We're thinking of renting a house on Eleuthra for a 20th anniversay vacation in April(Is this a good month there?). We're looking for a private beach house, lots of sand sun and privacy. Has anyone used Bahamas Home rentals? They have three houses we would be interested in renting, Hakuna Matata, Fraser's cottage and Finiterre. Any safety problems being in a private house on Eleuthra? We will be flying out of Philadelphia does anyone any travel suggestions? Should we fly to Florida, then to Eleuthra or fly to the Bahamas and do a charter plane or boat?

Stuart:<BR><BR>I don't know those particular cottages but Eleuthera is a beautiful island. Pretty much crime free, toward tourists.<BR><BR>The island is 110 miles long, so before you book travel, find out what airport is closest. Generally most visitors fly into N. Eleuthera (for N Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Harbour Island) or Govenours Harbour. The south end of the island is Rock Sound airport.<BR><BR>Getting there is half the fun. You actually have a few choices now. You can fly into Nassau directly from alot of US cities and then take the Fast Ferry or Bahamas Air over. Round trip is just about the same price so you might fly one direction and take the ferry the other.<BR><BR>Bahamas Home Rentals I have heard good things about. Is that Asa Bethel? If so I have rented a house twice from him in S. Palmetto Point, right on a very private beach. <BR><BR>As far as getting around, you will need to rent a car, figure $70/day plus gas.<BR><BR>There are a few grocery stores on island in N. Eleuthera and in Govenours Harbour, but figure the cost of groceries is about 30% higher than the US.<BR><BR>There are a few great bakeries on island and the fresh bread is great.<BR><BR>There isn't much to see on island, but you would probably enjoy touring Tarpun Bay, James Cistern, Govenours Harbour and a few of the smaller communities. There are a few restaurants, but mostly it is known for amazing deserted beaches and clear aqua water.<BR><BR>You also might get intouch with Island Realty on Harbour Island. And the website for N. Eleuthera and Harbour Island at www.briland.<BR><BR>April is great weather in the Bahamas, so have a great time.<BR><BR>Let me know if you have any other questions.<BR><BR>tweedy

Hello Stuart!<BR>We rented Finiterre in May 2002 for a 5 night vacation. It was our third house rental on Eleuthera, all in the North Palmetto Point area (fly into Governor's Harbour). Although security has NEVER been a problem, the caretaker (Andrew Bethel, tweedy!) hinted that "things are changing - anyone can come on island from Nassau in a day and disappear immediately" and strongly advised us to lock our doors. That said, I'm originally from philly and Eleuthera is 100% crime free compared to the city of brotherly love! We slept with our doors and windows open, no problems.<BR><BR>The house itself was well furnished and I would definitely rent it again. You can see my post about it on bahamas-mon.com:<BR>http://www.bahamas-mon.com/bahamaforum/family/index.html?<BR><BR>I inquired about the house with Judy at Bahamas Home Rentals, but she took too long (a week each time I emailed her) so I ended up booking directly with the owner, via www.vrbo.com. We flew into Miami then a puddle jumper to GHB. USAirways would probably be a good bet, as Philly is their hub and they have service to Eleuthera also. Bahamas weather is similar to florida, I'd say the later the better to insure warm swimming weather. And the prices usually go down May 1st...can you delay til then?<BR><BR>Two other homes we rented on eleuthera:<BR>Calypso (not quite as nice as Finiterre, across the sand track from the beach) but a good deal for only $800/week<BR>http://www.a1vacations.com/calypso/1/<BR><BR>and a beautiful home called Palmetto Point Lighthouse, with a real working lighthouse, modern amenities, the most private of the three:<BR>http://pinksandbeach.net/<BR>$1680/week. Consider staying here if you can afford it! After all, your 20th only comes once -- congratulations, by the way!<BR>We looked into Hakuna Matata also, but it was unavailable for our dates. Double Bay is nice and the house looks charming, especially that porch. Can't go wrong here either I'd bet!<BR>

My husband and I were married at the Pink Sands Resort on Harbour Island and stayed there. What a fabulous place. The beach is undoubtedly one of the prettiest I have ever seen -- it truly is pink. The sand is not as soft as some beaches, but is beautiful. Don't know exact location of houses you mention, but I vote for the pink sand side! There's a great bakery in Eleuthra -- Haven's Bakery. Not as many restaurants on Harbour Island and not much to do.

Absolutely purchase high-quality snorkels, fins and masks at dive shop and pack in suitcase. Rent a car and just island explore. We did this and ran into countless deserted beaches and coves to snorkel in. Ten Bay Beach is a must. Also, I remember the airpland ride to Eleuthera was scenic, cruising past her cliffs, white beaches and gin-colored waters, sprinkled with deep blue and turquoise around the seagrass beds and reefs. Robert

Topping so Stuart can respond!

I'm def going back to H Island- maybe divide the week up between there and other part of Eleuthera.You can take a ferry there- or day sails.Sorkeling was good at Sapnish Wells. Interesting area- almost all white residents. Is driving on the left?

My thanks to one and all who responded to our request for information on Eleuthra. It sounds like just the vacation spot we were looking for! We are checking into available dates for the lighthouse and Hakuna Matata and are starting to look into flight prices. We are still open for more suggestions and recommendations. Thanks again. Stuart

Stuart, glad you're checking into the lighthouse! I think you'll enjoy the privacy, and the caretaker Arthur Nixon is wonderful, can answer any of your questions, rent you a car, even sell you a six-pack of Kalik (he runs the airport bar)!!!<BR><BR>Yes, Linda, driving is on the left...that's a good idea - dividing the week between the quaint HI and the very private villa!