Exuma and Coconut Cove Hotel?

Old Jul 2nd, 2002, 06:54 AM
  #1  
Susan
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Exuma and Coconut Cove Hotel?

We are looking for help in determining whether we should go to Exuma. Our idea of a good time is enjoying each others company, exploring beaches and snorkeling. We don't like crowds or nightlife. Any feedback on Exuma would be greatly appreciated. Also, has anyone seen or stayed at the Coconut Cove Hotel? Thoughts, feedback? Thank you.
 
Old Jul 2nd, 2002, 05:23 PM
  #2  
fran
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We loved Exuma! No crowds, no nightlife to speak of. Just a very relaxing place. We stayed at Coconut Cove. The food at the restaurant was excellent, but the hotel itself was nothing to speak of. Room was mediocre. Tiny beach, too rocky for swimming, although down the road was a beautiful, deserted cove. I would either stay at the Peace and Plenty Beach Inn, next door to Coconut Cove, if I were to return to Exuma, or the Peace and Plenty Hotel "downtown". The P&P downtown has a ferry to Stocking Island (just a couple minutes away) where the beach is stunning. Enjoy.
 
Old Jul 2nd, 2002, 05:51 PM
  #3  
Robert
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Dittoe Fran's posting. The Hotel P&P was a great time for us. Is the "Doctor" still bartending in the P&P Pub? We really loved Stocking Island, and the snorkeling offshore. Robert
 
Old Jul 2nd, 2002, 10:59 PM
  #4  
Bob
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Is Stocking Island that long strip of white beach that has the calm water on both sides? If so, how long does it take to get there and is there a charge?
 
Old Jul 3rd, 2002, 05:44 AM
  #5  
Robert
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Yes, it is that strip of white beach off Georgetown, Exuma, which is right on the Tropic of Cancer. The Hotel P&P ferry took us over for free, as long as we stayed at P&P. About a 13 minute boat ride from P&P dock. Robert
 
Old Jul 3rd, 2002, 08:24 AM
  #6  
fran
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The ferry is free (or at least it was when we were there) for nonguests too
 
Old Jul 3rd, 2002, 08:51 AM
  #7  
Howard
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Have been to Exuma over 20 times. Used to stay at the Out Island Inn until it went out of business and have stayed at Club Peace and Plenty (intown) ever since. Were there last March. It is nice becuse you can walk in town and even though they don't have a beach on the premisesd Stocking Island is great. It is calmer on the Elizabeth Harbour side than the Exuma sound side. The Ferry goes Over about 10 Am returns at about 1 PM and again at about 4 PM. In March you had to pick up tickets at the front desk (free for guests) Believe $8 for non guests. Peace and Plenty usually has a couple of cocktail parties during the week and a dance Sat night. Two Turtles has a dance on Fri night. About 3 times a week P&P runs a shuttle to the P&P Bonefish lodge for dinner which is excellent. You even get to see Karen feed the sharks. For real local color they have a rake and scrape dance at Eddies Edgewater. Forgot the night. There is another good restaurant down where the Flamingo Bay development used to be. Forgot the name. Think Bistro something. They provide transportation for dinner. Renting a car and exploring the island is fur. Lots of secluded beaches. If you stay at Club P&P ask for one of the newly renovated rooms on the second floor. The room #'s go from 20 to 36. Exuma very laid back and not touristy. No stop lights one grocery store etc. Lots of sailors stop there because of the protected harbour. Feel free to E-mail me with questions. Yes Doc is still the bartender at P&P.
 
Old Jul 3rd, 2002, 06:27 PM
  #8  
Robert
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Howard; Great post...You make me want to return! I'm glad the "Doc" is still there; he showed us every piece of wood in that pub, and its history stemming from the English Loyalist ship carrying slaves from the U.S. to Exuma. When you mentioned Elizabeth Cay, I recall snorkeling around her, and incredible patch reefs abound. Thanks again for a great post. Robert
 
