Coastal Covet: A Private Island in The Bahamas

February 8, 2013

Like most of my neighbors in the western world I was in front of the television on the most celebrated Sunday on the sports calendar and saw private island Children’s Bay Cay in The Exumas take center stage in “Behold” the new Bahamas ad campaign – a one minute television spot starring Bahamian athlete Rick Fox, model Shakara Ledard and David Copperfield, famed magician and owner of Musha Cay, a private island-chain in The Exumas. Needless to say with the release of what was arguably the most refreshing commercial to air that night, I figure it about high time we experience a private island amongst our archipelago.

Notes from my travel log:
1.29.13 – 600 hours: I wake to meet the day with clear skies and a flight plan that will take Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty and I to Sandy Cay in Abaco, an 8 acre private island situated between neighboring Man-O-War Cay and Marsh Harbour. With take off we head 0ver the north-east Providence Channel. In little time we are chasing our shadow over the southern tip of Great Abaco island, past hole-in-the-wall lighthouse, Schooner Bay and Little Harbour – home to Johnston Studio & Foundry also known as Pete’s Pub & Gallery. Crossing the Sea of Abaco – a main thoroughfare for Albury’s Ferry Service – my eyes lay upon what could be mistaken for an upscale resort complete with two secluded beaches, not to mention a lush landscape that begs the question where to land. Just as I begin to think we face a slight issue, I realize pilot Chris is touching down, clearly not a man to be underestimated – he does fly a helicopter after all. Disembarking I wonder, what differentiates a habitual private island from a remote private island? Walking through a natural arbor of lush fauna I come upon a view that competes with the thought – pushing it all but aside – leaving me to admire a conch shell lined pathway which will inspire the most unadventurous of explorers to discover the many hidden nooks of the island. Here manicured fauna and sweeping awnings of fiery bougainvillea create a contrast against calm ocean views – the protected Sea of Abaco letting the ombre blue merge with the sky above. The tour begins, reigning me in – having all but become lost in the romance of such a setting. Focus I say, as I envision an intimate Island “I DO” wedding, complete with garden lights strung from towering coconut palms. We go on to tour four secluded residences and a main house while passing a boat channel – home to four deep water docks and ramps awaiting the launch of kayaks, paddle boards and a laser sailboat. Again my curiosity strikes, I decide post take-off while flying south back to mainland New Providence – over Harbour Island and North Eleuthera – to ask George what to look for when buying a private island, after all the Island Connoisseur is known for selling more than a few in his career.