Nassau Resort With Tropical Serenity

Sandy Port Story

For some 200,000 years the land you are sitting on has steadily grown out of the sea as small organisms enjoyed the tropical sun and clear waters. You are sitting on coral and these coral islands extend as much in length as the rest of the Caribbean put together. The Bahamas have 5 percent of all the coral reefs in the world. When you think of reefs, lagoons and palm tree fringed islands you are thinking of the Bahamas. When on the Sandyport's Ocean Beach take a look around you -- you will not see a sea like this anywhere else in the world. Where the surf is breaking right out at sea is a barrier reef and inside this a lagoon. When the astronauts commented on the world from space they exclaimed particularly about these waters. Perhaps they were looking at the very spot where you are standing.

Some 300 years ago pirates roamed these islands. At that time Sandyport was an open lagoon to the sea and boats could come in at high tide over the sand bar and find shelter from hurricanes or enemies. While Sandyport recently was being constructed grape shot was found in the lagoon. Pirate guns fired grape shot. You can imagine some pirate vessel sailed right passed where you are sitting being fired on by another ship. Of course it's hard to imagine now that the road has been built, but before the road, the sea went into Sandyport. The pirates liked the coral seas because they knew where the coral heads were, while other ships' captains, who were chasing them, did not. They wrecked their ships and the pirates would escape.

In 1912 Sir Harry Oakes struck gold in Canada. He struck more gold than you can imagine. By 1934 the Canadian Government wanted more than their fair share and Sir Harry came to the tax free Bahamas. Yes, the Bahamas is tax free - no income tax - no capital tax - no gift's tax - no forms to fill in for anyone. Sir Harry purchased property in the Bahamas, and you are standing on part of it. Sir Harry could have purchased anywhere in the world but he chose the spot you are standing on! Well, not literally of course. Sir Harry Oakes was murdered in the Bahamas in 1943 in very suspicious circumstances. In 1977 Sandy and Hugh Buckner came to the Bahamas, with their son Garth and daughter Rowena, and fell in love with it. They have lived here ever since. They had a dream; an incredible vision. Instead of a swamp they saw a beautiful village of waterfront homes reflecting the architecture of Historic Bahamas, a major commercial center open to the public, and a resort offering a taste of island living. The Buckners purchased this land from the Oakes and with François Spoerry, a world renowned French architect, designed the master plan and started the development in 1988. They named the area, Sandyport after Sandy Buckner.

The Buckners first step in 1989 was to build the bridge and start the waterways. When roads were built around the islands many reefs became cut off from the creeks. The creeks acted as nurseries and safe areas where small fish and crustaceans could grow. The bridge re-opened the area into a nursery for the reef off shore. Sandyport currently has a school of 19 stingrays that mingle with the boats. Similarly the Sandyport ocean beach is a natural accretion beach and we intend to keep it that way. Here you will find many of the coastal plants that hold the land against the sea.

Today there are more than 500 homes with the fifth and final phase fully sold and being developed. The private enclave of luxurious family homes and town homes nestle amidst the brilliant blue waters and white sandy beaches. Each home capturing the charm of island life while offering the finest modern appointments including a boat dock at the bottom of your garden, swimming pools, tennis courts, children's playground, Tambearly School, Medical Clinic, Bally's Gym, Marina store, gas station, Church, and more than 60 other shops and businesses. Sandyport is a safe haven in every sense. The calm marina protects your craft while the 24- hour security assures your peace of mind. Imbued with a distinct family atmosphere, Sandyport offers you barefoot elegance and harmony - the lifestyle, unparalleled. The Sandyport Beach Resort hotel was started in 1995 and until 2001 had just 16 three bedroom villas. The intimacy of the property has truly given the resort a family feel. As our members return each year we have added many children and grandchildren to the club. In 2001 we expanded the property to the current 72 rooms and we are still pleased to keep our welcoming home away from home atmosphere. We are pleased to have been a part of so many of our guests' milestones. Weddings and reconfirmation of vows are a regular occurrence with our ocean providing their something blue. Not to mention the number of Honeymoons; many say that with the Bahamian Sunsets and the effects of the Conch we have also been the start of many families. While our members and guests are our VIP's we have also become known for regular sightings of our local and foreign Politicians along with celebrities such as Mayor Bloomberg of New York, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Ashanti, Arthur Hailey the author of Hotel, Tom Hughes from As the World Turns, sporting stars and Gold Olympic medalists. Regular photo shoots take place on the property. You may recognize the resort from the Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleaders Calendar, in magazines for the Cacherel Swimsuit line, along with Miss Panama.

The Olde Towne Mall at Sandyport opened in 2003 and brings a whole new dimension with a wonderful selection of restaurants and offices. There is so much to say about the Olde Towne please go to the Olde Towne page for all the details.

Today Mr. Hugh Buckner continues at the helm. His son Garth is President of The Development Company and daughter, Rowena, is the President of Portfolio Vacations International. They were both married here in Nassau. Rowena married the critically acclaimed Chef Neale Jones and Vice President of Sandy Port Development Company from England in April 2000. They have two daughters Skyela and Sienna. Garth married the book publisher and previous Sales Manager at Sandyport Jolika Buckner in May 2000. They have two sons Harrison and Hayden.

We hope that you will enjoy your time with us. Please move to Bahamian time. Sandyport is more than a place, it is a lifestyle with a heart and soul that comes from a community, a family. May you have a wonderful time making Sandyport memories and so the story continues...