Vacation Rentals by Owner

Family Fun at Seabreeze!

Guest: JLo (Bradford, VT USA)
Date of Stay: 04/10/12 Review Submitted: 04/19/12

Seabreeze was the perfect place for a family vacation with our grown children. We were looking for a place with no tourist distractions like jet skis and para-sailing, fancy pools or water parks - just a magical place where we could simply be surrounded by the natural beauty of warm sandy beaches and spend some relaxing time as a family. We definately got it! There were eight of us ages 20 to 53 years old. Seabreeze, just as pictured on the website, met all of our needs. The kitchen was spacious enough for our family of 8 big eaters to spread out and cook in, blend many frozen concoctions (we've GOT to get a Marguarita machine like the one there!), and host many a cribbage game at the big bar. The bedrooms were comfy and the bathrooms well appointed - but the real gem is the beach. We were virtually the only ones on the beautiful stretch of white sand with sparkling blue water all week. We swam, kayaked, snorkeled at Pompei Rock, fished, flew kites, did yoga on the beach and just hung out. The house was loaded with every type of game you might want to play, many good books, snorkeling gear, and even yoga mats. The island is very unspoiled and the people relaxed. Don't expect to get fussed over, but the local residents were friendly and helpful. The owner of the store in Orange Creek stayed open a little late for us so we could get the food we needed the first night we were there. We were shown some great fishing spots and invited to karaoke at the 'Hot Spot' on Friday night, and to New Ebenezer's Baptist Church on Sunday morning (not by the same person!!) Make sure you order some bread from the woman down the lane - it is out of this world. The grocery stores don't have the variety that we are used to here, but we made do. Take Lori's advice and tuck food that you can't live without into your suitcase so you know you'll have it. The restaurants all need a call by early afternoon or the day before so you can order your meal ahead. They are small, quaint and a bit pricey, but have mouthwatering fresh fish. We had a wonderful vacation at Seabreeze and recommend it to anyone looking for the unspoiled natural beauty of the Bahamas.

Owner response:Sounds like your family had a great vacation. Please come back soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Debbie

Guest: Deb (Sherwood, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11 Review Submitted: 11/01/11

What a beautiful relaxing place you have. The house has everything you could ask for and more. We had the most amazing relaxing visit . The water was gorgeous and just right in your backyard. Truly was heaven. Thank you so much, I would diffidently recommend this house to anyone that was planning a trip to Cat Island.

Recommended for:

seabrease rental on cat island

Guest: bob ski (sherwood oregon)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

my experience on cat island was as stated by home owner lori rome. i would recommend this rental property to my friends to enjoy with family or friends. property was in a beautiful setting and the ocean was just like a large swimming pool. the locals are very helpful. and my family felt very secure on the island.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

best beach ever

Guest: HH (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/17/11 Review Submitted: 11/09/11

Our family of four had a wonderful time at Seabreeze. The house is on a gloriously quiet crescent-shaped beach. On a busy day you might see a few neighbors – we never saw more than six people on the whole expanse of beach at any one time – usually we were alone. The water is as warm as a bath and crystal clear to 15 feet or more. There is snorkeling at either point – just walk out of the house and go. We are occasional snorkelers at best, but even so we identified 19 species of fish – French angelfish, foureye butterflyfish, blue tang, bluehead wrasse, spotlight parrotfish, to name just a few. Twice we saw large rays. The owners have great reference books for underwater life at the house. The house is very spacious and open, plenty of room for two teenagers and two adults. Do rent the car – you will need it for groceries and exploring.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

RENTER BEWARE

Guest: nelson l.
Date of Stay: 07/27/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Cat Island Bahamas is such a great place! But "RENTER BEWARE" with this home Seabreeze Bennett's Harbour 1. We were eaten in “BED by BUGS" for 2 weeks. 2. The home was BURGLARIZED during our visit. 3. The owners never disclosed that there was CONSTRUCTION on both sides of the home prior to signing the Rental Agreement; with one of the construction sites being a new home for the owners of this home. When asked if the owner could halt construction on their site during our visit we received an email stating "not much I can do about that”. This was not only a LABILITY for our children but ruined being outside with construction workers only a few yards away or the smell of the diesel while enjoying the water. 4. We were told there would be internet. But when asked the owner to fix the issue they were was very slow follow up and lack of effort to resolve. So we were forced to activate our international roaming feature which ended up costing us dearly. Overall Cat Island Bahamas is an incredible place and a must to visit. But not with this home as your base.

