Vacation Rentals by Owner

Exuma in May

Guest: Chris (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 05/02/12 Review Submitted: 05/07/12

We had a fabulous vacation in Exuma this past week and being able to stay at Belle Mer was a joy! We have two children under 5 and when we arrived they were exhausted from the trip. Being able to arrive at Belle Mer allowed the children to enjoy the beach effortlessly, being that it's only steps away from the back door. And the house is a joy for children - between the games, play do, Wii and beach toys. It is really a fabulous house either for a family with children or adults. The kitchen is amazing and begs you to stock the double refrigerator and wine frig with goodies. We loved being able to enjoy breakfasts at the house, packed lunches for the boat/beach days and then we went out in the evenings to enjoy the fabulous bahamian fare. I grew up spending my summers in Georgetown, specifically on Tar Bay. If you ask the locals they'll tell you Tar Bay is THE BEST BEACH on Exuma. Add the best beach and a truly amazing house and it makes for a perfect vacation. You will not be disappointed if you book Belle Mer Cottage!

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

All of the luxuries of home on a spectacular beach

Guest: CAZ (Burlington, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/26/12

This is a great house on a superb child friendly beach with all of the comforts of home, and more!. The kitchen is well stocked with utensils and appliances and the double refridgerators provide all the space we need for drinks and food for our 2 families. We have visited several times to Exuma and this house is so conveniently located to the airport and nearby Georgetown that it makes our vacation really relaxing and easy. We love Exuma!, The people are among the friendliest we have met and we feel safe and comfortable on our visits.The beach is long and provides good walking. The direct Air Canada Flight from Toronto is a bonus, making our vacation even easier. We rented a boat from Minn's and had 2 great days of snorkelling and discovering the Cays around Elizabeth Harbour. There is great snorkelling at Guana Cay and Fowl Cay. If you can believe, it we also encountered 2 wild dolphins and swam with them!. The swam, within 2 feet of our reach, for at least 10 minutes. They were jumping out of the water - like at marineland! The kids were thrilled....and so were the adults! The grocery and liquor stores are well stocked on Exuma, but make sure you visit the day after the supply boat comes in as the selection is best. The restaurants we visited - Pallappa, St. Francis and Chat and Chill always provide good eats. Fresh fish can be ordered if you just ask the locals in town. We are always looking forward to our next visit to Exuma.....it feels like we are arriving "home" when we visit.

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

Excellent vacation house for two families

Guest: Frank (McLean, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/26/12

Belle Mer Cottage is truely beautiful and the porch is no more than 50 feet from the water. My family and my sister's family stayed at the Cottage for almost a week in March with four adults, three older teens and an eight year old and had plenty of room. There is cable TV in every room and WiFi. The house is very nicely decorated and the kitchen is well equipped. We rarely saw more than one other family as we walked along the beach. We had a fabulous boat trip with Captain Peter Burrows and Exuma Cays Adventures to see Thunderball Cave, swim with the Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay and see the swimming pigs and iquanas. Also drove all the way south to Little Exuma to eat lobster at Santanas and swim at Tropic of Cancer Beach. Trust me - this is a great family vacation home.

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

Excellent Home

Guest: SummerVacation (Houston)
Date of Stay: 03/09/12 Review Submitted: 04/26/12

Our family of five along with my mother and grandmother all stayed for a week in this lovely home. The location is fantastic - just a few miles from the airport and a short drive from Georgetown. The best part was how close we were to the beach and the incredible views that the home afforded us. We did contact the owners about a few very minor things we had questions about upon arrival and they were incredibly responsive and helpful, as was the caretaker there on the island. We wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. Exuma is a beautiful place and this home and these owners were absolutely wonderful to work with. As a bonus, they had a ton of kid toys for the beach available and lots of beach towels as well. We have very fond memories that we will always cherish.

