Tingum Village

Bahamas

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*Think twice before going, it is not recommended.* Visited: October 2007
Posted by disappointedguest
	I stayed here this weekend (Oct 10-13), and it was the worst treatment ever. I have traveled all over the world and have never received such poor service. I paid for a room and golf cart one month before arrival. Besides this, I was one of the first guests to checked in. However, I was unable to get a proper golf cart. On top of that, I didn't get what I paid for. In addition, I was ignored. I guess my money wasn't as good as some people who said they had only paid two weeks before the regatta. I've visted this island five times, and have never been treated so badly. I was so upset with my experience that I was forced to leave a day earlier than my original check-out time. I do not recommend this motel because of the simple fact of poor service from the management. The cook and the gardener were very helpful, though. I recommend personal and professional development courses for the staff at Tignum Village because it is really needed!
6 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
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*No person should miss out on this secret gem!* Visited: October 2006
Posted by abbeybaby
	Like everything that is good on Harbour Island, is quaint and the people friendly. From the moment we set foot in the bar, we saw Ma Ruby sitting with a smile on her face and chatting with others. We felt that somehow the other guests have established a special relationship with the owners; and we wondered if we would. It didn't take long to see that every guest was special. The staff, their family and friends that dropped by were exceptional at making us feel welcome, yet provided us with the peace and privacy that we were able to achieve by visiting Harbour Island. The nightlife was not second to none! The various bars and yacht clubs had people of all ages come together and dance. I was even fortunate enough to be invited to a party that was planned and carried out for another guest by J.J (grandson of Ma Ruby (owner of the hotel). And it was high-end! I learned that J.J. is the best on Harbour Island if you want to plan a party, or wedding. He is recommended by the best on the island! My nephew is already looking into having his wedding on Harbour Island based on the pictures that I have!) The food was superb! Mikey would make anything we wanted; the meal was fresh, and the surroundings so peaceful. You would want to linger at the table, except you know that just a few moments away lies one of the most beautiful beaches known to man! Pink sand, warm water, and with the �busy� part of the beach being a lovely 15-minute walk away it was an ideal place for a romantic picnic, cuddle or just a chance to sunbathe without worrying about the effect that age and too many pasteries has had on your mid section. If you look close you can see cruise lines in the distance. Harbour Island was magnificent, but add Tingum Village to your list and you won't ever want to leave. Or if you must, you will be making plans to return before the sea taxi has even dropped you off on Eluthra! Thank you everyone at Tingum Village for your warmth, class, and JJ for showing me how to dance!
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*This is a great remedy for the millenium.* Visited: May 2005
Posted by mentholycafe
	This was the best kept secret of the Bahamas It was friendly, and offered a family-like atmosphere. It felt like comfort food. It was unspoiled, and mentally and physcially therapeutic. We will always cherish the people here and their courteous, smiling faces.
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*We felt completely at home here.* Visited: December 2004
Posted by mark_baum
	We were in the Bahamas for two weeks and tried a number of places, staying at each a few days. Tingum Village, near the end of our mini-tour, was our favorite (among several special places). The family who ran it made us feel completely at home. During our time in the Bahamas, we kept a very low profile as a gay couple, since it seemed clear that gay people weren't especially welcome in the Bahamas. But the people at Tingum Village had us figured out quickly and made it clear that we were welcome, too. That meant a lot to us. The facilities at Tingum Village were charming, though not high-rent: I imagine there were more luxurious places to stay on Harbour Island. But I don't think there would anywhere else where you may be greeted with as much affection. Each morning we enjoyed fresh baked bread with peach or guava jam at breakfast. Then we walked a few minutes to the beach each day where the waves were the perfect height for bodysurfing. On New Year's Eve, we participated in Tingum's playful (and delicious) dinner celebration. To be honest, I expected Harbour Island to be kitschy, overdeveloped, and overrun with tourists. I was so pleased to find that this wasn't the case. Overall, we enjoyed the island very much -- but Tingum Village was what really made it special.
