Spanish Wells is a welcoming place for those who enjoy beautiful beaches, friendly people, a slower pace of life, and golf cart or bike travel. Night life is sparse and exceptional restaurants few. But the beauty of the small town and the expansive empty beaches make up for the less urban way of life. This island is very different form the 10+ I have travelled to in the Bahamas.

Best way to travel to Spanish Wells is on the ferry from Nassau which drops you in the heart of this small town; the second best by air to north Eleuthera, from Nassau or Ft Lauderdale, plus a short taxi and ferry ride to the town dock.

The two story small house was exactly as described and seen in the VBRO listing. Unfortunately, it was not easy to find, from the instructions, as the owner Sally was out of the country. Her map got us to the street, but not into the small turnoff for the house. A local police officer took us and our luggage on a ride in the police golf cart and we eventually found it. Sally just needs to provide more explicit instructions, in addition to the map, i.e. go to 13th street, turn right, and right again at the first street . And you are there. Because Sally was off island, the next door neighbor had aired out the house, brought fresh bread and was there to ensure everything was fine. Unfortunately again, the AC was not checked, so on the 4th day, when we had a heat wave, the upstairs was extremely hot. The Freon leak could not be fixed over the weekend, despite the best efforts of Sally from afar and the neighbor. Uncomfortable. I would suggest someone check all the systems in advance of guest arrivals.

The house itself was lovely. Well equipped kitchen, good store of supplies, clean, nicely furnished, with two beautiful decks, beds firm and breezes good throughout the multi-windowed house, located on a hill. The sea can be seen from the house.

The house is within walking distance of the grocery stories, restaurants and beaches. But people do not walk much, except the school kids. Most golf cart around, and we were offered rides several times until we got a cart to explore the two islands, George and Russell (can be done in a few hours). If you need a little more excitement than natural beauty and friendly people, Harbour Island is a boat ride away, with good restaurants, boutique stores and a beautiful pink-brown sandy beach that stretches for miles.

We will come again to both Spanish Wells and to the cottage. I highly recommend both.