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Tiamo Resorts, Andros Island traveler review
 This is an escape from life as you know it! Visited: February 2008 |
| Posted by jules5853 |
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We recently returned from our vacation at Tiamo, and we are already trying to figure out how soon we can return.
Not only was the location breathtaking - the accomodations, the staff, the bonefishing and the food were beyond any possible expectation that we might have had about a resort as small and remote as this one is.
We really felt like we were on vacation - the lack of contact with the outside world forced us to downshift and appreciate every second of time that we had together.
My husband bonefished his way to some of the largest fish he's ever caught (both on his own walking nearby flats and with one of the resort-recommended guides, Captain Patterson). We also saw some of the most remote areas of the Bahamas just a short kayak paddle from our bungalow.
The staff members were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and fun - Steve, Sandy, John, Eurice, Dirk, Audrey and K - we had a ball with you guys.
The food was terrific, and while we were initially unsure about the group dining aspect, it soon proved to be one of the best parts of our stay.
I also must mention that everyone at Tiamo went to great lengths in order to organize a special Valentine's Day dinner for us - it was amazing, and we loved it! I don't normally buy into that holiday, but it was hard not to given the setting and the effort that was put forth!
The beach was gorgeous, and the waters were clear, blue and warm. The snorkeling revealed unbelievable sea life, and the nature walks were informative and insprirational, as the entire resort prides itself in its conservation methods and its low impact on the fragile ecosystems of the Bahamas.
Who knew that being so responsible could come so easily over a Mount Gay and tonic at the bar or in our bungalow while playing a competitve backgammon match?
We loved it. This was an amazing place, and if you're looking to get away and reconnect with yourself or your significant other - look no further - you have found paradise. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Emerald Palms is perfect for romance and for families. Visited: February 2007 |
| Posted by slydegirll |
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My husband and I vacationed at the Emerald Palms Resort on our honeymoon. After spending time in Nassau, we spent a week on Andros Island there.
Though both of us are experienced travelers, this resort blew us away. The villa we stayed in was fantastic - in cleanliness, spaciousness, air conditioning, and amenities.
There was a kitchenette, so we could do our own cooking. There was also a massaging shower and whirlpool tub, a table for four, and a huge porch right on the beach.
The food served in the club house was excellent, and the bar service was friendly and well done. The entire staff was friendly without being over attentive or too familiar.
The resort was very quiet, not a tourist trap at all. There were only a smattering of cabins, so you won't be surrounded by 3,000 other people, but maybe 30 at a time (or six like we were).
The pool was nice - if you don't like the ocean as much. But the activities in the ocean were numerous. There was free kayaking at the resort, and snorkeling was available as well. A guided tour around the blue holes of the island or bike rentals were also available, as well as planning a day out deep sea fishing or bone fishing.
I have never been anywhere that I would actually call a piece of heaven. But the atmosphere, service, friendliness, and quietness of this resort were out of this world! |
| 9 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Tiamo Resorts, Andros Island traveler review
| My experience here was beyond magical. Visited: March 2005 |
| Posted by lvlemoing |
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I had been looking at Tiamo's website for three years - just when it opened. Our tenth wedding anniversary seemed like the right moment to make reservations.
I suggest you go for the sea plane to arrive and leave. The minute we got off the sea plane, it was beyond magical. Our luggage disappeared and a fabulous crab cake salad and petagay punch awaited. We enjoyed long sun-filled days, lapping water, wonderful silence and beautiful nothingness.
We will never feel so relalxed again. This is really the vacation of your life. Go for it and enjoy! |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was a piece of paradise. Visited: April 2006 |
| Posted by larkin |
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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. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Tiamo Resorts, Andros Island traveler review
| It was not what we expected - it was a lot more! Visited: November 2004 |
| Posted by ckralich |
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My wife and I went to Tiamo for our ten-year anniversary. It wasn’t what we expected, it was a lot more!
Accommodations: There were ten bungalows that stretched along a very private beach. The bungalow looked exactly like the pictures on their website, and could be described as rustic luxury.
The bed was very comfortable and we could see and hear the water from our bed. There was no air conditioning, which was not needed since the breezes flowed through the unit all day and night.
