From the First and the Oldest to a VIP Future:
The History of Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina
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A history that has been shaped by Lucayan native people, treasure seekers, Puritans, pirates, and novelists, also encompasses the Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina, the first and now the oldest resort in the Bahamas’ Out Islands.
This textured history continues to the present day, with the December 2025 announcement that the VIP Marinas Group has acquired Bluff House Resort & Marina. Today, the resort and marina exists as an iconic destination, with tides that change but charm that doesn’t, and an exciting future that we’re tremendously excited to build.
The early days: Historic architecture, charming hospitality
Bluff House began in the early 1950s as the private home of Pearce and Kitty Coady. As many of the traditional English Victorian and American Colonial homes were of their day, it was a wonderful gathering place for a unique mix of interesting and cosmopolitan people. Pearce and Kitty frequently hosted boaters from all over the world who were looking for a comfortable night on land, good company, excellent food, and genuine hospitality. Over time, they added to the Bluff House property so they could accommodate more guests eager to experience the stunning Bluff House setting and the Coadys’ warm “make you feel right at home” welcoming.
From 1978 to 1986, the Davies family owned Bluff House. Melissa and Leslie Davies, 24 and 25 years old respectively, ran Bluff House until they sold it to Martin Havill, who owned and operated it from 1986 to 1995. Fast forward to 1995 when Bluff House was purchased by Roger and Susan Phillips. Roger and Susan offered guests their warm and gracious hospitality for 17 years. Roger and Susan owned and operated Bluff House until June 2011, when it was purchased by a group of investors headed by Roger’s nephew, Ian Phillips, along with Chuck Bangert, Paul Ogorchock, and Michael and Jennifer Withers.
Each owner took care to maintain the wondrous roots and rustic island elegance that have always made Bluff House so beloved.
Awards and recognition as the most charmed historic Bahamas’ destination
As Bluff House served visitors for decades with a remarkable consistency of exceptional service, the resort and marina’s standing as a true Green Turtle Cay community began to draw more and more public recognition.
In 2018, TripAdvisor awarded Bluff House with the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence “Hall of Fame” award. TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” accolade is awarded only to companies that consistently achieve great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, which is the largest travel site in the world. The additional “Hall of Fame” designation is given to establishments awarded the Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years, demonstrating they have delivered outstanding customer service over a long period of time.
“Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years is a remarkable feat. TripAdvisor is pleased to induct five-time award winners into the ‘Hall of Fame’,” said Marc Charron, President of TripAdvisor for Business. “By putting a spotlight on businesses that are focused on consistently delivering great service to customers, TripAdvisor not only helps drive an improvement in hospitality standards around the world, it also gives businesses both large and small the ability to shine and stand out from the competition.”
The same year of 2018 saw General Manager Molly Mcintosh receive Caribbean Journal’s “Hotelier of the Year” award, and months later, Green Turtle Cay was recognized by USA Today as the Number One “Best Caribbean Island for Romance” in its “10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards.” The resort and marina continue to regularly place in “Best Of” publications, including as one of Caribbean Journal’s “25 best beach bars” in 2024.
2018: TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
“HALL OF FAME” WINNER
Recognized as a Top Performing Resort as Reviewed by Travelers on the World’s Largest Travel Site for five consecutive years.
Bluff House welcomes an exciting future with VIP Marinas Group
December 17, 2025 was a regular day for many but memorable for the VIP Marinas team and the white-sand beach and resort community at Bluff House. Austin and Jenny Cameron, along with Felecia and Dan Ongley, were tremendously excited to formally introduce themselves as the new owners of Bluff House Beach Resort and & Marina. Each of the new owners expressed their gratitude and honor to now be the caretakers of the legacy of Bluff House.
“I don’t see this as a business transaction, but a dream come true,” said Austin Cameron. “This has been our family’s favorite vacation spot for years, and we’re honored to help preserve its character while enhancing the experience for others as if it were our home,” said Jenny Cameron. Felecia, Dan, Austin, and Jenny sent a letter to each cottage owner, and described falling in love with the Abacos as their long-time family vacation haven, along with their respect for the resort’s future:
Over the years, Bluff House has earned a reputation for its charm, its welcoming spirit, and its unforgettable views. We approach this new chapter with deep respect for that legacy. At the same time, we are filled with enthusiasm for the improvements, experiences, and opportunities ahead. Our shared vision is to elevate Bluff House into one of the premier destinations in the Abacos, while preserving the authentic, relaxed island experience that everyone loves.
A commitment to preservation and excellence
Austin, Jenny, Dan, and Felecia understood when they purchased Bluff House that they were entering a community with a culture, history, and relationships that have grown over decades. Part of their dedication to a “VIP” resort experience is to maintain and continue the strength of character that has made Bluff House a rich and heart-warming environment. Their mission and promise now as owners is to:
Provide exceptional care and management of cottages, so that owners and guests enjoy a seamless and memorable experience.
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Improve operational systems to enhance efficiency, communication, and guest satisfaction.
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Invest in upgrades and long-term improvements across the property that benefit both owners and visitors.
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Build strong, transparent relationships where visitors and residents feel heard, valued, and informed every step of the way.
Looking to the future: The VIP Marinas vision
VIP Marinas Group is a family-run marina and resort group with properties across Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and the Bahamas. We are thrilled to welcome Bluff House as our fifteenth property and our first in the Bahamas.
For more than 15 years, VIP Marinas has specialized in award-winning marina management, hospitality, and guest services. VIP is known for long-term stewardship, strong operations, and investing heavily in property improvements that create value for owners, guests, and the communities we serve. Our vision is “To create destination marinas where people make positive memories that last a lifetime.”
VIP’s goals for the future of Bluff House are a renewed focus on hospitality excellence, property maintenance, and guest engagement. Long-term plans include a thoughtful revitalization of the entire resort, including enhanced services and amenities, rebuilding of the iconic hilltop restaurant, and a range of improvements that will uniquely benefit cottage owners and elevate the guest experience. VIP Marinas and the already-incredible staff and management team at Bluff House will work together to create a destination that stands out in the Bahamas for its beauty, comfort, and warm sense of community.
Austin, Jenny, Felecia, and Dan thank the Bluff House community for their trust as we embark on a new era of memory at Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina. We look forward to meeting each of you personally, hearing your stories, and working together to make Bluff House the very best it can be.
You can learn more about the VIP Marinas Group at www.vipmarinas.com.