21 Best Hotels in Andros, Bimini, and the Berry Islands, Bahamas

Facing east on long, pristine Nicholls Town Beach, this palm tree–festooned property offers three secluded beachfront cottages, four villas, and a beachside tiki bar and restaurant with beautiful views. Villas have well-appointed kitchenettes. Modern amenities include satellite TV, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a gym, with biking, snorkeling, kayaking, and nature trails. Visit Uncle Charlie's Blue Hole and bonefish with Bahama Bob. The petite resort also has a business center and group facilities for 200 persons. Nicholls Town has many take-out outlets, but for sit-down dining on the beach, this is the place to enjoy tasty, well-cooked food. Locals love it, too.

If you're a dedicated bonefisher, AIBC is the place for you, with access to 100 square miles of lightly fished flats, including wadable (at low tide) flats right out front. The 29-acre waterfront property is laced with palm trees, well-tended gardens and lawns, and even some ruins from the island's sisal plantation era of the 1800s. Rooms, in separate cabins near the water, are basic but comfortable, mainly with double beds, mini-refrigerators, ceiling fans, and air-conditioning. The dining room–lounge has satellite TV and fly-tying tables. Meals are hearty, with Bahamian fare such as fresh-grilled seafood and peas-and-rice served up family-style. Packages include room, meals, water, Wi-Fi, guided fishing tours, laundry service, and transfers to and from the Andros Town airport. Rates start at $1,745 per person, based on double occupancy, for two nights and three days of fishing. For accommodations only, the starting rate is $200 per night.

On the banks of Cargill Creek, this small and charming bonefishing lodge is run by Charlie Neymour, a bonefishing legend, and his wife, Fatiha, who serves deliciously aromatic Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine in the dining room—with tasty fresh seafood Bahamian-style as well. This smart new facility offers four rooms that include satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, and refrigerators. On the pleasant outdoor patio that overlooks Cargill Creek, be prepared to party on your last night. Service is friendly and prompt. Room-only bookings are not accepted at the resort. Package rates are per person for double-occupancy rooms and include guided fishing, lodging, meals, drinks, and taxes.

This king of Alice Town’s marina-based resorts has an illustrious fishing history since 1936, and today it has a renewed spark and charm, with and a focus on quality service. The suites, rooms, and cottage rooms are surrounded by hammock-strewn palms, sea grape, and hibiscus flowers and overlook the pool. They’re comfortable, spacious, and inviting. All have a 27-inch TV (with cable), hair dryer, DVD player, alarm clock, coffeemaker, iron and board, and safe, plus free Wi-Fi. Cottage rooms come with kitchenettes and drinks bars. The lively and popular Bimini Big Game Bar and Grill (with sports TV) is a great place for international cuisine and fresh island seafood, enjoyed at the bar, on the deck overlooking the harbor or pool, or in the cool air-conditioning. The on-site Bimini Scuba Center (PADI), now run by Neal Watson Jr. of the famed Neal Watson dive family, is popular for wild dolphin excursions and hammerhead and bull dives, as well as dives to Bimini’s famous reefs and wrecks. It offers kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear for rent. It’s a short five-minute walk to Radio Beach. Bimini Big Game is an obviously good choice, with good food and an island ambience.

Overlooking the Straits of Florida on a stunning beach, this well-designed property rents one- to three-bedroom condominiums with direct marina access. The full self-catering condos are nicely decorated and have balconies and patios with views of the marina or the beach. The infinity pool and sunbathing deck is served by a pool bar and café offering island and American dishes, burgers, and sandwiches. Above the marina store, The Petite Conch is a cozy little restaurant and bar serving three meals a day. The marina has 60 slips, a fuel dock, and a basic ship's store. Customs and Immigration is 2 miles away at the airport, so boating guests can tie up and clear paperwork without venturing to busy North Bimini. The water taxi to North Bimini operates until around 11 pm (ask in advance). The resort offers tennis and a superb nature trail as well as boat, golf-cart, and bike rentals. Friendly staff arranges all sorts of fun excursions and activities, including diving and fishing.

This chic oceanfront property on South Andros wows with its understated luxury, suites and villas with outdoor living spaces, and light, airy decor complementing its natural surroundings. There are 18 oceanfront suites and six private villas, plus a café and smoothie bar, fine-dining restaurant Lusca that serves Caribbean fare, a pool and beach bar, and spaces for yoga and meditation.

