Bahamas Out Islands - which one?
Nov 18th, 2009, 02:57 AM
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Bahamas Out Islands - which one?
A friend and I want to vacation in the cays in April. We're 2 women, age 50, not partners, merely good friends who want to get away from our hectic jobs and lifestyles for a week. We are looking for beautiful beaches, peaceful walks, a town and place to stay that has some soul energy/character, a little shopping, good restaurants, some beautiful drives perhaps. Neither of us snorkels or goes fishing so that isn't important. We are not boaters, although a boat ride would be great if we're not navigating. Is there one cay over another that anyone might recommend? When we choose the cay, I'll then be asking for recommendations for lodging. Thank you all in advance.
Nov 18th, 2009, 03:07 AM
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It would help us to know from where you are traveling, and what your budget is, so we could give more specific advice.
The Out Islands are very diverse, but share the common factor of being well off the beaten path, being very relaxed and laid back, (most) having stunning beaches, offering a warm welcome to visitors, and being quite safe.
Beyond that, there are some very narrow but long islands (Eleuthera, Cat, Long), some strings of very small islands (Abacos, Exumas), some that are relatively easy to reach (Abacos), some for which elaborate travel arrangements need to be made (most of the others), some which offer a bit more social activity and amenities, and some which are totally isolated (Andros, Exuma Cays outside of Great Exuma).
For beginners, I tend to recommend the Abacos, and in particular Elbow Cay (Hopetown). Fly to Marsh Harbour and take the ferry over -- if you live on the east coast, you can be there well before an early happy hour. Rent a golf cart to explore this charming, pocket-sized cay. If you want to stay in "town", then Hopetown Harbour Lodge might be a good choice, as it's right on the beautiful Atlantic beach, but steps away from the settlement and several choices of dining, drinking and shopping. If you're willing to be a few minutes' golf cart ride from town, I would suggest Seaspray Resort or the Abaco Inn, both of which are in White Sound with ocean and Sea of Abaco frontage and easy access to the very cool Tahiti Beach at the southern tip of the cay. Each has a restaurant and bar and a fairly lively social scene in April.
There are many cottages and villas from which to choose as well.
Good luck planning your trip.
The Out Islands are very diverse, but share the common factor of being well off the beaten path, being very relaxed and laid back, (most) having stunning beaches, offering a warm welcome to visitors, and being quite safe.
Beyond that, there are some very narrow but long islands (Eleuthera, Cat, Long), some strings of very small islands (Abacos, Exumas), some that are relatively easy to reach (Abacos), some for which elaborate travel arrangements need to be made (most of the others), some which offer a bit more social activity and amenities, and some which are totally isolated (Andros, Exuma Cays outside of Great Exuma).
For beginners, I tend to recommend the Abacos, and in particular Elbow Cay (Hopetown). Fly to Marsh Harbour and take the ferry over -- if you live on the east coast, you can be there well before an early happy hour. Rent a golf cart to explore this charming, pocket-sized cay. If you want to stay in "town", then Hopetown Harbour Lodge might be a good choice, as it's right on the beautiful Atlantic beach, but steps away from the settlement and several choices of dining, drinking and shopping. If you're willing to be a few minutes' golf cart ride from town, I would suggest Seaspray Resort or the Abaco Inn, both of which are in White Sound with ocean and Sea of Abaco frontage and easy access to the very cool Tahiti Beach at the southern tip of the cay. Each has a restaurant and bar and a fairly lively social scene in April.
There are many cottages and villas from which to choose as well.
Good luck planning your trip.
Nov 18th, 2009, 03:49 AM
#3
Callaloo gave good recommendations.
I've been to Abacos, Exumas, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, San Salvador, and of course, Paradise, New Providence and Grand Bahama.
I always recommend Harbour Island as the first experience for the following reasons:
It's tiny, so you can walk around or rent a golf cart
The resorts aren't as "rustic" as the other islands, so it helps "acclimate"
The town is gorgeous, New England style clapboard homes with white picket fences draped in colorful flowers with pastel colored shutters. (Elbow Cay is similar, and has a lighthouse)
It has a chic ambience, and has some nightlife and a sprinkle of shops. (most Out Islands have NO shopping)
One of the world's most beautiful beaches, 3 mile Pink Sands Beach, is here. Toiu can even bareback horse ride on the beach.
