There was a time when the Xanadu Beach Hotel was one of Freeport’s most glamorous addresses. Set between a beautiful stretch of beach and its own marina, it offered elegant restaurants, tennis courts, swimming pools and a taste of the good life.

But the Xanadu also had stories to tell. Its guests included one of the world’s most famous and reclusive billionaires, and for generations of Freeport residents its lavish Sunday brunches became something of a local institution.

THE LUDWIG YEARS

The Xanadu was built in 1968 by American shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig, one of the wealthiest men in the world and an important figure in Freeport’s early development.

Ludwig had already played a major role in the creation of Freeport Harbour, investing $2 million to dredge Hawksbill Creek. In the years that followed, his interests on Grand Bahama expanded to include hotels, residential development and golf courses.

Set on a spectacular beachfront site with its own marina, the Xanadu became one of the jewels of Ludwig’s growing hotel empire — and one of Freeport’s most glamorous resorts.

Contemporary accounts give some idea of just how glamorous. The Xanadu boasted 96 hotel suites, seven Mediterranean-style villas with private pools and even a Tiffany-glass dance floor. An executive jet was available to fly members to Freeport from fashionable resorts such as Gstaad and Acapulco.

The Xanadu soon became an exclusive hideaway associated with the stars of the day, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Cary Grant. But one guest would become more closely associated with the Xanadu than any other — the famously reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.

ENTER HOWARD HUGHES…

In December 1973, the Xanadu acquired its most extraordinary resident. Howard Hughes, once the dashing aviator, film producer and one of the richest men in America, arrived in Freeport in the early hours of the morning with an entourage of aides and quietly took over the top of the hotel. 

Hughes occupied the penthouse suites on the top floor, while members of his staff and security entourage were housed immediately below. Increasingly reclusive, he lived largely hidden from public view — even though hotel guests and Freeport residents went about their lives only a few floors beneath him.

The Xanadu tower. Howard Hughes occupied the penthouse suites on the top floor, with members of his entourage housed below.

LIFE AT THE XANADU

Beyond the famous names and the stories surrounding Howard Hughes, the Xanadu was part of everyday social life in Freeport. Its lobby, lounges and restaurants were places to meet friends, celebrate special occasions — or simply enjoy a little luxury.

The Xanadu lobby in 1970

DINING IN STYLE

The Xanadu may have attracted the rich and famous, but for many Freeport residents some of its happiest memories were made around the dining table.The Escoffier Room was the hotel’s elegant fine-dining restaurant — the sort of place where dinner really felt like an occasion. Beautifully appointed, with impeccable service and superb food, it was one of Freeport’s special places to dine.

And then there were the Sunday champagne brunches. Lavish, leisurely and seemingly endless, the buffet became something of a Freeport institution — a chance to dress up, meet friends, enjoy wonderful food and, of course, a glass or two of champagne.

The Xanadu’s lavish buffet — a highlight of the much-loved Sunday champagne brunch.

THE END OF AN ERA

After standing on Xanadu Beach for more than half a century, the old hotel now appears to be approaching the end of its story.

In 2026, the property was acquired by Royal Caribbean as part of plans for a major new beach, recreation and entertainment destination for cruise passengers. The development promises another transformation for this beautiful stretch of Freeport coastline. 

But for those who remember the Xanadu in its heyday — the elegant dinners, Sunday champagne brunches, famous visitors and special occasions — its loss will mark the end of an era.

The Xanadu may disappear from the Freeport landscape, but the memories made there will remain.