Sands Club

Connected to the Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas is a serene parcel of land known as Treasure Cay. As a tourist destination known for its sandy white beaches, visitors have been flocking to its shores from since the late 18th century.

The Abaco Islands were first inhabited by the Lucayans, a branch of the Tainos, who were indigenous people that inhabited most of the Caribbean islands. It was in 1783, that 600 English Loyalists fleeing the tense atmosphere of a post-Revolutionary War America arrived on the Island. They founded the settlement of Carleton Point, named after Sir Guy Carleton, on the northern end of Sand Banks Cay situated near Treasure Cay.

When a hurricane hit in 1785, and the settlement was later deserted. However, the unpredictable weather conditions of the Caribbean didn’t stop more Englishmen from pouring in. Settlers continued to colonize the Island well into the 19th century, cultivating crops like sea island cotton and building ships to sustain their economy.

As a result of the loyalist’s arrival in the late 1700s the Island continued to operate under British rule until 1970s when the Prime Minister of the Bahamas announced his government’s plans for independence from Britain. The Bahamian islands officially became a free and sovereign country on July 10, 1973.

Today, those visiting Treasure Cay will find two major resorts – including the Sands Club – condos, villas, and private homes. Located nearby are local shops, a golf course, and a large marina that hosts seasonal fishing tournaments. Visitors can explore the pristine beaches along the Sea of Abaco or opt for sightseeing in the nearby Blue Hole nestled in the island’s pine barrens.