Owner response:PLEASE read the other reviews. We take great pride in our home and the people of Cat Island. Our home is spotless clean and the people on Cat Island are kind. 1. I would suggest insect repellant a while you're outside at night. There are NOT bugs inside. 2. In 7+ years I have never heard of a burglary. I'm not sure where his phone went, but that's all that was taken. 3. I can't really ask men not to work, but to imply that his children were unsafe around the workers is offensive. People on Cat Island cherish children, your and mine. 4. The internet was down, but I told him that before he arrived and he seemed OK with it. Unfortunately, it took longer to get parts from the US than they thought, but it was fixed as soon as possible. I wish I could make everyone happy, in this case I couldn't.

Recommended for:

Jenny and Steve Romine July 13-20, 2011

Guest: Steve (Lancaster, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 07/13/11 Review Submitted: 08/14/11

Seabreeze has an excellent location on Cat Island. There are places to eat close to the house. Sammy T's and Da Smoke Pot were two of our favorites. Renee at Da Smoke Pot is a great cook. Fernandez Bay is well worth the trip for lunch and dinner. Shanna Cove and Trail Wind is also worth visiting since the beach is so beautiful. The beach at Seabreeze is perfect. The water is various shades of blues and very refreshing. The snorkeling is best to the left of the house at the entrance of Bennett's Creek. It was great to have the use of the ocean kayaks. It was fun to go to the beach at Pompeii Rocks and up Bennett's Creek by kayak. The house is very comfortable and the kitchen is well stocked. We ordered bread from Minerva, bought vegetables from 'Reverend Johnson and straw items from Mary. Debbie, Seabreeze's housekeeper, is a wealth of knowledge. Renting the Explorer is a must to get around to various places on the island. We loved our stay but the week went by too quickly.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Location, Location, Location!

Guest: Sealover (Longview, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 11/01/11

This house is on one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been on. The sand is soft, the sea is clear and the sunsets are AMAZING!!!! The house is so well thought out that it feels like home. The locals are friendly and make you feel welcome. Everyone says "Good Morning (afternoon or evening)" and inquire "You straight?" That means is everything goig well, or do you need assistance in the Bahamas. I will go back to Seabreeze as often as I am able

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Seabreeze is the Perfect vacation home

Guest: lb (Fairfax)
Date of Stay: 04/05/11 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

Seabreeze was absolutely amazing! The way you have decorated the home, labeled all the cabinets, the very nice furniture and linens, the electrical panels and ceiling fans and faucets, the kayaks, the large patio table & the covered area with the hammock, all reflect excellent taste and an attention to detail that we find very comforting. The kitchen and the way you’ve stocked it with every imaginable appliance and spice is spectacular! You even have a bread maker - not that we used it but the fact that you even have one at your beach home is impressive. My husband needs internet so we stay in accommodations that have the service. Thank you so much for having it available for this trip. DirecTV with over 200 channels, especially the music channels, were greatly appreciated as well. Thank you and congratulations on your wonderful vacation home in paradise. I'd also like to add that your Ford Explorer was the perfect rental car for the island.

Owner response:I'm so happy to hear that you had a good time. Thank you for your kind words about the house. Rich and I have worked hard to make it the kind of place that people feel at home in paradise. We hope to see you again soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Great house, perfect location!

