VHR, WORLDWIDE

 

About Eleuthera

 

     VHR, WORLDWIDE's introduction into the villa rental business began in 1982.  We were the first company to offer villas, condominiums, cottages and private islands throughout the 700-island archipelago that comprises The Bahamas, establishing and managing homeowner rental programs in Treasure Cay (Abaco) and Windermere Island (Eleuthera).  Our team really knows the Out Islands (a/k/a Family Islands) because this is where we go on vacation, ourselves, when the prescription calls for relaxation and an infusion of the amazing eye candy of The Bahamas' turquoise blue water.   

                                              

     Like many of the Out Islands of The Bahamas, Eleuthera has an                  interesting history.  The original occupants of Eleuthera - which they              called "Cigateo" (a/k/a Cigatoo or Cigatea) - are said to be the Taíno Indians (also referred to as Lucayans), an offshoot of the Arawak Indian tribe from the Amazon basin of South America.  It is believed that these peace-loving, prosperous, seafaring people died out when they were exposed to smallpox and other diseases unknown to them, brought in by the Europeans who captured them and forced them into slavery here and on several Caribbean islands.  It is thought that the Taínos were the gracious and hospitable indigenous tribe Christopher Columbus encountered when he landed on one of Eleuthera's neighbors, Rum Cay, in 1492.  

 

     Eleuthera, which comprises a skinny main island as well as several offshore islands (e.g. Windermere Island, Harbour Island a/k/a 'Briland, and Spanish Wells/St. George's Cay), forms part of the Great Bahama Bank and derives its name from the Greek word "eleutheros" meaning "free" or "eleutheria" for "freedom".  This is an important note in history because, in the late 1640s, a group of English Puritans left Bermuda seeking religious freedom and settled on Eleuthera.  They are referred to as

the Eleutheran Adventurers and make up the origin of the

white Bahamian population that we know today.

 

     The main settlement is Governor's Harbour - home to the

closest airport to BH403 as well as shopping, restaurants, a

marina, and medical clinic.  The island offers over 100

spectacular beaches that rival any in the world.  Remnants

of colonial charm hint to a bygone era.  And there are

pineapple fields.

 

About BH403

 

     We are pleased to offer several condominiums in an intimate setting on Eleuthera.  This brand new (2018) property's central location on Eleuthera affords easy access to conveniences and points of interest north and south of the island.  Fifty (50) private acres embrace eight (8) very special vacation residences that overlook the turquoise-blue Atlantic Ocean in two directions from their unique position atop a small bluff. 

 

     There are two beaches that flank the property, front and back.  The first beach (east-facing) - a pristine, two (2)-mile long, pink-sand spans located behind the condominiums - is easily accessed using the golf cart (3 minutes) that is included in the rental of the vacation home, or a 10-minute walk.  This beach is devoid of homes and other buildings.  The second, smaller beach (west-facing) is about 100 yards from the condominium.  This beach is somewhat rocky but its calm water attracts guests who have a yen for snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, or paddleboarding.  And then there are the sunsets!      

    

     Each luxury condominium has been professionally decorated, and while similar in construction, no two accommodations are alike.  All the condominiums feature an open-plan design combining living and dining areas just steps from the modern, well-equipped kitchen which includes a stainless steel dishwasher, stove/oven, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, blender et al.  The dining table seats six (6) persons.  The kitchen, which has a granite island and countertops, offers beautiful ocean views in every direction, with palm trees out the window and the tranquil turquoise sea just beyond.

 

     There are two bedrooms in each condominium.  The Master Bedrooms are furnished with a king-size bed, and the Guest Bedrooms have two twin beds that can be converted to a king upon request.  The bedrooms are outfitted with a large bay window and upholstered window seat to take full advantage of the amazing panoramic Atlantic vistas.  BH403, like most of the residences, has a sofabed so the condominium will comfortably sleep up to six (6) persons.  All bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom and direct access to the deck.

 

     Views of both the sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed via 8-foot sliding glass doors, large (6') bay windows, or from the 400 square-foot private decks that are comfortably furnished for Guests' lounging and dining pleasure. 

