On its own idyllic island of just over four magical acres, poised on a bluff between two azure coves with beaches of soft white sand, is a comfortable, sprawling four bedroom, five bathroom villa.

Totally surrounded by turquoise waters of the Bahamas, except for a finger of sand connecting you to the simple, island life of Andros, lies this miniature, natural kingdom, an unspoiled place you will never want to leave.

This is an island of rock which is joined to the mainland of the big island of Andros by a narrow strip of sand put there by a storm many years ago. It is an easy walk or bike ride into the little village of Standard Creek, for visits to tiny grocery stores or island bars. This village of about one hundred people boosts probably the most coconut trees in this area of Central Andros.

The story is told at one time there was a coconut tree planted each time a child was born in the village. Their wonderful leafy fronds now shade simple, colorful cottages and an abundance of small rustic island churches. Andros is the largest and probably the least known of the approximately 700 islands of the Bahamas. It is approximately 70 miles long by 40 miles wide with only about 12,000 people who mostly inhabit a few small towns along the Eastern Shore. This leaves vast, unexplored areas, criss-crossed by many inland waterways and dotted with perfectly circular, natural inland pools, known as Blue Holes.

Many well defined gravel roads lead through these areas for interesting adventures of discovery or a guide can help you explore waterways by boat. The third largest Barrier Reef in the world runs along the entire length of the eastern coast of Andros producing fun filled reef fishing and endless snorkeling and scuba diving, all just minutes from your doorstep. The outer edge of this reef drops off steeply into the “Tongue of the Ocean”, a part of the Atlantic Ocean that creates a 5,000 foot deep, almost totally enclosed “Grand Canyon” of water and offers exciting deep sea fishing.

Andros also happens to be one of the three best places in the world for bone fishing and there are great fishing flats right behind the island. There are also experienced guides for hire for those who want to go further afield.

For travelers who really want to get to a place as yet undiscovered by the fast crowd, Andros is an unknown prize just waiting to let you remember a lost way of total relaxation. Here you are often reminded that you are really only a small part of a large and wonderful natural world. New heated “Natural Boulders” pool . . . glorious!

This is an idyllic secluded, 4 acre private island with three white sand beaches. Lush garden of tropical flowers, coconut palms and native fruit trees border the entrance and surround the property. Inviting white sand beaches and azures seas are just steps away. The French doors and windows of the Great Room open onto a deep stone pillared verandah and the sweet, warm sea breezes. The floors and verandas flow from inside to outside oversized custom designed tiles afford unique barefoot luxury and draw you outside where twenty feet from the veranda the beach awaits.

Native, hand-hewn limestone rock accents the design of the house in the interior and exterior walls, walkways and entrance gates. Lazily turning ceiling fans are suspended from vaulted, open beam ceilings. The decor is influenced by traditional West Indies Plantations and combines Caribbean artwork and mahogany antiques with oversize sofas, with plush luxurious cushions covered with East Indian woven textiles. There is a delightful Great Room and Dining Room.

There are 5 bedrooms: The Master Suite and 3 Guest Bedrooms are separated from the Great Room by a covered walkway. All bedrooms have access to a fully stocked wet bar with refrigerator. Additionally, a sleeping loft, with access to its own full bath, overlooks the Great Room. Each bedroom has ocean views, vaulted ceilings, a full bath and a private entrance from a terrace or veranda. The bedrooms are appointed with pure Egyptian cotton sheets, white goose down duvets and pillows and Ralph Lauren cotton blankets and towels.