Tucked away in the quiet center of the Exumas chain of islands in the Bahamas is the largely untouched, 50-acre Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay. A classic favorite for boating, diving and fishing, the island maintains the strict Royal Plantation Collection standards of excellence in a uniquely remote destination.
The spectrum of blue surrounding Royal Plantation Island is breathtaking. Turquoise, cerulean and ice-blue are some of the descriptions that fall short of effectively describing the waters of this spectacular destination.
In 2007, each of the six private one-, two- and three-bedroom villas at Royal Plantation Island were renovated and outfitted with casually elegant furnishings to complement the natural surroundings.
The barefoot chic décor of each villa features hand-selected art, elegant furnishings and luxury linens.
All villas are equipped with a fully stocked kitchen, modern electronics, Molton Brown amenities and a dedicated golf cart, beach-cruiser, bicycles and motorboat to explore neighboring beaches and cays.
The villa collection at Royal Plantation Island includes: the two-bedroom Birdcage; three-bedroom Bluemoon; three-bedroom Sweetwater; identical two-bedroom Starlight and Seabreeze; and the one-bedroom Lindon villa. For the utmost secluded getaway, the island can be rented in its entirety, and sleeps up to 30 people in total.
“Royal Plantation Island is one of the most pristine locations in the Bahamas that is still easily accessible for travelers from the US,” says Steve Huggins, General Manager of Royal Plantation Island, referring to the two-hour long flights from Ft. Lauderdale to neighboring Staniel Cay. “The island’s crystal clear waters and overall charm is truly magnetic; it’s no wonder why travelers seeking the true private island experience plan their escape here.”
Royal Plantation Island offers an array of dining options – from fine dining under the stars to a gourmet picnic in the sand. The Harbour Club Eating & Drinking House is located at the highest point on the island, placing diners at the center of the ocean and offering fresh, island-inspired cuisine. After dinner, guests can enjoy inventive cocktails or a round of billiards or darts at the cozy adjoining bar. Further expressing the island’s oh-so-casual flair, guests are even invited behind the bar to shake up their own concoctions. For a more casual dining option, guests can enjoy meals in the privacy of their own villa, served by their personal butler. The Gourmet Picnic in the Sand is another popular option for casual diners. Guests can arrange for a private picnic right on one of the island’s white sand beaches, or a packed lunch to take with them on a boating adventure, to be enjoyed on a secluded sandbar.
In late 2009, the resort will add another casual dining option to the island’s South Beach – Barefoot By The Sea Bar & Grill. Guests will enjoy traditional Bahamian barbecue made on an open-air grill. Additional upgrades this year include the launch of a Red Lane® Spa. Treatment pavilions will be scattered throughout the island, seamlessly blending into the resort’s stunning natural habitat. Most recently, a rustic wedding pavilion was constructed on the north side of the island to accommodate wedding parties. The four-pillar, bougainvillea-draped gate to paradise will be one element in a selection of dedicated packages created by celebrated wedding planner Preston Bailey.
The environment at Royal Plantation Island is exceptionally casual just as it is throughout all the out-islands of the Exumas. Royal Plantation Island strikes the perfect balance between renting a “bare house” and staying at a “full service resort”. This offers guests tremendous flexibility and independence while offering guidance, support and full services to allow for enjoyment of the entire area.
In fact, the Exumas was once a popular movie location, serving as the set for Splash and James Bond movies Thunderball and Never Say Never Again filmed at Thunderball Cove, a natural cavern near the resort. Actress Uma Thurman has visited Royal Plantation Island and both Johnny Depp and Nicholas Cage own neighboring islands in the region. Additional Exumas fans include celebrity island hoppers Justin Timberlake, Demi Moore, Tom Cruise, Adam Sandler, Bill Gates and Madonna.
About The Royal Plantation Collection
The Royal Plantation Collection encompasses the award-winning, all-suite beach boutique resort Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica; the unspoiled private island, Royal Plantation Island, Exumas ,The Bahamas; and Royal Plantation Private Villas in Discovery Bay, Ocho Rios and Whitehouse, Jamaica. Development is underway for additional resorts in Bloody Bay and Dragon Bay, Jamaica and Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, slated for completion by 2012. For more information visit www.royalplantation.com or call (888) 48-ROYAL.