Spacious Waterfront Villas on Private Island Retreat

A chain of pastel villas lines the pristine waterfront, which faces moored motorboats bobbing in the marina and towering mainsails swaying in the tropical breeze. The waters of Elizabeth Harbor lap the large, weathered rocks bordering the buildings, whose elevated wooden decks are studded with white adirondack chairs for looking out at the bay. Set on an 80-acre Bahamian peninsula, the secluded February Point Resort offers nearly 360 degrees of dazzling ocean views as well as access to dozens of tiny cays, hidden coves, and virgin beaches.

Trimmed with white wraparound porches and rows of narrow windows, the two-story villa Serenity overlooks the harbor and a small waterfront gazebo. Inside the bluebell-colored quarters, a kitchen outfitted with marble floors and white cabinetry spills into a spacious living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows unveil sweeping views of the marina. Stationed under a palm-frond ceiling fan, a king-size bed anchors the master bedroom, whose sliding-glass doors lead out to the veranda. A white stone staircase ascends to the front door of the flamingo-pink Royal villa. In the kitchen, stained-glass pendant lamps complement blond woodwork, and on the second floor, a four-poster bed sits opposite a lime-colored sofa.

White-sand paths lead to the beach, where swaying palm trees preside over a handful of sunbathers. Under streaks of wispy clouds, translucent opal waters set the stage for bracing dips and room-key scavenger hunts. The resort's infinity pool, flanked by stone statues, also accommodates those seeking liquid recreation. From its perch alongside the ocean, the Bamboo Bistro serves upscale island fare such as sherry-infused conch chowder and lobster and blue-crab ravioli. As the sound of steel drums emanates from the dockside porch, a canopy of stars emerges over the cozy restaurant, lulling sun-kissed diners into a tranquil island haze.

Great Exuma: Quiet Caribbean Island Rich with Aquatic Adventure

Snorkelers and divers eager to explore crystal-clear Bahamian waters flock to Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, a protected area known for its abundant marine life and intriguing coral reefs. Pirate’s Lair, located on the southwest end of the island, features sand banks lined with ancient stromatolites. A web of historical trails also unspools on the park preserve, including a side path that deposits hikers at the ruins of a former plantation owned by Spanish loyalists.

About 1 mile from the hotel lies George Town, distinctive for its pink-and-white government building and vibrant fruit markets. The Tropic of Cancer runs through this quiet seaport, as does Lake Victoria, a 2-acre landmark dotted with sailboats, sea kayaks, and rubber-ducky armadas. The city center is lined with grocery stores, an outdoor straw market, and gift shops purveying Androsia batiks and original serigraphs.