 

     The condominiums are fully air-conditioned, with “mini-splits” (individual controls) for each room.  These comfortable vacation homes offer free WiFi, satellite TV with DVD, and a washer/dryer.  

 

     We represent several condominiums at this location, so groups are not a  problem to accommodate with ample advance notice.

 

      Electric golf carts and bicycles are provided for quick and easy access to one of the two Atlantic beaches.  Palapas offer additional shade and comfort on both of the beaches, along with portable beach chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, and coolers.  Kayaks are also available, as well as a paddle board, free of charge.

 

     The property's common area includes the largest heated swimming pool on Eleuthera just steps away, and is connected by a private, residents-only, golf-carts-only drive to a section of secluded pink-white sand Atlantic beach spanning several miles.  With no rivers or streams on Eleuthera, the seas that lap its 100+ beaches are free of sediment and are among the clearest in the world.  You can explore many of those beaches up and down the island, or opt to stay right on the property.

 

     The town of James Cistern, less than a mile from the property, has two grocery stores, three restaurants, a liquor store, gas station, and a small town dock where fishermen bring in their catch in the afternoon.  The new LeoRose Sunset Beach Bar and Grill is less than half a mile from the property.  Mel’s Snack Shack just opened as well, right down the street from LeoRose.  And famous Stubb’s Barbecue is only a mile away.

 

     The town of Governor's Harbour - the main town on the island - is only a 15-minute drive (about 11 miles) from the resort.  Here, among the quaint collection of 19th-century homes and churches overlooking a picturesque harbor, you will find more grocery stores, a bakery, restaurants, liquor stores, two banks with ATMs, gift shops, a dive shop and a medical clinic.  Boats can be rented and kept at the property's boat dock.  You can buy fresh fish and lobster every afternoon from fishermen at the town dock.  Friday night Fish Fry in Governor's Harbour is a street/beach party that brings together all the tourists and local residents with food, drink, and dancing in the street.  Not to be missed! 

 

     Children are welcome but no pets.  Smoking is not permitted inside the condominium.  Taxi service is available but most people rent a car which we can arrange for you with one of the most reliable services on the island.  Driving is on the LEFT.

 

What We Really Like About Eleuthera

 

• The island is very laid back - the complete opposite of famous Grand Bahama, New Providence (Nassau) and Paradise Island.                      Come.  Here.  To.  Chill.

• The beaches are uncrowded, wherever you go.  It's not unusual to be the only person on a wide spans of pink-white sand.

• The local Bahamian residents are friendly, helpful and kind.

• Eleuthera is an excellent choice for anglers as there are bonefishing flats as well as deepsea fishing for marlin, tuna, sailfish, grouper, snappers, wahoo, mackerel, etc.

• It's a diver's paradise!  Among the exciting dive sites just offshore, divers can explore a unique shipwrecked barge carrying a train (that's right, train - steam locomotive, to be exact) that was caught in a violent storm in 1865 and sank at Devil's Backbone (North Eleuthera) in 15-25' of water.

• There is also a shipwreck just off the property's beach.

• The island is a good place to find seaglass and antique pottery shards in addition to a wide variety of seashells, coral, and sea urchin and sea biscuit exoskeletons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     "Thanks so much for taking us to see and learn about Eleuthera.  Before this trip, I didn't even know the island existed - I was always sending my clients to Nassau or Paradise Island.  You had everything perfectly arranged, from rental cars to eating in local restaurants.  What gorgeous beaches!!   I can see where this island is the perfect vacation choice for families and honeymooners, and I will keep the villas and cottages you showed us in mind."     - Carolyn C., Travel Agent

 

     "I have been in travel and hospitality a long time working for Eastern Airlines and restaurants along South Beach.  I had never been to Eleuthera.  What a hidden gem!  Love the laid back vibe, tranquil setting -good to catch up on all those books I've been wanting to read.  And the stars we saw from the lawn of our cottage ... amazing!  Thanks so much, Lori!"                                               - Ralph H.