Total Seclusion in Paradise (with WiFi)!
Submitted: January 10, 2011
Stayed: December 2010
My family of five (parents, grandparents, grandson) just returned from a 5-night stay in the cottage just after Christmas 2010. Diane's beautiful property is right on the beach. It is located on a long, rutted dirt road, 10 miles from the nearest settlement. The cottage is nicely furnished and decorated with a nautical theme. We are not bonefishermen (and it was too windy during our stay to even try), but we found plenty of activities to keep us occupied: walks on the beach, a long bike ride to Nichols Town, snorkeling, book reading, scuba diving at Forfar Field Station (C-card or prior resort course required).
Diane is a fantastic host. She and Rodney live in the house between the rental units. She is almost always accessible and she will do her best to make your stay enjoyable. She will arrange the flights from Nassau for you ($300 each way), as well as the taxi from the airport to/from her home ($40). She gave us a local cell phone to use during our stay. She also gave us a wonderful tour of North Andros in her minivan one afternoon. She has lived on the island for over 20 years. She will recommend things to do and places to go.
Helpful Notes: You should read Frommers' online description of Andros before your book, so you know what to expect. Andros is authentic Bahamas, which means it is underdeveloped. You should expect to spend most of your time relaxing in and out of the water. The property is very secluded. If you want to snorkel elsewhere, go diving, or even eat at a local restaurant, you will need to rent a car ($80/day for a car in average condition). Diane will arrange the rental car for you. Gas is $5/gallon. The "bedrooms" in the cottage are really sleeping alcoves. If your family desires more privacy, consider renting the studio and upstairs apartment instead. Water is supplied from a cistern. Hurricanes ruined the underground well years ago. You will be asked to conserve water. The kitchen is very well supplied. There are several grocery stores on the island. Expect to pay at least 75% more than you would in the States. Liquor and non-US wine, however, are inexpensive on island. We filled a suitcase with dry/canned goods, cheese, salami, and frozen meats. We only purchased milk, yogurt, eggs, and fresh fruits/vegetables on the island. The cottage has WiFi, an old TV, and a DVD player. Diane has one satellite receiver, so you watch what she watches. The cottage has a small, but well-stocked library.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Tourists without a Car,
Families with Young Children
Helpful votes: 2/2
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No