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

Exceeded Expectations and centerally located on the Great Exuma

Guest: Justin (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 02/25/12 Review Submitted: 04/25/12

We had two families for a total of 4 adults and 4 kids between ages 7 and 3. The Belle Mer Cottage was a perfect fit. The house is new and comfortable and the beach is spectacular and clean. It's perfectly located on the island so nothing is too far away. The owners of Belle Mer were extremely helpful for fun activities on or around the island such as flyfishing for bones, boat trips to gorgeous beaches and others. I'd highly recommend this house to anybody looking for a comfortable vacation in Geat Exuma.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful and convenient for our beach vacation

Guest: Good times guy (Eagle, CO USA)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/27/12

The home is fabulous and has everything you need to enjoy time with your friends and family. The beach and bay are spectacular. 5 different shades of blue water, so spectaular it looks fake. Dolphins swam by daily as we ate breakfast on the patio. Spent all day enjoying the beach and water. So convenient to walk in and out of house for another snack or beverage. Couldn't have been any easier or more relaxing.

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

Awesome home!

Guest: Robin (Denver)
Date of Stay: 02/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/21/12

I have been on many beach vacations and this is one of my all-time favorites! I have stayed in this home twice and have found it to be well-maintained and a perfect place for a quiet beach vacation. I was worried about hurricane damage and was happy to find the house and beach in excellent shape on our February 2012 visit. Highly recommend a boat trip to the Chat 'n Chill and a day trip to Little Exuma and Santana's. We haven't been lucky enough to see Taylor Swift or Johnny Depp but we hear they hang out there. This is a great place for families or couples. If you try it, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

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

A Little Piece of Paradise

Guest: Kim (Lee's Summit, MO)
Date of Stay: 12/25/11 Review Submitted: 01/08/12

We arrived on Christmas Day and were thrilled to find such a beautiful, clean home so close to the ocean waiting for us. The house was better than described and designed in such a way as to allow our eight family members plenty of room to congregate and also have some time away from each other. Although the grocery stores were closed for the holiday, we were notified ahead of time so were able to arrange to have some supplies already stocked in the home. The beach/water toys available with the house provided hours of enjoyment for all family members (ages 14 - 68!). We rented cars at the airport....and were glad we did as we were able to explore the island on our own time. We spent a day at Stocking Island eating the amazing fresh conch salad and playing in the unbelievably clear blue water. We also highly recommend Robert's Island Adventures for an all day excursion around the Exuma Cays.....complete with snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto, swimming with nurse sharks, and feeding the swimming pigs. About halfway through our week-long stay, we were already talking about "when we come back"! Thanks to our lovely hosts who were so helpful in providing the information we needed to have the vacation of our dreams!

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

Needs work

Guest: Gord F.
Date of Stay: 10/29/11 Review Submitted: 04/05/12

This was the second time we had stayed at Belle Mer, the first time was when the house was new. This time we found the house in a state of disrepair. There were mice in the house! The first day we were there we found a mouse in a trap that was in a kitchen drawer. The next day we found one in a trap in the closet. When the caretaker was called he was less than concerned and made it sound like no big deal. The bed in the upstairs bedroom was totally wore out. It sagged so bad in the middle it was not possible to sleep in. When we talked to the homeowners after our vacation they sounded surprised to hear about the bad bed and the mice. I kind of found it hard to believe that they would not know about these issues as they reportedly visit the house regularly. The owners offered to give us $500.00 off of our next visit if we were to stay there again. We most assuredly would not!! Overall we found that the house was very poorly maintained for nearly new house, windows did not open properly, windows leaked when it rained, all examples of a property that is going to worse at the years go on. I would not recommend to stay here.

