Reviews for Governor's Harbour Vacation Rental - VRBO 299365ha - 4 BR Eleuthera House in Bahamas, Luxury New Home and Cottage Private Beach & Saltwater Pool Set in 4 Acres

Xmas in Eleuthera

Guest Deb S.
Date of stay 12/20/12
Review Submitted 01/23/13

Our large extended family spent Xmas at Miss Ruby's. thank you Mark and Jude for allowing us the enjoy your beautiful home. The house was very adequate for 7 adults and three small children. The home is spacious and well equipped and maintained. The kids loved having the pool right outside the door and spent hrs swimming. It was a few minutes walk to the beautiful beach at the end of the home's driveway. Beautiful pink sand and warm crystal clear water provided hours of swimming and snorkeling and beach frisbee. We also explored the other local beaches and cays for additional snorkeling opportunities. The water was warm and we saw lots of sea life. We were appreciative of the very sweet housekeeper Audrey, who took good care of us while we there. It was very convenient having a washer and dryer on site. We cooked nice dinners and the spacious dining area easily accommodated our Xmas dinner. Martina was very attentive and assisted us through a power outage on the island. We took a day trip to Harbor Island on Boxing Day and experienced Junkanoo the Bahamian tradition.. We had dinner at Tippy's and the Beach House and did ours shopping in Govenor's Harbor. Hopefully the island will retain its non commercial nature. Would highly recommend visiting.

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Un havre de paix au paradis

Guest maistre j.
Date of stay 07/24/12
Review Submitted 09/03/12

Nous avons passé, pour la deuxième année, et ce n'est pas un hasard, un séjour de 3 semaines dans la maison de Jude et Mark. La maison est à moins de 5 minutes d'une plage magnifique avec une petite baie à l'abri du vent. L'endroit est à mon avis un des plus beaux. La maison et le cottage sont très très très confortables, bien équipés et décorés avec beaucoup de goût, nous avons eu l'impression d'être chez nous. De plus Annette, qui s'occupe de l'entretien est disponible et aussi de bon conseil pour les choses à voir (surtout la soirée du vendredi à Governor. Vincent, le jardinier discret nous a préparé des noix de coco et Martina est joignable en cas de problème mais aussi nous alerte de la situation météo. Le calme règne dans ce petit coin de paradis, nous sommes à quelques minutes de Governor Harbour et des restaurants décontractés à ne pas rater (Tippy's avec son cuisinier Français très sympa et le Beach House avec son pain à rendre jaloux nos boulangers). Quel plaisir de se lever tôt le matin et de prendre un petit déjeuner au bord de la piscine. Nous aurions aimé diner plus souvent dehors le soir mais les moustiques aiment aussi l'été. Nous avons profité de l'ouverture de la pêche à la langouste pour utiliser le barbecue de Mark qui est une vraie Rolls. Nous avons passé un deuxième séjour fabuleux, merci encore à Jude et à Mark de mettre à disposition leur maison de vacances. Enfin merveilleux souvenir cette année, nous avons nagé avec deux dauphins pendant plus d'une heure à French Leave, la plage du Beach House. Nous reviendrons bientôt. Valérie, Carla, Anne Marie, Alain et Jean Philippe

Owner response: Hi JP, Thank you so much for your kind words...Martina, Annette and Vincent appreciate your kind words. Our family look forward to welcoming you for a 3rd year next year and are so pleased our great team of friends made your family's stay wonderful. Speak soon and Merci Beaucoup for the excellent review Mark, Jude and the little James'

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Incredible Vacation!!