Guest: Molly (Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 03/20/11 Review Submitted: 03/30/11

Just returned from a week's stay Seebreeze. Great house, perfect location! The beach is beautiful, the creek is amazing - tons of great wildlife. The house was super clean and well-equipped. Loved how close the house is to the beach. The island is quiet, the people are friendly. Perfect place for a family with a toddler. Looking forward to a return trip!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Amazing family celebratory vacation

Guest: Nanny & Grumpy (Tiverton, Nova Scotia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

We celebrated our 50th Anniversary with our sons and grandchildren on Cat Island- it is a perfect spot for a family holiday - the house was as advertised, fully equipped, clean and best of all was right on the beach, one of the most excellent beaches, in all respects, that we have ever encountered.. It is the best VRBO rental we have had. Although a little expensive, being able to rent the owner's car is very convenient. Wireless internet had just been installed, this is an important feature in renting on the islands, We have some concerns about it being available on an ongoing basis. Being able to be in touch with family and friends in the USA and Canada at minimal cost was a bonus. The outside facilities, watching sunsets, great swimming and snorkling makes Seabreezes the ideal vacation get-away. The lack of major tourist facilities, for us, was a bonus. Perhaps this explains why the islanders were so responsive in assisting us in obtaining the things we desired such as food, fishing trips, dining experiences, unique entertainment and directions to the highlights of the island. Our plans are already made to return to Seabreezes in the spring of 2012. We would definitely recommend this house in particular and the Island in general for an unforgetable vacation. Our questions to the owners were promptly and fully answered, the caretaker was competent and willing to assist us in any way he could. The home and amenities photos shown do not do full justice to this beautiful vacation spot. Exploring the beaches throughout the island, enjoying the local cuisine, visiting the Hermitage (the highest point in the Bahamas), and listening to the "Rake and Scrape" music add to the unique vacation experience.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful and comfortable home on a perfect beach

Guest: Patty (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 12/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/23/11

Seabreeze easily accomodated 6 inhabitants comfortably; my family of 4 arrived on December 28th; my daughter and her fiance joined us on December 31st, and we all stayed until January 6th. The perfect beach is right in your back ard so you do not have to drive (like we did in Exuma) to find a better stretch of sand and turquoise water. At night we went out on the patio to look at more stars than you could ever imagine. (Milky Way, shooting stars...) The kitchen was well equipped with every possible utensil, pan, and baking dish. The full sized washing machine and dryer were in their own room, not stacked in a closet, and there was a bucket of detergent to use. What we did: Cat Island was more quiet than other islands we have visited (Abaco, Eleuthera, and Exuma since 2007) We kayaked, drove to see the Hermitage, plantation and Shanna's cove. We rented the owner's car which got us around.The car rentals in any out island are comprised of old cars and this car pricewise was a bargain, even though it was VERY well used. Bring cds if you want music in the car. We couldn't seem to pick up any radio stations. We made our own meals and purchased vegetables from the travelling Reverend. We went to various markets to add to the frozen meats, parmalat milk, etc.that we brought from home. Bring cash; most places do not take credit cards and the one Bank (Bank of Bahamas) atm does not accept non B of B ATM cards. Our 4 kids ate lunch at Sammy T's twice and enjoyed it. We all planned on New Years Eve at Sammy T's but fell asleep by 10pm. At night we played board games and cards and watched the satellite tv in the great room. We built a bonfire on the beach and listened to our ipods on the great system with outdoor speakers.The house didn't have internet access, although the owner told us "they were working on getting it fixed". There was a misunderstanding about the cleaning that was caused by the language in our contract, so I advise renters to CAREFULLY review the contract beforehand. Contact the owner if you need clarification about ANYTHING. (not just cleaning). Also the fares to and from the airport (we flew into ATC, a 15 minute ride) are apparently fixed by the government, so while high, are not negotiable even if you run out of cash, like we did. Overall, if you want a very beautiful beach right at your doorstep, and a well equipped, comfortable home to enjoy a peaceful, restful family vacation, Seabreeze fits the bill.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

April 2010 Easter Vacation - Private pilot family

Guest: Deborah C. (RIC VA USA)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 12/13/10

Always enjoy the out islands. Traded the state side easter bunny sitings in for a wonderful out island vacation. Amenities great, location great, locals great. Thoroughly enjoyed Bennetts Harbor, caught the bones, saw the sea turtles. Sunsets put Key West to shame, yes, we did see the green flash. Plan to repeat experience, same house, 2011 Out Island visitors since 1995

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Sea Breeze House, Cat Island Bahamas

Guest: Bahama Blue (Coconut Grove, Fl. USA)
Date of Stay: 05/23/09 Review Submitted: 06/02/09