Owner response:We are very sorry to hear this negative posting in VRBO from a gentleman that stayed in our home six months ago. Hurricane Irene struck our island in September of 2011 (the month prior to this guest’s arrival). The hurricane-force winds measured 130 mph and endured for 24 hours. There was considerable damage to many trees and homes in our neighborhood. Our property manager and his crew spent countless days and hours helping fellow islanders and neighbors repair damaged roofs and scattered out buildings. Because this gentleman was a returning client, we decided to give him a discount and open up our home which had been boarded up with hurricane shutters since Hurricane Irene. While our property manager was on site, the guest notified him of seeing a mouse, so our manager secured pest control services who responded to set traps in multiple locations inside and out. It appears that island ecosystems are uprooted during a hurricane and displaced insects and rodents seek shelter elsewhere. During his stay, our pest control service attended to the problem three times to remove trapped mice as needed. Our pest control service returned to monthly routine and to date, there have been no mice reported in the home. Our property manager had not been notified until checkout there was any concern with the king-size bed in the upper bedroom. Otherwise, it would have been taken care of immediately. Upon his inspection, a few slats under the frame had slid out of place and were easily corrected. One upper window leaked while he was staying at our home during a westerly wind. Two windows in the living room did not open as sand from the hurricane was blown into the tracks of the windows. As soon as we learned of the window issues, we arranged for repairs and they were completed in a timely fashion. It is true, we did not visit our home in September nor October due to hurricane season and because they can be the wettest months of the year. We did, however, have a lovely visit in November. We performed several home and landscaping improvements as we typically endeavor while in residence. We truly enjoy our home in Great Exuma as well as the opportunity to offer the island experience with wonderful clients from VRBO. For the past three years, our home has had over one hundred weeks of clients and return clients with glowing reports. We always appreciate feedback and it serves us in maintaining our Belle Mer Cottage between our visits.

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Family Vacation

Guest: Kathy (Upstate New York)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/11/11

This year we decided to rent a house for our family vacation. When we arrived at the Belle Mer Cottage all I can say is "wow"!! Everything was impeccably clean and well maintained. The house was well equipped with every amenity you could ask for. The beach is to die for-soft, white sand and the most beautiful blue water you could ask for. We rented a car and toured the island, everyone was extremely helpful and friendly. We had a relaxing week and are looking forward to a return trip.

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

Guest: Jan 2011 guest
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

Happy New Year!! What a fabulous way to begin! Great friends,wonderful house- most amazing views. Totally turned off from "reality". Thanks for sharing this beautiful home with us! We loved the kitchen, porch and of course the Wii. Wonderful week in Paradise.

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Guest: Dec 2010 guest
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

Merry Christmas! What a beautiful home and beach we've had the pleasure of spending the past week at. We had such wonderful views from the deck we rarely felt the need to venture out.Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us this holiday season-- a home that is so well stocked, including many items for kids, what a great holiday week we've had.

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Guest: Nov. 2010 guest
Date of Stay: 11/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

We've spent the last 7 nights in comlete paradise We have loved Belle Mer cottage and the island of Great Exuma. The beach here on Tar Bay has been heaven on earth and we've almost had it completely to ourselves. The white sand and beautiful blue water are gorgeous and we've spent many hours walking the beach and soaking in our surroundings.Sad to be leaving but we know we shall return!

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Guest: Oct. 2010 guest
Date of Stay: 10/31/10 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

Thank you so much for sharing your "Beautiful Sea" home with us. This is our second visit to Exuma and this is our favorite vacation spot. The Chat-n-Chill is always fun. Fed the stingrays, chilled with bahama mamas cocktail and played volleyball on the beach. We went scuba diving with Dive Exuma at Elizabeth Cay Reef and saw spiny lobster and a sea turtle as well as many colorful fish. See you again

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Guest: Sept 2010 guest
Date of Stay: 09/19/10 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

Wonderful vacation, Excellent weather and beautiful home. Tried Charlies fish as recommended and not disappointed. Fed the stingrays at Chat-n-Chill. Rented a boat and toured the islands. Can't wait to return. Thanks for sharing your piece of paradise with us.

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Guest: unknown
Date of Stay: 08/06/10 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

Belle Mer, We have had a perfect family vacation with the family. The weather has been beautiful every single day, the breeze oh so perfect.My older son 11yrs learned to spear fish and the younger ones loved the snorkeling. The Wii dance nights, kayaking made us have some of the best laughs .Breakfast and dinner outside will be remembered forever.