Guest Lindsay M.
Date of stay 07/01/12
Review Submitted 01/30/13

We cannot say enough about our vacation at Miss Ruby and Mertyl Cottage. It was a true escape. The house was immaculate and the décor was comfortable. We were away with a range of ages from 0-60 and everyone enjoyed our stay. We are avid ocean people so the short walk to an entirely private beach was a treat. We would gather our dive gear and swim a short distance off shore to see stunning reefs. We rented kayaks for the week, which was great for exercise. Mark James (the owner) is incredibly helpful in planning your trip before going – VERY responsive and wants you to enjoy your stay. He connected us with a local – Shauna – who cooked dinner for us each evening. We discussed our groceries and menu with her in advance. Arriving to a house stocked with food (especially when traveling with kids) and coming off the beach at the end of each day to a delicious meal really made the trip relaxing for us. We loved having Shauna around and asked her to stay with us for dinner each night. She shared with us much about local life – we fell in love with her. We did lunch out two times at The Beach House Restaurant and Tippys – both were not as delicious and much more expensive that Shauna’s cooking. The house and cottage were immaculate and beautifully decorated. We five adults, two teenagers, and a baby and everyone found something to do each day. We felt that the entire experience for us was very personal. And, being our first every Home Away rental, we would love to go back and would not look at another place to stay. Thanks so much, we look forward to visiting again!

Owner response: Thankyou Lindsay, for your 5 star review, very kind words. We look forward to your return. I will pass on the compliments to Martina, Shauna, Vincent and Annette. Much appreciated Mark, Jude and the little James'

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Heaven

Guest Diane C.
Date of stay 06/18/12
Review Submitted 06/28/12

Thank you Mark and Jude for suggesting we visit your gorgeous home on beautiful Eleuthera. Miss Ruby and Myrtle Cottage are so fantastic and tastefully furnished.We had our family reunion, 9 family members , celebrating birthdays and graduations. The two homes fit all of us , very comfortably. We enjoyed the pool so much ! Perfect temp ! The teenagers and 20 somethings enjoyed the basketball hoop every morning. The beach has to be the most beautiful on earth! Pink sand, crystal clear aqua water, warm, and PRIVATE. We Californians , will dream of that beach untill we return. We enjoyed eating at The Beach House , (and shopping at the great boutique), Tippy's has the tastiest lobster we have ever had. The Fish Fry was sooooo much fun. Great food and dancing in the streets with the charming locals and guests we got to know, because we always ran into each other ! We enjoyed our day trip to pretty Harbour Island , my 14 year old niece , beaming as she drove us around in a golf cart ! Priceless. We bought grouper at the warf and grilled it at the house , yum. Plenty of rum and too many KALIKS later, we were sad to leave. We highly recomend this incredible property. Thank you to Martina, Annette, Little KK and Vincent. Diane and Russ Coletti Leucadia, California

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Great Get Away

Guest Tara H.
Date of stay 03/01/12
Review Submitted 04/08/12

We spent an amazing ten days at Miss. Ruby's. Both the house and location are wonderful. It was our second time staying at the home and we hope to return again. Our young children love the pool, gardens and triple bunk bed. We loved the addition of a gas grill this year. The house is family friendly with space for everyone and many toys for the children. The beach access is an easy stroll and the beach itself is breath taking. It is minutes away from two of the most popular restaurants on the Island. The owner has always helped us with the planning of the trip and ensured we had a wonderful time. The island appears special to him and he wants his guests to feel the same magic. Once on the island, the care takers are friendly, helpful and hard working during your stay. We have enjoyed our vacations and appreciate the time and energy the owners have put into their home and our vacations.

Owner response: Thankyou Tara, excellent review, you guys are excellent renters and respect our home for what it is. You are more than welcome anytime we will always accommodate you guys..... Look forward to seeing you next year if not sooner. Mark Jude and the little James'

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The Perfect Location and House

