travel bahamas cat island beach paradise scaled | Enjoy Travel Life

A Beach Lover’s Winter Getaway to Cat Island, Bahamas

By Jackie Gately
(Reading Time: 7 minutes)
No time to read now? Click here to download as a PDF.

I celebrated a certain “big” birthday in the Caribbean. Cat Island, Bahamas is a dreamy place. It’s one of the six Bahamas Out Islands, which also include The Abacos, Acklins, Andros, The Berry Islands, and Bimini. It truly is my island paradise.

There are no high-rise hotels, five-star restaurants, shopping malls or casinos here. If that’s what you’re looking for, I recommend you opt for more popular Bahamas destinations, like Nassau or Grand Bahama.

Cat Island was right up my alley: Long stretches of powdery pink sand to myself, al fresco dining along the tranquil, aqua sea, unsurpassed Bahamian hospitality, and one incredible sunset after another. 

In this article, you will…

Discover an Island Paradise in Fernandez Bay Village Resort

This picturesque and friendly island is an ideal place for disconnecting from technology and leaving the cold weather and daily hustle behind. Clearly, it was a perfect fit for this laid back couple.

island paradise at the beach on Cat Island
Crystal. Clear. Water.
Take only memories, leave only footprints
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” My feet sank in the powdery pink sand. Secluded beaches stretch eight miles along the eastern coast of Cat Island.
 
A whelk shell washed ashore on Cat Island Bahamas
A lovely pink whelk shell washed ashore on Cat Island, Bahamas. Souvenir!
aqua sea and pink sand on Cat Island Bahamas
Aqua sea, pink sand…how does it get better than this?
toes in the sand at the beach
My feet in the sand = HAPPY!

Escape to The Royal Palm Cottage

I spent eight days at Fernandez Bay Village Resort in November for a much-needed escape from cold New England weather. The hurricane season had cleared out, missing the island as it usually does, and the resort had just opened for business. I enjoyed the company of two couples, a solo traveler, and a young group from Germany who was island hopping by private plane.

With so few guests, the hosts upgraded me to the Royal Palm Cottage, a large private room with a wraparound porch just steps from the pristine water. The room was air-conditioned and had a private, open-air bathroom. How wonderful to shower with warm breezes and a view of the sky!

A Taste of Island Life

Every morning offered a full buffet breakfast to start the day off right. My days were tranquil. I relaxed, swam, read, napped. When I felt like it, I kayaked, took a short boat ride, and walked along the shoreline.

Fernandez Bay Village lent me their boat for an hour which was great – but you can rent a boat from Sailo.com for island-hopping in the Bahamas or wherever you are in the world. That way, you can take as much time as you want to explore.

Banner8 | Enjoy Travel Life

I especially loved Happy Hour with hors-d’oeuvres (my favorite: Caribbean Lobster Salad seasoned with lime and cilantro) and the famous “honor system” bar. It was always stocked with Fernandez Bay’s famous Rum Punch, as well as beer and wine. Buffet dinners included Bahamian specialties, like grouper and fried plantains, served under the stars. I was very pleased with the food!

Fernandez Bay Village from the sea
The Club House at Fernandez Bay Village is the resort’s central gathering spot and offers guests dining by the sea.
a fruit plate and coffee by a comfortable chair
I loaded a breakfast plate with fresh and wholesome foods for a great start to my day…yum!
breakfast with a view of the water
My morning view…pure heaven.
beautiful aqua water scene along the shore of Cat Island, Bahamas
Just look at that color!
green kayak on the beach
A kayak called me to explore the mangroves…
luxury room at Fernandez Bay Village
Loved my private beachfront accommodations in the Royal Palm Cottage. The big decision of the day? Afternoon nap here or in the hammock on the wraparound porch…
RELATED:  Looking for more perfect couples getaways? Check out some of the most romantic places to visit around the world.
close-up of bright pink Bougainvillea flower
Bougainvillea blooms brightly outside my cottage window on Cat Island, Bahamas.
beach-side bar at Fernandez Bay Village
The beach-side bar at Fernandez Bay Village is well stocked with rum punch and more. Yummy!
lounge chairs with a thatched umbrella on the beach
Yes, I could get used to this life very easily.
fine dining at sunset
Warm breezes, ocean air…Life is better at the beach!

Explore The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia

I arranged to rent a car for a couple of days to explore the island. It was relatively inexpensive. (FYI, even though I let my U.S. bank know I was traveling out of the country, the transaction did require a phone call to process.)

One must-see attraction was The Hermitage. I climbed Mount Alvernia to see the small but impressive dwelling built single-handedly by Father Jerome. Stations of the Cross led up to Father Jerome’s remote home, the highest point in the Bahamas. I took in breathtaking water views from a peaceful vantage point on high.

The Hermitage at Mount Alvernia (Como Hill)
It was worth the walk up Mount Alvernia, also known as Como Hill to see the Hermitage.
View from the highest elevation in the Bahamas
The elevation at the peak of Mount Alvernia is the highest in the Bahamas. Here, Fr. Jerome single-handedly built what’s known as “The Hermitage.”
Ocean view from the hermitage on Cat Island
You can catch a perfect ocean view on high as seen through an archway of the hermitage, or ring the tower bell.

Experience Local Flavor at The Regatta at the Beach

I also visited the Regatta, where we hear there is a booming nightlife. During the day it’s pretty quiet, but lovely just the same. It’s the gathering place for locals on the island. I passed an island party getting ready for a beach wedding. How romantic!

