dosu

This will be a first time trip to the Out Islands. We are a couple looking for small resort or hotel or villa/house and many that we have liked are closed for September or booked already. We are open to any island, but like private beaches, yet close to at least some amenities.

We liked the Grand Isle, Runaway Hill, Bluff House, Rock House. French Leave has an availability that is tempting at a discounted rate, but is not on the beach which we would prefer. Maybe others have more information about French Leave.
We'd like calmer waters, so either on a protected beach or not Atlantic side. We want to do good snorkeling and kayak or boating, and be nearby to restaurants. We don't mind cooking an occasional breakfast or lunch, but would like restaurant options as well. If necessary, we don't mind renting a car.
Budget would be a base rate of around $250-350/nt
TIA

BeachGirl247

Which airport are you flying into -- ELH (North Eleuthera which services the north end of the island and Harbour Island)? Or, Rock Sound (south end) or Govenor's Harbour which is mid-island? It's 100 miles long so you would want to pick a hotel in the area you fly into. Unless you get a great deal on airfare as we've been known to fly into Governor's Harbour and stayed on Harbour Island because the rate was lower.

No car rentals on Harbour Island. Golf carts on this 3 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile island just 5 minutes by boat from the north end of Eleuthera. Every trip we've stayed at Runaway Hill. I love a small, boutique hotel where I can be on the pink-sand beach in just a couple of minutes.

If you are choosing to stay on Harbour Island I would want to be on that beautiful, pink sand beach. It's spectacular. Calm, turquoise water. There's a reason it hangs around on the top 10 beaches list.



French Leave is on the main island flying into Governor's Harbour (mid island). It wasn't there when we visited last. It's a nice little town and we stayed in the South Palmetto area with a house on the beach. Really liked the location and snorkeling off of our beach. Very quiet.

KeyGal

The Cove (N. Eleuthera airport) may have their lower priced rooms within your budget in off season. It is one of the few resorts open in Sept.

dosu

Thanks, Beachgirl. The issue is that most hotels we have looked at and mentioned are closed the month of September or booked. I can fly into any airport, I'm just looking for recommendations on small nice hotel that is NOT CLOSED for September. Runaway Hill is closed as well.
Any other suggestions appreciated for a MUCH needed quiet vacation.
We may have to reconsider our September date.
Thanks in advance

dosu

Also, this does NOT have to be only Eleuthera. Thanks. look forward to suggestions

dosu

thanks Keygal. Yes, I did see the Cove.. but seems rather 'sterile' looking. not my first choice, but thanks for the info

BeachGirl247

One thing to consider is not only are hotels closed for repairs but also restaurants take that opportunity to close as well. Something to consider and look into before booking your vacation spot.

Barbados is normally out of the hurricane area and has several nice beach areas on the island. I enjoy off the beaten path travel and you can find that as well as a very lively crowd.

You might enjoy Vieques and Culebra, beautiful islands off of Puerto Rico. Low-key with nice accommodations and mostly vacation rentals.

St Vincent and the Grenadines may have an island you would like.
http://www.discoversvg.com

mnag

French leave beach is on the atlantic side but I think it may be a bit protected. We have been there several times over 2 trips and never experienced rough waves. It is spectacular and one of the best beaches on the island.

dosu

Thanks again, Beachgirl... I really have been determined to stick with one of the out island.. every time I start to look at other possibilities, it just isn't the same
.. there doesn't seem to be that many restaurants in Governor's Harbor.. if most will be closed that may be an issue. Do you know if French Leave is within walking
distance from town? We will likely get a car, do you have any suggestions on a reputable car rental?
I will take a look at Barbados and St Vincent.. as we've haven't been to either, but may just settle on French Leave and hope for the best.

Thanks, Mnag... good to know the water is calmer there, I have read it's a beautiful beach.

d

joan

I have been to Eleuthera several times, a couple of them in September. You must have a car. The car will be a junker, but it will *usually* get you where you want to go. There is no "walking to town". You will also find, as mnag said, calm, swimmable, snorkelable beaches on the Atlantic side, especially in September. So don't rule that out! I prefer the Atlantic side for breezes and less noseeums (but you will still find them!)

I have always rented a villa. Imagine a secluded beach where you may not see another soul the whole time (or perhaps only in the distance)). Romantic! Yes, places close but what we do is explore and lunch out during the day (so you have the whole island to choose from) and then put together a simple - or elaborate - dinner at home. Once it gets dark, you will NOT want to drive.

Also, take a look at Trip Advisor's eleu board - there are locals there and lots of info.

Vrbo has quite a few in the North Palmetto Point area available for your dates. Check Double Bay also. Both great areas. Have fun!

dosu

Thank you, Joan, you brought up some good points and great advice.
Should we just rent a car from ghb airport? Any recommended?

Also, I would rather be on the beach, but do like that French Leave does have an on site restaurant(1648)and as you said, we wouldn't want to drive at night. Also,the 1 week rate is quite a bit discounted, but maybe a vrbo rental next time.
I love quiet and secluded, but didn't want there to be NOTHING open. The resort said that the tourist restaurants are open and the "native" restaurants closed... not sure how true that is.
Please give me a few restaurants that you liked and snorkeling spots as well. Thanks

ishkribbl

Since this will be a first trip to the out islands, why not take a look at the Abacos? Look at the Hopetown Harbor Lodge, for example, for a great little spot on the beach where you can easily walk all through the settlement to different restaurants and shops- when in September are you planning to go? I know some things close in September or October for maintenance during their slow season but the weather should be lovely barring a storm- buy trip insurance regardless of which island you travel to at that time.
Have you looked at places on Great Rxuma?