Chub Cay Resort & Marina has been speedily and most beautifully restored to what is a luxury oasis on an otherwise rustic cay. Although it welcomes transient yachts, the club is moving to a more exclusive, private model that caters to large yachts, sports fishermen, and wealthy homeowners who own or will buy property there. The beautifully designed hotel offers 11 rooms and suites from $425 to $1,200 per night and eight private one-bedroom beach cabanas from $550. For more privacy and larger accommodations, there are 12 private villas with two to four bedrooms, ranging from $1,400 to $2,800 per night, some directly on the beach, and all with porches and balconies. The largest of these can sleep up to 10 guests, with fully stocked kitchens, high-speed Internet, and satellite TV. The resort and marina has high-speed Internet throughout, and a brand-new ship store is well stocked with food, beverages, and island supplies. The resort’s main focus is The Clubhouse that overlooks the infinity pool and marina. Its restaurant features a rotating variety of Bahamian-inspired dishes such as fine steaks, chicken, pastas, and seafood, along with locally grown fruits and vegetables from Chub Cay's garden. Dine and sip cocktails inside the beautiful dining room and bar or enjoy the breezy outdoor patio. Chub Cay is much loved for its fishing and snorkeling; game-fish fans head to the nearby Pocket, where the deep marine canyons of Northwest Providence Channel and the Tongue of the Ocean meet. Bonefishing fans scoot to the north side, where fish-rich flats abound, or west, even as far as the Joulter Cays. Closer to land, you can rent a small boat and skittle everywhere: to the cay's beckoning deserted beaches or to reefs for snorkeling or fishing. The club staff arranges guided fishing charters and snorkeling tours; the cay is home to four expert fishing guides with skiffs and boats. At the hotel you can rent bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Both the marina and airport are Bahamas ports of entry for quick on-site Customs and Immigration clearance. With its fine marina and convenient location on a main Florida to Nassau route—and to the southern islands beyond—many boaters are excited to see Chub Cay come alive and be restored to such a high standard, including a talented management and staff.

Perched above the marina in Great Harbour Cay, this inn is basic but conveniently located to the marina, about 3/4 mile from the beach. The suites, clean and neat but in need of renovation, range in size from 450 to 900 square feet, and have private baths, mini-kitchens, and laundry facilities. The larger water-view suites have decks and porches. To make a reservation you must be persistent, as the owners don't always answer the phone. But hey, this laid-back style is one of the main reasons people go to Great Harbour. The owner has a boat and runs snorkeling and scenic island tours to neighboring cays. A rather scrappy 9-hole golf course is also mantained by the property owners, but it has weedy greens.

An all-inclusive resort with individual villas spaced along a 3-mile beach, the breathtaking and private 96-acre Kamalame Cay occupies a Bahamian pinnacle in luxury island retreats—and is surprisingly affordable. This well-kept secret offers adorable, airy yellow and pink cottages and one- to four-bedroom villas spaced generously apart, with bright, open-plan kitchens and living rooms with plush furnishings, wrapped around by shady and sun-splashed decks with stunning ocean views. On the sheltered lagoon side, delightful designer rooms are $525 per night (standard rate). Indeed, most cottages and villas average a similar rate when fully occupied. Pink Adirondacks, golf carts, and bicycles are standard with each room.

Enjoy Kamalame’s exquisite dining by opting for the all-inclusive Guest of House plan, which includes unlimited meals, a daily continental-breakfast basket delivered to your room, a stocked in-room minibar, and beverages, spirits, and house wines from The Great House or Tiki Bar. (Cellar wines and champagnes are available but not included.) Served by a delightful staff, you'll feast on homemade breads, soups, and desserts, imported fowl and viands, and imaginative fresh seafood, complemented by excellent wines. You can also choose to dine à la carte or to self-cater with your villa's well-appointed kitchen. Amid towering, exotic gardens of palms, gumbo-limbos, and bougainville, you can dine poolside at the Tiki Bar, in The Great House, or on the beach. Guest of House participants also receive discounted Kamalame's Bespoke Services and activities, with rates $215 to $250 per person extra, according to your group's size.

Kamalame’s exceptionally beautiful waters make for splendid castaway island picnics and bone- and deep-sea fishing. Its PADI dive center is ideal for diving and snorkeling for beginners and pros alike. This award-winning property is revered by well-to-do Bahamians, jet-setters, romantic couples, and families. With its small marina, a few lucky yachters are learning the secret. Saunter along the beach's long dock to indulge in Kamalame’s deluxe overwater spa, which is oh-so-Maldives.

