The Abaco Club, a private retreat on Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas, is launching a $350 million renovation that will reshape its 500-acre grounds over the next decade. This initiative, spearheaded by Southworth—a privately held club operator—represents one of the Caribbean’s largest private club investments, combining residential growth with premium amenities intended to strengthen members’ ties to island living.
For residents, the club has long served as more than a holiday destination. Members are greeted with a damp, lemongrass-scented towel and fresh fruit, and can check the Member Board to see who else is on the property. Tommy Southworth, president of Southworth, stated, “At The Abaco Club, our priority has always been a lifestyle defined by genuine belonging, memorable experiences and meaningful connection, which is why we continue to evolve the club over time, building on what members already love about being here.”
Residential Expansion and Real Estate Growth
The project’s core includes two new residential communities: Treetops and The Ridge Estates. Treetops, situated at the 15th fairway with panoramic Atlantic vistas, will feature 15 five-bedroom homes priced from $6.3 million, spanning 3,889 to 4,046 square feet. Adjacent to these homes, a Spa and Wellness Retreat is planned. The Ridge Estates, meanwhile, offers four custom-build plots starting at $2.15 million, with raised views over the 18th fairway.
Sales momentum has accelerated: The Abaco Club nearly doubled its year-over-year residential transactions in 2025, driven by demand for both finished homes and custom developments. The most immediate path to membership at the club is homeownership. Members also enjoy reciprocal privileges at all other Southworth properties, with full use of their facilities and amenities.
Community Spaces Redesigned for Shared Experiences
The renovation extends beyond residences to communal areas designed to encourage multigenerational interaction. The newly opened Bay Club, an oceanfront gathering spot, serves as the property’s heart. Its flexible design accommodates a cinema and game room with an LED screen, an adults-only Horizon Lounge, and a boutique cigar lounge. Centered around a resort-style infinity pool, complete with lap lanes, a sun shelf, and a beachfront bar, the space also includes Flippers Beach Bar for morning cocktails and The Veranda for evening dining under the stars.
The Bay Club’s layout follows the coastline’s natural curves, with winding seating areas and a boardwalk connecting the pool, beach, and a children’s pool. Nearby, turquoise loungers line the shore, while anchored rafts and occasional sea turtle sightings enhance the experience. Water activities, snorkeling, kite surfing, and more, are available on request, with beach staff providing assistance.
Recreation and Dining Upgrades
The golf course, with Darren Clarke as its ambassador, remains a highlight, offering rolling fairways, white-sand bunkers, and a practice facility with a double-sided driving range. At twilight, the calls of Abaco parrots often signal the end of a round.
Active recreation options have expanded with a new racquet facility completed in late 2025, which includes four tennis courts, four padel courts, and a 50,000-square-foot fishing pond. A whiffle ball and kickball field provides space for younger members, while yoga sessions take place on the beach at The Perch or on the Day Dock, where swimmers might spot sea turtles.
Evening options include the newly renovated Cliff House, an octagonal fine-dining restaurant overlooking Winding Bay, or the Tip-Top Sunset Deck, which combines an infinity pool with firepits and sprawling patios. Southworth observed that these additions have already introduced “renewed vitality” to the club, creating lasting memories for returning members.
Membership Structure and Global Access
Homeownership grants full membership, including unrestricted facility access, while other membership and rental options are available. These include reciprocal privileges at all Southworth locations.
Members arriving at The Abaco Club are integrated into the island lifestyle immediately.
