Da Villa Ocean Front Home, Luxury & Privacy on Pink Sand Beach

We spent three weeks here in June and July of 2012. As others have said, the photos don't do it justice. If you have kids or friends it's the perfect layout for everyone's privacy. The two widely separated bedrooms have a king bed and a fold out sleeper. The living room sofa is fold out and could sleep two if needed. The kitchen has everything you need!

The location too is perfect. It's centrally located in Governor's Harbor, so you can easily make it to Friday night's fish fry. Our pace was to stay home and swim, walk and enjoy the place one day, then travel the island the next. We'd prepare our own food some days (there are two grocery stores in Gov. Hrbr) and eat out others (Wade's and Sunset Inn are nearby and great).

The beach in front is wonderful. Lot's of great walking .. the old Navy base is a mile or so north ... an abandoned restaurant a half mile or so south. Bring your Crocs for walking on the rocks. The snorkeling is terrific. Lots of life (turtles, giant parrot fish, lobsters, eagle rays ...) and lots of overhangs and tunnels to swim under and through. Most days the visibility was excellent. The reef and the breakers are way, way out so the surf near the beach stays very calm.

We got up to Harbour Island one day, but the prices there turned us off ($107 for two burgers, two sodas and a quesadilla at Sip Sips). There are cheaper places to eat on Harbour Island, but you have to walk away from the crowds. I'd suggest snacking it up near the dock instead. The beaches there are groomed and gorgeous.

You must see the Looking Glass, the Queens baths and Hatchet Bay caves while you are there (bring flashlights and a solar shower to rinse off afterwards). Don't be scared of the bats or the dark! Get lunch and the great iced tea at the Laughing Lizard. See the bay and find the bakery (in someone's house) in Gregory Town. Skip Surfer's Beach unless you have a four wheel drive ... the road is the worst on the island (and that's saying something). In Gov. Hrbr, buy fresh fish on the beach $$$, get lunch at Pammy's, get ice cream at the movie theater, and make sure to hit the Friday fish fry!

Talk to the folks at the guard shack on Windimere and find out who's been in town lately. Visit the Ocean Hole, Lighthouse beach!!, Sammy's restaurant, have drinks at the Sky Club, fritters and Kaliks at Tippys ...

There's so much to see and do. We didn't want to leave and we'd certainly stay at Da Villa again! And watch that palm tree backing out!

Scott Bland

We have vacationed in Eleuthera for the last four years. The last three years we've stayed at Da Villa. We've explored the island from one end to the other and we're quite sure that we have the best spot on the entire island.

The house is comfortable and nicely decorated. The kitchen is open and roomy. It is wonderful for preparing and sharing meals and entertaining family and guests. The entertainment area opens out on to the deck. It's a great place to watch a sunrise and then, after dark, stare at the velvet night sky for shooting stars and satellites.

The beach has beautiful sand that turns shades of pink as the sun sets. The water is inviting and the reefs provide opportunities to see fish and plant life. Boogie boarding (byob) is fun and great recreation.

A favorite part of the entire Da Villa plot is the hammocks. It may be the most perfect spot on the planet. The two hammocks are suspended over a patch of thick green grass between the coconut trees positioned just off the deck. The fronds provide shade and a soothing rustle as the breeze flows through them. It is a place that treats all of your senses.

Jim, 'Thank you' for sharing your house. We look forward to our next stay and visiting with all of our Eleuthera friends.

Take care, Bud and Maureen Mc

I love this house. Going to sleep and waking to the sounds of the ocean and viewing the breathtaking colors of the Atlantic were just what we needed. We spent a month at DaVilla and had every kind of weather--wind, rain, thunder, lightning, and blessed sun. Two friends stayed for two weeks and then, later, two of our daughters spent a week. We never felt crowded; the rooms are large and the furniture comfortable. The house is clean and easy to maintain. We cooked many meals and the kitchen has most everything you’ll need.

Absolutely the best thing though, is outside the house. The deck is huge and the outside furniture good quality. The beach with its cabana, beach chairs, and lounges make it the perfect place to hang out. The reefs were the best we’ve seen in a long time. Fields of yellow fan coral, parrot fish, rays, turtles, and even a shark.

The owner, Jim Davila, is easy to work with and the caretaker, Arthur Nixon, is a miracle worker. We had been there four days when the hot water heater broke. Our friends were due to arrive the same day and I thought we would have at least a couple of days of taking cold showers. After explaining the situation to Art, we left to pick up our friends at the airport and by the time we returned, a new water heater was installed and working. We also rented a car from Art at a competitive (for Eleuthera) price. The location is only 10 minutes from Governor’s Harbour where there is easy access to supplies, gasoline, and the dock to buy the catch of the day.

We love Eleuthera and would definitely stay DaVilla again.