It's an easy 15 water taxi to Eleuthera, where you can rent a car and explore the "elusive beaches of Eleuthera", the window bridge, where one side of the ocean is crashing waves, the other is calm like glass, yet only 1 lane separates it. With easy access, you're getting 2 different islands for the price of one.
Check out Valentine's Resort, while not on the beach, fantastic prices for the luxury you get, granite, marble, plush beds, only a short walk or golf cart ride to the beach.
HI also has excellent restaurants and maybe some celebrity sightings.
I've been to Abacos, Exumas, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, San Salvador, and of course, Paradise, New Providence and Grand Bahama.
I always recommend Harbour Island as the first experience for the following reasons:
It's tiny, so you can walk around or rent a golf cart
The resorts aren't as "rustic" as the other islands, so it helps "acclimate"
The town is gorgeous, New England style clapboard homes with white picket fences draped in colorful flowers with pastel colored shutters. (Elbow Cay is similar, and has a lighthouse)
It has a chic ambience, and has some nightlife and a sprinkle of shops. (most Out Islands have NO shopping)
One of the world's most beautiful beaches, 3 mile Pink Sands Beach, is here. Toiu can even bareback horse ride on the beach.
It's an easy 15 water taxi to Eleuthera, where you can rent a car and explore the "elusive beaches of Eleuthera", the window bridge, where one side of the ocean is crashing waves, the other is calm like glass, yet only 1 lane separates it. With easy access, you're getting 2 different islands for the price of one.
Check out Valentine's Resort, while not on the beach, fantastic prices for the luxury you get, granite, marble, plush beds, only a short walk or golf cart ride to the beach.
HI also has excellent restaurants and maybe some celebrity sightings.
Nov 18th, 2009, 08:19 AM
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I have never been to the Out Islands (but would like to one day!) -- but often in the Caribbean the cut-off between high season and low season falls in April, the month you are going. You might want to pay attention to that as you look at places and choose dates. You could save some significant money (more for shopping and nice meals!).
Nov 18th, 2009, 10:45 AM
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I think Callaloo and Blamona covered it very well - although we have only visited The Abacos - most of them. Elbow Cay is a great place that changes with the seasons - lots of Northern US state visitors in winter then the Southern states come in summer. Its like Cape Cod with palm trees.
If you do not want to hire a boat you can still use the ferry. we are very experienced yacht owners but I can assure you that if you can drive a car you will very quickly pick up zooming around the cays in your own hire boat - the waters are generally very protected and its around the best (safe) water playground in the world.
However, I don't think any visitors or locals would claim it to be chic. In the same way that nobody would claim Cape Cod to be chic. From our research we would agree that Harbour island has better shopping and restaurant choice and maybe closer to what you are looking for - in our case safe boating, endless beaches and friendly sea life for our 4 year old - the Abacos best suit.
Maybe when William discovers Emporio Armani we may change to Harbour Island!
If you do not want to hire a boat you can still use the ferry. we are very experienced yacht owners but I can assure you that if you can drive a car you will very quickly pick up zooming around the cays in your own hire boat - the waters are generally very protected and its around the best (safe) water playground in the world.
However, I don't think any visitors or locals would claim it to be chic. In the same way that nobody would claim Cape Cod to be chic. From our research we would agree that Harbour island has better shopping and restaurant choice and maybe closer to what you are looking for - in our case safe boating, endless beaches and friendly sea life for our 4 year old - the Abacos best suit.
Maybe when William discovers Emporio Armani we may change to Harbour Island!
Nov 18th, 2009, 01:13 PM
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blamona - "laid back sailors atmosphere" - that's us and that's probably the phrase I was looking for.
Its not a question of whether you wear a tie for dinner just whether you put your T shirt on!
