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Bahamas Advice
Posted on 3/7/17 at 11:22 am
Posted on 3/7/17 at 11:22 am
Planning a trip to the Bahamas for next summer for 10 year anniversary. I have enough southwest points to fly for free there, so that's where we are going.
I am torn between deciding on an all-inclusive resort, or going with a VRBO rental on one of the less crowded islands and just doing our own thing.
Anyone have any experience with exploring the Bahamas on your own? Renting a car, going to a store to get essentials, etc? Found a nice cottage on Eluethera. Comes with snorkel gear and kayak for two and has it's own little private pool, although doubt it's needed with that awesome cove right outside your doorsteps.
Pretty damn cheap too, only $120/nt.
cost isn't that big of a deal, b/c we were going to spend something in the $4k range to stay at Sandals, but the idea of being more secluded and that view is just awesome. Would love to explore the island and go to beaches with no one on them. Big thing I keep reading about though is the flies or whatever it is that bites you. Are they a big problem at the big resorts as well?
It's hard to beat getting pampered at the all inclusive resort and not worrying about anything, but I like the seclusion of the vacation rentals, but that comes with having to worry about getting groceries and eating out and planning excursions and what not.
I am torn between deciding on an all-inclusive resort, or going with a VRBO rental on one of the less crowded islands and just doing our own thing.
Anyone have any experience with exploring the Bahamas on your own? Renting a car, going to a store to get essentials, etc? Found a nice cottage on Eluethera. Comes with snorkel gear and kayak for two and has it's own little private pool, although doubt it's needed with that awesome cove right outside your doorsteps.
Pretty damn cheap too, only $120/nt.
cost isn't that big of a deal, b/c we were going to spend something in the $4k range to stay at Sandals, but the idea of being more secluded and that view is just awesome. Would love to explore the island and go to beaches with no one on them. Big thing I keep reading about though is the flies or whatever it is that bites you. Are they a big problem at the big resorts as well?
It's hard to beat getting pampered at the all inclusive resort and not worrying about anything, but I like the seclusion of the vacation rentals, but that comes with having to worry about getting groceries and eating out and planning excursions and what not.
4
Posted on 3/7/17 at 11:45 am to TeddyPadillac
Headed to Eleuthera for the first time at the end of June(wife and two young kids). We went the VRBO route as usual. We did the all-inclusive long ago for our honeymoon, but found that we explore too much to get much out of it and have done the VRBO thing ever since. Typically go to islands or places that are more low key and lack cruise ships and big resorts, just our preference.
Ours has it's own beach, comes with kayaks, snorkel gear, and a very small "sail boat". But going the route means you may have to cook, clean, and shop for meals at times.
From what I've read the "flies" they talk about are gnats, or "no-see-ems". There are sprays you can bring that really help. I've been told if you go the VRBO route have an ice chest of meats to cook as one of your checked bags, saves you tons of money and time.
Ours has it's own beach, comes with kayaks, snorkel gear, and a very small "sail boat". But going the route means you may have to cook, clean, and shop for meals at times.
From what I've read the "flies" they talk about are gnats, or "no-see-ems". There are sprays you can bring that really help. I've been told if you go the VRBO route have an ice chest of meats to cook as one of your checked bags, saves you tons of money and time.
Posted on 3/7/17 at 11:47 am to TeddyPadillac
Harbour Island is one of my favorite places in the world. I don't think any of these are all-inclusive (all will be pricey) but The Dunmore, Pink Sands Resort and Ocean View Club are all fantastic places to stay. I have had friends rent AirBNBs in the past and they were all very nice. This island is hard to beat.
I have never spent significant time on Eleuthera but I would 100% recommend Harbour.
Harbour Island is much smaller but I would say more higher end with a better mix of bars/restaurants. I think Eleuthera has a ton more beaches and more to explore whereas with Harbour you basically have 1 nice beach.
I have never spent significant time on Eleuthera but I would 100% recommend Harbour.
Harbour Island is much smaller but I would say more higher end with a better mix of bars/restaurants. I think Eleuthera has a ton more beaches and more to explore whereas with Harbour you basically have 1 nice beach.
This post was edited on 3/7/17 at 11:51 am
Posted on 3/7/17 at 12:20 pm to Dock Holiday
quote:
I've been told if you go the VRBO route have an ice chest of meats to cook as one of your checked bags, saves you tons of money and time.
Yeah I've read that as well. Not really a big deal, but ideally you don't want to have to cook for yourself everyday when on vacation.
