Ocean Reef Resort Yacht Club- Freeport, Grand Bahamas

The narrow rows on a small plane can wear on you quickly. Anticipation and anxiety can jam you up when it’s been two years since leaving the ground. Airport bars become the therapist and the pharmacist that is much needed before taking a flight. A few drinks in, and the reflection in the glass reminds you why you are taking off. So, what do you do? Why you climb aboard, stir up a conversation with the flight attendant, a transitioning pilot, and just like that, the sapphire and emerald water from the window seat start coming into view. Clouds have cleared, boats are racing across the ocean, and palm trees have lined your landing zone. You’ve made it as close to Heaven as you can find this side of chaos. 

Nerves are soothed when the smiling face of the Bahamian cab driver the hotel sent for you flashes a sign with your name. A short ten-minute ride from the airport and vacation has begun. Gates open to the Ocean Reef Resort Yacht Club, and you want to call Magnum PI and let him know that Hawaii isn’t the only place that keeps topping itself. 

Immediately you’re taken in by the family environment and staff that genuinely wants you to rest and be happy. Laugh if you’d like, but the concept of being happy to the Bahamian culture is solid. Two hurricanes and a pandemic later, the island of Freeport is still building back strong. 

The resort owner, Nina Von Albedyhll Dormans, has had this beautiful property in her family for 40 years. Ask me how I know? She told me so. I can say that I have never seen a resort owner walk and work the property in all my travels. The staff exudes the owner’s same goals, mission, values, and love for the Freeport guest. 

Interacting with the resort concierge, night manager, and maintenance staff, Kilo was one I will never forget. His demeanor was none like I have ever seen from any twenty-four-year-old with that responsibility. He said, “a perfect room that is nice is what I am giving you.” And that he did! There were spectacular views from the living area but even more beautiful from the master balcony. 

The property is surrounded by the most beautiful yachts and sailboats I have ever seen. The water is so crystal clear that you can see the multi-colors of the fish just below the dock. Smiling patrons and fishermen who use the marina for fishing tours follow the sun in with the day’s catch. Laughter fills the air as the regular tailgating lemon shark has made his way in behind the boats hoping for a bit of chum. Music is coming from the Oceans Blue restaurant while the smell of the evening’s dinner mesmerizes your senses. The views have us in such awe that we stop at each boat for some of the most exciting conversations I have ever heard at a resort.  

You know your resort supersedes a regular status when it becomes a yearly trip by boat from Canada, Alaska, California, and Florida. Known by the members as a safe, clean, and quiet resort, the over fifty-foot yachts perch along the dock with an Aunt Bee smile waiting to invite you in. 

Getting tucked in was easy. Figuring out what to do next was even easier. Touring suggestions and spa reservations made by our new friend Hattie in Guest Services opened a plethora of things to do. Fishing, diving, snorkeling, tours to Lucaya National Park, the West End Groves, native fruit and vegetable markets, Freeport Harbor, car rentals to ride at your leisure, and the Port Lucaya Market Place!

Whew, a lot, I know! 

We selected a lazier approach to the island and stayed a spell at Banana Bay, where the drinks were ice cold, and the burgers were hot! The tide was out, which allowed access to walk approximately one hundred yards into the crystal-clear water in the soft powder sand. Suppose you need time to rest, no worries there. Banana Bay has four-dollar chair rentals for the day that sits beautifully under the rustling palm trees. Banana bread is a must-have for those with a sweet tooth and was out of this world.

The island always offers a relaxed feel. Breakfast does not have to be early, and the days do not have to be quick. Our new friend and driver, Ester, was always there to please with suggestions for each day of the week. Zorbas in Port Lucaya had the most fantastic breakfast. The options were endless. The shops within the Port Lucaya Market were beautiful and so clean! Fresh conch salad can be made to order by Daddy Brown, and the views of the water from the market dock were stellar. We did see a sneak peek of the Allen X Exploration Bahamas Maritime Museum, which we cannot wait to go back and explore. We stopped at Rum Runners for conch fritters, and a cold Sand’s beer brewed in the Bahamas. Edison and Tyler were there to please! It was there that Edison and the Bar-Fly brought the Bahamian Bushwackers to life and had the entire bar feeling the tropical vibes. 

