Hotel Review: Cape Santa Maria Resort in the Bahamas

Cape Santa Maria Resort is not the easiest resort to get to, but its inaccessibility keeps the resort a well-kept and exclusive secret for guests.

Just a quick drive from the Stella Maris Airport, Cape Santa Maria is located on Long Island in the Bahamas. To get there, travelers take a flight from Nassau onboard a  six- to 10-seat plane, which gives passengers a stunning aerial view that doubles as  a private welcome to Long Island ⁠— and a hint at the tailored treatment and customer service that awaits them at the resort. 

Cape Santa Maria has 40 guestrooms, ranging from beachfront villas to one-and two-bedroom bungalows.

Cape Santa Maria Bungalow

While I was at the resort, I took advantage of the spacious two-bedroom bungalow. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a washer-dryer set, my bungalow could have easily fit six people. It was decked out with beach cottage decor, and the full kitchen had all the amenities clients would find at home: a coffee pot, baking pans and even a blender. (In full transparency, I used the kitchen mostly to heat up leftovers from the Cape’s Beach House Restaurant & Bar. If I was traveling with family or on a double-date vacation, the space would have been much better utilized.) 

If clients are not sure which type of room to book, their capacity needs should be the first priority, as there are no bad choices when it comes to Cape Santa Maria’s rooms. Every one of the villas and bungalows has unhindered access to the beach and a stunning sunset view. Even at full capacity, the 40-room beachfront property has enough space to feel like  a private resort with a few other families here and there.

Although I love a good lay on the beach, the whole island was waiting to be experienced. And those who are concerned about getting lost can rest easy, because there’s only one road that goes from the north to the south end of the island. I borrowed one of the resort’s many beach bikes and took off, both to see a bit of the island and to work up an appetite. 

Cape Santa Maria Beach Restaurant

With a combination of local Bahamian and Western cuisine, the Beach House Restaurant & Bar has options both for children who want mac ‘n cheese for their entire vacation, and those who may choose incredible local dishes such as chicken souse and conch fritters. The bar is not lacking either, serving a mix of local bar favorites and Bahamian mixes. 

I cannot swim, but one does not go to the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas without getting in. Cape Santa Maria Resort’s beach is ideal for non-swimmers and children, as it remains knee-deep for quite a stretch. The resort also has island tours, snorkeling and scuba diving experiences. I booked a day on the boat, a cross between an island tour and a snorkeling adventure. My guide, Delbert, was a certified scuba instructor, so I knew that even in the worst-case scenario, I would be safe. 

Equipped with a life vest and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, I splashed about in the water. Delbert pointed out squadrons of manta rays as they passed. Floating on the surface with my snorkeling gear, I saw plenty of fish and even a few nursery sharks. 

I would end most of my days at the hotel bar with the incredible Bahamian classic: Sky Juice. A combination of coconut water, condensed milk and rum, the drink is delicious. By the end of my stay, the bartender already knew it as my drink of choice. 

While the hotel rooms are delightful and the stunning beach view is incomparable, it’s something else that brings guests back every year. In fact, management said that 70% of hotel guests are returning guests, booking their next visit before they even leave the island. I could see why, as  even on my first day I was greeted by name when I first stepped into the resort restaurant. 

As I chatted with other guests, they reaffirmed my observations. It was the staff that kept them coming back.

The Details
Cape Santa Maria Resort