Guest Rob H.
Date of stay 02/16/12
Review Submitted 03/01/12

Miss Ruby was everything we could have hoped for. My wife and I have been to the island two other times for long vacations but this was our first stay at Miss Ruby. We spent 10-day there and are already talking about how we want to rent it for a month in the future. The house is perfect for a group of friends or families that want a true vacation to relax and enjoy themselves. My wife and I had down both of our parents and two sisters along with our one year old daugher, we stayed in the cottage which is gorgous and waking up to see the palm trees and pool was a perfect way to start the day. The main house had everything you could ever need, plenty of space, sleeping areas and of course the second floor deck was used every morning to have morning coffee and listen to and see the ocean. The beach is astonishing, you bascially have a mile of pink beach to yourselves daily and their is a hidden nature gem called the Queens Bath near the reef that is almost like a miny hot tube at low tide to just float in. We walked daily the beach, headed to Tippys a few times for afternoon drinks and a short drive to the Beach House for amazing afternoon Tapas and live music. Martina who manages the house was great, she had went out ahead of time and purchased a bunch of food for us that we provided a shopping list for so when we arrived we had everything we needed for the first few days. Vincent the garnder provided some open coconuts so my father inlaw could make his homemade coladas night sitting next to the pool and Annette the housemade is kind, my one-year old daughter had a blast with her. My wife and I have been lucky enough to travel to some special places and we consider our trip to Miss Ruby right at the top. Mark, you have a great home with the perfect location for a getaway for privacy but close enough to town and the fun beach restaurants if people need anything. We plan to be back soon for another family vacation and stay at Miss Ruby. All the best the Hagedorn and Turturiello families

Owner response: Thanks for the kind words - we are so pleased you had a excellent time and appreciated the property, and the beach - its great to know the 'Queen's bath' is back at the beach - we look forward to your return. Mark, Jude and the James boys

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Amazing vacations

Guest emmanuel P.
Date of stay 01/14/12
Review Submitted 04/05/12

We rented Miss Ruby for a week in January and it was fantastic, the beach is situated at less than a 100 meters and the spot is actually one of the nicest on the island, there is something for everyone, the kids 2,3,and 4 years old loved the beach with a natural pool right in front of the house's private access to it, I have been able to fish on the same spot every morning and was lucky to catch a nice Grouper every day for lunch...imagine that... The house is very clean and very well maintained, very familly friendly, WI-FI and television in each rooms even though TV is not really necessary in this paradise... I would recommend for any familly of 6 to 8 persons to rent that place without any concern in terms of comfort and security, plus the owners Mark and Jude are very nice people that will do their best to make sure you are enjoying your stay, there is also Martina who is in charge of the house and is there locally who can help you to find staff for the house (cook, maid, baby sitter) and give you good tips about the island. We are planning to go back very soon and we had an amazing and relaxing time there. Thanks to Mark, Jude and Martina this vacation was a great one and we can not wait to go back. Emmanuel P. Miami

Owner response: Hey Emmanuel, thanks for the great review, I am so so glad you used the BBQ and caught your own Grouper (one of my favourite fish). Martina and the friends we have looking after the house are great and we are glad to hear they gave excellent service. Really look forward to seeing you guys down there again soon.... Thanks again. Mark, Jude and the littler James'

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What a perfect & lovely holiday

Guest Allison O.
Date of stay 12/23/11
Review Submitted 01/11/12

We (a couple) stayed on Eleuthera at the Miss Ruby for 16 days over the Christmas break. Miss Ruby is even better than the listing. What is not mentioned clearly is the privacy the location provides. We were not overlooked at all at the house. As well, the house is spotless, bright, modern. Nary a bug to be seen. A wonderful breeze constantly. Very good air-conditioning units as well. The house manager & her team are gems & were available anytime we needed them. The pool was kept immaculate. Since coming back we have recommended the house and Eleuthera to several people in our company. It is a wonderful spot for families- what memories children would create there. The beach is beautiful. It is at the end of a walk down the Miss Ruby's driveway. The walk takes a few minutes. The water is warm & the bottom soft & sandy. We would see maybe 10 people throughout a whole day at the beach, & most of them were just walking by on their way up the beach to Tippy's for lunch. For the majority of the time, we found a stretch of the beach & had no one else around us for a KM at least on each side. Every day, depending on tides, we worked out on the beach, going 7 KM & seeing almost no one. Lovely. We are so relaxed now. Some things to know about Eleuthera if you have never been: - Very safe - Atlantic side has the best beaches & swimming, the fewest no-see-ums, the best snorkelling (I was nibbled on only early one morning & good bug repellant & a Benadryl would have taken care of it) - we did not see one scary bug-spider-scorpion - It felt as though there were none at all on this property - Rent a 4x4 - or something with good clearance. There are fantastic, remote beaches that can only be reached down roads that are really off-roading (ie Lighthouse beach - wow) We rented from Stanton Cooper at Mark's recommendation & were happy with our old Explorer - Do spend a lunch & a dinner at Tippy's- it is a fun place - Bristol's has a great wine & beer selection - Bring tea & coffee is you are an aficionado- we brought our favs - The best Grocery shopping was in Rock Sound (The Market Place), The Island Farm, & The Bank Road Deli (good website Discover Eleuthera) - bring your fav shows & movies on a memory stick or dvds or on a laptop with a connector for a British TV screen) We did & watched our selection at night after the sun had set - the house water is safe & drinkable It was a great holiday - thank you Mark & Jude

Owner response: Thankyou Allison and Matt, your kind and clear review is more than appreciated. We are so glad you had a great time and to hear Martina, Vincent and Annette looked after you so well. We all knew you were looking for something very very private and I am so pleased we met your expectations..... We look forward to seeing you and your colleagues at some time in the future. Mark Jude and the little James'

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Paradise

Guest Nova R.
Date of stay 08/17/11
Review Submitted 10/19/11

My family and I visited the island to celebrate my father's 60th and my 30th birthday celebrations. Miss Ruby and Myrtle Cottage were a perfect combination. There is plenty of space in the house for privacy and also wonderful sociable areas for family gatherings around the decking / pool / BBQ' area. The owner of the property, Mark is so genuine, helpful and passionate about the island too. The property has its own beach (less than 5 mins walk ) and is a good distance from the airport and central to visiting north and southern Eleuthera. It is also minutes away from some of the best restaurants on the island in my opinion. The island of Eleuthera is truly beautiful, as are the people. Unspoilt. There weren't many tourists at all which is a huge positive for me. Locals are extremely welcoming and make you feel right at home. Tippys and the Beach House in Governors Harbour, were favourite restaurants of ours, wonderful food and hospitality. The beaches are unimaginably beautiful and the fact that we were the only ones on the beach for miles, was pure bliss. Would recommend hiring a car and a day trip to Harbour Island and also booking a massage therapist for a home visit. That was another highlight! The only negative was the fact we got caught in hurricane Irene and had to leave the island early! We will definitely be visiting again, truly remarkable island and beautiful people and wonderful property. Thanks again Mark

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

Owner response: Hi Nova, thanks for the kind words, I am here right now, mid October and after Irene....the island is ready for business, so if there are any doubters out there, it's as beautiful as ever, but the people need 'YOUR' tourism to continue their wonderful rejuvenation..........(for this reason I am more than happy to discuss discounts at this time for anyone considering the island in 2011) Thanks again Nova, much appreciated.... Tha James'

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Living the dream at Miss Ruby in Govenor's Harbour

Guest Avril R.
Date of stay 08/16/11
Review Submitted 09/28/11

Chosen for its Style and location - Miss Ruby and Myrtle cottage was exactly what we were looking for. Communications with the owner, was second to none, even when I forgot about time-zones. Mark was v.amenable and helpful. The property was, as described, clean, tidy, comfortable and fully equipped - A real "home from home". The decking area was expansive and full use made of it with BBq's, Massaging in the Tiki Hut, Sipping Ice cold coconut juice in the morning's (kindly prepared by Vincent the gardner). wine and beers in the evenings, lazing on the loungers are memories to treasure. Sadly the pool was out of action (Mark compensated for this) But Full use at the Beach, a stones Throw away made up for that. We travelled South and North of the Island, Visited Rock Sound, Glass Bridge at Gregory's town and onto Harbour Island for adventure seekers in our group. We brought Fresh Fish from the local fishermen Near Burrows Store and was amazed at the bargain Price. ( NB: remember to take a plastic bag with you to carry the fish home). Meals in the evening's at Tippy's, was scrupmtious and the atmosphere great. Elliott, the Bar man was attentative and looked after us well. We also dined at The Beach House in the afternoon. This too was a lovely meal, Angelika was a Star and very hospitable - She also made my husbands Birthday cake ( scrum-delicious). The Boutigue at the Beach house is also worth a visit for style and unusual items. Thanks to Martina for keeping us up to speed with developments on Irene and arranging our hire vehicle with Stanton Cooper (A lovely man with a great personality). All in all our holiday at Miss Ruby/GHB fulfilled our expectations and more - We all describe it as one of our best holiday. One we wish to soon repeat. Thanks MJ and God bless.

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

Owner response: Thank you Avril for this earth shattering review. Your kind words are truly appreciated, I am pleased you appreciate Miss Ruby as the home it is and not just a rental. The people who help us look after the house and our guests are 'true' friends, and they will fully appreciate your kind words and comments. Thank you so much. Mark, Jude and the Little James'

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Great Island, Great House

Guest Macon C.
Date of stay 07/15/11
Review Submitted 07/24/11

We really enjoyed our recent stay at Miss Ruby (July 2011). The house is lovely and was so comfortable for our families, including the young girls (11 and 15 months). It is exactly as advertised with plenty of space and a well planned layout. You have to see the beach for yourself to fully appreciate it. It is a very special place that we hope to return to. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Sincerely, Macon and Cole Clarkson Richmond, VA

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

Owner response: Thanks for the kind words, our pleasure.......hope you enjoyed the bone fishing..... Thanks again

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Paradise is no longer lost!!!!

Guest G6TER
Date of stay 02/26/11
Review Submitted 03/09/11

I have just returned from spending a week on the Island of Eleuthera and staying at this fabulous property. Mark and Jude have managed to design a house that fits into it's beautiful surroundings perfectly. The contrast of the brilliant white of the house against the vivid blue sky is breath taking. The large decked area surround the pool brings together the main home and the cottage really well, therefore ensuring some seperation and private time from friends or family. The feel inside the home is modern and clean but where other villa's or holiday homes become "heartless" this house contains soul that makes you instantly get into the Bahama spirit i.e. relax and kick back! Being only a stones throw from pretty much your own private PINK beach is spectacular, the crystal clear sea, warm breeze and no one in sight is something very, very special. I cannot recommend this HOME highly enough, Mark, Jude and Martina are lovely welcoming people who obviously love the island and the Bahama way of life. p.s. If visiting, go to "The Beach House" bar on a Thursday night for live music!! really good fun Thank you very much for making my stay so memerable and I hope to return very soon.

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

Owner response: Thanks for the kind words - they say Eleuthera isn t for everyone.......which is a good thing for us that do.....Good Luck and thanks again Mark

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Spectacular..would def recommend..will be back!

Guest Mike
Date of stay 02/22/11
Review Submitted 03/09/11

we just came back from our stay in Eleuthera @ Miss Ruby’s and Mark has asked us to be available for references if needed.Well,we have to say we had nothing but pleasant surprises with both Mark and his home.Miss Ruby’s is beautifully decorated in a great location with less than 5 minutes to one of the most beautiful beaches we have been to in our lives. The house leaves nothing to be desired and is beautifully appointed,all amenities are working and new...we particularly loved the minimalist style with splashes of color in terms in interior design...we feel we can unequivocally recommend the house and dealings with Mark to anybody.Mark is very relaxed and is looking for people with the right karma to share his home with him..hence the lack of documentation/lease contract...he lives the Eleutherian way of life..take it easy...live and let live....

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

Owner response: Thanks for your kind words...I am humbled by them. It is not often I have the opportunity to meet the people who stay at the house, but it was a pleasure to meet and socialise with you and your wonderful family Thanks again for the kind words. Walk Good.....Mark James

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Beautiful Home on Stunning Eleuthera

Guest riemi
Date of stay 02/17/11
Review Submitted 03/09/11

Hi there! we just came back from our stay in Eleuthera @ Miss Ruby’s and Mark has asked us to be available for references if needed.Well,we have to say we had nothing but pleasant surprises with both Mark and his home. Miss Ruby’s is beautifully decorated in a great location with less than 5 minutes to one of the most beautiful beaches we have been to in our lives. The house leaves nothing to be desired and is beautifully appointed,all amenities are working and new...we particularly loved the minimalist style with splashes of color in terms in interior design...we feel we can unequivocally recommend the house and dealings with Mark to anybody .Mark is very relaxed and is looking for people with the right karma to share his home with him..hence the lack of documentation/lease contract...he lives the Eleutherian way of life..take it easy...live and let live.... Have as great a time in Eleuthera and Mark’s home as we had !

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

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Simple Beauty

Guest Deborah L Harvey
Date of stay 02/16/11
Review Submitted 03/09/11

We had a wonderful week, such simple beauty with the house and the island. Perfect in all ways. I never would have believed you could walk the beach for hours and not see another person. Having your own tide pool and the picturesque rock formation is beyond special. Spectacular, really. The weather was nice for all things except surfing. The wind kept up a funny irregular chop that made it difficult. You can't control the waves! We snorkeled and sailed on the island's tranquil side and could not believe the number of huge starfish and sand dollars. Almost hard to believe they were real! Mark, Skip, Martina and Stanton were very helpful. Again, thank you, Mark, for a perfect week at Miss Ruby and Myrtle Cottage. Did I mention the unique wooden chairs by the pool? Makes me smile thinking about them... I want to go back.

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

Owner response: Thank you for your very kind words. Glad my friends and I could help with your special break, it was our pleasure. hopefully see you again soon. The James'

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Thank you to the James family

Guest Steve & Ali
Date of stay 06/07/09
Review Submitted 08/03/10

Just to say thank you for a wonderful stay in Eleuthera we could not have asked for more. The house is as described and more, very clean and everything looks new. Thanks again for you support with everything and helping us get the most from our stay on the island. I would recommend the Eleuthera and Miss Ruby as a 1st class holiday destination. We are a couple but would also like to add that we wished we had found this place when our kids were younger as its just perfect for a quite family vacation.

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

Owner response: Thanks for your kind words - it's always good meeting good people, Thanks again for your great company.

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Luxury New Home and Cottage Private Beach & Saltwater Pool Set in 4 Acres [#322056] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (16)

Xmas in Eleuthera

Xmas in Eleuthera

Un havre de paix au paradis

Un havre de paix au paradis

Incredible Vacation!!

Incredible Vacation!!

Heaven

Heaven

Great Get Away

Great Get Away

The Perfect Location and House

The Perfect Location and House

Amazing vacations

Amazing vacations

What a perfect & lovely holiday

What a perfect & lovely holiday

Paradise

Paradise

Living the dream at Miss Ruby in Govenor's Harbour

Living the dream at Miss Ruby in Govenor's Harbour

Great Island, Great House

Great Island, Great House

Paradise is no longer lost!!!!

Paradise is no longer lost!!!!

Spectacular..would def recommend..will be back!

Spectacular..would def recommend..will be back!

Beautiful Home on Stunning Eleuthera

Beautiful Home on Stunning Eleuthera

Simple Beauty

Simple Beauty

Thank you to the James family

Thank you to the James family