Perched on a small bluff overlooking the Andros Barrier Reef, this dreamy luxury villa provides a consummate private getaway. Comprising a great house and two generously separated suites, everywhere is filled with panoramic ocean views—starting from the superbly appointed kitchen and bar, through the generous living and dining areas, down to the hand-carved limestone terraces and gardens that meet the ocean. Between the sea and the vast Cedar Room are a covered patio, a freshwater pool, a spa, a waterfall, and a hammock-strewn garden. With vaulted ceilings, architectural granite, oversized windows, and hand-cut island stone, KettleStone is a masterpiece of luxurious coastal chic and comfortable living. While you nestle with friends in this breathtaking haven, longtime Andros owners Mike and Page Hornby arrange expertly guided fishing, diving, and nature tours for their lucky guests. Self-cater or ask for a chef to come in. Ideal for families desiring privacy and one-to-one personal service, and surprisingly affordable for small groups and families, KettleStone is located three minutes' walk from Fresh Creek Harbour, conveniently close to shops and the airport.

At the mouth of Stafford Creek, self-sufficient anglers and do-it-yourself vacationers can sit on the sundeck or at the bar, sip a cold local beer or a cocktail, and contemplate the superb fishing and diving in Central Andros. Bright pink motel-style rooms are $150/night for doubles. Clean and comfortable, they offer double beds, private baths, air-conditioning, small refrigerators, and coffeemakers. The Turning Tides restaurant overlooks Stafford Creek and serves Bahamian seafood, steaks, chicken, and pork. Sit at one of the outside tables and feed the resident fish, and you're likely to see tarpon and even sharks swimming by. Bonefishing, diving, and nature excursions can be arranged. Fly into either Andros Town airport (26 miles) or San Andros (20 miles). Sheila, the owner, is charming and obliging.

This truly one-of-a-kind, eye-popping plot of land fits in 17 rooms, a petting zoo, a small disco, a movie theater, a bar, and a DIY gift shop—made mostly of recycled materials such as tires, reclaimed wood, and seashells. Room interiors also surprise with ecofriendly themes—floors adorned with driftwood, corals, and sand, and beds made from fallen trees. The single rooms are $65 per night, and the suites, which can accommodate up to six people, all have TVs and full kitchens, ideal for self-catering guests, at $150 per night. Pineville is eccentric to say the least, and the enthusiasm of owner/manager Eugene is incredible. The ecotourism motel mainly caters to group buyouts and field trips from neighboring settlements. Individual visitors, however, are also welcome, and it's ideal for backpackers on a budget. Pineville can set up an entire itinerary of activities, from crabbing to fishing, to your own private movie screenings. Eugene also welcomes nonguests (with advance notice) for tours, including wild boar hunting and an enthralling explanation of his vision. During Saturday night happy hour, it's one of the only places you can catch regular Rake 'n' Scrape live music.

This pastel-splashed luxury resort boasts a boutique casino and a stunning Hilton hotel with a rooftop infinity pool, a luxury spa, and a fitness center. With ocean on one side and marinas on the other, the cute, manicured village-of-a-resort offers town houses, spacious suites, and condos with tidy golf-cart parking areas and tasteful, island-themed interiors: island art, seashell accents, hardwood and rattan furnishings, and lavish bedrooms and baths. Most have full kitchens. With 305 luxurious suites and rooms, the Hilton exudes a sophisticated chic ambience, where you can sip, graze, and dine your way to bliss in 10 restaurants, cafés, and bars. Each room has a balcony; the ground floor suites spill out on to private patios and a lagoon pool with a sip-and-dip bar. Latest is the casual luxury Luna Beach Club on Paradise Beach, offering food, cocktails, and cabanas. Here, you can relax or have fun with Jet Skis, paddleboards, and snorkeling trips by day and moonlight weekend parties, concerts from old stars, and live bands by night. Near the megayacht marina is a wide pool area with a sip-and-dip bar, sun lounges, and the casino. At the Fisherman's Village marketplace is another marina with two more eateries, a bar, and shops. Find more adventure on one of Bimini Undersea’s diving, sunset cruise, nature tour, or fishing adventures. The sophisticated luxury of RWB and the Hilton coupled with Bimini's natural wonders and old-timey, out-island feel is a magical combo.

Near Radio Beach, this small marina has two buildings: one with three stories, down a little lane leading to the beach, and one with two stories, on the marina. Both offer comfortable, simply furnished rooms with air-conditioning, mini-refrigerators, fans, tile floors, cable TV, and balconies, with one of the island's friendliest and most helpful owner–management teams. Pick a room or suite on the third floor; they have lofty, open-beam ceilings and lovely sea or marina views. There's free Wi-Fi at the marina. Diving, snorkeling, and fishing charters can be arranged. The hotel can also arrange amazing marine life encounters—swimming with wild dolphins, stingray encounters, and shark dives. They have 13-foot Boston Whalers for rent.

