Just Back From Cat Island Bahamas - Gorgeous!
 

There are no cats on Cat Island (it's named after a pirate), just miles and miles and miles of secluded, unspoiled white sand beaches.

We've just discovered Cat Island in the Bahamas and can't wait to go back again. We spent 4 nights at the Fernandez Bay Village resort which sits in the center of a perfect stretch of white sand beach looking out across a beautiful bay. Here's what you need to know...

Getting There: We flew nonstop from Boston to Nassau and then connected to Cat Island - you can either go with Cat Island Air or Sky Bahamas. Continental also has flights from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. There is a promotion currently going on from the Bahamas Tourist Board where companions fly free - up to a $400 credit.

About The Island: The island was originally named San Salvador, but it was changed in the 30's and named for a private who resided there - Arthur Catts. The island is located just southeast of Eleuthera - about a 20 minute flight from Nassau. The island is about 50 miles long and 7 miles wide and has the highest peak in the Bahamas. We climbed to the top to take in the great views (would be considered a hill in any mainland location). The island is fairly green with rolling hills as it's backdrop and seemingly endless miles of pristine, gorgeous beaches. The water of course is that mesmerizing turquoise blue that all lovers of the Bahamas can't get enough of.

Fernandez Bay Village: We loved this place! If you're looking for a romantic spot to rekindle your relationship, I can't think of a better spot. It makes you feel like you're Robinson Crusoe with your own private paradise. There are about a dozen beachfront villas that sit right on the sand... just tumble out and you're on the beach! The resort has a dramatic setting at the center of a perfect half-moon bay - gorgeous. The 'club house' is where everyone gathers for activities and meals, which were outstanding. The staff is engaging and friendly - can't do enough to make you feel welcome. We'd go back again as much for the friendly staff as for the setting. Meals are often out on the stone terrace, with the surf just feet away - very dramatic at sunset. And the after-dinner bonfires on the beach are magical. We'll definitely be back again!

We visited in early February and the temperatures were in the low 80's - perfect. Our favorite activity was kayaking. The bay is nice and calm, and there is an adjacent estuary that weaves its way through miles and miles of mangrove streams. There are no TVs, DVD, radios or clocks at FBV - and you won't miss them! After being there for 24 hours we couldn't remember what day of the week it was, and we absolutely didn't care! Four days away felt like we had been living in paradise forever.

PS - Families are welcome and there's free WiFi if you bring your laptop.
Here's a link online trip report if you want to read more: http://www.wickedgoodtraveltips.com/...n-dreaming-of/

Oooh! Thanks for sharing! Haven't been to Cat or FBV in a few years, but you've reminded me why it's the only place I've ever visited 3 times. I was just thinking about Donna today.... We stayed in Shane Shack twice, and it was magical.

Loved Cat Island, too! We stayed around the Pigeon Cay area and visited all the beaches on Cat Island. Stopped at Fernandez Bay for a while and enjoyed lunch and the beautiful view.

Glad you had such a wonderful trip!

thanks for the great report. I was looking for an island destination for later this year.

Thanks for sharing the report and pics. Its next on our list after exuma this year. We looked into it earlier but the flight connections from NJ were not great.

Wow Packed2Go Im so glad to hear the beauty the bahamas have to offer. My only exposure has been nassau/the atlantis which was ok but Id written the bahamas off as somewhere I prob wouldnt return. Happy to see Im so wrong!

It sounds like you had a lovely time!

Thanks for the trip report. After reading some Fodors posters rave about Fernandez Bay, it's been on my radar for a few years but I've not made it there yet. Hopefully one of these days!

How was the food? And do they still have the honor bar system set up?

Regarding the food at Fernandez Bay, we only had lunch. I thought it was ok, not great. The beach was pretty but I thought there were many prettier beaches on Cat Island. They still had the honor bar which was nice as you could mix your own drink. It was the same at Pigeon Cay and Greenwood Beach Resort, too.

Hopefully, others that stayed at FB will chime in on their food experience.

Beach Girl,
How did you like Pigeon Cay?
We went to Sammy's two years ago (wrote a report on this site) and thought we would try Pigeon Cay if we went back to Cat. We also thought about Greenwood because last time the taxi driver said we should stay on both sides of the island to experience the difference between the sea and the ocean, but read lots of not-so-wonderful comments about Greenwood on other sites.

Loved your pictures-thanks so much for sharing them!

re: Pigeon Cay. We stayed in a house on Pigeon Cay Beach. We went down to their resort every day and enjoyed a beer while we caught up on email on our laptops.

The cottages were cute! I don't believe they have a/c but other than that, they are charming. I took pics of the outside. And, the beach it is on is long and very beautiful.

We visited Greenwood after lunch at Fernandez Bay. It was ok and on a beach that received a lot more wind, and therefore, waves. We didn't snorkel or dive but I understand that area has good diving and snorkeling. For us, we preferred other beaches.

I would stay at Pigeon Cay long before I would Greenwood. Also, check out beachfront rentals on Pigeon Cay. She (Pigeon Cay Club - Leslie? I think) is the manager for most of them.

I'd stay on Pigeon Cay beach again - no question.

Just because I researched it recently (really like the looks of it) the cottages at Pigeon Cay are air conditioned now- check their website for photos and info.

Thanks for adding that ishkribbl. They are very cute and run by a very nice couple.