The Abaco Club has introduced The Bay Club, a newly renovated oceanfront beach club situated at the heart of its 500-acre private sanctuary on Great Abaco Island. This development forms part of a $350 million renovation—the largest private club investment in the Caribbean—and represents a decade-long effort by Southworth, the family-owned developer behind the property, to expand amenities and residential options.
The Bay Club merges Bahamian aesthetic with contemporary luxury, creating an atmosphere that feels both enduring and effortlessly polished. The clubhouse includes a cinema and game room that transitions smoothly from family film screenings to interactive group activities, featuring an LED video wall and classic arcade games. Shuffleboard and tabletop games are also available, while Tommy Southworth, president of Southworth, highlights a daily tradition of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for visiting children.
On the ground level, a lounge provides seating both indoors and outdoors, offering morning smoothies alongside sunset cocktails like the Abaco 75. Upstairs, the adults-only Horizon Lounge incorporates durable materials, stone, rich wood, and performance fabrics, to endure the coastal environment while maintaining a relaxed sophistication. The design draws on Bahamian culture through a color scheme of ocean blues, sun-bleached neutrals, and subtle pink tones, complemented by a custom 800-pound chandelier and artwork from local artists.
The infinity pool serves as the focal point, accommodating diverse member activities with 25-meter lap lanes, a shallow sun shelf, an raised hot tub, and a beachfront bar. This area connects directly to a two-mile stretch of white sand, where members can relax on turquoise loungers or wade into the clear blue water. On-demand water sports, snorkeling, kayaking, kite surfing, Hobie Cats, water bikes, canoes, paddleboards, and e-Foils, are available, with beachfront staff providing assistance.
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The Flippers Beach Bar, a blend of tiki hut and sidewalk café, operates year-round, serving breakfast, lunch, and island cocktails. Wednesday evenings feature local “rake ‘n’ scrape” bands hosting barbecue nights with dancing, bonfires, and s’mores for families. In the evenings, The Veranda restaurant offers outdoor dining with ocean views, highlighting a wood-burning brick oven and seasonal dishes such as Ahi tuna tacos and coconut-crusted grouper sandwiches.
Unlike many private clubs, The Bay Club’s design intentionally supports multi-generational interaction. The layout prevents overcrowding, with poolside seating facing the ocean and shaded palapas offering quiet reading spots. The Horizon Lounge’s custom carpet, inspired by water movement, and the 800-pound chandelier reinforce the space’s dual appeal, refined yet unpretentious.
Programming further supports this balance, with weekly events like paint-and-sip nights, trivia, and bingo alongside seasonal celebrations such as Lobster Fest and Christmas gatherings. Members describe using the club daily, whether golfers unwinding in the hot tub, families gathering by the pool, or children exploring the game room. This organic rhythm mirrors the island’s relaxed tempo.
Member feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with Southworth noting that the club has become “the central gathering place of the community.” Its adaptability ensures it functions equally well during a rainy-day board game session or a sunset cigar lounge gathering.
