The exclusive resort community of Albany in the Bahamas takes luxury to a whole new level
Words: Selma Day
The Bahamas are known for their white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, and there is no shortage of luxury properties for those wanting to visit, work or live there. But in the south-west part of the main island of New Providence, just a short drive from Nassau international airport, sits an exclusive resort community that takes luxury to a whole new level.
Spanning 600 acres along the oceanfront, this tropical paradise is designed to cater to those wanting the comforts of a private residence with the amenities and services of a world-class resort. Part of the Nexus Luxury Collection, a global network of exclusive, high-end properties and private members' clubs, Albany's investors include golfing legends Tiger Woods and Ernie Els and actor and musician Justin Timberlake.
Above: mega-yacht marina
Albany has an array of private residences that can be rented throughout the year. They include colonial-style, beachfront villas, custom homes in a range of architectural styles and modern marina residences with floor-to-ceiling windows and wraparound terraces that overlook the mega-yacht marina. Some of these come with private cinemas, rooftop hot tubs and balconies with personal pools.
All guests have access to a 24-hour concierge who can organise everything from grocery shopping to day trips to other islands, and each home comes with a golf cart to make getting around easier. Albany is perfect for multi-generational families, with no shortage of activities and amenities to cater for all ages, while its sporting facilities are off the charts. They include a championship golf course designed by Els and an indoor and outdoor recreation complex featuring pickleball, beach volleyball, a sports field, indoor trampoline park, baseball batting cage and a basketball court.
There's plenty to keep older kids happy with games such as foosball, pool, Futsal, laser tag and five-aside football to name a few, while the younger ones will love the kids' clubhouse and playground. There's a family pool featuring two winding water slides and an interactive water playground – Treasure Island – complete with tipping cones, net climbs and splashing water features. If it all gets too much for the parents, there's a separate adult infinity pool – Azul – where you can enjoy a quiet cocktail on one of the loungers or in a private cabana.
Above: the championship golf course
An equestrian club features a 20-stall barn, nine grass paddocks and outdoor and covered all-weather arenas, with hunter and jumper courses, scheduled lessons and trail and beach rides. Then there's the spa and wellness centre, where services range from facials, nail treatments, massages and detoxifying wraps to IV therapy and nutrition counselling. A doctor-staffed clinic can run diagnostics and handle medical needs.
Many treatments are conducted in individual spa villas surrounded by lush outdoor gardens and featuring cascading waterfalls, dual massage beds, vitality soaking tubs, private bathrooms, cosy dining areas and daybeds for an intimate and relaxing environment.
On the food front, there are several restaurants to choose from. At the heart of the resort is Albany House, the candy-pink Bahamian manor house that featured in the Bond movie Casino Royale (who can forget the iconic scene when Daniel Craig emerges from the ocean?). Here you'll find Aviva, which offers continental cuisine and shared dishes with a Caribbean twist, and Wave, which serves up themed menus – from Mediterranean to Italian, Tex-Mex and steakhouse concepts – and welcomes famous chefs from around the world.
On the second floor is the fittingly-named Vesper, where you can enjoy steaks, sushi and innovative cocktails. Dining at one of the restaurants at Albany House is a truly romantic experience, only enhanced by some of the most beautiful sunsets you are ever likely to see.
There are several other places to eat dotted around the resort, but at lunchtime most people opt for beachside and poolside dining where the offer is more casual – think tuna poke bowls, salads, burgers, pizzas and sandwiches.
One of the more unexpected facilities at Albany is the striking, state-of-the-art recording studio, The Sanctuary. An architectural masterpiece, with its circular structure and floor-to-ceiling windows, it has provided the backdrop for musicians including Drake, Sting and The Rolling Stones.
The thing is, this place is so under the radar, you wouldn't look twice if you saw Mick Jagger stepping out of the recording studio, chilling by the pool, working out on the treadmill next to you or sitting at the next table at dinner. The vibe is just so low-key and relaxed – and discretion is everything. It's no wonder high-profile guests keep coming back. But whether you are famous or not, you will feel like a rock star by the time you leave.