Best house ever. Great location, lee side of Cat Island. Sugar sand beach, clear, calm turquoise water. Perfect for relaxing swimming, floating in a tube and drinking pina-coladas with tiny umbrellas. Kitchen is a pleasure, well equipped with every state of the art gadget. Creative indoor supply of kid stuff, paints, crayons, pencils, paper, games, books and pails, floats, snorkel equip (for all) etc Good washer/dryer. Soap, First Aid kit, basic spices, etc provided. Very nice. Tropical cookbooks, drink books, Paul Humanns comp. set of coral reef ID books. House clean, well maintained. Nice furniture, thick towels, beach towels, quality linens. All in abundance.TV and DVDs. Location quiet, beach clean. Local people helpful and friendly. Great creek for kayaking and exploring. Lori (owner) very accessible for help by email or phone. Our family consisted of 6 including a 4 year old mermaid in training. As young as our mermaid is I think this vacation will be remembered forever. We rented 2 cars for complete freedom. Men fished, ladies explored, relaxed, read, collected conch shells and beach glass. Huge empty conch shells are everywhere. Emily's straw mkt in Arthur Town was beautiful and reasonable with lovely straw work. Mrs. C in Orange Creek grocery store can get or find what you need. She knows everything. Cat Island is a place for people who want to getaway and unwind. The roads are good, island safe, if the natural environment calls to you, this slice of paradise is your island.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Best of the Bahamas

Guest: Mermaid in Training (Hollywood, FL and Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 05/23/09 Review Submitted: 06/02/09

I have stayed in 11 different beachfront rental properties in the Bahamas (on Long Island, Staniel Cay, Cat Island, Abacos and Great Exuma) and can say that hands down this is the best of the best that I've been to. The house is beautifully thought out, the kitchen absolutely amazing and the beach out-of-this-world. Pictures cannot do it justice. With the two kayaks you can take an amazing eco-paddle up nearby Bennett's Creek or snorkel and see an impressive variety of tropical fish at Pompeii Rocks at the other end of the beach. 6 of us spent a glorious week at the house - including my 4 year old niece who was on her first Bahamas outing and was in Mermaid's training. She got to experience some amazing firsts - using her new fins & mask, catching her first fish, including a # of great games at the house, used a lot of the great toys from the kids' closet and was able to watch Ariel (I think that's her name) on the big-screen tv in the mornings before venturing out for more of her "training". The description provided for the house is accurate, but doesn't totally do it justice...this place must be experienced! house was very clean and I would highly recommendit for those looking for total escape. Cat island isn't for everyone - if you are looking for casinos and "high-roller" type entertainment - go to another island. This is where you and your family and friends can get back to reality and spend quality time while swimming in bathwater warm, crystal clear water, or lounging in the hammock. There is beachcoming on the Atlantic side of the island, and many other amazing places to explore on the island = which is almost 60 miles long - so I Highly recommend having a rental car while you are there. Best to bring as much of your own food as possible - but there are good grocery stores at Orange Creek, and in the town of New Bight. The frozen drink machine is a wonderful idea but used the blender for concocting our evening libations while waiting to see the green flash. We didn't see it this time - but are certainly looking foward to going back and trying again! You must be comfortable walking into small local stores and restaurants to enjoy the full flavor of this friendly island, where everyone waves when you drive by, and is happy to help you if you have questions. Just remember to be polite - The owners are very nice and available but they aren't hovering - allow you to totally enjoy your stay in peace & quiet.

Recommended for:

Relaxing, romantic, and beautiful

Guest: Snowy in VT (Vermont)
Date of Stay: 04/26/09 Review Submitted: 03/22/10

My wife, Linda and I made our second visit to Cat Island last year enjoying this wonderful home. It is everything and more than the website states and shows. We were not going to return this year to save some money, but changed our minds. This will be the first time returning to the same house for our 4th visit to the Bahamas. Our other homes were terrific, but this one was beyond words. The ocean is calm, blue and warm, with sand soft and smooth. It you are are looking for a place to go out and party - stay home. If you are looking for a place to renew your relationship, relax and revitalize - this is for you.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Cat Island House

