Serenity Cottage Overlooking Thunderball Grotto
- Minimum stay:3 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
Serenity Cottage is a round design with a huge wrap-around deck for enjoying a nap in the hammock, watching the many yachts go by, or catching the "green flash" as the sun sets into the sea. In addition to the full bath inside, guests have an outside shower with hot and cold water on a lower deck. Snorkeling gear (limited) and beach towels are included.
Serenity also has a newly completed dock house, a high-end efficiency right on the water designed for one couple with king-size bed, bath, small kitchen and deck. Please inquire if interested.
This small island in the middle of the Exumas has world-class snorkeling and diving, a small native village of about 100 friendly people, three restaurants, an oceanside hiking path...it's a place where people return year after year once they "discover" Staniel Cay. The owner lives in Serenity Retreat, the two-story home next to the cottage. She's also the local author, with three books published on Staniel Cay: "Drumbeat No Lie," "Chaos to Serenity" and "Splash the Staniel Cay Cat."
Staniel Cay is a small island, where golf carts are "cars." Everything is within walking distance, but a golf cart is recommended, especially for visiting restaurants at night. Thunderball Grotto, where James Bond movies and others were filmed, is right in front of Serenity Cottage...swim in at slack tide and be one with the fish. There are beaches all over the island and in the area, where many islands are totally deserted. Staniel Cay is probably the best kept secret in the Bahamas...because it is so small, not many visitors hear about it. Those who do consider it "their island." The friendly people, good service and tropical atmosphere make it the perfect vacation spot. Air service from Fort Lauderdale and Nassau makes it easy to get to Staniel Cay.
By small boat (several sizes/options available at Serenity) guests can visit the famous "swimming pigs beach" on Big Marjor's Spot, the protected iguana beaches at Bitter Guana, and the "pet" sharks at Compass Cay, all nearby. Have a picnic on a deserted island beach or visit the neighboring native community on Black Point. Or...watch the world go by relaxing on Serenity's deck. Whatever you do, your memories will last forever.
Keywords: Cottage
Property Type
- Cottage
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Children Welcome
- Non Smoking Only
- Limited Accessibility
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 6
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Convertible bed(s)
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Kitchen
- Ice Maker
- Cooking Utensils
Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Covered Parking
Entertainment
- VCR
- CD Player
- DVD Player
- Video Library
Communications
- Wireless Internet
Outdoor Features
- Deck / Patio
- Outdoor Grill
- Balcony
Location & View
- Oceanfront
Activities
- Boating
- Sight Seeing
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
Reviews
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Home away from Home
Home away from Home
- Guest Christine D.
- Date of stay 01/09/13
- Review Submitted 01/24/13
Our family enjoyed the beauty and simplicity of Staniel Cay in the cottage that is "Serenity". Amazing views, lovely accommodations and relaxing. We rented a Boston Whaler and adventured neighboring islands to experience the most unusual; Carefully feeding Swimming Pig's, hanging out with the rare Iguana's, Swimming with Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay, Snorkel beautiful Coral Gardens and the famous "007" Thunderball Grotto! Amazing times, full of adventure and fun. The beautiful beach near Thunderball became my favorite get away, enjoying the natural beauty of the island......swimming and sunbathing in the peace and quiet of this lovely paradise. Marty and Coral were helpful in all ways, gracious and friendly. For the ultimate experience in the "Natural Beauty" of the Bahama's - This is it. Enjoy!Owner response: We are so fortunate to have such nice people visit Serenity and Staniel Cay...they add to the beauty all around us and we look forward to their return.
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SERENITY COTTAGE IS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR FAMILY OF FIVE
SERENITY COTTAGE IS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR FAMILY OF FIVE
- Guest Larry and Victoria
- Date of stay 12/21/12
- Review Submitted 01/11/13
Marty and her daughter Coral made my family's first visit to Staniel Cay not only perfect in every way but a dream come true!!! My husband and three teen girls enjoyed every second of our week-long stay at Christmas time! The place was spotlessly clean, and we had all the utensils, plates, and cookware that we needed! In addition, Marty provided all the toilet paper, bathroom towels, and bathroom toiletries that we needed as well!!! The beds were comfortable and the living room and kitchen lovely! The place is prettier than the photos, and very well-maintained. I would recommend Serenity cottage to not only a family but for an intimate time for two as well. We used the barbecue outside on the deck to make scrumptious steaks and shrimp! The view from the cottage was awe-inspiring from sun-up to sundown!! You could just step out on the deck, and feel like a millionaire with the ocean channel in front, and Thunderball Grotto just across the channel You will have the best view on the island!!! Please rent a boat and a golf cart from Coral during your stay! It is a must! We rented a 17-foot Boston Whaler, fully equipped with GPS, for our entire stay, and we used it every day!! Within an hour of Serenity, is the amazing "aquarium" of the Land and Sea Park, which any snorkeling buff has to see! Within about 30-45 minutes is the incredible Compass Cay, where Tucker and his son will make you fresh barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, made to order, as you snorkel with those lovely nurse sharks and a myriad of large tropical fish! We enjoyed our visit there so much, that we went 3 times to this beautiful place! Within 10 minutes of Serenity, are the swimming pigs, who are fantastic! They swam out to our boat, and we gave them all of our leftover steak and French fries! They loved it! Within about 20 minutes to the south, are the iguanas, which you must visit and feed carefully! Marty not only provided a dream come true home for us during our stay; but also many lovely conversations about the island and its people! She is a one of a kind person and a joy to spend time with at Serenity! Coral's boats are impeccably maintained, and again a must during your stay! The diver and avid snorkeling buff will also appreciate the outdoor shower to wash off salt water and snorkel gear as well! In order to get around the island you must rent a golf cart, which is electric and so much fun to drive! Serenity is a diamond in the jeweled crown of Staniel Cay!Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with young children, tourists without a car, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: We truly are grateful for the wonderful people who visit Serenity. This family melted into island life, letting the sun and sea bathe them in beauty and love. It is such a privilege to help "make it happen" for people who really want to escape "back home" for awhile. We look forward to their return!
