Windermere Island

Windermere Sign From Queens Highway Eleuthera

Windermere Beach

Windermere Island is a small island located in The Bahamas. It is about five miles long, and is noted for its beaches and its celebrity visitors, who use it as a private retreat. The island is connected to the larger island of Eleuthera by a short bridge, which is protected by a guardhouse. The adjoining waters and flats of Savannah Sound are considered to be a premier bonefishing location, and Windermere's five-mile long beach is protected by a five-mile long reef which is rich in fish and underwater flora. The beach was considered by Jacques-Yves Cousteau to be one of the two most beautiful in the world.

The island is populated with private homes and the remains of the once popular Windermere Island Club which is now closed. Diana Princess of Wales holidayed in one of the houses, and enjoyed the beach in Savannah Sound, from where a member of the paparazzi snapped the infamous picture of the pregnant Princess in a swimsuit. Famous residents have included Jacques-Yves Cousteau, The Duke and Duchess of Abercorn (James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn), India Hicks, and The Johnson Family (Lyndon B. Johnson). Members of England's royal family visit the island regularly, often arriving by private Helicopter. In April 2008, the island was the setting for the wedding of singer Mariah Carey to comedian Nick Cannon, when they were married at her private residence on the island.