It's true island living, without luxuries for the most part. Sometimes the water doesn't work, very unreliable internet (not that it matters), and roads that aren't made for cars. It's basically a 3rd world country with beautiful beaches and views. But I like the idea of being off the grid basically, and everything you read says the locals are very friendly.
Posted on 3/7/17 at 12:34 pm to TeddyPadillac
quote:
Not really a big deal, but ideally you don't want to have to cook for yourself everyday when on vacation.
I agree and it's a give and take. We typically eat at local places when we can and cook some.
We would rather do a little extra work and be around "locals" than be at a resort surrounded by other tourist, just a personal choice and see the advantages of both.
Posted on 3/7/17 at 4:20 pm to Dock Holiday
Have you ever been to Eleuthera? There isn't much to do and most of the island is very very secluded. We stayed at the Cove and loved it. Every day we had our own private beach, whether we stayed at the resort or ventured out.
Harbour Island is great, I highly recommend a couple day trips there.
Harbour Island is great, I highly recommend a couple day trips there.
Posted on 3/7/17 at 6:28 pm to nolaTiger24
Harbor Island is fantastic. Make sure to rent a golf cart well in advance. As others have said Eluthera is nice but secluded and slow - which might be what you're looking for.
Another hotel option on Harbor Island is Valentines.
Another hotel option on Harbor Island is Valentines.
Posted on 3/11/17 at 9:39 am to TeddyPadillac
We will be making our second trip to Eleuthera this summer. VRBO is the way to go. Rock Sound has a pretty decent grocery store and a good liquor store: we eat out about half the time at various places around the island. There are some fantastic local-food restaurants on the island. Best fried grouper, peas, and Mac-n-cheese I've ever had was on Eleuthera.
You can get fresh fish to cook at the fishermen wharf.
You definitely need a rental car - do not expect luxury. Lighthouse beach is a must. Plenty of great fishing everywhere. Beaches are very diverse... Rocky, sandy, calm, strong surf.... You can experience it all.
That said, if you want a change of pace/off the grid but still get pampered experience ... Check out Small Hope Bay Lodge on Andros. It is truly a unique experience. I've been going there every year for quite a while now. It is all inclusive with fantastic food and a help yourself bar with anything you could want from an all-inclusive. You will have miles of empty beaches to yourself, but you will absolutely make new friends, both with the staff and with other guests. There are only 18 cabins at the resort. So no huge crowds.
It is the absolute opposite of Atlantis in almost every way. But it still offers top-notch service by the friendliest people in the Bahamas.
We will be doing a week on Eleuthera and then a week on Andros this summer. We love both for being raw, undeveloped non-mega resorts islands.
As for the bugs... Yes, during the summer, you will get bit. Skin-so-soft seems to be the best deterrent. But a few bugbites is a small price to pay for an incredible vacation.
You can get fresh fish to cook at the fishermen wharf.
You definitely need a rental car - do not expect luxury. Lighthouse beach is a must. Plenty of great fishing everywhere. Beaches are very diverse... Rocky, sandy, calm, strong surf.... You can experience it all.
That said, if you want a change of pace/off the grid but still get pampered experience ... Check out Small Hope Bay Lodge on Andros. It is truly a unique experience. I've been going there every year for quite a while now. It is all inclusive with fantastic food and a help yourself bar with anything you could want from an all-inclusive. You will have miles of empty beaches to yourself, but you will absolutely make new friends, both with the staff and with other guests. There are only 18 cabins at the resort. So no huge crowds.
It is the absolute opposite of Atlantis in almost every way. But it still offers top-notch service by the friendliest people in the Bahamas.
We will be doing a week on Eleuthera and then a week on Andros this summer. We love both for being raw, undeveloped non-mega resorts islands.
As for the bugs... Yes, during the summer, you will get bit. Skin-so-soft seems to be the best deterrent. But a few bugbites is a small price to pay for an incredible vacation.
This post was edited on 3/11/17 at 9:45 am
Posted on 3/11/17 at 5:21 pm to TeddyPadillac
Dang. We wanted to do something like this for our anniversary but I couldn't stand leaving my kids for that long. My husband probably feels the same but may or may not admit it.
Is this this type of place you could bring two children (ages 5& 8) and make a family vaca out of it?
Is this this type of place you could bring two children (ages 5& 8) and make a family vaca out of it?
Posted on 3/11/17 at 6:17 pm to CorkSoaker
quote:
this this type of place you could bring two children (ages 5& 8) and make a family vaca out of it?
I have a couple friends that have been and we'll be going for the first time this summer. I'm told it depends on your kids and your activities you enjoy. We are bringing ours (7 and 10), but they are beach lovers and great swimmers, we have also introduced them to snorkeling already.
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