About sCL
Staniel Cay Life is your trusted insider’s welcome to experiencing Staniel Cay, Bahamas like a local—all from a perspective that feels like a friendly chat with someone who truly knows and loves the island.
We share the magic of Staniel Cay by being your go-to resource for up-to-date info, pro travel tips, stunning imagery and an authentic look at island life. Whether you're planning a trip, dreaming of your next visit, or simply craving a dose of island vibes, we've got you covered!
Our Values
At Staniel Cay Life, we believe in:
Authenticity
Keeping it real with honest, firsthand insights that truly reflect island life.
Sustainability & Respect
Encouraging responsible travel that respects and protects the island’s natural beauty and local way of life.
Community
Celebrating the people, culture and charm that make Staniel Cay so special.
Good Vibes Only
Spreading positivity, warmth and the joy of island living with every post, newsletter and interaction.
What Makes Us Different?
With Staniel Cay Life, you get the perfect blend of a lawyer’s brain, an educator’s heart, and an island soul.
Trust & Credibility
We’re not just another travel blog or website. We are a true local resource, fully immersed in the community, and dedicated to providing accurate, reliable and up-to-date information. Unlike influencers or generic travel guides who drop in briefly, Staniel Cay Life provides authentic insights from someone who’s deeply connected to the island.
Local Expertise, Visitor Savvy
With decades of firsthand experience on the island and an American perspective, we understand what visitors need. Our insider knowledge is grounded in real experience, not quick visits, fleeting impressions or a particular agenda.
Deep Experience & Professionalism
With a background in law and education, we bring a detail-oriented, research-based approach to everything we share. Having hosted guests here for over a decade, we’ve answered countless traveler questions and helped visitors navigate the nuances for an incredible vacation experience.
More than just the basics
We go beyond surface-level travel tips. Through our blog and newsletter, we provide in-depth glimpses into the heart of Staniel Cay and island life. With a profound love for the people and community that make this Cay special, we support local businesses and also seek to share their services and events.
UP to date & Relevant
The island is always changing, and we make sure our content stays current, accurate and useful—something you won’t always find in other travel guides. Plus, it is all first-hand--no reliance on stock photos or AI writing here!
“If there’s one thing you should know about me—it’s that Staniel Cay is in my soul. ”
Hi! I’m Dawn — your author, guide and hostess at Staniel Cay Life
Staniel Cay Life is my passion project—something that’s been in the works in my heart and mind for years – and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! This is the culmination of decades of experience, all driven by a deep love for this incredible island.
I’m an American with roots in the South, the Midwest, and now Florida, but my connection to Staniel Cay runs even deeper. My first visit was way back in 1986, when my family escaped the snowy Midwest for a Christmas adventure. From the moment I arrived, I fell in love—with the breathtaking beauty, the welcoming community, and the island’s one-of-a-kind charm.
What started as an annual family tradition quickly became a lifelong bond. Over the years, we went from being guests at Staniel Cay Yacht Club to renting a local home (long before Airbnb and VRBO even existed!). Eventually, my parents built a home on South Staniel, cementing our place in this special community.
As my family—and later, my adult self—moved across various states, Staniel Cay remained my one constant “hometown.” Throughout college, law school, and graduate studies in education, it was always my escape—the place where I felt most at home. I spent 14 years as a Stateside lawyer, eventually making partner at a downtown big-city law firm. Yet I felt a pull toward something more…
Now, more than ever, I believe Life has a way of guiding you where you’re meant to be. After nearly four decades rooted in Staniel Cay, I’ve been blessed to call it home base for the past 14 years, alongside my Bahamian hubby (yes, there’s a strong love story mixed into it all! 😉).
Through Staniel Cay Life, I’m here to share my insider knowledge, personal experiences and island passion with you—so you can experience the very best of Staniel Cay, just like a local.
