April 29, 2026: Kamalame Cay, the 97-acre private island retreat in The Bahamas, has been named to Travel + Leisure’s 2026 T+L 500 list of the best hotels in the world, a prestigious annual recognition of the top properties across the globe as voted by readers. Widely celebrated for its relaxed sophistication, natural beauty, and authentic island lifestyle, the resort continues to stand apart as the antithesis of the conventional luxury hotel.
Located just off Andros, The Bahamas’ largest and least developed island, Kamalame Cay continues to define barefoot luxury in the Caribbean. Accessible only by private ferry, seaplane, or helicopter, the resort offers an intimate escape with just 35 cottages, bungalows, and villas, totaling 66 rooms and accommodating up to 132 guests. Framed by three miles of pristine white sand beach and the turquoise waters of the Andros Great Barrier Reef, located just one mile offshore, the property delivers a rare sense of seclusion paired with thoughtful, personalized service.
Family-owned and operated for more than 30 years, Kamalame Cay remains a personal expression of island living. Now led by the second generation of the Hew family, the resort continues to evolve while preserving its original spirit, effortlessly balancing relaxed elegance with a warm, residential style of hospitality.
The island’s celebrated culinary program centers on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from its own 100-acre farm on neighboring Andros, while dining venues ranging from the graciously appointed Great House to the breezy seaside Tiki Bar & Beach Club, offer menus that evolve daily. At the only overwater spa in The Bahamas, holistic beauty and body therapies feature organic, marine-based OSEA products accompanied by the sound and rhythm of the ocean below, while signature experiences, like secluded picnics on deserted islets and lively monthly luncheons, instill a sense of connection and community.
Further elevating the guest experience is the recently introduced Private Villa Collection, a curated portfolio of the island’s most exceptional residences. Designed for multi-generational travel and extended stays, these expansive oceanfront homes, including SipSip, Buttonwoods, and Magnolia, offer a heightened sense of privacy, architectural distinction, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
“Luxury, to us, has always been about family and a sense of place and belonging,” said Michael King-Hew, CEO of Kamalame Cay. “To be recognized by Travel + Leisure readers—many of whom return to the island year after year—is incredibly meaningful. Kamalame is where guests can truly unwind, connect, and experience the natural beauty of the Bahamas and be welcomed into the extended family and community that have defined Kamalame for more than three decades.”
Kamalame Cay’s inclusion in the 2026 T+L 500 builds upon a longstanding legacy with Travel + Leisure, including nine consecutive years recognized in the World’s Best Awards and a #1 ranking in the Caribbean, Bermuda & The Bahamas in 2021. The 2026 T+L 500, featured in the May 2026 issue of Travel + Leisure, is drawn from the results of the 2025 World’s Best Awards and highlights the hotels and resorts travelers return to repeatedly for quality, luxury, exceptional service, and outstanding amenities. Select highlights from the list are available at www.travelandleisure.com.
Established in 1996, Kamalame Cay is a 97-acre oasis of verdant tropical foliage and deserted white sand beaches, dotted with a collection of individually designed West Indies cottages, bungalows, and villas. Separated from Andros Island by a turquoise inlet and edged by the Andros Great Barrier Reef and some of the world’s finest coral gardens, the resort offers a truly secluded setting. Equipped with an overwater spa, tennis courts, a freshwater pool, and a beachside restaurant and tiki bar, Kamalame Cay also boasts exceptional cuisine alongside a distinctive roster of experiences and wellness programs.