Where to Stay on Long Island, Bahamas: Hotels, Resorts & Vacation Rentals
INTRODUCTION
Choosing where to stay on Long Island, Bahamas depends largely on the type of experience you want. Unlike larger Bahamian destinations dominated by high-rise resorts, Long Island offers boutique beachfront resorts, intimate hotels, vacation homes, villas, and self-catering cottages that place visitors close to the island's beaches, blue holes, fishing grounds, and local communities.
Travelers searching for the best hotels on Long Island, Bahamas are often looking for accommodation that complements the island's relaxed atmosphere and outdoor lifestyle. Whether you're planning a diving holiday, fishing adventure, romantic escape, or family vacation, the island offers a range of accommodations spread across Stella Maris, Cape Santa Maria, Clarence Town, Deadman's Cay, and Salt Pond.
This guide focuses specifically on accommodations and complements the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide, where you'll find broader planning information about attractions, transportation, beaches, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
BEST RESORTS ON LONG ISLAND
CAPE SANTA MARIA BEACH RESORT
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort is widely regarded as Long Island's premier beachfront resort. Located directly on the famous Cape Santa Maria Beach, the property offers beachfront bungalows and spacious villas just steps from one of The Bahamas' most celebrated stretches of white sand. Guests have access to kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling excursions, fishing charters, boat tours, and dining overlooking the turquoise waters of the Bahama Bank.
Best for
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Couples
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Honeymooners
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Families
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Beach vacations
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Paddleboarding
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Snorkeling
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Relaxation
STELLA MARIS RESORT CLUB & MARINA
Located near Stella Maris Airport (SML), Stella Maris Resort Club & Marina is one of Long Island's longest-established resorts. The property offers a wide variety of accommodations, including ocean-view rooms, cottages, bungalows, waterfront villas, and marina facilities. Guests can arrange diving, bonefishing, offshore fishing, kayaking, cave tours, island excursions, and flights directly through the resort.
Highlights
Best for
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Divers
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Anglers
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Families
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Boaters
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Active travelers
GEMS AT PARADISE BEACH HOTEL
Situated near Clarence Town, Gems at Paradise is a boutique beachfront hotel offering a quieter and more intimate stay. All accommodations feature balconies facing the beach, providing easy access to swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The hotel is well suited to travelers seeking a relaxed atmosphere and personalized service.
Best for
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Couples
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Small groups
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Beach holidays
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Fishing trips
BOUTIQUE HOTELS & SMALL INNS
Long Island also features a collection of smaller locally owned accommodations that provide a more personal experience than traditional resorts.
Many of these properties offer:
Several are located near Deadman's Cay, Clarence Town, and Salt Pond, making them convenient bases for exploring the island.
VACATION RENTALS & BEACHFRONT VILLAS
Vacation rentals have become an increasingly popular accommodation choice on Long Island, especially for families, groups, and longer stays. Many are available through established booking platforms and local property managers.
Options include:
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Beachfront villas
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Ocean-view cottages
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Private homes
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Self-catering apartments
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Waterfront cottages
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Family vacation homes
Vacation rentals are especially common around:
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Cape Santa Maria
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Stella Maris
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Clarence Town
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Deadman's Cay
These properties often provide:
Self-catering accommodations are ideal for travelers planning fishing holidays, diving trips, or extended stays.
BEST AREAS TO STAY
CAPE SANTA MARIA
Ideal for visitors prioritizing beach relaxation, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sunset views. Accommodation here offers immediate access to one of the Caribbean's most acclaimed beaches.
STELLA MARIS
A great choice for divers, anglers, boaters, and travelers interested in outdoor adventures. Stella Maris also provides convenient access to Conception Island excursions and nearby caves.
CLARENCE TOWN
Clarence Town combines accommodations with restaurants, marinas, local businesses, and proximity to Dean's Blue Hole, making it a practical base for sightseeing and exploring central Long Island.
DEADMAN'S CAY
Deadman's Cay is convenient for travelers arriving through LGI Airport and those planning to explore both the northern and southern parts of the island.
SALT POND
Salt Pond provides a central location with access to local services, cultural attractions, and the annual Long Island Mutton Festival.
WHICH ACCOMMODATION IS BEST FOR YOU?
For couples and honeymooners
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort offers beachfront villas, quiet surroundings, and romantic sunset views.
For families
Stella Maris Resort Club provides a wide variety of accommodation types, pools, family activities, and organized excursions.
For divers
Stella Maris Resort offers one of the island's most comprehensive diving programs, with trips to Dean's Blue Hole, Conception Wall, and nearby reef systems.
For anglers
Both Stella Maris Resort and Cape Santa Maria Resort arrange guided bonefishing and offshore fishing excursions.
For independent travelers
Vacation rentals provide greater flexibility, privacy, and self-catering facilities, particularly for longer stays.
WHEN TO BOOK
Long Island remains quieter than many Bahamian destinations, but accommodations can fill quickly during:
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December to April
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Easter holidays
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Long Island Regatta
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Annual Mutton Festival
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Christmas and New Year
Booking several months in advance is recommended during these periods.
TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION
Nearest airports
Transportation
A rental car is recommended, regardless of where you stay, as attractions are spread across the island.
Budget expectations
Accommodation ranges from affordable guesthouses and vacation rentals to full-service beachfront resorts.
Best for remote work
Most major resorts provide Wi-Fi, although speeds and reliability may vary compared with larger urban destinations.
FAQ SECTION
What is the best resort on Long Island, Bahamas?
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort and Stella Maris Resort Club are generally considered the island's two flagship resorts.
Are there beachfront hotels on Long Island?
Yes. Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Stella Maris Resort Club, and Gems at Paradise all offer beachfront accommodations.
Can you rent a vacation home on Long Island?
Yes. Beachfront villas, cottages, apartments, and private homes are available across several parts of the island.
Where should families stay?
Stella Maris Resort Club offers family-friendly accommodations, pools, activities, and organized excursions.
Which area is best for beach vacations?
Cape Santa Maria is ideal for visitors prioritizing beach relaxation and calm swimming.
How far are the resorts from the airports?
Cape Santa Maria is closest to Stella Maris Airport, while accommodations near Deadman's Cay are convenient for LGI Airport.
EXPLORE MORE LONG ISLAND GUIDES
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Long Island's accommodations are closely tied to the island's geography. Resorts in Cape Santa Maria provide direct access to the calm waters of the Bahama Bank, while Stella Maris serves as a gateway to diving, boating, and offshore adventures. Properties around Clarence Town, Deadman's Cay, and Salt Pond place visitors within easy reach of Dean's Blue Hole, Hamilton's Cave, local restaurants, and cultural experiences, reinforcing Long Island's reputation as one of The Bahamas' leading Out Island destinations.
CONCLUSION
Long Island offers accommodations that reflect the island's relaxed character rather than large-scale resort development. From award-winning beachfront resorts and full-service dive properties to boutique hotels and private vacation rentals, visitors can choose lodging that matches their travel style while staying close to beaches, blue holes, fishing grounds, and local communities.
For a complete overview of attractions, transportation, dining, and outdoor adventures, continue with the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide, then use this accommodation guide to find the ideal place to stay during your visit.
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Updated as of July 2026.