Small Hope Bay Lodge - Andros Island, Bahamas

Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros Island hotel review Visited: May 2010

Posted by krbobbio

Ive been dreaming about that day since I was in 9th grade.

The staff, the location, the overall feeling was something out of a fairy tale. We brought 23 of our closest family and friends. The staff (including the very committed lodge owner, Jeff) was unbelievably helpful in getting everyone to the island, going way above and beyond the call of duty.

Every last one of my guests said it was either the best or one of the best vacations they had ever been on. I credit that to Jeff and his team. We were cared for, treated as family, and got to experience everything we had hoped for.

A bride can be somewhat silly about what she wants at her wedding, and I never once felt as if I was asking too much. And I had some pretty unorthodox ideas, like a sunrise ceremony, followed by a brunch reception, two separate day trips out to attractions on the island, and an evening reception.

Not only did they make it happen, they gave me more than what I asked for. The decor for the ceremony and receptions was stunning and beautifully detailed with all fresh, local flowers. The food was out of this world (some of the best I've ever had in my life). The day trips were perfect, and we got our own guide which added tremendously to the experience. And the evening reception went off without a hitch.

We were here for a total of four days, and my only complaint is that we didn't stay longer. I genuinely miss the people here, the serenely relaxing setting, and the magic of it all. We will go back.

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Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros Island hotel review Visited: August 2008

Posted by diver_guy

I found the diving to be very poor. There were very few fish compared to diving near Nassau (Exuma Cays).

As a PADI resort, I felt that they didn't follow the guidelines that PADI has set for Rec Diving. Diving at 45 feet for 45 minutes is not like a 45-minute safety stop (which I was told by the dive staff) - especially after doing 90 feet+ dive with only a ten-minute (or less) surface interval.

This sort of diving can be dangerous to new divers who do not know their limits or the NDL (no decompression limits) calculations. There were many times that I saw new divers exceed their NDL - especially on the second morning dive. By the way, the dive staff never participated in the second morning dive. The first dive of the day, all dive staff participated (which meant that the boat was left anchored but unmanned).

I was informed that there was no air conditioning (unless you pay the $15/day), but what I wasn't informed of was the partial fresh water showers.

I must admit that the beach looked just like the pictures on the Small Hope web site (long beach, nice sand, etc.). What the pictures didn't show was that at high tide, the beach disappears. The water goes right up to the rock.

The food was hit and miss. Making your own sandwiches every lunch for $289 a day was not exactly what I had in mind.

To be honest, I thought that they had a fairly nice, rustic resort, and I would have been slightly more satisfied with the the actual resort stay (not including the diving) - if it hadn't been for the luxury price.

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Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros Island hotel review Visited: August 2008

Posted by waterbug589

My husband and I made our fourth pilgrimage to Small Hope Bay Lodge this August. We have gone before with our two kids (6 and 13) and they enjoy Small Hope as much as we do. But while they were visiting the grandparents, we decided to sneak off for five days this time!

Small Hope is a relaxing getaway from the nonsense of politics, traffic, cell phones, and general stress of the “real” world. The beaches are beautiful with hammocks between every palm tree on one beach, and a half mile of white sand and hot tub on the other.

The rooms are actually steps from the water - just like it says on the web site. The rooms are easily cooled by the ocean breezes, but you can get air-conditioning if you find the need (for an additional $15 per day).

My husband and I love to dive, and find the diving there safe, interesting, and fun.

We both also enjoy the meals at Small Hope. Being there with just my husband was wonderful and romantic. We went in the beachfront hot tub and stargazed from the hammock on the end of the dock (you have to look for it, as it is hiding behind the dive shop).

We flew from Boston to Nassau on Jet Blue, then took the 15 minute Western Air flight to Andros Town. It is actually pretty easy (at least from the east coast).

It is unique and a little rough around the edges, but that is what I like about it. Oh, and don’t let me forget to mention that they have the friendliest staff of anywhere I have ever traveled.

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Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros Island hotel review Visited: April 2006

Posted by larkin

My husband and I spent seven days in April here, and it was everything we expected and more.

We had never stayed at an all-inclusive before, due to the expense and wanting to stay away from the glitz and masses. I did a significant amount of Internet research before booking here. The descriptions and pictures on their web site were an accurate representation.

Small Hope Bay really seemed to be all about attitude. It was very low key, relaxed and friendly. Food was excellent and more than ample, and the service was impeccable. The rooms were sufficient and clean, with in-room safes and glorious views.

Meals were buffet-style with seating with guests and staff. That may sound odd if you haven’t experienced it. However, it was a wonderful, non-intrusive way to get to know people. I was impressed to notice that if someone was newer or alone, staff would subtly sit and eat with them. It was a nice touch to ensure no one was left out. Within a couple days, visitors were laughing with each other and staff, sharing drinks and the day’s events.

Activities were well planned and posted, guests just asked if they wanted something. We are experienced snorkelers who have been to several Caribbean islands. The sites weren’t the best, but they would rate at least average. There were not tons of fish to see, but some nice exotics, and other sea life.

The dive staff was extremely accommodating, while maintaining visitor safety. I attempted the Discover Scuba experience, but my own fears made me unsuccessful at it. Shannon, the dive master assisting me, tried ever so hard to get me through it -patient and encouraging.

The pace was good, with time between meals and activities to relax in a hammock, talk with new friends over drinks in the patio area overlooking the water or take a walk on the beach. If you want more, you can use the bikes, kayaks and maps to see other areas. You can rent a car for the day.

I would say that we enjoyed the first half a little more. The seas were calm and school was in session-not the fault of SHB! It wasn’t Disney World and things like rain and wind, and the US school breaks happen! There were still other things you could do.

There were no phones, TVs, etc - very nice. If you require a lot of activity, higher level of amenities (like cruise ships or Club Med) and really want to be catered to, it isn’t your place. If your kids constantly play video games or can’t entertain themselves, they won’t be happy.

However, if you enjoy nature, swaying palms, reading on a hammock and living barefoot in a bathing suit, I think you’ll be glad you booked here.

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