NOTES FROM MONTAGE CAYIssue No. 02
Spring in The Abacos is a time of renewal, and a season that invites a deeper connection to the islands.
As Montage Cay continues to take shape, we share in the anticipation of time spent among the people and places that define our corner of The Out Islands.
A NATIONAL SYMBOL
Few landmarks capture the spirit of The Abacos more vividly than Hope Town’s red-and-white striped Elbow Reef Lighthouse. So deeply woven into Bahamian life that it appears on the nation’s ten-dollar note, its beam has guided sailors through the Sea of Abaco since 1863. Still hand-lit by kerosene, it is the last lighthouse in the world to uphold the manual tradition, operating fully without electricity.
KEEPING THE LIGHT ON
For Heather Forde-Prosa, the lighthouse is nothing short of “the heartbeat of Hope Town.” Born in Nassau and a resident of The Abacos since 2006, she serves as Development Director for the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society, part of the small team entrusted with “keeping the light on” in this beloved Bahamian emblem.
Heather describes the work of the Lighthouse Society as a true community undertaking. Maintaining a 19th-century lighthouse means confronting challenges no modern manual can solve, and each project draws on the talents of volunteer artists, engineers, craftspeople, and neighbors across the island. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she says. It is meticulous work that reflects The Out Islands’ spirit of resourcefulness and collaboration.
That spirit was never more evident than after Hurricane Dorian. In the days following the storm, Hope Town was left in darkness. When the lighthouse was finally illuminated, it was a powerful moment of resilience throughout The Abacos. “It is our past, present, and future,” says Heather, and the heartbeat of a place that remains unmistakably authentic.
SPRING ROUTES & RUNS
Born and raised in Abaco, Captain Johnson Auguste of Cruise Abaco has spent a lifetime on these waters. “Everything changes in spring. The mahi come around this time, marlin and sailfish, too,” he explains, noting the start of tournament season, and one of the most active fishing seasons in The Abacos. Here, he shares his perspective on making the most of spring boating and fishing.
Head South
From the lighthouse in Hope Town, many experienced fishermen work their way toward Cherokee and the famed “Hole in the Wall.” One of the most consistent routes in The Abacos, “That’s where you get the big fish,” notes Auguste.
Follow the Ledge
Just a short run offshore, the seafloor drops dramatically. “Five, six miles, that’s all you need. You’re up to a thousand feet,” he says. Along this ledge, larger species gather to feed, offering rare access to deep-sea fishing in just minutes.
Reading the Water
Routes here are shaped less by maps than by observation. “The ledges, the birds, the seaweed—those are your signs,” Johnson explains. These subtle cues signal where fish are running, guiding each outing in real time.
SPRING RETURNS WITH
ALLEN MCMURTRAY
A college roommate first brought Allen McMurtray to The Abacos more than 30 years ago—and he’s been finding his way back ever since. Today, as Director of Sales and Marketing Operations for Montage Residences, his connection to the islands is deeply personal, shaped by friendship, community, and a lifetime on the water.
The white-sand beaches, the crystal blue waters. It’s a boater’s dream. What’s not to love?
Spring, especially, brings back memories old and new: prize catches of mahi-mahi and marlin, spearfishing with friends, and one especially unforgettable day spent with his family, exploring Pelican Cay and cruising alongside a school of dolphins on the return trip.
The Abacos truly feel like a gift. I’ve been coming for 30 years and with every visit I discover new places and meet new people. It’s a magical place.
A SPRING CATCH
The arrival of mahi-mahi signals a new season in The Abacos, and this simple, dockside preparation reflects the spirit of a Bahamian spring: fresh, vibrant, and bright.
DOCKSIDE CITRUS MAHI
Ingredients
- Fresh mahi-mahi fillets
- 2–3 key limes or sour oranges, halved
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Preparation
- Pat fish dry and season with oil, squeezed citrus, salt, and pepper
- Let rest briefly while heating grill or pan
- Cook skin-side down for 4 minutes, then flip, cooking 2–3 minutes more (or until cooked through)
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh citrus and serve immediately
PROGRESS & MOMENTUM
Construction at Montage Cay has entered a new phase. Residences are well advanced across the island, and for the first time, the full scale and flow of Montage Cay can be experienced in a single visit, from the Sales gallery and mock-up Residence to the Villas along Piper Beach.
Set along Three Sisters Beach with the private Marina directly behind, the recently released Marina Villas represent one of the most distinctive residential offerings at Montage Cay. Positioned within a quiet stretch of the island, accessed by landscaped pathways, these Residences offer a rare combination of beach on one side and berth on the other.
Spa Montage is now well into construction and beginning to take shape on site. Here is a closer look at what’s to come.
If you have been considering Montage Cay, this is an ideal time to experience the progress firsthand. Contact our team to arrange a visit.
Looking Ahead
In the next edition, discover secret snorkeling spots from The Abacos’ most knowledgeable instructor, and celebrate the start of lobster season with recipes and tips.
Click to download a printable, PDF copy of Montage Cay’s Quarterly.
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