1

I think that Eleuthera is an excellent choice given your preferences. Much better than the much more touristed New Providence or Grand Bahamas islands for what you are wanting. Harbour Island, which is right next to Eluethera and is accessible via a short boat ride, would also be a great choice but it is, in general, somewhat more expensive to stay and eat there. It would be very, very easy to do as a day trip though.

I also like Barbados as well and it has some beautiful beaches. It is more populated, commercialized and touristed, although not necessarily in a bad way. If you are looking for a real "sleepy island vibe", then Eleuthera is probably a better choice. If you want some more infrastructure and commercialize ton (restaurants, hotel options, sightseeing attractions, shopping), then Barbados would be a better choice.

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Next to last line should be "commercialization" ... Darn iPad "auto spell/auto mistake" feature in action.

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I agree with mgtraveler that Eleuthera sounds like a good match for your group. We were there in late October on our first visit, and it is very quiet at that time of year. You'd have most of the beaches to yourselves. Harbour Island is a good day trip, as is Lighthouse Beach. You can find nice beachfront house rentals for a reasonable price, too. Check out VRBO and Homeaway for ideas.

Barbados is nice but it's a completely different type of place. For your preferences, I think Eleuthera would be better.

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Thanks guys, I believe it will be Eleuthera! Now to find a rental ... (I've been to both VRBO and Homeaway, looks like I'll be able to find something)

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We are actually flying into Eleuthera tomorrow. I will be sure and give you an update and perhaps some things to see and do when we get back.

Check out the Stone House on Squire's Estate.

Scott & Rae

Edited by: ScottnRae

6

cynzy401,

We just returned from our trip in Eleuthera and had a very nice time. The rumors are true, if you just want to relax on a nice sandy beach, drink and explore the Rum combinations to be had, this is your island.

Word to the wise: If you are staying anywhere but on a beach and you don't plan to go anywhere but that beach and your room you will need to rent a car. Taxis are few and far between, at least down in Governor's Harbor where we stayed. The island is sparse, long and spread out. Gas also runs close to $7 US a gallon so you know this will reflect in any cab ride you take.

We went with "Big Daddy's car rental". 'Queen' Sheree Cooper was our contact. She is quite the lady. http://wcbigdaddyrentalcars.com/

If you are in or passing through Governor's Harbor don't miss "Pammy's" for lunch. We were the only 'tourists' in the place, while the locals were in and out like a bee hive. Great local food at islander (or near as much) prices. Mrs. Pammy does not serve beer as she is a Christian woman but you are welcomed to walk across the street to the liquor store and bring your own in. Her daughter Trish runs the place and is lovely and fun to talk with. Pammy's husband is a fisherman who usually sells fresh huge lobster and fish right at the intersection in Governors Harbor near the "super" market. He has very reasonable prices and isn't one for haggling.

The Friday Night Fish Fry is also a cool thing to do. Locals and tourist alike get together for a block party filled with good food, acceptable drinks and typical island DJ's. It was much more fun and crowded than we would have guessed. Also, liquor stores are your friend and much, much cheaper than bars. Hit one before you head to the beach.

We hit a place called "Tippy's" for dinner 2 nights in a row. The food was fantastic and put together by a classically trained French Chef from Bordeaux. Tippy on the other hand, a grump Austrian, is quite the moody fellow. Don't let him run you off if you go. The prices are high (astronomical compared to Pammy's) but the food is worth it. The bar drinks are not the best so if you want to get your money's worth go with straight booze with a splash as opposed to their "mixed drinks". They claim you must make reservations but we never had a problem.
http://www.discover-eleuthera-bahamas.com/tippys.html

The gem of our trip was snorkeling with "Fishbone Tours". Run by Julius, who grew up on Eleuthera, he took us all over the island and really gave us a locals eye view of life around the island. He is very hands on and knows what he's talking about. My wife who is a biologist/environmental scientist by trade quizzed him quite a bit and he was spot on. You will not be disappointed. http://www.fishbonetours.com/

The best beach award goes to Rainbow Beach (<<Don't know why that turned into a link). It's not the easiest to find but it is worth it. From Queens Hwy take Cross Island to Wandering Shores st. Very laid back and beautiful and not crowded at all. There is parking and picnic tables with umbrellas, no charge.
http://eleuthera.com/rainbowbeach.html

Also check out Twin Brothers for lunch or dinner. Pretty cool little joint with good food but they run on island time. Rainbow Inn also got good recommendations though we did not make it there.

That's about all I have for you. We were only there for 3 nights and we were vegging out more than exploring top to bottom. Hope this helps!

Scott & Rae

Edited by: ScottnRae, Damn, I knew I forgot to add something ;)

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Thanks for reporting back to the forum. Now I'm "homesick" for Eleuthera! Glad you enjoyed it.