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Guest: June, 2010 guest
Date of Stay: 06/01/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much we enjoyed staying at Belle Mer. You have a beautiful home. The views are magnificent and the amenities amazing. We love to cook and your kitchen was so well equipped. Our family will definitely come back to Belle Mer. Thank you again for sharing your little piece of paradise with us.

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Guest: April, 2010 guest
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

We had such a lovely visit to your home on Exuma. It was a great vacation and we have fond memories of the trip- will be sure to come back.

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Guest: February, 2010 guest
Date of Stay: 02/27/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/10

We had an amazing time here...nothing could have made it better. The 10 days felt more like 2+ weeks. The pace of the island and more importantly the comfort of Belle Mer and all its amenities made it our best family holiday yet. We look forward to return to Great Exuma and Belle Mer Cottage.

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Guest: October, 2009 guest
Date of Stay: 10/29/09 Review Submitted: 10/28/09

We had a wonderful time at Belle Mer. What a beautiful house. I'm guessing you must have "imported" some builders from home. The quality of construction looks a little different than most Bahamian work! We had a couple days of some wind, but the weather otherwise was great. And a classic "deserted" Bahamian beach. I think we saw three or four people on it, the whole time we were there...... Again, we had a great time, and thanks for providing such a beautiful home in a beautiful spot!

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Guest: August, 2009 guest
Date of Stay: 09/06/09 Review Submitted: 09/05/09

WOW!!! Fantastic doesn't fully cover the wonderful time that we spent at the cottage in Exuma. My mother (Sandra, who wrote to you a few days ago) said that it was even better than she had imagined. Thank you for helping us give our Mom an amazing and relaxing vacation. The house is absolutely perfect in every way.. Exuma is terrific and was just what we were looking for.

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Guest: August, 2009 guest
Date of Stay: 09/02/09 Review Submitted: 09/01/09

The perfect vacation home is an under-statement. Spent a glorious week as guests and learned that stress really can melt away in the ideal setting. Loved every moment and hope to return again soon as guests in your beautiful home. Thank you for making our vacation so wonderful.

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Guest: August, 2009 guest
Date of Stay: 08/26/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

A note to let you know that we LOVED the Bel Mer Cottage and that we had a spectacular vacation!! The house is truly great and superbly appointed! The beach and the island are fantastic! Everything was above our expectations! Everything worked out just fine and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!! The kids did fantastic in their separate room, and did not want to return home! (The walkie talkie were a big hit!!) Thank you very much for all the suggestions and tips: car rental, cleaning lady, grocery shopping, restaurants etc. We had an opportunity to explore the whole island and stocking island.....magnificent, we never saw soo many beautiful deserted beaches!!! I hope we will have another opportunity to return to the Cottage.

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Guest: June, 2009 guest
Date of Stay: 08/26/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

Everything was wonderful and one of the most beautiful places we have ever been..... Went to the bone fish lodge one night and Taylor Swift was there with her parents. It was a great thrill for our daughters to get to meet her and get their picture taken with her. They were the nicest family you could ever meet. The beach was crowded one day as we saw 3 people at the same time. HA HA. Thanks for letting us enjoy your fabulous house and the memories that will go with it. The girls also put a few shells in your lamp if you dont mind. Thanks again.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 04/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

"What a wonderful time we had, Chat N Chill, boat rides, golf, snorkeling, you name it we did it. The house is beautiful. Thanks so much for providing us such a great time."

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 04/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

"What a great house! Our family could not have been any happier! The kitchen is great! The kayacks, water toys, and chairs were greatly appreciated. The weather was perfect. We wound down every evening with the Planet Earth series. Highlights include Chat N Chill, boating around Stocking Island, Coco Plum Beach Restaurant and Santana's Grill. Perfect vacation...."

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 04/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

"We refer to this vacation as a Blast!! Our babies roamed the beach as we ate conch salad on the veranda. Thank you so much for letting us enjoy your comfortable home. We see why you love the Exumas and the Bahamian people."

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