As Australians, we like to travel as far as possible. Being isolated as a country and so far from the rest of the world, the further the better.
Our Editor-a-large decided to test this and trekked via Miami, Panama and Colombia, to reach the Bahamas, finally settling at the boutique resort Eleven Bahama House, on Harbour Island, one of the 700 islands that make up the archipelago. The economy of The Bahamas is dependent upon tourism and offshore banking and is the richest country in the Caribbean.
Whilst known to be expensive, with the proper research, you can enjoy beautiful food and lodgings in what is a very exotic part of our planet.
The Location
Harbour Island is known for its dramatic and striking pink sand and laid back vibe. So it’s perfect that Eleven, Bahamas House is located in Dunmore Town, which keeps you close to the Bahamas culture and walking distance to restaurants, bars, and shops.
The Stay
Bahamians are known as easy-going, friendly and hospitable and the hosts at Eleven did not disappoint. It felt like coming home to family, the warmth with which we were greeted. Over the course of our stay, the staff were playful and fun and nothing was too difficult.
The house is arranged around a courtyard with freshwater pool and several outdoor seating areas and of course the bar, where you can mingle with other guests, if you so choose, over happy hour. If you prefer your privacy, the attentive staff soon figure that out, and quietly drop off the nibbles at your room and ask what you would like to drink. Bliss.
Rooms
There are coincidently, eleven bedrooms located in four buildings (three in 1800 Building, four in Annex, and two in each the cottages Up Yonder and Down Yonder). Beautifully designed in simple Bahamas style, the rooms are luxurious and comfortable. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries, all rooms at the resort have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning.
Special Extras
- There is a cocktail hour where many drinks are served complimentary along with home-made hors d’oeuvres by the inhouse chef.
- Access to the beach with one of the staff who will pack drinks, snacks, umbrellas, towels and lounge chairs each day.
- An ala carte breakfast with a seasonal and fresh daily menu, which is superb.
- A fleet of townie bicycles to use at your leisure around the island.
Good to know
- A privately owned hotel and the staff love working there, which makes for exceptional service.
- Guests must transfer via boat to the property.
- Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments.
Overall impression
This was our first stay at the Eleven group of hotels and it is known for its laid back luxury and relaxed vibe. A number of the guests we met were return visitors, some only staying at Eleven hotels around the world.
We would highly recommend Eleven as a hotel of choice for staying on Harbour Island, from the warm and engaging welcome from the staff, the generosity and support in navigating the neighbourhood, the luxury of the rooms, and the location.