We must thank our new friends for the invite to the Wednesday night fish fry. Da Bus Stop did not disappoint with the traditional fish fry and the island staple of peas and rice, mac and cheese, and potato bread. The music had the people jumping, and the local shops of Bahamian merchants lined the walking path with just about anything you could want.

We do not want to bore you with words, but instead, we encourage you to thumb through the pictures and let them speak for themselves. We had such a short time to visit, and so many tours and events left undone that we plan to go back soon. As we packed our bags, we felt so sad, like we were leaving home for the first time. We felt the island cry a bit as we said our goodbyes. With promises to return and sweet Kilo’s reminder to not be late on our guarantee, we loaded the cab and made our exit.

Freeport and the Ocean Reef Resort Yacht Club will be in the Bar-Fly’s view of places to call home.

Till we see you all again, our friends.

Stay happy and travel light,

The Bar-Fly

Must-haves:

Anywhere you stop, enjoy a cold Sand’s beer. Sand’s has been a 100% Bahamian brewed beer since 2007. The flavors are endless. Sands, Sands Light, Sands Pink Grapefruit Radler, Sands Passion/Guava Radler, High Rock Lager, Strong Back Stout, Sixty Six Steps Ale, Bush Crack Malt Beer, and Triple B Malt non-alcoholic.

Conch salad and conch fritters 

Peas and rice are island staples. 

Island Banana bread and pane cakes

Things to do:

Tuesdays at Agave has $2 tacos and Margaritas!

Wednesday do take advantage of the local fish fry at Taino Beach. You can enjoy the fresh local cuisine of conch salad, peas and rice, Mac and cheese, pane cakes, potato bread, and more!! Stay as late as you want and dance into the morning. 

Thursday night at Oceans Blue, stop in for Karaoke.

Don’t forget to see my man, LJ, at the resort for a fishing trip or just a ride around the waters for some fantastic sightseeing.

Freeport Harbor: Largest man-made harbors and the deepest in the region. 

Garden Groves: Explore on your own the lush tropical landscapes with trees and flowers from the Bahamas, a replica of the original chapel from the early logging days, tranquil lagoons with cascading waterfalls, and a spiritual labyrinth for meditation and open-air café deck. Local artisans will display authentic Bahamian arts and crafts or relax on the lofty fig deck with cool Bahamian drinks and local delicacies. 

 Lucaya National Park: Enjoy the 42 acres of the Lucaya National Park with fascinating caves. The Arawak Indians lived well before Christopher Columbus sailed to Grand Bahama in 1492. The caves form part of the most extensive uncharted cave system in the world. See some wild birds and colorful fish before reaching the spectacular gold rock beach, where you can relax and enjoy the sunshine or go for a swim. 

Bishop Bar & Restaurant: Located in one of the outlying native settlements.

West End Groves: West End, the capital of Grand Bahama, is a place infused with lots of history dating back to bootlegging days. Here you will tour the first settlements. Williams Town is filled with traditional and generational properties. You can stop by the only castle on the island, owned by Fast Food Royalty. You will see eight-mile rock on the journey through the settlements and stop at the Paradise Cove, where lunch can be enjoyed. While at the beach, you can snorkel.  

Restaurants: 

Oceans Blue: Located on the property. The menu is very diverse. You can enjoy anything from grouper, conch fritters, steak, burgers, and the most fantastic spaghetti. The service is unbeatable!

Agave, Zorba’s, and Pisces: All located in the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Agave has a Larson Fusion with great specials. Zorbas has a mix of Greek, Bahamian and American cuisine. You can enjoy Moussaka, fresh snapper, Souvlaki, and one of the best breakfasts on the island. 

Flying Fish: Located in the Pelican Bay Hotel. It is all organic, and the view is gorgeous. You will have a view of the lighthouse where the Pirates of the Caribbean Ghostship was spotted. 

Out da’Sea: Located in the Les Fountain Plaza. Here you can enjoy fresh grilled lobster or conch. 

The Stoned Crab: Located at Taino Beach. Enjoy surf n turf with a view. 

Banana Bay: Located on Fortune Bay. It has everything you need. Enjoy a whole snapper dinner or one of the best burgers on the island. 

Pier One: Located at the Freeport Harbor. On the finer dining side, here you can enjoy fresh Magi and sushi, and from what I heard, you can feed the sharks.