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A Truly Amazing Vacation
A Truly Amazing Vacation
- Guest Niki W.
- Date of stay 04/30/12
- Review Submitted 06/22/12
If you are looking to experience The Bahamas they way it was meant to be - Staniel Cay & Serenity are it! We arrived in Staniel and Marty was right there as we arrived to pick us up & show us the island - we didn't even tell her when our flight was arriving! The Cottage was cozy, and beautiful. It truly felt like our home! It was everything we were looking for on our Honeymoon! We enjoyed many nights watching the sun set behind the Thunderball Grotto. We rented the 17' Mako and went exploring everyday! The boat was kept in beautiful condition & came with a chart & cooler to help us explore the many Cays! My Husband loves to spearfish & they even had spears & slings for rental so he could catch our dinner! Anything we needed or inquired about the family was right there taking care of it for us; or helping us to arrange it. The whole family was so warm, inviting & we truly feel that we have gained amazing friends for life. We can't say Thank you enough to the whole clan for being the amazing hosts & friends that you are! There are no words to truly describe the experience we had staying at Serenity. It is an experience that you MUST add to your bucket list! We have found our vacation home for life! We are counting the days until we can return to Serenity Cottage - it is now our home away from home. If you are looking to experience a true vacation, Serenity Cottage in The Exumas is the PERFECT choice! You won't be disappointed & you will never want to leave!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with young children, tourists without a car, girls getaway, sightseeing.
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A Truly Amazing Vacation
A Truly Amazing Vacation
- Guest Niki W.
- Date of stay 04/30/12
- Review Submitted 06/22/12
If you are looking to experience The Bahamas they way it was meant to be - Staniel Cay & Serenity are it! We arrived in Staniel and Marty was right there as we arrived to pick us up & show us the island - we didn't even tell her when our flight was arriving! The Cottage was cozy, and beautiful. It truly felt like our home! It was everything we were looking for on our Honeymoon! We enjoyed many nights watching the sun set behind the Thunderball Grotto. We rented the 17' Mako and went exploring everyday! The boat was kept in beautiful condition & came with a chart & cooler to help us explore the many Cays! My Husband loves to spearfish & they even had spears & slings for rental so he could catch our dinner! Anything we needed or inquired about the family was right there taking care of it for us; or helping us to arrange it. The whole family was so warm, inviting & we truly feel that we have gained amazing friends for life. We can't say Thank you enough to the whole clan for being the amazing hosts & friends that you are! There are no words to truly describe the experience we had staying at Serenity. It is an experience that you MUST add to your bucket list! We have found our vacation home for life! We are counting the days until we can return to Serenity Cottage - it is now our home away from home. If you are looking to experience a true vacation, Serenity Cottage in The Exumas is the PERFECT choice! You won't be disappointed & you will never want to leave!Owner response: You were such wonderful guests...the kids still talk about all the good times...you are welcome back anytime as you are now part of our family. We wish you well!
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Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 3 night min stay |
$500 | |||||
Additional information about rental rates
Security deposit plus 1/2 rental fee to book, balance due 30 days prior to arrival.
Additional Fees and Taxes:
10% room tax
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Calendar
Sorry this information is not available. Please contact the owner/manager for more information.
Owner info
About the owner: I have a 40 year history with the island and am the local author. Three of my books take place on the island: Drumbeat No Lie is a novel that takes place during the crazy 1980s, Splash the Staniel Cay Cat is a favorite children's book, and my latest, Chaos to Serenity, spans my years on the island, with a brief history, my experiences, and island trivia. It's a fun book that has been well received. We discovered Staniel Cay while cruising on our sailboat in the late 1960s, began the first charter airline from the States in the early 70s, and provided communication via single sideband radio until the island got phone service in the late 1980s. The friendly community, the incredible water and weather keep me here. Originally from Wisconsin, I had no idea of tides and water where you could see the bottom in 100 feet. I love sharing my experiences with others so they can also fall in love with this beautiful island.
Contact us
- Primary: 954-769-0342 (Skype)
- Secondary: (242) 355-2036 (Bahamas)
Links to more information:
Photos
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Serenity Retreat and Cottage
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Cottage living area
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Staniel Cay and the many islands to explore
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Ocean beach on east side of the island
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See-through kayak comes with Serenity
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Master bedroom...great view!
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Petting sharks at Compass Cay
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Serenity Cottage and deck
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Serenity Cottage kitchen
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Thunderball Grotto coral
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See our famous "Swimming Pigs"
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Serenity Outdoor Shower
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Fish greeting at Thunderball Grotto
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Second bedroom
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Protected iguanas on nearby Bitter Guana Cay
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Monday, May 20, 2013
954-769-0342 (Skype)