Its not a question of whether you wear a tie for dinner just whether you put your T shirt on!
Nov 18th, 2009, 07:02 PM
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markrosy- I think we are of like minds. I think I have seen your name/posts on Abaco forums before (Lubbers, perhaps?). I love the Abacos, Exumas, Long Island, Eleuthera, etc. because they are not chic! Rustic, beautiful, safe and friendly suit me just fine. Maybe it is the middle age feisty person in me whose parents dragged her to half of the palaces, castles, cathedrals, museums and galleries in Europe (not to mention every state in the US) before I got to high school that make me embrace the simple and casual in my adult life! I have been to Harbour Island twice and it is not my cup of tea. I guess it all just depends on your vacation style and what you are expecting or looking for. I agree with Callalou that Hopetown is a lovely place to start learning about the out islands- easy to get around, a good selection of accommodations and places to eat- a golf cart, bicycle or one's feet work fine depending on how far you want to go in your explorations but it is a small island. You can easily go on a day trip with local outfitters to nearby islands- try Little Harbour for a visit to the foundry and Pete's Pub for lunch and drinks or Man-O-War to the canvas shop and boatbuilding and sailmaking businesses that Abaconians have been in for years, or even to Guana for lunch and a great beach walk at Nipper's (go on Sunday for a lively crowd at the BBQ or- as we like now- a weekday for a quieter time).
A very, very long time ago before my first trip to the Abacos, a friend and travel agent told me that "getting dressed for dinner in the Abacos meant putting on earrings" and I think that is still true- shorts, flipflops, bathing suit and you are ready to go.
We are all different and to each his own- if you are looking for simple, laid back, peaceful and casual then the Abacos are a good place to start. If you lean more towards chic and more upscale lodging and restaurants then perhaps HI is the place for you. Regardless, have a great time!
PS With people traveling more and more year round, many places in the out islands no longer have a "high" and "low" season- be sure to check but many places keep the same year round rates.
A very, very long time ago before my first trip to the Abacos, a friend and travel agent told me that "getting dressed for dinner in the Abacos meant putting on earrings" and I think that is still true- shorts, flipflops, bathing suit and you are ready to go.
We are all different and to each his own- if you are looking for simple, laid back, peaceful and casual then the Abacos are a good place to start. If you lean more towards chic and more upscale lodging and restaurants then perhaps HI is the place for you. Regardless, have a great time!
PS With people traveling more and more year round, many places in the out islands no longer have a "high" and "low" season- be sure to check but many places keep the same year round rates.
Nov 19th, 2009, 10:17 AM
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ishkribbl
A number of things slowly sink in about a number issues :
1. the European forum is highly strung because half the posters are having the usual battle for the cultural high ground.
2. I have spent 39.5 of my 40 years trailing round most of Europe's cultural high ground. Quite frankly if I see another pile of 2000 year old rocks I will scream. BTW here's some more Fodor's blasphemy - the Uffizi is full of bloody aweful art that carries very little to provoke the my emotions.
3. We had a very rude awakening recently in Sicily. (More Fodors blasphemy) - its a god aweful place, with god aweful people - if the average Fodorite thinks that that is "wonderful" scenery - I suggest a trip to Tilloo Bank at low water.
4. Travel is not about piles of stones but people - to me anything else is superficial - by a long stretch the best trips we have had have been to the US southern states (Savannah and Charlston stand out) and to The Bahamas. Character abound with tales to tell and time to tell them.
I have wondered whether Harbour Island is for us - mabe too many designer labels "Sex in the City by the Sea"? Lets face it chic is something we would never aspire to - On a two week trip last year - I swear our then 2 year old wore a nappy and nothing else from getting off the AbacoAir flight until arriving back at MHH for the flight back to Nassau. Not the same nappy I might add!!! Sorry he did get dressed for Abaco Inn.
It is in a way comforting to us that we have found a peg hole that we fit into. The main worry is that once the economies start picking up again - The Out Islands become carved up - if you cross reference Real Estate sites it is pretty clear that many Cays are sub-divided just waiting for the next prospective developer. I know that there are substantial developments on the way at Snake Cay, Hopetown and Bakers Bay.
