With white-sand beaches and azure water extending endlessly out over the horizon, Kamalame Cay embodies everything you might expect at a luxury seaside Bahamian resort. But the clincher is: at Kamalame Cay, it's practically all yours.

Located on a private cay—a sandy slip of an island formed atop a coral reef—Kamalame Cay hugs the east coast of Andros Island and is accessible only by private ferry or seaplane. While the location may seem isolated—cell-phone service is

With white-sand beaches and azure water extending endlessly out over the horizon, Kamalame Cay embodies everything you might expect at a luxury seaside Bahamian resort. But the clincher is: at Kamalame Cay, it's practically all yours.

Located on a private cay—a sandy slip of an island formed atop a coral reef—Kamalame Cay hugs the east coast of Andros Island and is accessible only by private ferry or seaplane. While the location may seem isolated—cell-phone service is spotty—the silence, seclusion, and swaying coconut palms put this resort in a class all its own. Without doubt, the beauty of Kamalame Cay lies in its exclusivity—acres of pristine landscape, plenty of elbow room, and unobstructed views.

Kamalame Cay exudes an understated Caribbean charisma that invites guests to kick off their shoes, leave the laptop in its briefcase, and relax without distraction. The resort knows you're here for some pampering and they've readied the perfect spot: an overwater spa facility located at the end of a 200-foot pier that's defined by floor-to-ceiling windows, gentle cross breezes, and the sounds of lapping water beneath. Whether you opt for a freshly shredded coconut body scrub, a pineapple body buff, a spiced rum wrap, or a coffee body polish, the Spa at Kamalame Cay offers a stimulating buffet for the senses.

The island's informality extends to dining, which is understated yet elegant. Most meals are served by candlelight in the Great House, a traditional 19th-century colonial structure overlooking the Caribbean. The fresh seafood, lobster, homemade soups, salads, and breads are deceptively simple and definitely superb. Drinks, buffets, and BBQs are paired with live island music, all of which make relaxing at the Tiki Bar at water's edge a must.

Ready to call it a day? The relatively modest marina rooms are spacious, yet basic and breezy, perfect for guests who know that simplicity equals relaxation. The larger and more elaborate cottage suites are located beachside; French doors on three of eight sides open to ocean views. villa suites come in one-, two-, and three-room configurations, each with vaulted ceilings, kitchenettes, and lots of room for socializing. The largest villa, Silver Top, is a thatched-roof wonder perched atop the highest point on the cay, with commanding views of the sand and sea below from numerous verandas. While room sizes may vary, a collective décor unifies them. White walls and yards of flowing white curtains set a sophisticated tone and soften the native stone, rough-hewn beams, and cedar shingles used throughout. Lounge on meticulously-crafted Indonesian furniture, a recliner on the breezy private veranda, a cocoon-like hammock, or in an oversized soaking tub with a soothing view of paradise. Freshly-baked cookies delivered to the room each day add a homey touch to this near perfect island hideaway.

Kim Grant has been writing about the best places to stay in North America since the day after graduating college in 1984. Since then she has written over 35 guidebooks and for countless websites and print publications. She is also the editorial director of a forthcoming website on the best places to stay and the travel acquisitions editor for Countryman Press.