The shower was in the back of the bungalow and was screened in/open, but very private. Hot water was achieved through solar panels on the roof. And, in fact, the entire resort was very eco-friendly. Make sure to take the tour.
We went on a sea kayak trip once and snorkeling twice. They also had sail boats available to take out, which I did almost every day, and they claim you can’t tip them over.
Food: It was amazing. Every meal was out of this world. Breakfast and lunch were available during certain hours, and we sat at our own table. The menu was predetermined, but they were flexible if guests really didn’t want something.
For dinner, we walked from our bungalow along the beach under the stars, and everyone met in the main hall. Snacks were served, and drinks were available at the bar (drinks were not included, but were very reasonable).
Dinner was followed by dessert. And then, if you wish, you can sit at the bar for as long as you like - seriously. We did this several nights with the staff and the owner, Mike. It was very memorable. We discussed everything under the sun and laughed a lot.
Guests: Everyone who stayed here was friendly. It was a small resort, so we could meet everyone. But privacy was also easy to come by.
Staff: Mike and Petagay are the owners and very good at what they do. We had great conversations with them and they were very aware of their guests' needs.
Misgivings: Leaving. There was no golf course, no spa (yet), and the beach, although beautiful to sit on, was not very conducive to swimming.
Tiamo is a five star resort in its own way. There are no phones in the room, televisions, plush carpeting, room service or valet parking. However, you will feel pampered and well taken care of.
The stars at night will take your breath away and eating a five star dinner in your sandals will make you long for a simpler life. You might even relax! If you are considering coming here, you should.
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| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| The real island place for real island people. Visited: June 2002 |
| Posted by tomryan |
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If you enjoy seeing real island people, being surrounded by a real island atmosphere, with great entertainment and lifestyle, then Small Hope Bay Lodge is your island dream come true. The rest of you please give your patronage to Nassau and Waikiki and boutique-type cruise ships.
Small Hope Bay Lodge means beach-front cottages on a true beach on a real island, and that means no crowds and no sirens and no neon. It also means softly sighing surf, clean air, a huge moon and all the stars in the world glittering just a little bit beyond the reach of your outstretched fingers.
Small Hope Bay Lodge means lots of good island food and good island libations in a romantic outdoor setting (always when it's not raining and frequently when it is as well). There are also friendly people in a relaxed casual island setting.
Small Hope Bay Lodge is where you go to truly get away from it all and to unravel the tangles of everyday cares and worries.
The consensus is that Small Hope Bay Lodge is the standard by which other island resorts and other dive trips and other personnel are to be judged, and that the people you meet there are people you want to meet.
A word of caution: Don't think you will get the same treatment, care, service and quality from the high-visibility, big-business, glitzy, all-inclusive resorts; you will be very, very disappointed and waste an awful lot of money.
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 Small Hope offers great scuba diving, among many other things. Visited: July 2002 |
| Posted by madeline_meade |
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Small Hope Bay Lodge, located on Andros Island, Bahamas, is the most unique place I have ever travelled to.
I have been here twice (and plan on returning) - once by myself and once with my teenage sisters. I originally came here as a new scuba diver and loved it. The diving was amazing (my favorite dive was the Ocean Blue Hole), and the dive staff was very helpful. I learned a lot.
It is hard to say what the best part was. The diving was great, the staff was extremely friendly (the dive and live-on staff eat meals with the guests), and there were lots of other things to do if you didn't dive or if you just didn't feel like it that day.
It was all-inclusive, so the meals (very good, by the way), drinks (open bar), taxes, service charges, bikes, nature walks, kayaks, and sail boat were all included in the price. They also had a beach front hot tub, solarium (for an all-over tan), and a huge library in their lounge.
The rooms were large, basic, and pretty, with great views of the ocean (they were right on the beach). They were also decorated with Androsia Batik fabrics and local art.
Small Hope seemed well suited for families, couples, or singles. They had a friendly-family atmosphere, but there was enough space so that you could have romantic moments and a lot of privacy. They had 2 beaches and the one where the hot tub was, was quite nice.