Old Jul 4th, 2002, 05:24 AM
  #9  
Howard
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Robert--Actually the DOCtor of Libations (Lermon Rolle) now pretty much has the pool bar exclusively. Glenn who used to bartend at Two Turtles works the bar that used to be the old slave kitchen at night. If you haven't read it Wind From the Carolinas by robert wilder is an excellent historical ficton novel about Exuma. Was talking to Gloria Patience "The Shark Lady" about the book and she met Wilder years ago when he was on Exuma researching the book. I mentioned to Gloria that the setting appeared to be right behind the Out Island Inn and she said that was right. The German who built a house there did find slave quarters on the property when they were excavating. Still can't remembeer the name of the other restaurant but it is at February Point ( Old Flamingo Bay).. They are putting a large condo development there. Charlie Pfleuger who used to be the Manager of P&P for years is now involved in Palm Bay Beach Club which is a complex of small 1 and 2 bedroom cottages next to Coconut Cove. Should be open by now. It has a restaurant, pool with Bar/ restauarant, supposed to have a spa. Looks like a nice place although the beach is small.
 
Old Jul 9th, 2002, 06:23 AM
  #10  
Susan
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Just booked our room at Peace and Plenty Beach Inn. Thanks everyone!
 
Old Jul 10th, 2002, 01:27 PM
  #11  
Howard
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Susan--Think you will like Peace and Plenty Beach Inn. It is small--only 18 rooms and quiet. Nice pool-not much of a beach especially at high tide. Carmel and Renae work the front desk and are great people. John Chase was the manager, don't know if he still is. Lawrence is the asst Mgr and night bartender. Super guy. We were the last and only couple staying at Out Island Inn and Lawrence cooled Breakfast and lunch for us. Very good cook. Beach Inn runs a shuttle to Club Peace and Plenty several times a day. The first goes about 9:30 to catch the boat to Stocking Island. From the beach Inn it is about 1 1/2 mile walk to town. We prefer Club Peace and Plenty so we can walk in town and see the "Activity". Inn also runs a shuttle to the P&P Bonefish lodge for dinner about 4 times a week. Best place for dinner on Exuma. Lodge run by Bob and Karen Hyde. Al Rolle is the nighttime bartender. He was the bonefish guide when Al Roker (Today Show) and his father visited Exuma. Al's ancestors lived on Exuma hence the name Rokers Point. Ester Rolle from Good times is also from Exuma. Food at Beach Inn is quite good. Best conchburgers on the island weith the exception of Dora Lees on Stocking Island. The restaurant at Coconut Cove seems to open and close at whim but we have had good meals there. Fuzzy is the bartender. The restaurant at Palm Bay Beach Club might be open by now. Looked veru nice. Also the restaurant at February Point ( think it is the Bistro) is very good. Very nice brunch on Sunday. Two Turtles is very nice for lunch on the patio and the cracked conch at Cheaters (south of town) is fantastic. (All the locals go there and to Eddies Edgewater.) They don't always have it for lunch so call and find out. No Hertz and Avis on Exuma or Burger king or Pizza Huts. We normally rent a car from Sam Grays in town. Worth renting to explore the beaches etc. Easy to drive as there is only really one main road. Feel free to e-mail me with questions
 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 05:35 AM
  #12  
Robert
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Here's some trip notes from my diary about our trip to Exuma in 1993. I have more if you want to peruse them:

"My family stayed at the Hotel Peace & Plenty Beach Inn outside of Georgetown, Exuma. We took the free ferry boat to Stocking Island(SI), which departs from the downtown Hotel Peace & Plenty. The island was mostly unspoiled in 1993, with mucho tropical plants and animals, and many birds singing. I hiked a trail to the top of the hill to view the vista. We snorkeled offshore to a large rock off the Stocking Island Beach, and saw coral reefs and fish. Cheryl made Conch Burgers at the remote restaurant on SI, and they were delicious. Good potatoes, brought in weekly via mailboat from Nassau. The reefs off of Georgetown, Exuma had myriads of crevices and pockets in them where Spiny Lobsters up to 2 feet long with feelers poking out of the holes were seen all over. These reefs can be visited by adults with children, since they are only 60 feet offshore in 8 feet of water. That night, we ate dinner at downtown Hotel P & P. I had Grouper with wine and mushroom sauce, potatoes, pidgeon peas & rice, and rolls for $16.50. A New York Strip Steak was on the menu for $22.50, ala carte, 8 oz.
We met Ed Haxby, born in Columbus, Ohio, who graduated from Univ. of Miami in 1971 in Marine Biology and Chemistry. Two years ago he came to Exuma and opened a Dive Shop(Ed has since died from cancer, and his surviving wife now operates the dive operation out of Hotel P&P. Ed offered much Eco-Diving; I hope his wife carries on the tradition)." Robert


