Cape Santa Maria Bahamas — what to expect at this luxury beach resort
When you think of the Caribbean, what things come to mind?
For me, it’s the standard blend of sun, sea and fresh seafood. Add a top resort to the equation, and you’ve got the ingredients for a memorable trip.
During a visit to the Bahamas, we booked 6 nights at Cape Santa Maria Bahamas beach resort.
How to reach Cape Santa Maria Bahamas
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort is situated on Long Island, which is around 45 minutes by plane from Nassau.
There are only a few flights a day, so try and book one that has a reasonable connection time.
Once you land on the island, it takes around 1 hour by car to arrive. It’s not the easiest resort to reach, but the best is yet to come.
Cape Santa Maria beach
In the far north of Long Island, Cape Santa Maria Bahamas has the best beach, hands down.
Being an urbanite, there’s nothing more satisfying than arriving at a stretch of sandy beach with dazzling blue waters. And the best thing is, it’s just for resort guests.
The 4-mile beach constantly features on the list of the world’s best, and it’s easy to see why.
I’m not typically a beach person, but I enjoyed immensely the one at the resort. Sand that’s smooth, finite and never too hot, it’s the type you can actually sit in all day.
Wedding destination — Cape Santa Maria Bahamas
The beach resort makes an ideal location for a Cape Santa Maria wedding. If you also travel in May, you’ll find that it’s quiet, plus you’ll have the beach to yourselves.
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort also provides its guests free equipment for activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding.
You need to sign a disclaimer at reception before using anything, but then it’s all yours. If you want to get around the villa, there are also free bikes on site for guests to use.
Get a local taste of the Bahamas and book yourself onto a themed tour. It’s a great way to learn about the culture, and see the best sights with the people who know best.
Rooms at Cape Santa Maria Bahamas
There are 3 types of accommodation to choose from at the resort.
These include a Beachfront Villa, Beachfront Bungalow, and a 2-bedroom Beachfront Bungalow, all built in a classic Bahamian style.
We chose the latter, and though for only 2 people, we appreciated the space of having a second room.
As the name suggests, your door opens directly onto the beach. Our bungalow had 2 queen-sized beds, and another room with 2 single beds.
There’s a good size bathroom inside, closet space, and coffee-making facilities.
Resort room features — Cape Santa Maria Bahamas
Air conditioning is available in every bungalow, as is a ceiling fan to keep the room cool.
WiFi is also available, but the connection’s stronger when in the clubhouse. There are 2 standout features: the tap outside the bungalow and the private veranda.
The outside tap’s ideal for washing the sand off your feet before entering. The private veranda’s the perfect spot to take some shade and relax on one of the comfy sofas and armchairs.
Well stocked, there are some bug sprays and repellents to help fend off mosquitoes and sand flies.
“Right in the south of Long Island, Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort offers guests the best beach, hands down.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
“It’s the perfect spot to take some shade and relax on one of the comfy sofas and armchairs.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
Cape Santa Maria Bahamas restaurant
There’s only one restaurant at Cape Santa Maria Bahamas resort, meaning limited choice when it comes to meals.
Unfortunately, the majority of meals didn’t live up to the quality I was expecting. On top of that, it was quite expensive too.
Dreams of feasting on fresh lobster, fish and seafood were dashed, and even the fruits weren’t up to par.
It saddens me to write that my favorite meal during my entire stay was a chicken and avocado wrap. Though tasty, it’s not what I came to the Bahamas for.
Of course, taste is subjective, and many of the glowing reviews online say the opposite. That said, it’s up to you to make up your own mind and see for yourself.
The service at Cape Santa Maria Bahamas
One unfortunate downside of Cape Santa Maria Bahamas was the service.
Before continuing, I want to stress that I’m not referring to everyone in particular. However, I need to share this, as it brought down our overall experience.
Poor advice
One afternoon, we decided to take a trip to see the Columbus Monument. It’s the place where Christopher Columbus is said to have landed in 1492.
We went there on the advice of one of the reception staff.
She told me it would take ‘10 minutes on bike’ to get there and it was a must see. Taking the free bikes, and remembering the instructions she gave me, we set off.