Cat Island Regatta
A dog guards a brightly painted building at the Cat Island Regatta.
Palm trees painted with a colorful base at The Regatta beach
One of the best places on earth is under a palm tree.
crystal clear water in the Bahamas
Gentle waves take on a surreal color in the Caribbean Sea.

Tour the Beauty of Cat Island Off the Beaten Path

I found some of the most memorable sites off the beaten path. Beautiful ruins and colorful homes dotted the island’s curving coastal roads. I loved the natural beauty and meeting interesting people wherever I went as I toured the island from head to toe.

Abandoned property on the water
An abandoned property is a beautiful contrast to the aqua shores of Cat Island, Bahamas.
close-up of purple wildflowers with dew
Wildflowers glistened with dew…their simple beauty makes me smile.
Islander cleaning fish outside Da Smoke Pot
Fish doesn’t get fresher than this! Prep work outside Da Smoke Pot in Cat Island, Bahamas.
A collection of pink conch shells on the shore
I was delighted to find a collection of giant conch shells along the shore from which to choose.
 
Smiling island woman making a basket
Next, I met a lovely woman weaving straw into hats, purses, placements and more…beautiful work!
Bahamian home with layers of colorful paint
Colorful layers of weathered paint, like a fine patina, add character to these Bahamian homes.
Rusting shipwreck on the shore of Cat Island Bahamas
I wouldn’t mind being shipwrecked on Cat Island. Would you?

Enjoy Drinks and Music at Greenwood Beach Resort

I happened upon Greenwood Beach Resort to take a midday break and decided to celebrate my birthday here in an island way with a tasty pina colada with the host.

Feeling Adventurous?

The Atlantic side of the island was quite a bit windier than Fernandez Bay but just as lovely. For the more adventurous, Greenwood Beach is an excellent place for diving, snorkeling, and kiteboarding. Also, sportfishing–more specifically, bonefishing–is very good here!

two pina coladas at Greenwood Beach Resort
I celebrated with a cold piña colada at Greenwood Beach Resort. Yummy!

Behold One Colorful Island Sunset after Another

If you’re looking for a private island paradise, this may just be it. It is certainly mine. Eight incredible days culminated with one colorful sunset after another. I’d love to say everyone should visit Cat Island, but part of its appeal is it is not overrun with tourism. It’s a romantic, remote, getaway…that’s for sure.

Beach chairs and umbrella overlooking beautiful waterfront sunset
Ahh…sunset. You never disappoint me in the Bahamas.
vibrant orange sun set and puffy clouds over the water
Did I mention that each sunset seems to be better than the last one Cat Island, Bahamas?
stripes of color over the water at sunset
Another spectacular sunset over Fernandez Bay. That’s a wrap!
sunset and sailboat on the north side of Cat Island
The sunset silhouettes a beautiful shipwreck on the north side of Cat Island.
Jackie Gately at the beach on Cat Island
Ahh….paradise found.

I loved Cat Island, Bahamas!

Have you been to Cat Island or another island destination we might love as well? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

39 thoughts on “A Beach Lover’s Winter Getaway to Cat Island, Bahamas”

  1. What a lovely place for the perfect vacation. The Caribbean Lobster Salad sounds amazing and the sunsets are gorgeous. Someday I will have to stay here!

    • I hope you get the chance to visit Cat Island. (I sure wish I had some of that Caribbean Lobster Salad right now!)

  2. I admit i’m not much on island paradises, but the hermitage and such gives one other things to see there, and of course if tropical drinks are involved, so much the better. The shipwreck photo is stunning.

    • Yes, it was nice to adventure out to the Hermitage, and the tropical drinks are so tasty (yum)! Glad you like the shipwreck photo.

  3. To be honest, I didn’t know there was much to see past Nassua. Your article has really opened my eyes and now I want to go back and experience the rest of the Bahamas! 🙂

  4. This is a beautiful place to be, crystal clear beaches and blue horizon, what else would one need for a memorable vacation.

  5. WOW! As someone who seeks out the beautiful water I can find, this is an exciting place to stumble upon. The touristy aspect of the Bahamas is what has kept me from going there thus far, but I may have to check out Cat Island!

    • Samantha, we are like-minded! I definitely prefer the less travelled destinations and seek beautiful water. I hope you get the chance to visit Cat Island. Get it on your bucket list, for sure!

  7. What beautiful water and sunset views. Also, love the dog hanging by the building. I’ve got to go here.

  8. I really like your article! I always wanted to visit Bahamas but never planned a trip here… Your gallery is so amazing and I have the impression to have done the tour by myself thanks to the photos 🙂

    • Thank you for your compliments. It truly was an amazing, restorative trip. I recommend Cat Island to anyone looking to get away from it all!

  9. Wow some of those sunsets look amazing! I’ve only been to Nassau but I’d love to explore some other destinations in the Bahamas

    • Honestly, each sunset was better than the last. The lesser known Bahamas Out Islands are definitely worth visiting — all just a quick hop from Nassau. Hope you get to check them out sometime, Kristina!

  10. Wow spectacular. I particularly love the lady weaving. One of the amazing things about travelling is meeting locals and learning about their way of life. The sunsets are pretty spectacular too! I still have the Bahamas on my bucket list – one day!

    • Yes, she was just lovely, and more than happy to answer my questions about her craft. She made hats, boxes, purses…all kinds of intricate things expertly woven from palms. We enjoyed crossing paths with such friendly, charming locals. As you say, it’s such an amazing part of traveling. (p.s. Did you know Sydney Poitier is from Cat Island?)

Comments are closed.