Reviews for Governor's Harbour Vacation Rental - VRBO 28101 - 1 BR Eleuthera House in Bahamas, Oceanfront, Private Beach Tropical Heights Island Beach House!

Better than we could have ever imagined

Guest John
Date of stay 06/08/13
Review Submitted 06/16/13

My wife and I celebrated our 25th (along with Kalik) at Tropical Heights and couldn't have been more pleased. The caretaker met us at airport and had the supplies we had requested through the owner along with our car rental. Excellent communication throughout the entire process and our questions were answered quickly and accurately. The house was meticulously cleaned, tastefully decorated, and had everything you could have ever wanted for cooking and relaxing was there and in excellent condition. The walk to the beach down the steps is nothing (even for a 50+ fair shape man) and worth every single step (53 I believe) . It was a Robinson Caruso experience with town being only a short 3 mile drive away. Walk to Sky Beach for cocktails down a nearly deserted road or in the opposite direction a short distance for safe and calm snorkeling at Twin Coves Beach. Honestly, there is no reason to search out another location as everything you need is right here or a very short walk away. Eleuthera is home to the nicest people in the Caribbean so we always felt safe no matter where we were. Everyone said to visit the bakery early but we found the best selection of everything was after 1pm. We were always disappointed when we went early. The beach had plenty of areas where it was safe to enter and easy to find a place to swim with a sandy bottom. Be sure to bring extra sunscreen as it may not last as long when you have your very own private beach. Wink Wink, Cannot wait to return.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Did not want to leave! =(

Guest Julie & Dave
Date of stay 03/10/13
Review Submitted 03/18/13

Doug and Valinda, I wrote this in your guestbook also... you are SO blessed to have this wonderful piece of Heaven on Earth, which you call "Tropical Heights". And WE are blessed to have been able to stay here for the past week. The pictures on this site are quite acurate, with the exception of the infinite colors of blue and green in God's incredible masterpiece that you can only fully capture in person! Obviously, my favorite part of Tropical Heights was just sitting on the porch and gazing at the ocean. Of course, the sound of the waves churning all day was my next favorite thing! About the home itself - like I said - pretty much exactly as pictured, only now there is a flat screen TV mounted in the corner - which we could care less about, because we don't watch it anyway. All the dishes, pots, pans, utensils, towels, etc. that you could possibly need (and much more!). Also all the beach stuff you need as well (coolers, chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear, etc.). Everything was in great working order and well appointed... appropriate lighting, fans, etc. I wish I could have stayed a month! (maybe after we retire???) =) A couple of notes - we were left with just the one roll of toilet paper and found out there was no more the hard way. I don't know if that's the norm, but check before you go for groceries! Also helpful to pick up some paper towels. Not sure if there was a place for a clothes line outside, but I didn't see one. That would have been helpful, too. Other than that, ZERO complaints! I can't say enough about this place and the beauty that surrounds it. Eleuthera is definitely not for everyone, but it WAS for us! I can't wait till we can return and I hope Tropical Heights will still be available for rental. Thanks again!

Recommended for: Romantic getaway

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Everything we expected and more!

Guest Christina S.
Date of stay 12/30/12
Review Submitted 02/12/13

We loved Tropical Heights and would recommend to anyone who wants to be on vacation in a beautifully secluded house and property. The house has all the amenities you could need and is very well maintained. Owner and caretaker very helpful and always available. So many things to discover on the island, look forward to going back!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Tropical Heights ... A Thick Slice Of Paradise!

Guest CoupleHarleys
Date of stay 09/29/12
Review Submitted 10/09/12

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Tropical Heights. It is all and more than the description here. The owner was quick to respond to any questions before booking and was a pleasure to deal with. Everything at Tropical Heights deals in comfort and our week stay was flawless. The view is beautiful and you feel like you are on your own deserted island. As I was told that he would be, IJ was waiting for us at the airport when we landed and escorted us to pick up some groceries and then on to the house. He is a great guy and fun to talk to. We would love to return ... God Bless

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Great Views and Privacy

Guest David
Date of stay 09/10/12
Review Submitted 06/14/13

The house was very private and clean. You shouldn't see any other people on the beach in front of the house.The views and breezes were amazing. We thought it would be a one bedroom but was just a studio. The beach also left a little to be desired, a little too much reef to swim. We also had a little bit of a hard time finding restaurants I think because we were there in the off season. All in all our stay was great. The location was perfectly located in the middle of the island which worked well for us as we wanted to see the whole island.

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AMAZING home, location, views, everything!

