Cape Santa Maria offers excellence in service and value.Visited: January 2006
Posted by dave_tibbals
This was the most beach for the dollar, and a beach of amazing beauty to boot.
The food was excellent, and the meal plan can save money. However, you should factor in that the lunches are not included. Variety and presentation were very nice.
The rooms were nice, even the bungaloes. However, it was not the newest in decor. It was just 25 steps to the water from my room - to perfect terquoise water and snow white sand.
Snorkeling was very nice here, too - especially if you walk to the northern part of the island. Other water activities included sailing, fishing and ocean kayaking. Fishing guides were excellent. The best value was the reef fishing. Bone fishing was exciting, but not as much as the catching of the larger fish. Deep sea for half a day should do for anyone.
Overall, it was an excellent value for those who make their own entertainment, or like to chill on the sand. There were no phones, no cells, just peace and quiet in quality environs.
We have been disappointed before, with hotels and resorts that looked nothing like the photos. This place cannot make the photos equal the fabulous beauty of the beach and the ocean. It was such a wonderful experience, that we are going back in May.
17 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This vacation had it all. We enjoyed all of the fun things to do - such as bonefishing, reef fishing, and deep sea fishing. Also, the fishing guides were very friendly.
Here you can also go snorkeling, adventuring out around Columbus Point, or just simply stop in and get a drink, talk, then go relax on the beach.
If you are looking for a nice, relaxing vacation, this is a place with everything (that is, iif you can just survive all of the airport trauma in the Bahamas!). By the way, don't panic if your flight gets cancelled. You can still get on.
14 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
It was actually even better! I saw the pictures and thought, "It looks perfect, but it's probably too good to be true". I read the web site and thought, "Yeah, right - talcum powder sand". They say you're just steps from the beach, but how far away are you really?
Well, let me just say that the pictures made it look very nice, but I don't see how the true beauty could even be captured on film.
The sand was so soft and was never too hot for your feet.
As far as being close to the beach - I counted the steps. There were 15 steps from our door to the sand - and then another 20-30 more steps to the water.
And speaking of water - well, the color was just beyond words.
It was as secluded and relaxing as we wanted it to be. If we chose to socialize and be active, there was plenty to do. We met some wonderful people.
There was lots of room on the beach and was never a fight for chairs. We could easily find a secluded spot where no one bothered us.
We're not divers, but we heard the diving was expensive. The kayaks, bikes, and some other equipment was free. We took a half day bonefishing trip for $250 and it was well worth it - just for the boat ride!
There was no nightlife other than happy hour, which was a lot of fun for us.
It was a great place for couples or families. We are planning to return with our children.
16 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
They had the best beach and resort in the Bahamas.Visited: May 2005
Posted by bonniecoulter
My husband and I stayed at Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort for a week and really had a great time. The managers and the staff could not do enough for us.
The beach was worth the trip alone. The locals called it diamond beach, as at night the moon and stars sparkled off these pristine waters.
Our bungalow was first class and was only steps to the beach. If you want a romantic get away that will truly reduce the stress in your life - this is the resort for you.
11 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We made the choice to go to Cape Santa Maria based on photos. We were not disappointed. This has to be one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen.
It was private, secluded, and quiet. The staff was excellent. We have traveled to many places, and this was our favorite. And it was so affordable.
It is a "must see"!
11 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This is relaxation at its best.Visited: February 2004
Posted by treephil
Stella Maris Resort is a gem of a resort in the Family Islands. If snorkeling, diving, fishing or relaxing on the beach is your thing, search no further.
The resort's amenities include a pool; Atlantic beach front as well as Caribbean beach front allow you to enjoy both sides of the island's natural beauty. Be sure to bring a good book or two as there's very limited access to radio or cable T.V.
The resort's restaurant and bar meet one's needs and there's access to the Cape Santa Maria Resort if you'd like to try another dining experience close by.
Temperatures during our stay were in the low 80s and the trade winds kept us cool. I can't wait to return.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
An excellent place to stay with a terrific beach and people.Visited: January 2003
Posted by baron767pc
We have stayed at Cape Santa Maria many times and strongly suggest it for anyone. It is very quiet with one of the best beaches anyplace in the world.
We travel many times to the Virgin Islands and stop on the way home and everyone we ever take with us always says the same thing, "We should have just stayed here!"
Tim Defert, the manager, and Bob, the owner, as well as everyone who works here treat everyone as family. No keys to any of the rooms and terrific service, food and drink!
We are booked to go back in July and May and will need to plan a few more outings. Keep up the good work! Thanks!
14 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Hidden Treasure... Must visitVisited: January 2000
Posted by craignba
I found out about Long Island and Stella Maris in a small, paperback book written years ago. The book called "Long Island, an unspoiled paradise" so, I had to see for myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find amazing settings all over the island. From secluded beaches to friendly natives, Long Island really was a kind of paradise.
The food at Stella Maris was worthy of praise. Truly remarkable food was served at every meal and I don't remember being hungry... ever. The beaches were sparkling on the Caribbean side, and there were no waves to speak of. It was like swimming in a pool because of the clarity of the water. On the Atlantic side, the waves came crashing up to the beaches so you had your choice of settings every day.
The tropical setting of Stella Maris included palm trees and it overlooked the Atlantic. The Caribbean Sea side was just minutes away because the resort basically overlooked both sides.
Long Island seemed to be an unspoiled paradise. I also liked the fact that the resort had a shuttle to take us to the beach of our choice. They also had little thatched roof "palapas" on the beaches to give some relief from the sun.
We took the Stella Maris "big boat" out with a large group one day to do the famous "shark dive." Yes, we did see sharks. And no, I didn't go in the water. I did lots of snorkeling because the clarity of the water was amazing. We also took some of the resort bikes out for a ride, did lots of swimming in the pools, and even got to know other guests from Australia, Germany, Italy and France. I liked the fact that some of the locals were brought in to do some Caribbean music for us.
The laid back atmosphere of the entire resort was a wonderful get-away from work. I highly recommend this as a stress-free vacation where the beaches are some of the best I've ever laid eyes on.
3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Our first time to this island and resort; we loved it!Visited: January 2000
Posted by rrrock
We have spent many vacations in the Out Islands, but it was our first trip to this island. We were totally pleased with Stella Maris Resort’s accommodations and especially the food. However, this is not a place for those looking for lots of night life. A great vacation!
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Caribbean 
Cape Santa Maria offers excellence in service and value. 
Hidden Treasure... Must visit 