircraft offers the advantage of seeing the myriad shades of blue melt into one another, but from a boat (read yacht), the transitions are as dreamy, if not even more inviting. We say try it both ways and see which tickles your fancy. We bet they both will. However you choose to get to this particular Out Island, the experience of its unique brand of Bahamian hospitality is what will define your trip. We know that the word of the year in 2023 was “authentic” and Abaco Beach Resort is carrying it into 2024 and beyond. It’s actually woven into the fabric of everything they do at the resort. The staff, the decor, the food, and the vacation experience are all true to this island’s nature. In a year dominated by artificial intelligence, deep fakes, and disingenuity, that word rose to the top. In a world filled with the same, the abaco Beach Resort also rises to meet guests exactly where they are, with an indelible sense of place.
An uncrowded, pristine experience, which is what awaits in the Abaco Islands and its premier property, Abaco Beach Resort is a remarkable choice from which to take it all in. The resort and marina are owned by two Bahamians, Manny Alexiou and Andrew Sweeting, who have an affinity for boating and island hopping. You can feel their passion as you gaze out upon the marina from The Bistro where guests are immersed in a subtle nautical-themed elegant fine dining experience. Think fresh local lobster, elevated of course. The boats bobbing in the marina at sunset can’t help but draw the eye from the plate to the setting sun’s palette.
The Abacos are known for their wild beauty, those azure waters, sandy beaches, emerald hills, six national parks, and some of the best boating in the Bahamas.
Located just 165 miles off the coast of Florida on Great Abaco in the 120-mile chain of islands and cays that comprise the islands of the Abacos, the Abaco Beach Resort recently completed a massive renovation and expansion. The resort renovated all of its 94 rooms, added deluxe accommodation options, created the fine dining Bistro and a new al fresco restaurant poolside, all while building the largest marina in the Bahamas. Don’t call it a comeback, it’s a fresh start.
“The new look is sleek, modern, and sizzles with a fresh energy,” said newly appointed General Managers Andrei & Antonia Mocanu. “It has breathed new life into this historic property.”
Here’s a rundown of some of the new amenities
All accommodations at the 40-acre beachfront resort boast an ocean view and a patio or balcony to enjoy it from. In addition to rooms, the property offers one-bedroom oceanfront suites, and updated two-bedroom residences, and a three-bedroom penthouse. All are equipped with high-end Parachute linen from New York and Molton Brown amenities.
“Our Residence accommodations are perfect for multi-generational family travel and offer a more private, luxurious experience,” Andrei said.
Foodies will delight at the new dining venues unveiled in the resort’s renovation. The casual Pool Bar and Terrace at Marinaville is open all day. Breakfast features classics like Eggs Benedict, while the lunch and dinner menus are packed with local fare like cracked conch and a decadent lobster burger. A variety of salads, pizzas, sandwiches and main courses like Surf & Turf with Bahamian lobster and filet are also on offer.
The Iconic Abaco Beach Resort welcomed renowned Executive Chef Rome’ha Forbes to lead its culinary team. A 20-year veteran in the culinary industry, Rome’ha started his stellar career at the age of 16 as an Apprentice Chef at the then Radisson Cable Beach Resort, Nassau, and has since traveled and worked throughout the Bahamas Archipelago perfecting his skills.
Born in the tourism mecca of Nassau, Bahamas, Chef Rome’ha has served as Executive Chef for luxury boutique resorts including Grand Isle Resort, Exuma, and The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, Abaco.
Chef Rome’ha launched his inventive infused Caribbean and Bahamian delicacies at the discerning and quintessential Bistro gourmet restaurant and raised the bar with his authentic, there’s that word again, menu creation at the acclaimed Alfresco style Terrace at Marinaville overlooking the Resort’s state-of-the-art 200 slip marina.
“Chef Forbes’ impressive culinary training and skills have allowed the resort to now offer some of the finest dining in the islands,” said Antonia.tournaments in the world in 2023. Skip’s tournaments include the Blue Marlin Tournament, White Marlin Roundup, The Shootout, which pits production boats against custom craft, and the Custom Shootout, featuring 50 custom boat teams. It is the most elite collection of sport fishing boats in one location.
“We’re thrilled to host not one, but four of the top sport fishing events in The Bahamas,” said Mocanu. “The tournaments bring the best in the sport to Abaco and an exciting atmosphere to the resort.”
