SOUTHWORTH UNVEILS $350 MILLION TRANSFORMATION AT ABACO CLUB | News
The Abaco Club, a 500-acre private club community on Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas, ushers in an exciting new era by unveiling a significant $350 million transformation, one of the largest private club investments in the Caribbean. Developed, owned and operated by Southworth, a family-owned and operated leader in the private club space, this investment – the current phase of a ten-year investment plan – reflects a long-term commitment to elevating the already exceptional member experience while thoughtfully expanding the community through new amenities and residential offerings.
“At The Abaco Club, our priority has always been a lifestyle defined by genuine connection, memorable experiences and meaningful connection. That’s why we continue to evolve the club over time, building on what members already love about being here,” said Tommy Southworth, president of Southworth. “This continued investment represents our vision for a true island sanctuary, where members can enjoy world-class amenities, personalized service and effortless living amid the unparalleled natural beauty of The Bahamas. It has been a pleasure to see the new spaces bring new energy and new ways for families and friends to spend time together – creating experiences they will return to and remember for years to come.”
The Bay Club: An oceanfront beach club in the heart of the community
At the center of the transformation is The Bay Club, a beautiful beach club located along the club’s pristine two-mile stretch of white sand overlooking Winding Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Designed as the heart of The Abaco Club, The Bay Club offers a sophisticated yet relaxing beach experience that seamlessly combines sun, sea and community. Outside, the experience is anchored by a resort-style infinity pool on the edge of Winding Bay, with an integrated hot tub, specialty lanes, a separate children’s pool and generous shallow areas for families. A large sundeck, poolside bar and easy access to the beach mean you can enjoy yourself all day long.
Inside, The Bay Club offers a tiered mix of communal areas designed to cater to members of all ages, making it easy to settle in and spend time together. On the ground floor you will find an inviting lounge, boutique shopping experience and a family lounge and games room surrounding a cinema screen, classic arcade games, shuffleboard and communal tables. The top floor Horizon Lounge offers a more elevated atmosphere with a custom bar, billiards and game tables, large TVs and beautiful views of Winding Bay. Designed by Pembrooke & Ives, the space embraces Bahamian culture through natural textures, ocean-inspired hues, locally sourced artwork and custom details. A wraparound terrace with fire pits, intimate seating areas and a crow’s nest and cigar lounge on the third floor provide an open-air setting for sunset views and relaxed evening gatherings.
Extensive sporting and social facilities
Building on its roots as a true sports club, The Abaco Club introduces an extensive racket offering at The Stables. The original stable building has been carefully redesigned to house a racquet sports boutique, while four new tennis courts, four padel courts and the vibrant Horseshoe bar, inspired by the club’s popular Birdie Bar, lie just outside the building. The area also includes a 50,000 square meter playing field, playground and fishing pond, creating a park-like environment for pop-up football and soccer matches, family time and social gatherings.
Additional new and improved amenities include:
Seven dedicated pickleball courts, reflecting strong and growing member demand
El Diablo, a 40,000-square-foot, 18-hole putting course designed by Club Ambassador and PGA TOUR Champion Darren Clarke
Birdie Bar, a members hub next to the putting course
Wake Field, a Fenway-inspired wiffle ball and multi-purpose field created in honor of the late, longtime member and MLB legend Tim Wakefield
The oceanfront Perch deck between the 17th green and the 18th tee
Improvements to the golf course by original architect Tom Mackenzie to improve water views and overall course flow
An extensive redesign of The Cliff House, the Abaco Club’s signature fine dining restaurant, dramatically positioned above Winding Bay, refines and expands the club’s culinary and social offerings. The renovated Cliff House has long been considered one of the most iconic locations on the property and one of the most elevated dining experiences in the Bahamas. It features updated interiors and a renewed focus on seasonal menus.
New real estate
Fueled by the introduction of new amenities and various real estate offerings, The Abaco Club has nearly doubled its real estate sales year-over-year by 2025. Building on this growth, the club’s evolution includes several new residential areas, each representing the most direct route to membership.
The Cays Reserve introduces 19 beachfront homes priced from $4.15 million, with the first 11 already sold, just steps from The Bay Club, while The Green offers a collection of turnkey cottages overlooking the golf course’s 14th green, starting at $3.3 million. The club recently debuted an additional neighborhood: The Ridge Estates, eight premium homes where owners can create a custom retreat with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the 18th hole, starting at $2.1 million.
An evolving island lifestyle
Future amenities for The Abaco Club include a world-class spa, an expanded fitness center with additional group fitness studios and a dedicated hub for daily Kid’s Club programming. Envisioned as a serene indoor-outdoor wellness retreat, the spa will feature individual treatment pavilions connected by winding paths through native vegetation. The experience is designed to encourage relaxation, rejuvenation and connection and is complemented by mindfulness programming, extensive hydrotherapy facilities and inviting relaxation areas.
In addition to the new amenities, The Abaco Club offers a rich array of experiences that define daily life at the club, including a premier golf course, private boating and fishing, snorkeling and island hopping excursions, signature events and immersive children’s programs. Dining options emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the club’s own hydroponic farm.
For more information or questions about membership, visit TheAbacoClub.com.
