The Instagram Guide to South Andros, Bahamas
The largest, most sparsely inhabited island in the Bahamas is perfect for social distancing.
By Michelle Stansbury, Feb 16, 2021 | Read full article on Marie Claire
With more than 90 miles of pristine beaches, Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas and the fifth-largest island in the Caribbean. Fishermen know Andros as the bonefishing capital of the world, but the island has mainly stayed off the tourist radar—making it the perfect place for a socially-distant getaway.
Andros is one of the “out islands” of the Bahamas, where cruise ships never come to port and no high-rise hotel has ever been built. The area is actually made up of three main islands—North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros, which are connected by bridges—and covered in mangrove forests, wetlands, palm savannas, wild orchids, and, of course, secluded beaches. East of Andros is one of the world’s largest coral reefs and beyond that, the deep blue Tongue of the Ocean. This deep water basin separates the islands of Andros and New Providence, attracting snorkelers and divers.
As for COVID-19 safety protocols, the Bahamas requires visitors to submit a health visa (all visitors are required to opt into a $40 COVID-19 health insurance) for approval before visiting. You’ll need to take a COVID-19 PCR test within five days of travel and upload your negative result, along with scanned travel documents and a health questionnaire found here. If you’re staying in the Bahamas for more than five days, you’ll take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on the fifth day of your visit as well. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the United States, so you’ll need to get a test before you leave.
If you’re comfortable traveling after reviewing the island’s safety protocols, find out where to stay, what to do, and what to eat in South Andros, below.
Stay at the Caerula Mar Club
If you’ve ever seen HGTV’s Renovation Island, you know about luxury resort Caerula Mar Club, owned and designed by Bryan and Sarah Baeumler. The resort is the first to open in South Andros in almost 20 years, breathing new life into the area. The boutique property offers only 18 oceanfront suites and six private villas dotting the expansive resort, so you don’t have to worry about crowds. If you’re staying more than five days, the resort can administer your day-five COVID-19 rapid antigen test on site.
Eat Lunch Poolside at Drifts
Drifts straddles the beach and pool area at Caerula Mar, making it the perfect spot to order lunch with your toes in the water. Fish tacos are made with the catch of the day and salads are filled with vegetables from nearby gardens. Order a Piña Colada to go with your lunch—made with fresh pineapple and topped with toasted coconut!—or heat things up with a spicy Bloody Mary.
Fine Dine at Lusca
For an unforgettable dinner, experience South Andros’s sole fine-dining restaurant: Lusca. The restaurant, located at the Caerula Mar, is led by Argentine chef Sebastian Perez and provides a new menu inspired by seasonal ingredients each night.
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