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*This was such a friendly, relaxing place - with good food.* Visited: December 2004
Posted by hunt
	We stayed here six years ago on our 50th anniversary and have always said it was the most relaxing vacation we've ever had. So we returned this year at the same time. We were welcomed with open arms, treated like family and fed good Bahamian cooking until we could hold no more. Juanita-perpetual motion-Percentie took care of us, Ma Ruby gossiped with us, and Valerie discussed books with me. Michael carried our bags, cooked, served, and took good care of his people. Several times we walked over the hill to the beautiful beach, which we had all to ourselves. In the mornings we walked or went by golf cart to watch the activity at the public dock, visit the library, and talk to Sydney Albury at the Tip Top Grocery. We also stopped in at Arthur's bakery for a key lime tart. Since my father's family (Albury, Higgs, Johnson, Cash) lived on Harbour Island for a couple of hundred years, it is always like coming home for me. I call it and Tingum Village my island home.
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*It was heaven!* Visited: May 2004
Posted by stampjr
	I stayed at Tingum Village and fell in love! Everyone who worked here, as well as all the other guests were great to be around, and they made my vacation better then I could have ever believed! Ma Ruby's cheeseburgers were indeed one of the greatest meals I have ever had, and the property was great. The walk to the beach was nice, and once on the beach you can truly forget any care in the world. Tingum Village and Harbour Island were truly great, and better yet, unlike so many places on the island, Tingum Village had character- from previous guests, family and friends. It is not a place where the size of your wallet determines how you are treated, but instead, the smile on your face matters more to everyone associated with this hotel. Thank you for a great stay! I will be back for sure!
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*"Welcome home, baby!" - what a perfect greeting!* Visited: May 2003
Posted by mackenzie9266
	Ma Ruby greeted us with these fine words with open arms, a warm friendly smile, and we immediately felt like family. We have just returned from our first-ever visit to Harbour Island. It was absolutely magnificent! J.J. (our Bahama Joe) was outstanding. He excelled in his inter-personal skills, dressed impeccably and had an everlasting smile. He ensured that every need was met for the guests and was never intrusive�and we might add that he was one heck of a dancer. This young man understood customer-service and was abound with energy and intelligence. Keep up those university studies in Canada, J.J. Our bet is he is going to be the future Prime Minister of Bahamas! Juanita was a power house. She, too, was highly energized, with a wonderful smile and a wealth of knowledge. She loved her sports - ask her anything about basketball, and we understand that she is also a great tennis player. Again, her number-one interest was ensuring the guests received the best attention. She also was very knowledgeable on politics. Keep smiling, Juanita � what a great person to know. Mikey worked the restaurant under Ma Ruby's watchful eye. He served great meals, and the best coffee ever. A constant smile was also on his face. It was a real pleasure to enjoy our meals in the wonderful patio. I left the last for wonderful Ma Ruby - the matriarch. In her own quiet, efficient manner, she ran a tight ship. Efficiency and pleasantry were descriptive of Ma Ruby. She was the greatest cook -- a definite is the Cheeseburger in Paradise, and the Grouper was so delicious, I can still taste it. Ma Ruby ensured that each guest was treated as special as she treats her very own large family (when we were here, she just welcomed her 24th grandchild) . She was a loving and special woman who maintained a successful business using simplicity combined with excellence. The scenery, the beautiful beach with pink sand has been described by others, we can only ditto their comments. A few must-dos: try the fresh conch salad - it was excellent; �dance at the outdoor Vic-Hum's Disco (run by Ma Ruby's son): and use the golf cart to discover the wonderful island. We learned so much about the island and the politics. The people were warm, friendly and we felt exceptionally safe. We enjoyed very clean spacious accommodations, exellent food, and wonderful warm friendly people. The Tingum Village is a definite on our return visit. We love you!
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*A terrible place to stay.* Visited: August 2002
Posted by natalie
	This was a terrible place to stay. It was dirty; I found my bathtub full of hairs. There was no water pressure, it was impossible to rinse off the sand. The air conditioning didn't work well, etc. Ma Ruby was very unfriendly. We left after one night and thank God we did because the night after there was a wedding right in front of our hut and there had never said anything about it to us. We could hear the noise from our new hotel which was about 400 meters away, so imagine if we would have stayed!
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*It was just what I needed.* Visited: July 2002
Posted by joelauren
	I am from New York Cit, and I was not sure what to expect from Harbour Island and Tingum Village. It came highly recommended from a friend of mine who has been before and loves the place. When I arrived, I found Ma Ruby watching my favorite television show in the bar. The bar was so welcoming! There were photos of past guess and of family. Ma Ruby said "welcome home". and asked if I wanted to check in now or later. My room was clean and simple, it was much more than I expected from an island hotel. The bed was comfortable, and it was nice quiet and cool. Everyone was so friendly, I could not believe it. t The food was excellent, and they went out of their way to make me comfortable. They bought me a fresh coconut and fresh friuts(for free), and if I wanted a drink, it was no problem to go behind the bar and make it. It was an experience to remember. I did nothing all day but read and go to the beach. I will be back with friends to enjoy the bliss that I felt the first time. Tingum Village is what you make it, you must be open minded to the island life. I love Tingum Village, and I will be back. You are the best Ma Ruby!
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*Welcome home!* Visited: June 2002
Posted by bsfleagle
	That was the first thing Ma Ruby, owner of Tingum Village, said to us as we checked in for a four-night stay. She could not have been more right! The staff at Tingum, Ma Ruby, Juanita and J..J. (we loved ya J.J.!) are so pleasent and warm. They want you to have a relaxing and wonderful vacation. Harbour Island is truly the secret gem of the Bahamas. Tingum village rents you a golf cart on site, so you can tour the island at your own pace. We took ours up the path behind Tingum and drove up the hill to the beach every day and night. It was much easier than walking - I recommend! Once you get to the top, the views and beach are breathtaking. And yes, the sand really is pink and the water is an unbelievable turquoise blue. Tingum is a charming, tropical, quaint hotel. There is nothing fancy - just a clean place to sleep, shower and sip on a few Kaliks. Look up at the stars at night and you will be amazed. We will be returning to Tingum and Harbour Island for years to come. It is rare to find a place like this only 55 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale. One final note, Ma Ruby's restaurant makes a fine breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had Lobster on our last night and it was marvelous.
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*best place 2 stay* Visited: April 2002
Posted by catalanoderek
	best place to stay. safe & childproof too!
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*Many stays over 12 years.* Visited: June 2001
Posted by everdur
	It is just quiet enough, and once you're here, you're family. Thank you for the great times and great stays. We'll be back soon.
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*FRIENDLY and relaxing* Visited: June 2001
Posted by biggil
	We had a great time and enjoyed the hospitality, but especially Ma Ruby's food.
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*The hotel is excellent and quite comfortable. It's great!* Visited: January 2000
Posted by ATraveler
	The hotel is a quiet and secure haven. It's an excellent place where you can relax and enjoy youserself with family and friends. The staff treats you like part of the family. The island is one of most spectacular in the entire Bahamas. I've been to them all and Harbour Island is the best. If you do vist Tingum Village, ask Ma Ruby to make you a cheeseburger in Paradise.
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*The hippest, friendliest place in the Bahamas* Visited: January 2000
Posted by ATraveler
	This place is definitely cool. Ma Ruby, her family and staff make one feel right at home. Accommodations are clean and decorated in casual island decor. The location is super; a few minutes walk from Valentine's, Dunmore Town is nearby and the route to the ocean is a nice hike via various paths to the beautiful pink sand beach. They had the best coffee on the island. And the food? Yes, Ma Ruby does make a real "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and Buffett crowned The Tingum Village Cheeseburger with this title. The bar is always open, and is usually self-serve in the late evenings. Beware as this can lead to some interesting stories the next morning. (If you're into sports, well, then Juanita always has the sports going - she's a huge fan!) It's always hard to leave, but I always look forward to returning.
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*A beautiful, romantic paradise...truly heaven on earth!* Visited: January 2000
Posted by mikedana
	We have been to Harbour Island three times and each time it just gets better. The sun, pink sand, beautiful blue water, hammocks swinging from palm trees, snorkeling and the beautiful people are just the beginning. Tingum Village and its staff are among the best we have ever had the pleasure of staying with. From Ma Ruby to Juanita to Mikey and everyone else, they don't just treat you like family; they embrace you into their own family. The facility and rooms are island simple. No phone, no TV, yet total luxury! Where else on this earth can you eat world-class Bahamian food in an unbelievably romantic environment, and then take to the sand-covered, sun-bleached road in your very own golf cart for a night out on the town? Head over to Seagrapes or simply take a drive under the stars!
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Tingum Village Overview

Set on quiet little Harbour Island, just off Eleuthera, Tingum Village is a casual retreat offering 3 miles of unspoiled pink sand beach, a casual atmosphere and Ma-Ruby's home cookin'. Claiming to be the proud home of "Cheeseburgers in Paradise" as featured in Jimmy Buffet's Parrot Head Hand Book....