Guest: kathetique (Auburn, Maine)
Date of Stay: 04/21/09 Review Submitted: 05/16/09

What a totally wonderful place. The pictures don't do the house justice. The great room is huge and easily accommodates a group. We had six and could have easily been comfortable with a couple more. The house is amazingly well equipped, from beach and snorkeling paraphanalia to a kitchen that was better equipped than my own at home to a huge DVD collection and games for kids. Danny, the caretaker/cab driver was welcoming and most helpful. As it turned out, we didn't need to call on him, other than getting a ride back to the airport, but he was full of useful information and made us comfortable that if anything came up, we'd have someone to turn to. The location of the house was perfect. The beach was every bit as beautiful as any Caribbean beach you could imagine and shared with only a few other houses. A creek comes into the ocean a 500 feet or so from the house, and it forms a spit of beach that is accessible only by boat or swim which makes for a totally isolated, deserted beach, The creek itself is also great for kayaking and espying all manner of wild life. We saw rays, a barracuda, a turtle and green herons that allowed us to practically touch them. We also snorkeled just about every day over the reefs immediately to the left and right of the house. It was like swimming in an aquarium - a huge assortment of colorful fish and coral. The island itself is magical with its lack of development relative to most of the Caribbean. We really felt like we were able to be part of the island culture, and the islanders were without exception warm and lovely. You do need to make advance plans if you want to eat at a restaurant, but with a few hours advance notice, you will be nicely accommodated. We had a lovely dinner at Periwinkles, we also had an impromptu lunch at Bluebird which was great, and Yardie, who is just up the road makes a wicked good conch salad. As Danny said, it goes best with and ice cold beer. Groceries were readily available at several different locations. Don't expect to find the variety available in American super markets, but if you're somewhat flexible you fill find everything you need to eat well. We also had a lot of fun exploring the island by car. Don't miss the Hermitage! If you're looking for a fast paced vacation this is probably not the place for you. If you're looking for a relaxed time at one of the most beautiful places on earth and would like to get a taste of what the Bahamas used to be, this it.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sea Breeze visit

Guest: Steve@KXVG (Hackensack, Minnesota, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/23/09 Review Submitted: 04/26/09

Our group of 3 couples stayed at Sea Breeze for a week in March of '09 and was very pleased with the property! The property description on VRBO was accurate and there were no surprises. The home was clean and well maintained, the beds were comfortable and there was an ample supply of clean linen and towels. The kitchen had more gadgets and appliances then you could ever use in a one week stay, but we sure gave the Margarita machine a good workout. Each night we had dinner on the patio where we watched the sunset, one night were even saw the “green flash”. The beach right in front of the house was great for swimming. Snorkeling was fantastic within an easy 5 minute swim. One day we walked over to the Atlantic side (about 2-1/2 miles one way), the beach there was fantastic, the surf was breaking outside the coral barrier so there were several protected places to swim. And except for us it was deserted. A day trip we recommend. Bennett’s Harbour, and pretty much all Cat Island, is remote and quiet so if you are looking for night clubs and a party scene this is not the place for you, what you will find is a relaxed, unhurried and friendly atmosphere. But plan ahead, bring as many groceries as you can from the States, the grocery store is adequately stocked but food is expensive. And so is beer at around $40 a case, rum however is cheap!! Overall our group gives high marks to Sea Breeze.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children.

Sun and Sand

Guest: sick of snow (Listowel, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/20/09 Review Submitted: 05/20/09

we really needed this vacation, so we were very pleased when we arrived to find this home so beautiful. everything was exactly as discribed. we have rented homes in the bahamas before and in this price range, this is by far the nicest place we've stayed at with the best amenities. fabulous beach! also, it was extremely helpful to be able to rent the owner's vehicle, as vehicle rentals in the islands can be not the nicest. we were advised to bring food along (what ever you can carry) however, we found this to be a pain and not really needed. the grocery stores are modest but if you are not expecting a gourmet grocery, you can easily make do. we used the BBQ every day. the liquor stores are well stocked. if you are looking for a layed back vacation, this is a great place. we hope to go back some day.

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway.