USVI-On-Line

Hi,
We are looking at Eleuthra for our next trip hopefully in May 2010 and I was wondering if anyone has been there and could help me out with villas etc.

Also wondering as the websites indicate that there are reefs very close in to the shore in shallow water, do you need to wear shoes to snorkel instead of fins. Don't laugh, I am not a real snorkeler, use a belt and maneuver in fairly shallow water. I used fins last May in St John, in 6 or 7 ft of water but this looks much shallower.
Hope someone can help me out.
Susan

Hi Susan---We rented a villa in Eleuthera but it was quite a few years ago. We rented in the Governor's Harbour area on the eastern shore on a pretty, deserted pink sand beach. That is a nice area---we especially enjoyed Twin Coves beach. However, if I were to go back I would probably stay in Harbour Island off the coast of Eleuthera---primarily because there is more activity on Harbour Island (restaurants, bars). It was a fun trip and the beaches and water are beautiful---people also very nice.

Susan---Just wanted you to know that your post caused me to look at Eleuthera pictures and websites tonight and I want to go back! In addition to Twin Coves, I remember the Club Med beach (now called French Leave Beach, as Club Med is long gone)being spectacular. Here is a house that had several good reviews on TA that is directly on French Leave Beach:

http://www.a1vacations.com/rental-home/p139792

Also, there is a house directly on Twin Coves beach that looks interesting.

http://www.a1vacations.com/rental-home/p81784hi

Maybe you already have your house picked out---if you do, I'd be interested in hearing about it.

We stayed a few miles north of Governor's Harbor in an area called Wykee Estates---this was also very pretty and had a great, deserted pink sand beach. The house we rented is no longer on the rental market, but several others on that property are---Jasmine and Hibiscus House are two.Its an interesting property with old stone cottages and lots of palm trees.

http://www.a1vacations.com/rental-home/p81784hi

My Twin Coves link was off so I'll repost. Sorry to have so many posts.


http://www.e-vacationrentals.com/bahama ... _coves.htm

Thanks for checking on some Eleuthra villas.
Actually I have been looking at some houses on Double Bay which is the Atlantic side.
My husband still wants a pool but not many of the houses have them as they are on the beach. I am looking at Pur Vida and Blue Palms as 2 serious contenders. Both are in the Palmetto Point area.

I feel like a traitor looking at another island for our May trip. We do love St John but I think it is time for a change and Eleuthra looks interesting. I was also looking at the Abacos Islands which seem to ofter a lot of choices but as we are not boaters I didn't know if it would be as much fun for us.

Susan

I may be mistaken, but I think Vicki spends time on Eleuthera and Abacos. Check back into some older posts and you could find a link to her travel blog, which is wonderful reading with great photos! Of course, it might may be something completely different. LOL

I actually did speak with Vicki regarding the Abacos. She did do a trip down and loved it. I don't think she had been to Eleluthra.

I have only been to Eleuthera once, so I am not much of an expert, but I can share with you the things I remember. It's been a while and I'm old enough that I now forget more than I remember, so I'm not sure how helpful I'll be!

Eleuthera isn't developed much for tourism, so it's a bit more of a challenge but well worth it if you like to be away from the crowds. The beaches are beautiful, but a bit harder to find (they aren't easy to spy from the main roads and aren't well marked), but I found this beach guide helpful when I went:

http://www.discover-eleuthera-bahamas.c ... aches.html

That will help you locate them and will tell you about snorkeling, etc.

To date, I would rate Ten Bay Beach as one of the most beautiful I have ever been on.

I also highly recommend Harbor Island, on the northern tip of Eleuthera. More developed with lots of neat shops and restaurants as well as an incredibly gorgeous stretch of pink sand beach.

Thanks again Vicki!

Some stuff I just saw on NYT website...

If …your priority is beaches, Eleuthera might be ideal. The island made Michelle Higgins’s “10-Point Caribbean Escapes Plan” http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/tr ... thera.html in the “for beach bums” category. The island was also the focus of Barbara Ireland’s informative “Affordable Caribbean: Bahamas” http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/tr ... hamas.html
Unfortunately American does not yet fly to Eleuthera, though the airline is introducing service there in November.