After more than 15 years of vacationing and cruising in the Bahamas, exploring the beauty of the cays adventuring and touring every spare moment, I knew that I had to find a piece of paradise to share with my family and friends. I was fortunate to experience many destinations in the Bahamas while boating, diving and participating in fishing tournaments. I have always enjoyed the Abacos and the Cays that border the beautiful Sea of Abaco , Green Turtle, Great Guana, Elbow, Man of War and others. My own curiosity beckoned me to constantly explore and search for a place to call my own. As a residential builder and land developer it is just a part of who I am. Seven years ago I found that place - the place that someday would be a piece of paradise to share.

My searches were done by sea, air, scooter or on foot - whatever mode would get me to my destination. I found many amazing possibilities. How do you decide the “best” location in such an incredible place? What are the aspects that make it the “best” location. After pondering this for several years, I decided to find an area that represented all the “bests” for myself and my family. The list of “bests” included; natural beauty, climate, accessibility, airport, marina services, fishing, local infrastructure - dining, shopping, services. I ventured off and consulted my list on many, many occasions during my search. The first time I experienced Marsh Harbour was in 1998 during a fishing tournament. After several return trips to Marsh Harbour I knew it was the “place” the paradise I had searched for, it had all the “bests” on my list and so much more.

Today I am pleased to tell you the story of how this three-residence retreat came to be. The Main Cottage, the East Cottage and the West Cottage make up our resort within a resort that my family and I affectionately named “Island Paradise”.

Island Paradise is located within The Great Abaco Club a private gated waterfront community in Marsh Harbour offering total seclusion, and 24 hour professional security even the most discriminating families will appreciate in a magnificent island setting. The Club is on approximately 20 acres of sheltered land and water, with it's own deep water channel open to the sea. Located inside the property of the Abaco Beach Resort, adjacent to Boat Harbour Marina, considered to be one of the finest marinas in all of the Bahama Islands .

Great Abaco Beach Resort truly is a treasure in Marsh Harbour and a destination for many. The resort has within it a gated waterfront community with every comfort and amenity desired. There are beautiful houses situated seconds off of the Sea of Abaco in a protected basin. Complete with boat docks, patios, porches, palm trees, as well as the castle up on the hill you just can't miss. While a guest at Island Paradise you will experience the world class amenities and service s of the Club & Resort along with the conveniences of friendly Marsh Harbour just minutes away. The club is fantastic with a pool & cabana area just off the world class marina, poolside bar & grotto, full service hotel and restaurant with excellent local and continental fare, conference facilities, shopping, beaches, diving, boating and the list goes on and on. While a resident of Island Paradise experience all Abaco Beach Resort has to offer plus have the unspoiled beauty of the ocean at your doorstep.

And for the boating enthusiast - enjoy panoramic views and sea breezes while enjoying the convenience of your boat docked right behind your cottage at Island Paradise . Just stroll down the walkway, jump on your boat and take off to beaches, snorkel reefs and visit outer cays with picturesque villages, cruise to gourmet restaurants just ten minutes away for relaxing dinners, toss more ice in your cooler and head across the sea of Abaco to check out the adventures that lie beyond Marsh Harbour.

Fishing off the Abaco Cays is legendary. Use your own boat or charter local fishing guides who will lead you to the best locations. Fish the shallows for the wily bonefish, toss a line over for grouper or snapper, troll for wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna and marlin, then pull on your diving mask and grab your spear for lobster... bon appetite'.

I started the Island Paradise project in the fall of 2003. While still acquiring the land I began the design. Once I walked along the water's edge on the property I knew exactly what I wanted to create. And the creation began. Island Paradise today is over 10,000 square feet of living space nestled in a private corner of the Abaco Beach Resort. The resort within a resort is comprised of three separate residences that together build a grand gathering place of 13 bedrooms with 12 full baths, 4 family rooms and 3 gourmet kitchens. Each cottage has tropical landscaping with outdoor gathering areas, outdoor grills and furnished patios. The private pool and artistic cascading fountain of Island Paradise is surrounded by a lush oasis complete with cozy chaise lounge chairs at the water's edge. Undoubtedly, one of the finest private pool areas in the Bahamas and the perfect setting for that private party after a long day of shopping, diving, fishing, or exploring the out islands . Island Paradise owns six boat slips capable of accommodating boats of up to 65 feet in length and up to 7 foot draft with power and water dockside (additional charges will apply for dockside utility use). We have golf carts available for our visitors to add to the comfort of your stay. Flexibility was paramount in my design; I wanted to incorporate many options into the residences so that there were many possibilities available to the different types of visitors of Island Paradise. So, I focused on incorporating these options from flexible living areas, to golf carts to poolside grills and private dockage. I envisioned this as a destination for family, friends or the perfect place for a business retreat. Everything from a small family vacation to a large family reunion, a corporate meeting or a tournament-gathering place. The option of renting separate private cottages or one large residence depending on who was visiting. So, I achieved this by developing consistent exterior elements from finishes to landscaping and full wrap around connecting porches that bring the three homes together while maintaining the option of being individual residences.

Many years as a builder and developer enabled me to manage each step of this project. I personally oversaw each and every detail. A true labor of love. Flying back and forth between Marsh Harbour on a weekly basis through the spring and into the spring of 2005 to ensure my design results were achieved. Upon each arrival and departure in Marsh Harbour I would fly over the property to review the progress and adjust the plans as necessary. For anyone familiar with flying into Marsh Harbour you know what an amazing sight it is from the air. For those of you who haven't visited Marsh Harbour yet put it on your list it is a “ must see ”. It is a beautiful, tranquil place that holds many possibilities whatever your interests. I would like to cordially invite you to “Experience the Escape” of Island Paradise at Abaco Beach Resort. Please visit our website bahamasislandparadise.com for additional information. I look forward to seeing you there!

L. John Wright
Designer, Builder, Owner
Island Paradise At Abaco Beach Resort