 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 05:41 AM
  #13  
Susan
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Again, thank you Fodors.com readers for helping me make up my mind! Thanks Howard and Robert for your additonal postings. We look forward to our trip! Room booked and airline tickets purchased!
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 01:17 PM
  #14  
Howard
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Robert--Pleasantly surprised to see your mention of my buddy Cheryl in your post. She used to be the Out Island Inn beach bartender then bartended at Club P&P and worked on Stocking island with Dora Lee. She now works nights at Cheaters. We took Cheryl and her boyfriend to the Bonefish Lodge for dinner when we were there in March and then went to the Rake and Scrape at Eddies Edgewater. Cheryls daughter Cindi works as a waitress at night at Club P&P. Susan--If you have more questions feel free to E-mail me direct
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 06:13 PM
  #15  
Robert
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I'm glad Cheryl's still around. Great Conch Burgers at the clapboard cottage on Stocking Island. I took shots from the shadowed interior of the rustic place where the famous burgers are forged in Cherly's hands. The photo focused at the open doors and cats snoozing in the shade cast on the doorsteps and window sills from the palm trees outside in the bright sunlight. Neat contrast and great wall-mounted picture resulted. Robert
 
Old Jul 13th, 2002, 08:00 AM
  #16  
fran
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Now you've done it! I am going to be forced to make a return trip to Exuma!
 
Old Jul 13th, 2002, 09:51 AM
  #17  
OP
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OK, I can't stand it. I just have to add my two cents. Exuma is my most favorite place in the world. I have been going there for 18 years. The islanders I have gotten to know there are some of the most solid, kind people and my son has grown up knowing and visiting the schools with their children. It is very unassuming and quiet. Visitors who enjoy Exuma are looking for a get-away with just a bit of activity. We love floating through the cut at Mariah Cay. Don't miss pigeon peas and rice at The Two Turtles (I think their bbq is on Saturday nights) and Goombay smashes at the P&P. Be careful not to step on any coral as it is easily damaged. Exuma is a treasure. Period.
 
Old Jul 14th, 2002, 07:41 AM
  #18  
Howard
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Susans post has ecome a chat line to reminisce about Exuma.

OP--I totally agree about the people. We started going there in 1970 and every time we return it is like going home. Lots of hugs and how nice to see you again. Fun to see the kids of people you know grow up to be adults and have children of their own. The locals don't have a lot of material things but they are warm, loving and will do anything to make your stay memorable.

Robert. You wouldn't recognize the P&P Stocking Island beach bar/restaurant. The added a deck in front with tables and chairs and painted it lots of vivid Bahamian colors. Not the weathered shack you remember. You ought to go back and take an after picture.

Fran--Better go back soon. Exuma has been discovered and development is mushrooming. The Four Seasons resort in scheduled to open out by Ocean Bight in Feb 2003. Couple of hundred rooms, spa golf course, Monte Carlo type gambling casino etc. ( There goes the neighborhood) Started out as a Ritz Carlton and has taken about 5 years to build. Big condo development at February Point (used to be Flamingo Bay) Condos are $600K and up. Lots of new houses being built. Good for the locals as they need the jobs but afraid this slice of paradise will become very touristy and lose some of the charm of an Out Island
 
Old Jul 14th, 2002, 10:08 AM
  #19  
fran
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I am so bummed about the Four Seasons. I'm sure it will be a beautiful resort, but I prefer to see the Out Islands stay the way they are, with smaller properties. I wish the mega resorts would stick to areas that are already overdeveloped.
 
Old Jul 26th, 2002, 02:16 PM
  #20  
linda
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i'm hoping to finally get to Exuma next summer and now they're building a 4 seasons with casino? *heavy sigh* ok, exuma experts, you've sold me so let me pick your brains: anyone been to staniel cay or compass cay? i've found some rental houses that look amazing. it sounds like we'll want a boston whaler to go "cay hopping" and we'll have no trouble finding plenty of beautiful deserted beaches.
 

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