Been there twice; planning on a 3rd trip!

Guest: RandyRoe (Staunton, VA)
Date of Stay: 04/18/09 Review Submitted: 04/28/09

I was there 12/06 and 04/09; We are planning on a 2010 trip and if the kids bail out, we are going back in a heartbeat! I found the owners to be VERY responsive, the house to be pristine and the surrounds and beaches rate 50 on a scale of 1 to 10. The owners recent additions of the wood chairs on the deck are the perfect touch to relax. The kitchen is perfectly equipped as well. If you need entertainment of the resort type, you should consider another Island; but if you need peace and quiet with astounding beauty, this place is for you. If you scan the travel forums, you'll find but one complaint on the property; the remaining dozen or so of us will swear by it and all are dedicated return visitors. If you are considering a honeymoon there - Do It! The journal in the house recounts several honeymoons there where the local folks helped in the celebration, yet afforded the honeymooners the complete privacy that's native to the location. Ah! The house decoration... I have stayed in several 4 star hotels that did not have the quality of linens afforded to guests at Tropical Heights. For the volume of people traveling through the house, that is impressive! We were enamored with Tropical Heights enough, that another guest who had complaints about the location, commented that the fins were tore up - yes, it was true - that's alot of blue water, and they had the miles on them - we replaced them... So, another amenity is brand new fins... To the owners: Thank you for opening the house to us - It IS paradise!! Oh! Get to know the caretaker "IJ" - He is great!

Owner response:Actually, trying, unsuccessfully I might add, to hold back my tears after reading your review. YOU are the reason we opened up our little piece of paradise that we treasure so much! And, YOU are most certainly welcome anytime and as a returning guest will receive additional perks! We'll talk! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! May God bless and keep you, make His face shine upon you and give you peace!!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway.

Amazing Honeymoon - Does not Disappoint!

Guest: Erin & Andrew (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

Tropical Heights was everything (and more) that they described, and that we imagined!! This was our first vacation in almost four years, and our honeymoon to boot -- it did not disappoint! The house is amazing, and situated on a beautiful bluff. It is not a lie to say that there is absolutely NO ONE around. You can walk all the way to Twin Cove Beach, and not see anyone. The house has all of the amenities that you need for a self-sufficient, relaxing vacation. They have pretty much everything that you need - books, CDs, movies, kitchen stuff, etc. IJ, the caretaker, is nice and accommodating with enough laughs and smiles to make you feel comfortable and laugh along with him. Also, the house is centrally located so that you can explore the entire island without it being difficult. I would recommend absolutely anyone to stay at Tropical Heights. Last, but certainly not least, Doug was a pleasure to book with - he was prompt in responses and answered all of my questions without hesitation. Thank you so much, Doug and Valinda. Your house is amazing, and we hope that we can come back soon!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

Romantic, tranquil and exotic!

Guest: Swati (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 11/26/09 Review Submitted: 12/13/10

We had stayed in Tropical Heights last year and would love to be there whenever possible again! The location of this home is exotic, it faces the vast Atlantic. We used to enjoy the sunrises everyday from the patio. It is quiet and secluded. Pictures don't do justice to the true beauty of this home. The owners were helpful and responsive. Thanks for keeping the telescope, the movies and the music collection in your home, it made our evenings even more entertaining. All the books about the island helped us in planning our days. We would definitely recommend this home to whoever is looking for a secluded romantic exotic vacation home.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.

Tropical Heights - The perfect place to relax!!!!

Guest: zipperneck (Cordova, TN)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 05/30/10

Looking for a beautiful, secluded, inviting place to forget about the world for a while? Tropical Heights is the place. Just got back from a 4 night stay and couldn't be happier with our choice. Tropical Heights remote location - no other homes within a 1/4 mile as the crow flies -, private beach and beautiful vistas were just the ticket for a quiet, relaxing and fun break from life. The house is tastefully decorated (no cheap Wal-Mart seagul pictures or seashell themed shower curtains of which populate every vacation home in Florida), sits atop a bluff and therefore has an almost constant cooling breeze, and is a very comfortable place to watch the sunrise or sip a drink or just lounge around admidst the sweet smells of the tropical foliage. Take 55 steps (trust me, I counted) down to the beach below and it'll be like your on your own tropical island. We never saw one other person in either direction (about a mile or more either way). And other than a flyby by one plane and a very distant sailboat spotting we were absolutely alone (read: NO TAN LINES!!!). The only downside to the beach could be that there is coral about 5 feet from the shore. So don't go there thinking you'll be doing any body surfing or playing catch in the surf. However, you've essentially got full access to own coral reef for snorkling. I saw all manner of fish, a lobster and even a ray of some sort and the reef itself is something to marvel - tall pillars of coral, sea fans, shells, crevices with small fish, overhangs hiding large fish...TOTALLY AWESOME...bring an underwater camera. The city of Governour's Harbor is about 2 bumpy miles away. There you can find groceries, restaurants, liquor, gas, souveniers and other creature comforts. We recommend the bakery (ask someone in town for directions), the library (easy to imagine yourself in a whole different time...they have internet access too), The Beach House (tapas and beautiful views), and the Sunset Inn. Beyond GH we loved Cocodimama - great food, upscale atmosphere and outstanding sunsets. Beware, everything (other than some restaurants) pretty much shuts down at 6pm -plan ahead. But best of all were the people of the Bahamas. So friendly and welcoming. Though we never met Rosemary Johnson we loved Israel. Very affable and accomodating. Would we go back - HELL YEAH! Note: Other than swimming and snorkleing, there is little that we saw for children to do on the entire island. Also, be sure to rent a car.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Not the best Eleuthera has to offer

