Windermere Island

Windermere is perfect anecdote to the stress of modern life. Accessed by a guarded and gated bridge, entrée onto this 5½  mile long island is limited to residents and their guests. And they’re not kidding. Because privacy is assured, for years this small island has been favored by those who either do not want to be constantly on paparazzi lookout or those who simply want utter peace surrounded by glorious views and water. Running along almost its entire length is a wide, pale pink sand beach that Jacques Cousteau said was one of the most beautiful in the world. On the other side is tranquil Savannah Sound - an ideal spot for adults to loll in the warm and shallow turquoise water while children play.

As on any idyllic island unhurried days on Windermere can be spent just swimming, eating, reading and sleeping. For more action walk or jog down the usually deserted beach, go fishing (there’s good bonefishing on the flats of Savannah Sound) or kitesurfing. There are also 2 beaches that are great for shelling and another that is a favored picnic spot. In addition the Club at Windermere, which is available to residents and their guests, has a bar and restaurant (open mid-November to mid-May) and a swimming pool and 2 tennis courts that are available all year round. Other than crossing the bridge to Eleuthera for grocery shopping (20/30 mins. by car), many people see no reason to leave Windermere but if you are so inclined, 110 mile long Eleuthera has several fun things to see like its famous Glass Window Bridge. There are also lovely beaches, several “local-style” restaurants and a grocery store within a 30 minute drive. You can also fly up to the North Eleuthera airport and go over to Harbour Island for a day trip.

Flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Nassau fly daily into Governor's Harbour or Rock Sound airports which are each a 40 minute drive away. Car rental is readily available.