This long and thin 100-mile Bahamian island lies east of Nassau. Come for its pink sand beaches, pineapple fields, tropical wilderness, reef and wreck diving, the surf-friendly waves of Gregroy’s Town, Ten Bay Beach for shallow family-friendly waters, Ocean Hole inland swimming lagoon with tropical fish and turtles and Edwin’s Turtle Lake Marine Reserve. Jacques Cousteau loved to explore the pristine underwater world of the island whose name translates as “free”. This exclusive idyll shaped like a mermaid’s tail and filled with old-world charm, can be reached by air direct from Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Nassau.
French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection
Found on the west side of the island in Colebrooke Dale, adjacent to Governor’s Harbour, this all-villa whitewashed resort overlooks the historic Cupid’s Cay. Take a wicker seat on a terrace by the ocean for locally inspired meals served at the highly-rated 1648 – An Island Restaurant, where the daily catch and fresh fish feature prominently on the menu. An infinity edge pool also overlooks the water, as does the low rise guest accommodation, and the beach provides plenty of snorkelling and swimming opportunities. i-Pad concierge services, L’Occitane or Molton Brown toiletries and premium movie channels come as standard at the French Leave Resort.