Lyford Cay
Located on the westernmost tip of the island of New Providence, Lyford Cay is one of the most prestigious private residential enclaves not just in the Caribbean, but throughout the world. Originally developed in the late 1950s by Canadian tycoon E. P. Taylor, it is named after Captain William Lyford, Jr., a Loyalist during colonial times on whose original land grant the community now stands.
When it comes to pedigree, nothing beats Lyford Cay. A private membership club that’s fully owned by its members, it’s been home to many of the world’s movers and shakers for decades, ranging from film stars to royalty to tycoons. It was here that President John F. Kennedy and British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan once held talks during the height of the Cold War back in the ‘60s.
Lyford Cay extends across over 1,000 acres and is edged by a half-mile crescent of creamy, sun-kissed beach. Homes here are custom-built, estate-sized, and represent the pinnacle of luxury living in the Bahamas. Lyford is extremely private, but is also just a few minutes from the international airport, a combination that makes it especially appealing to frequent travellers. There are little more than 300 residences in the community, whose amenities include a full-service 76-slip marina, championship golf course, a dozen tennis courts, and so much more.
The par 72 course, which was originally designed by Dick Wilson, underwent a redesign from Rees Jones in 2006. The club also has a fitness centre and studio, a regulation English croquet court, and a wealth of watersports options.
