The Best Villas in the Bahamas

These villas open straight onto the white sands of Mangrove Cay on Andros Island, known for its clear waters and abundance of bonefish, making it ideal for a fishing trip. Relax in your blue or orange wooden villa, which has a large furnished deck overlooking the ocean complete with BBQ grill. Inside, there’s a fully equipped kitchen, washer, two bedrooms and either one or two bathrooms.

One of the newest resorts in Clarence Town, on Long Island, Harbor Breeze has a choice of 15 one- or two-bed villas surrounded by flowering hibiscus and grape trees, with paths leading down to the beach. Each villa comes in pastel shades with white trim and french doors that spill onto sweeping verandas. Expect kitchens with stainless steel appliances, wooden furniture and BBQ facilities.

Sunrise Beach Club is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful spot near the extravagant Atlantis resort, known for its huge waterpark and casino complex. Set on Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island, the club offers a range of bedroom options in its villas with up to five-bedders; many come with private pool, garden area with outdoor dining and direct access to the beach. Decor is modern, with spacious kitchens, entertainment centres in the living areas, curving wooden staircases and nautical-themed prints.

The attractions at Island Time Villas, in Elizabeth Harbour, include soft-sand beaches and the famous swimming pigs. It’s part of the Hideaways Exuma resort, so you can enjoy access to the pool and watersports facilities; there’s also the Splash Bar and Grill, plus a free daily shuttle to George Town. Studios have kitchenettes, while open-plan one- or two-bed villas boast full kitchens and their own terraces. Another huge bonus: you’re just 200yd (180m) from the beach.

This four-star boutique hotel also offers villas for self-catering stays. All have kitchens with stainless steel appliances, dishwashers and housekeeping five days a week. The most lavish offer up to six bedrooms and private ocean-view pool, plus wooden deck and beach loungers. La Bougainvillea lies just outside historic Governor’s Harbour in Eleuthera, on a stretch of pink-sand beach fringed with palm trees. You also have access to a shared infinity pool, plus a restaurant and bar with live evening entertainment.

Rollezz Villas overlooks the Caribbean Sea on Cat Island, known for its tranquil vibe. The resort sits on a secluded 6mi (10km) stretch of sand dotted with cabanas. Take one of the kayaks or paddleboards out for a spin, or try Bahamian cuisine at the seafront café. Villas are decorated in vibrant Caribbean tones and have ample living space, with kitchenettes and tiled bathrooms. The most impressive have three bedrooms and gorgeous ocean views.

Close to George Town and next to a private marina where luxury boats bob about, Cottage Cut Villas offers contemporary two-bed units that come complete with full kitchen, BBQ and a large bathroom as well as a patio for sunset views. You’re mere steps from the private beach, where you can relax on white sands, or for the more active among you, take one of the resort’s kayaks out on the water.

Hoopers Bay Villas is ideal for a private, self-catering stay in the Bahamas. The colourful Bahamian cottages are conveniently located close to central George Town and the beach. Each one has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as an expansive kitchen, patio for al fresco dining, and outdoor shower – handy for rinsing off after beach days. You can also take advantage of complimentary kayaks.