Guest: Jane and John Doe (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 02/14/09 Review Submitted: 03/10/09

This place is private and has good views; however, the place is tiny and the owners are not responsive and do not tell the truth about the amenities. They claim to have television, but they don't. TV Owners also refused to answer calls and emails. There is no dining table at which to eat a meal --either inside or outside-- and the couches are extrememely uncomfortable, There are numerous other places, for the same amount of money, which are equally private, closer to the beach, on the island of Eleuthera. We recommend that travelers try one of these places for an enjoyable stay on the island.

Owner response:This review is absolutely incorrect. Our description is spot on and we, actually show pictures of the inside of our beach house which verifies our statements are absolutely correct! I would challenge anyone to look at our website AND our pictures as you will find we are very forthcoming with all our information. We clearly state the size of our beachhouse along with showing we have an 8 foot bar by which our guest are very happy to eat along with an outdoor table and chairs! There are,also, pictures of the 8' bar as well as the outdoor table and chairs! I am not sure how they could miss that? The review is not actually correct in stating we have a TV either. Of Course, we do and also have pictures to prove this as well. The satellite was down which prevented regular TV viewing although we also have at least 75 DVD's and Videos when the satelite goes out as this happens on this island periodically. As for not returning their calls, I was having surgery for cancer. I would hope reasonable individuals would certainly understand this. We have never, not even once, received a bad review and would be glad to provide numerous positive references on our beach house.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/18/05 Review Submitted: 05/18/05

We stayed at Doug and Valinda's amazing house in October of 2004 and couldn't have been happier! The weather and light trade winds blowing through the house while you slept were beyond lovely! The house is new, well kept, and lacking nothing. Thanks for the use of the kayak! Fishing that time of year was ok, still plenty of grouper in the reef at the waters break! Excellent on the grill! We were somewhat apprehensive of renting a house online from someone we've never met, Valinda made the whole process easy and secure. To all who read this. . . . Go! Enjoy yourself! Away from the crowds, leave your troubles in the breaking sea!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/05 Review Submitted: 05/18/05

We stayed at Doug and Valinda's amazing house in October of 2004 and couldn't have been happier! The weather and light trade winds blowing through the house while you slept were beyond lovely! The house is new, well kept, and lacking nothing. Thanks for the use of the kayak! Fishing that time of year was ok, still plenty of grouper in the reef at the waters break! Excellent on the grill! We were somewhat apprehensive of renting a house online from someone we've never met, Valinda made the whole process easy and secure. To all who read this. . . . Go! Enjoy yourself! Away from the crowds, leave your troubles in the breaking sea!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/31/03 Review Submitted: 10/31/03

Dear Valinda and Doug Our stay was outstanding, neither what you said nor your pictures do justice to the beauty of your home. You and your wife have obviously outstanding taste both in your choice of locations and in the decoration of your delightful cottage. I cannot say enough what a great time we had or how happy I am that I decided to go with your property. In addition as you stated on numerous occasions Israel is really a great guy and went out of his way to be useful though never intrusive. Please thank him again for us when you speak to him next. If there is anything we can do for you, such as give on-line feedback for your property or act as references for future renters don't hesitate to ask. - Danny and Nicole Sherwinter

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/03 Review Submitted: 10/31/03

Dear Valinda and Doug Our stay was outstanding, neither what you said nor your pictures do justice to the beauty of your home. You and your wife have obviously outstanding taste both in your choice of locations and in the decoration of your delightful cottage. I cannot say enough what a great time we had or how happy I am that I decided to go with your property. In addition as you stated on numerous occasions Israel is really a great guy and went out of his way to be useful though never intrusive. Please thank him again for us when you speak to him next. If there is anything we can do for you, such as give on-line feedback for your property or act as references for future renters don't hesitate to ask. - Danny and Nicole Sherwinter

Recommended for: