'Sweet Ting' Guest Cottage Offers Charm, Romance & Adventure

• Holiday at "Sweet Ting", April 2013

  Holiday at "Sweet Ting", April 2013

  • Guest Charlotte Y.
  • Date of stay 04/03/13
  • Review Submitted 05/18/13
  Staying at Johanna Stella's property on Exuma more than fulfilled our expectations and we had such a wonderful time that we have booked to go again next year. Before our arrival Johanna was informative and helpful, making the booking process easy and answering all of our questions by return. She helped us to decide where to stay for our overnight stop on Nassau and was able to make suggestions for car hire companies and places to buy provisions once we arrived. Johanna is a calm and knowledgeable presence who really contributed to our stay being such a happy one. She also has three lovely animals (two dogs and a cat) who are friendly and wholly approachable; we were sad to leave them. The house is lovely as it sits within a well-tended garden that slopes down to the sea. There were bougainvillea, hibiscus and lilies all in flower, as well as Casuarina trees which sounded very calming as the breeze blew through the branches. The views really are spectacular; try as we might, it was almost impossible to describe the blues and greens of the water as well as the Milky Bar white of the sand. Sitting in the chairs on the top deck we could watch the tides ebb and flow, and plan our kayaking trips for later in the day. Down at the jetty we could lie in the hammock or step into the clear water to watch the multitude of different fish swimming around us. Every day we would enjoy a walk along some of the tracks across the road from the house and in the afternoon we would have an adventure in the kayaks. We saw dolphins and turtles as we paddled along and liked exploring the little inlets and rocky coves. The beaches across Moriah Sound are astonishingly beautiful and the water is so clear and warm that we could spend hours swimming and snorkelling. The cottage where we stayed was cool (ceiling fans and a/c), spacious and comfortable. The kitchen area has an excellent gas hob and a microwave which can also be used as a conventional oven; we enjoyed baking bread in it! All the necessary cooking utensils are there and we ate many happy meals either at the table inside or on the deck. Outside we were fortunate to see humming birds come to the trees close by and all manner of lizards on the balcony. The peace and tranquillity are overwhelming and it is a perfect spot to relax and think. There are useful identification books and holiday information in the living area and a television which was fun to watch when we weren't looking at the stars or sleeping!

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• Sweet Time at "Sweet Ting" Guest Cottage

  Sweet Time at "Sweet Ting" Guest Cottage

  • Guest Val & Kirby
  • Date of stay 02/28/13
  • Review Submitted 03/23/13
  Our first visit to Exuma proved to be a very enjoyable one thanks, in large part, to our accommodations at Sweet Ting. I can't speak highly enough about Johanna, Andrew and Maureen; their gracious hospitality exceeded our expectations. Maureen provisioned the cottage with an "antipasta platter" and breakfast goodies for our first night and morning since, after a 12-hour travel day, we wouldn't have had time to do so. Without their guidance we would have never found our favorite beaches on Little Exuma (the "Fort" and Tropic of Cancer), and their recommendation to check out Santana's was spot on. We didn't dine out all that much because we enjoyed the serenity of romantic candlelight dining at Sweet Ting. When we did dine out, we generally chose Santana's. The owner, Dee, prepares your food with love and joy, and who can ask for more than a lobster lunch accompanied by an ice cold Kalik overlooking turqoise seas! "Mom's Bakery" next door was another great find; yummy bread/pastries (chocolate rum cake was my fav)! We also enjoyed the lunch buffet at Exuma Point on Sunday (long drive but fun time). The site's photos don't do the cottage justice. Lovely landscaping and, while not a "fancy" place, the cottage is tastefully appointed and provided everything that we needed for our one-week stay to include a grill for our dinners at home, and a cooler for our beach excursions. Sweet Ting may not be for everyone as it is located about 20 minutes from the island's main town, Georgetown (you will need a rental vehicle). This did not bother us as the location meant minimal traffic noise (basically no traffic!) and very little light pollution. The stargazing from the hillside deck was incredible! We also enjoyed our morning coffee on the deck listening to all of the birds singing. The two kayaks are a great bonus; Moriah Harbor Cay is about a 20-minute paddle from the dock and you will have a beautiful beach all to yourselves! The water is so crystal clear and, I think, the snorkeling right along the rocky shore by the dock would be pretty decent. Unfortunately, we had cool and windy weather during our visit so didn't get to check that out. We found the Bahamian people to be so friendly and welcoming, and would definitely recommend Exuma and Sweet Ting to friends. Last but not least the daily visits by Johanna's 4-legged family (Molly, Lucky & Sophie) always gave us a smile. Thank you, Johanna, for opening your home to us. Hope to see you next year!

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

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• Our stay in Exuma

  Our stay in Exuma

  • Guest Dicker A
  • Date of stay 01/27/13
  • Review Submitted 02/08/13
  Wonderful accommodations, clean, nicely decorated. We appreciated the comfortable chairs and bright reading lights, fully equipped kitchen, privacy and quiet area. Very little traffic on the road. A great set up for a couple, plenty of room to spread out your stuff, store clothes, etc. Decks outside and terraces near the water provided many seating options. Johanna was very gracious and helpful. She answered many questions about the island, places to go, shop, etc. The kayaking and snorkeling from the waterfront was lots of fun, when the wind allowed us to get in/on the water. Yes, would recommend this rental to a friend.

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

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• The Perfect Spot

  The Perfect Spot

  • Guest Paige G.
  • Date of stay 04/23/12
  • Review Submitted 06/03/12
  We (my boyfriend and I) spent 5 wonderful nights here in late April. Johanna has created the perfect spot; it's extremely relaxing and very comfortable. The views from the property are (we think) unmatched in all of Exuma. It's breathtaking. Kayaking to the beach across the water was one of our favorite activities; just the right amount of exercise while on vacation! :) The beach is gorgeous and it's amazing to walk around and not see another person for miles. This listing and photos, as well as all the other reviews, are spot on. We enjoyed Tropic of Cancer beach and spent a great afternoon at Santana's. It's truly a special place and we hope to go back soon! There is no need to look anywhere else; you've found where you should stay! Thank you Johanna for making us feel so welcome! Hi to Sophie, Lucky and Molly!

  Owner response: Thank you for the positive feedback. I love hearing when my guests have enjoyed their holiday to the fullest. You have found some of Exuma's best spots. There are still some hidden treasures, so come on back! We will all be looking forward to seeing you again.

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• The sixth star

  The sixth star

  • Guest Maria Elena G.
  • Date of stay 01/31/12
  • Review Submitted 03/14/12
  Thank you Johanna! Our vacation was five stars... you were the sixth! (Tu sai perche'.) Our vacation in your cottage Sweet Ting was something special. Meeting you was like going back to somebody we already knew. Your descrete presence was very pleasant as was the welcome from Lucky, Sophie and Molly every time we arrived "home". We are not pet-kind-of-guys, but we loved their company. The cottage was comfortable and perfect for us. The silence and the peace of your place were so captivating and we enjoyed so much the deck and the view that, as you know, we never went out to eat. We went around the whole island by car and we selected our favorite spots all south of Hartswell and in Little Exuma where the most pristine and isolated beaches are. We loved the Moriah Harbor Cay National Park where we went several times with the kayaks from our cottage. It is difficult to describe this place with words. Just... breeze, white sand, turquoise sea and... ourselves.

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• Best Vacation Ever

  Best Vacation Ever

  • Guest David M.
  • Date of stay 12/22/11
  • Review Submitted 01/26/12
  The description that "Sweet Ting Guest Cottage offers charm, romance, and adventure" is totally accurate. This was the best vacation we have ever had. The cottage was great (clean, cute, and comfortable), the scenary was breathtakingly beautiful, the grounds were beautifully landscaped, we loved the hilltop deck (perfect for morning coffee/tea, breakfast, lunch, reading, happy hour, star gazing, and just sitting there doing nothing), we loved the absolute peace and quiet and privacy, and we especially fell in love with Johanna's "pot cake" dogs. Lots of things were adventurous for us -- navigating from the airport to the cottage at night on the left side of the road and with the steering wheel on the right side of the car, buying groceries, exploring different island beaches, but most of all, kayaking across to the sand bar islands and exploring those beaches. We went in December, so the water was coolish, but not too much so, and the weather was perfect. We also met so many nice people. Unfortunately, we did not get to meet Johanna, but we loved meeting her house sitter and her family. We definitely plan to go back again. Some recommendations: Fly direct to Exuma vs going through Nassau or some other Bahamian location), try to arrive during daylight hours, do not worry about bringing a bunch of clothes and shoes (all you need are a few casual clothes, bathing suits, water shoes, and flops), bring sun screen and hats with you, pay attention to the tides if you kayak (best to do so at high or low tides), and bring your own coffee and tea, sweetener, and spices if you are planning to cook. The bread is locally baked and is delicious! Be sure to eat at Santana's, but go at lunch or early afternoon. They close around sundown. Thank you, Johanna, for a great vacation spot! Hope to meet you next time!

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• Exuma & Sweet Ting - 2 Great Choices

  Exuma & Sweet Ting - 2 Great Choices

  • Guest nick l.
  • Date of stay 07/03/11
  • Review Submitted 08/07/11
  My husband & I spent a week at the cottage the first week in July & it was a wonderful week. Exuma & the cottage were exactly what we were looking for. The cottage was clean, quiet & comfortable in what we thought was the best location on the island. The beaches across the way at Moriah Harbor were amazing & unlike any in all of the caribbean. Having the kayaks to explore Moriah made for a perfect beach vacation right out the door. Johanna is a great person & host - along with Lucky, Sophie & Molly. We hope to see them again soon! Stocking Island - great visit, must explore - go beyond Chat & Chill. We ate out quite often -February Point is a great choice. It was always enjoyable to eat, drink & talk with the locals at LaShante, the fish fry, Eddie's & Santana's. Exuma is an exceptional choice if you are looking for breathtaking beaches, water, wonderful people & staying at the Sweet Ting will give you an unforgetable vacation.

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

  Owner response: Thank you so much for the wonderful review. My little four legged friends and I loved having you here at "Sweet Ting" Cottage. Whenever I run into some of the island people you met, they mention what wonderful guests I have staying with me. You know the welcome mat is out whenever you need some time away from your everyday life. "Sweet Ting" is always ready and Lucky, Sophie and Molly will be happy to see you again. The saying here is: "You have to leave, so you can return." We will all look forward to that day. Johanna

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• Hated to Leave

  Hated to Leave

  • Guest shawn m.
  • Date of stay 07/10/11
  • Review Submitted 07/26/11
  We stayed in this perfect cottage for a full week and felt like is was over way too soon. Johanna is terrific and can help you with anything you need. She knows the ins and outs of the island and helped us to enjoy it to the fullest. We still can't decide what was the best part but we still miss being there. The snorkeling right off the dock is fantastic as well as across the water to the secluded, quiet, white sand beach that is just a short ride in the kayaks.We found so many shells and saw so many different fish including rays and star fish. We took Johanna's advice and checked out a few different areas close by and were not disappointed. The Tropic of Cancer Beach was AWESOME! We loved spending the day exploring and coming back to the cottage where we could relax and have a quiet dinner. We had fun stocking the fridge from the local market and laughing at the prices! $$ If you like to get away from it all and do your own thing then this is truly "The Sweetest Ting"! The views can't be beat and the hospitality of everyone we came across was unbelievable. Thanks so much to Johanna (and the dogs, Sophie and Lucky), we miss you!

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

  Owner response: Dear Michelle and Shawn: Thank you so much for the delightful review. I take such pleasure in sharing my place with young people such as yourselves. You truly enjoyed Exuma and my place, taking advantage of the waterfront, the kayaks, the views and meeting all the wonderful people of Exuma. I always hear from various people around the island how they loved meeting my guests. So it is mutual - Exuma loves you as well. We hope you will return one day soon and de-stress, re-connect and just enjoy our little oasis of peace. Sincerely, Johanna, Sophie, Lucky and Molly

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• Wonderful cottage and host!

  Wonderful cottage and host!

  • Guest Krum R.
  • Date of stay 06/26/11
  • Review Submitted 07/05/11
  My Wife and I stayed at Johanna's cottage for a week and it was an awesome experience. First she showed great hospitality. Her vast knowledge of the island helped us plan our time better and extract the maximum of our time there. Her garden and views are incredible. No resort can provide the same "insider" experiense. I reccomend this place to everyone who is looking for some quiet and beutiful time at Exuma.

  Recommended for: Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you so much Krum and Randy! I totally enjoyed having you as guests in the cottage. It was fun introducing you to a few of the "hot spots" on the island and sharing some special time over dinner with island friends. Exuma is growing and changing, but the oasis of peace and tranquility remains. We will have some new experiences for you on your next visit - hope to see you soon!

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• More than magical

  More than magical

  • Guest Ashley
  • Date of stay 04/17/11
  • Review Submitted 05/12/11
  My husband and I stayed at Sweet Ting for almost a week in April. The cottage and hostess, Johanna, couldn't have been more accommodating and lovely. The setting is very private and the views are breathtaking from the property. The gardens and wildlife are maginificantly maintained. Everyone on the island seemed to be friends with Johanna, which makes you feel even more welcomed. The amenities included with this rental make it really even more special. Having kayaks available for no extra fees was great. Johanna even shopped for us prior to our arrival, so we would have provisions when we arrived on a late flight. We are currently planning our next vacation to stay at Sweet Ting again. The island(s) of Exuma will immediately capture your heart and this cottage/villa is really perfectly situated between Great and Little Exuma. Not too far from the hub town of Georgetown, although a rental car will be necessary for navigating the island/beaches.

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.

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$155.00 per night
$1,000 per week
$3500 per month  3 nights minimum stay.
Year round  Feb 1 2012 - Nov 1 2012
Tax.10% hotel tax additional
For longer term rentals (three or more months), additional deduction will be
considered. Pets will be considered for long-term rentals.
Changeover Day: Flexible

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.