Cycling from the resort to the main road isn’t difficult, nor is finding the sign to the Columbus Monument. What’s difficult is the path leading to it.
A challenging, and unsafe, bike ride
What you face is a seemingly endless narrow rocky path, with an assortment of rocks in different sizes. On either side are rows of reed and bushes, full of mosquitoes waiting to feast on you.
Even for the most experienced cyclists, it can be challenging. I had to get off the bike countless times as the path became dangerous at points.
After 20 minutes or so cycling, and still no monument in sight, I decided to check my map.
My jaw dropped when we realized it’d take another 40 minutes — that plus the monument’s was atop a hill. Defeated, sweaty and fed up, we returned to the resort.
Many friends asked why we didn’t just turn back upon seeing the path. Honestly, I was following the advice of the receptionist, and believed it was 10 minutes as she’d said.
Lack of communication — Cape Santa Maria Bahamas
One plus about the resort is the amount of (paid) activities they provide guests, such as fishing.
We’d booked a private nature cruise on our penultimate afternoon for 1pm. When the time arrived, we were prepared and ready at reception, but no-one showed up.
We returned to our room as instructed by a receptionist who told us that the captain was running late.
She’d come and collect us once he arrived. Thinking nothing more of it, we did as we were told and headed back.
Paid cruise, but no show
Over 1.5 hours later, and with no update from reception, we thought our boat had finally arrived.
Sadly, we were very much mistaken, as the guy with the small boat wasn’t there for us.
At this point I was livid. We’d not only missed the opportunity to do the cruise, but we also never heard anything from reception.
After going back to find out what was going on, I eventually spoke to the supervisor.
She’d no idea what had been happening, as the other receptionist had failed to inform her.
“There’s only one dining place at the resort, meaning limited choice when it comes to meals.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
We later found out that there had been a ‘miscommunication’ with the tour company.
Apparently, the captain had thought all tours had been cancelled for the day, hence why he didn’t turn up.
Honestly, nothing made sense about the response, but I was beyond the point of caring.
Would I stay again at Cape Santa Maria Bahamas
While it’s normal for hiccups to happen when traveling, I expected better from Cape Santa Maria Bahamas.
The lack of communication was poor, and it could’ve been avoided altogether had the staff spoken to each other.
Both incidences were unfortunate, and maybe we were just unlucky. I’ve written this constructive review in the hope that they improve their service and level of communication.
That said, I probably wouldn’t stay at Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort again. The beach is incredible and truly one of the best I’ve ever seen.
However, our personal experiences regarding the poor communication and staff manner deter me from returning.
Have you ever stayed at Cape Santa Maria Bahamas How was your experience there? Drop me a comment below, I’d love to read them.
My stay at Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort was paid out of my own expense.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
Like this post? Pin it!
Wow, Lisa, the pictures look amazing! The whole place looks stunning but I know how disappointing it can be when the food doesn’t live up to the standard. The boat tour cancellation was also unfortunate. Overall, still looks like a nice place though. Thank you for your honest review.
Thanks Daniel! We had a nice time, but it needs a lot of improvement. Who knows, maybe now it’s gotten much better 😀
This is a great honest review! I love beach resorts because no matter how tired you are how the weather outside is, you can always have a great time. Your video shows the beauty of the beaches. I love the colot of water here. Your trip to the Columbus monument was also an interesting read 🙂
Thank you! I had to be, as I know many other travelers will be wondering what it’s like. Thanks for watching the video too 😀
Thank you so much for the review Lisa, very helpful! It was wonderful to read about your experience and see such beautiful photos of the scenery! My partner and I are considering this location for our wedding! I was wondering would your thoughts would be regarding this place as a venue? Since you’ve been there recently, would love to hear your thoughts! Thank you!
Hi Shelly, I’m glad my review was helpful! The location is ideal, and the beach is incredible. However, do be mindful that the resort is on Long Island, around 45 minutes flight from Nassau, and another 1 hour drive from the airport. I mention it, as it’s something to factor in for your guests. I’m sure the venue will do an awesome job of hosting your wedding, plus you can enjoy the beach after!