A note for families: Kids 11 and under ate dinner in the games room with Small Hope's babysitters. This service was complimentary from 6:00PM - 8:30PM. My youngest sister (10) ate in the games room and my 12 and 13 year old sisters chose to do so as well (they had more fun in there than with the adults). It also gave me a break.
Andros Island is still undeveloped, safe, and special. It is not to be missed. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Tiamo Resorts, Andros Island traveler review
| Absolute romance in a breathtaking hideaway. Visited: April 2002 |
| Posted by dedra1908 |
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My husband and I honeymooned at Tiamo this spring. The approach to the island via a small boat was breathtaking. You felt as if you were coming up on Fantasy Island.
The owner greeted us by name at the landing and quickly set us up with a tropical drink. The bungalow was beyond belief. We were steps from the ocean. In fact, we could lay in bed and see the water. The private bungalow was hidden by the brush. And we felt totally alone and at ease.
The food was fabulous, strictly Bahamian. We snorkeled, kayaked, hiked and even went windsailing. All of these were included with our stay. When we arrived here, there were only two other guests on the entire island. The total capacity was small. Even by the end of the week when there were more guests, it hardly made a difference.
I would recommend this resort to adventurous couples interested in privacy, personal service and a little adventure. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
Tiamo Resorts, Andros Island traveler review
| A quiet thrill. Visited: October 2001 |
| Posted by bonefish2oclock |
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My wife and I stayed at Tiamo Resort for the first time in October of 2001 and were very pleasantly surprised. We try and vacation around 2-3 times a year, mostly in warmer destinations. At first, reading all we could about Tiamo, we were a little afraid of the "eco-tourist" thing. We could have not been more satisfied with our choice!
You really will be pleased when you visit this wonderful, relaxing place. You will be surprised, too. The only thing that we are afraid of is that more people will find out about this secret. Hopefully not before we return.
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 Wonderfully rustic, great diving and great for families! Visited: October 2001 |
| Posted by lstew |
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Small Hope Bay is definitely not for the tourist who insists on 5-star everything with tons of nightlife. Do not visit here if 5-star is your taste and especially if you are not flexible. However, if you are looking for a natural, rustic, family-atmosphere getaway with diving and snorkeling, this is a great destination for a traveler.
The rooms have no TVs, phones, clocks or air conditioning. You don't need them. The peace and quiet is marvelous. The ocean breezes and open windows were more than enough to keep us comfortable. We encountered no bugs in our room during our stay. The rooms are rustic, but always clean and neat with plenty of walk-around room. There is an ample storage area just outside the bathroom, and lots of counter and shelf space in the bathroom (shower stall only, no tub). The grounds are well maintained and clean. Nighttime noise only came from the wind in the palms or the ocean surf—or the occasional conversation from fellow guests enjoying the stars.
The food is tasty and plentiful with a home-cooked style. Breakfast ranges from continental to cooked-to-order (eggs, pancakes, French toast, etc.) Lunch included sandwich fixings, salads, and a hot dish. Dinner includes salads, soup, and choice of hot dishes. Bar drinks includes wine, hard liquor, mixings and sodas. You could wait for the staff to make a drink or more fun, you could go behind the bar yourself and mix up your own tropical concoctions.
The base rate of $175 adult is all-inclusive. The dive rate ($235) includes three dives a day (two tank in a.m. and one tank in afternoon) with tanks, belts and weights. All other equipment can be rented and is per boat trip (ie, BCD rental is counted twice per day). If you only want to go on a couple dives during a week's stay, it would is easier to get the adult rate ($175) and pay per dive. Otherwise, you must pay the diver rate for each day of your stay, except your last night, which is automatically charged at the adult rate (since you shouldn't fly and dive within the same 24 hours).
I highly recommend Small Hope Bay Lodge to singles, couples, groups of friends, and families with children - all staying at the lodge at the same time. The staff is very friendly, eating meals with guests and mingling at all times. The dive staff is excellent - Skeebo, Pete and Kathy are wonderful.
If you have folks in your group who might like to dive, Small Hope is the place to learn with a free resort course and excellent staff.
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| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
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