One of Andros's few lodging options catering to more than fishermen, Seascape Inn is a small, rustic beachfront gem; five individual, well-maintained cottages with private decks overlook the glass-clear ocean. Many repeat guests, who come two or three times a year, say this is the most relaxing place in the world. The elevated restaurant and beachfront bar is an idyllic place to relax, swap stories, and enjoy cocktails with the locals. Rates also include use of bikes, kayaks, water floats, and Wi-Fi. On-site owners Mickey and Joan McGowan are great cooks and make guests feel like family. Mickey can arrange fishing guides, nature tours, and dives.

This casual, lusciously palm-shaded beach and oceanfront property has been going strong for more than 50 years and offers 17 private cottages, with a main dining clubhouse, lounge, and waterfront terrace and bar. It’s the historic and pioneering scuba-diving resort for the entire Atlantic and Caribbean and has a devoted following of divers, snorkelers, eco-adventurers, anglers, couples, and families. It’s even been listed as one of the official “1000 Places to See Before You Die” within the eponymous book. Small Hope is an all-inclusive experience with everything included, such as meals and drinks all day, beachside hot tub, Wi-Fi in the lounge, beach fitness equipment, Discover Scuba lessons, fishing tackle and bait, bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and transport to the batik factory in town. The staff are very experienced, warm, and friendly. Room rates start at $325 during the low season and $385 during the high season.

An unassuming front entrance hides what many say is one of The Bahamas' top small vacation retreats, and guests love having 7 miles of powdery beach to themselves. The famous, converted beachside mansion was once owned by Earl "Mr. Celebrity" Blackwell and called Carriearl. In the 1970s, Blackwell was New York's social arbiter, publisher of the Celebrity Register, and promoter of star-studded events. He used Carriearl as a party house to entertain a coterie of rich and famous friends who had joined GHC's Tamboo Club. The living areas, restaurant and bar, and four rooms are tastefully furnished. The rooms en suite have air-conditioning, fans, and quality linens, and there's a stunning blue pool and beach lounges, bikes, and kayaks for guests to enjoy between snorkeling and fishing.

If you’re into nature and relaxation, this B&B on Fresh Creek lets you snorkel under your lodge and view birds, fish, rays, and maybe even dolphins passing mere feet away. The two-story house has three en suite bedrooms and sleeps six. Two upstairs bedrooms have balconies, and downstairs a spacious ground-floor studio bedroom has a screened-in porch and opens out onto a deck with lounge chairs. Light from sunsets and the beautiful tidal flats pours into the common kitchen, dining room, bar, and deck. U.K.-born manager/owner Gabrielle, and Peter, her tourism-expert husband, arrange many excursions.

This petite, beachfront resort is a gem for bonefishing fans and escape artists who want to enjoy Andros’s natural beauty in peace and quiet. Just steps away from a powder-soft beach—itself a bonefish flat—are well-kept, comfortable rooms and suites, plus a three-bed apartment with TV, air-conditioning, kitchenette, and lounge. One room is on the beach itself. All rooms come with en suite bathrooms, furnished patio, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and wraparound terrace with gorgeous views. Owner Cheryl Bastian is a delightful host, arranging fishing, diving, and nature excursions, as well as picnic lunches. At the beachfront Reefside Restaurant & Bar, the islander food is superb. Guests can dine alfresco, in air-conditioned comfort, or privately in their rooms. Enjoy free add-ons such as continental breakfast, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and bikes to tour the small but charming cay.

At this luxurious hideaway for jet-setters in the know, you might feel like you're in French Polynesia, yet it is one of the Atlantic’s last great secrets. Tiamo Resort offers a back-to-nature escape on the north shore of South Bight, 10 miles southwest of the village of Driggs Hill. Getting here from the United States is also an adventure (skip Nassau by hiring a floatplane from Florida). Arrival at this low-key yet sophisticated ecoresort via the free private ferry, either from Lisbon Creek on Mangrove Cay or from the Driggs Hill airport, is just the beginning. Serene beachside vistas and top fishing and diving are on the menu. With French flair and expertise, the service here is excellent, warm and doting, as are the dining, wines, champagnes, and massages. Meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, gym, bikes, and sailing and water sports near the resort are included (alcoholic beverages are extra), as are guided tours, including fishing, diving, wake-boarding, and waterskiing. Beachside villas have pools, and dining is at the open-air cabana, with its bar, lounge, and pool. This is a great place for groups and families. Deservedly, Tiamo has captured hearts and many guests return.