Lets hope that this slice of heaven is not heading the same way as Mexico or Southern Spain! There is talk that a renewal of US relations with Cuba will devastate the Out Islands economy - it is a heard one as this in a way will retain them as relatively undeveloped.
A number of things slowly sink in about a number issues :
1. the European forum is highly strung because half the posters are having the usual battle for the cultural high ground.
2. I have spent 39.5 of my 40 years trailing round most of Europe's cultural high ground. Quite frankly if I see another pile of 2000 year old rocks I will scream. BTW here's some more Fodor's blasphemy - the Uffizi is full of bloody aweful art that carries very little to provoke the my emotions.
3. We had a very rude awakening recently in Sicily. (More Fodors blasphemy) - its a god aweful place, with god aweful people - if the average Fodorite thinks that that is "wonderful" scenery - I suggest a trip to Tilloo Bank at low water.
4. Travel is not about piles of stones but people - to me anything else is superficial - by a long stretch the best trips we have had have been to the US southern states (Savannah and Charlston stand out) and to The Bahamas. Character abound with tales to tell and time to tell them.
I have wondered whether Harbour Island is for us - mabe too many designer labels "Sex in the City by the Sea"? Lets face it chic is something we would never aspire to - On a two week trip last year - I swear our then 2 year old wore a nappy and nothing else from getting off the AbacoAir flight until arriving back at MHH for the flight back to Nassau. Not the same nappy I might add!!! Sorry he did get dressed for Abaco Inn.
It is in a way comforting to us that we have found a peg hole that we fit into. The main worry is that once the economies start picking up again - The Out Islands become carved up - if you cross reference Real Estate sites it is pretty clear that many Cays are sub-divided just waiting for the next prospective developer. I know that there are substantial developments on the way at Snake Cay, Hopetown and Bakers Bay.
Lets hope that this slice of heaven is not heading the same way as Mexico or Southern Spain! There is talk that a renewal of US relations with Cuba will devastate the Out Islands economy - it is a heard one as this in a way will retain them as relatively undeveloped.
Nov 19th, 2009, 10:23 AM
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http://www.indianchieftravel.com/fil...rtFlorence.png
I rest my case - thsi is what they queue for !!!
I rest my case - thsi is what they queue for !!!
Nov 19th, 2009, 03:17 PM
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Love it. I responded to you as well as Callalou in her Staniel Cay report- one thing I forgot to mention is that anyone considering the SCYC should pick the Key Lime cottage- same layout and amenities as Callalou's Ocean Blue but the farthest removed from the clubhouse and at the far end of the tiny pool (which is actually very inviting after a day in the whaler exploring and snorkeling). There were families with children there when we were there so it is welcoming to them- in fact, we chatted with the owner David and his 4 year old son one day as he showed off his newly acquired swimming skills- precious! I recommend it as a fun and interesting out island experience- in addition to the pigs and the iguanas, we happened upon a deserted island across a pass from the Fowl Cay Resort that was inhabited only by chickens and roosters! The fish at Thunderball Grotto were plentiful and ate the SCYC's picnic fruit out of our hands!
Jan 8th, 2010, 06:56 AM
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Definitely Staniel Cay!! I've been there 4 or 5 times (a friend's uncle owns a house there), and it's amazing. The most beautiful water you've ever seen! Not a lot to do (in town) - the pink store, the blue store (groceries), the Yacht Club for evening entertainment (tell Ruth I sent you - she's great!) and a place to stay, and Thunderball on special nights. The swimming pigs are a must see, as is Thunderball Grotto - just amazing! You can hire a local to take you out fishing for the day - just ask for Capt. Tony. He may also be able to take you around to surrounding islands - Fowl Cay, Sampson Cay (great beach parties) I can also give you some other lodging options, if you want. Flamingo Air flies in from Nassau and Fort Lauderdale. And don't forget to visit "DATT" Art Gallery - one of my friends displays some of her work their.
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