Guest Lost_in_PDX
Date of stay 05/26/12
Review Submitted 06/09/12

My husband and I stayed at Tropical Heights for a week over the Memorial Day holiday. Doug was great and made the reservation easy and quickly got back to us with any questions we had. We were greeted by IJ at the airport and we followed him to the home... let me tell you that the pictures do not do it justice! It had all the amenities we needed and was nice and cozy, but the location is what I would go back for again and again. There are no neighbors in sight, in fact, we couldn't even find other access to 'our beach' other than the stairs on the property. Even though we had an agenda for the week, most of it fell by the wayside to enjoy the beach at the home... the sand is perfect, soft and pink and the snorkeling was pretty good as well (lots of reefs to explore!). We saw all kinds of creatures, from dolphins a few of the nights to barracuda feeding at sunset. The clear-bottom kayak was a neat addition, although we found it easier to just snorkel because it's really heavy! The home itself is clean and well kept. the air conditioning worked well and we only had a few short power outages. We were surprised to find an ice maker and ice that didn't taste bad! We love, love, loved Tropical Heights and would recommend it to anyone who can make the trip up the stairs (they're not bad) - it's totally worth it!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Great Location!

Guest nbchiller
Date of stay 04/28/12
Review Submitted 05/06/12

We spent a week at this property and loved every minute of it. It's close to GHB, which is good for restaturants and groceries. The road to the house is pretty rough but easily passable. The views from the deck are great. Nothing like having your morning cup of coffee while feeling the ocean breezes. The house also has a decent collections of DVD's, which came in handy since it rained non-stop our first couple of days. But once the sun came out there was no better place to be than on the beach in front of the house. The entire week we only saw one person walking the beach. It felt like the beach was all ours. On the beach there was a rustic beach shack made from driftwood which provided a nice spot to get a out of the sun. The actual beach area is very rocky with some huge boulders. You have to be careful getting in and out of the water, but it makes for great snorkeling.

Recommended for: Romantic getaway

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Everything We Hoped It Would Be!

Guest Rick and Jean
Date of stay 01/24/12
Review Submitted 02/13/12

Our first time to visit Eleuthera and this property was everything we hoped it would be. The descriptions and pictures are totally accurate and the house was very comfortable. We were looking for a private, laid-back atmosphere and that's what we got. The cookware in the kitchen was new and very nice as were the dishes. We snorkeled at Club Med (French Leave) beach and Twin Cove beach, but the best was right in front of the house where we saw the most and most varied amounts of fish. We had a great time at the friday night fish fry in town (maybe it was the Rum Bubbas) watching the locals dance and eating very good BBQ chicken and pork chops. The conch burgers at Pammy's were excellent and we purchased fish and lobster from her husband several times at the dock. IJ was very helpful in getting us aquainted with Governor's Harbour (grocery and liquor stores, etc.) All in all, a wonderful vacation at a wonderful house. We wouldn't hesitate to return and would highly recommend this property to anyone. Be sure to check out the Levy Nature Center as well. Doug and Valinda, Thanks for everything!!!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: We are so glad you guys had a good time! We just love the peaceful tranquility of the beach house and try our best to give guests a place to relax and forget about the worries or stresses of daily life. Thanks, again, for such wonderful sentiments! Doug and Valinda

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Amazing Honeymoon - Does not Disappoint!

Guest Erin & Andrew
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: Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

Guest zipperneck
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.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/10

Romantic, tranquil and exotic!

Guest Swati
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: Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/6

Been there twice; planning on a 3rd trip!

Guest Randy R.
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!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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!!!

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Not the best Eleuthera has to offer

Guest Jane and John Doe
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.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 11/17

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!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/6

Guestbook Comment

Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 05/01/05
Review Submitted 05/17/05

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!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/1

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/4

Guestbook Comment

Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 10/01/03
Review Submitted 10/30/03

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/2

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Oceanfront, Private Beach Tropical Heights Island Beach House! [#28101] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (17)

Better than we could have ever imagined

Better than we could have ever imagined

Did not want to leave! =(

Did not want to leave! =(

Everything we expected and more!

Everything we expected and more!

Tropical Heights ... A Thick Slice Of Paradise!

Tropical Heights ... A Thick Slice Of Paradise!

Great Views and Privacy

Great Views and Privacy

AMAZING home, location, views, everything!

AMAZING home, location, views, everything!

Great Location!

Great Location!

Everything We Hoped It Would Be!

Everything We Hoped It Would Be!

Amazing Honeymoon - Does not Disappoint!

Amazing Honeymoon - Does not Disappoint!

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

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

Romantic, tranquil and exotic!

Romantic, tranquil and exotic!

Been there twice; planning on a 3rd trip!

Been there twice; planning on a 3rd trip!

Not the best Eleuthera has to offer

Not the best Eleuthera has to offer

Guestbook Comment

Guestbook Comment

Guestbook Comment

Guestbook Comment