The Boating and Fishing Mecca Details
Perhaps the biggest undertaking in the renovation was the creation of a modern 200-slip marina in Marsh Harbour. The marina can host pleasure boats, sport fishing boats and super yachts up to 200 ft. in length. Customs and Immigration services are onsite. It’s an impressive addition to a resort that was already known for its world-famous fishing tournaments.
Abaco Beach Resort will host four of the top billfish tournaments in the world in 2024. Skip’s tournaments include the Blue Marlin Tournament, White Marlin Roundup, The Shootout, which pits production boats against custom craft, and the Custom Shootout, featuring 50 custom boat teams. It is the most elite collection of sport fishing boats in one location.
“We’re thrilled to host not one, but four of the top sport fishing events in The Bahamas,” said Mocanu. “The tournaments bring the best in the sport to Abaco and an exciting atmosphere to the resort.”
Abaco Beach Resort will host four of the top billfish tournaments in the world in 2023. Skip’s tournaments include the Blue Marlin Tournament, White Marlin Roundup, The Shootout, which pits production boats against custom craft, and the Custom Shootout, featuring 50 custom boat teams. It is the most elite collection of sport fishing boats in one location.
“We’re thrilled to host not one, but four of the top sport fishing events in The Bahamas,” said Mocanu. “The tournaments bring the best in the sport to Abaco and an exciting atmosphere to the resort.”
Did Someone Say Island Hopping?
The charm of the Abaco’s lies in the ability to easily hop between the many islands. Whether you are an experienced captain or not, both can make use of the very safe waterways between the islands. Remember those dreamy blue waters we mentioned earlier? This Is where you can become one with the scenery, get wet if you’d like, or bop from beach bar to beach bar, or restaurant to the famous Tahiti Beach sandbar.
From the new marina, guests set sail to photograph the nearby candy-cane striped lighthouse of Hope Town on Elbow Cay and enjoy the sandy, coconut-tree lined Tahiti Beach. On Man O’ War Cay you can visit with shipbuilders, and at Pelican Cays National Park soak in the beauty of the shallow coral gardens.
Nature lovers should plan to explore Great Guana Cay known for its vast Elkhorn coral reefs, sea turtles, and migrating birds. Don’t miss stopping in the local’s favorite, Nipper’s Beach Bar for a lively island party any time of day.
These are just a few stops you can take in just under 100 miles of sheltered waterway known as the Sea of Abaco with many surrounding cays and islands to visit.
From the new marina set sail to photograph the nearby candy-cane striped lighthouse of Hope Town on Elbow Cay and enjoy the sandy, coconut-tree lined Tahiti Beach. On Man O War Cay you can visit with shipbuilders, and at Pelican Cays National Park soak in the beauty of the shallow coral gardens.
Nature lovers should plan to explore Great Guana Cay known for its vast Elkhorn coral reefs, sea turtles, and migrating birds. Don’t miss stopping in the local’s favorite, Nipper’s Beach Bar for a lively island party any time of day.
These are just a few stops you can take in a just under 100 miles of sheltered waterway known as the Sea of Abaco with many surrounding cays and islands to visit.
Wind Down Time
While the Abacos provide plenty of outdoor adventures and cute towns to explore, no vacation to these laid-back islands would be complete without some downtime to relax, rejuvenate and return home more balanced.
The Abaco Beach Resort offers a private white sand beach for guests to grab a chaise to lounge on, sunbathe, read, or enjoy sipping an island cocktail. We loved the oversized beach chess set that was under a thatched roof, right on the beach. We like relaxing while keeping our competitive edge sharp. When guests are ready to jump in the water, complimentary kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear are available. The beach bar offers snacks & drinks and parents can rest assured the kids are having a great time with the Bahama Buddies Program for all kids 4-12 years. The program offers visiting children the opportunity to learn about island life from a resident child ambassador by spending an afternoon participating in authentic island activities and crafts.
for many, no vacation is complete without some spa pampering and at Abaco Beach Resort the masseuse comes to you, whether you want your massage in a beachside cabana or in the privacy of your room. We would say truly spoiled, but authentic seems the more appropriate word to leave you with. This is the palace for those seeking that barefoot Bahamian experience.
