   |
           |
 |
Andros Island, Bahamas - Small Hope Bay Lodge Testimonials & ReviewsPlease feel free to E-Mail any of our guests below - Click on any of these pictures to see a larger image
Dana and I first visited Small Hope Bay Lodge in 1999, the year after we were married. We chose it because we tend to shy away from the "mega-hotels" and prefer a simpler, close-to-nature approach to vacationing, with an emphasis on diving. We had a wonderful week, including my favorite dive of all time, featuring an up close and personal encounter with an enormous loggerhead turtle that came close enough to touch. At the time, we didn't have children yet but saw several other families with young children and told ourselves, "let's remember this place for later, when we have kids!" Fast forward to April 2007, when we returned to SHB with our two young daughters, my mother, and my brother. SHB did not disappoint! From the first class dive staff, to the delicious al fresco meals, to the evening babysitters and family-friendly atmosphere, we thoroughly enjoyed our week at SHB, as did several other families we met that week – so much so, that we all reserved again for April 2008! We love the peace and quiet at SHB, the friendly staff, the protected beach that is great for swimming and snorkeling with the kids, and the feeling that we truly "get away from it all" during our time on Andros. One of the best things about SHB is that it has remained essentially the same since our first visit in 1999 – an unpretentious and relaxed home away from home that we know will be there waiting when we come back next time. Will we return again in the future? As SHB's "Dive Master Extraordinaire" Skeebo Frazier would say, "you better belieeeeve it!" Tom and Stacie Brooks email: "Perfect getaway for relaxation, snorkeling, biking, walking, visiting the batik factory in town, or just reading a book on the beach. Cottages are directly on the beach with plenty of hammocks and outdoor seating. Divers will enjoy the dive trips (we are not divers, but we were never made to feel "out of the loop"). If you can't live without your television, in-room phone, computer, mini bar, then maybe Small Hope Bay is not for you...but, if you want good food, open bar, friendly staff, personalized service, and interesting people, come to Small Hope Bay Lodge. Most properties forget all about you as soon as you check out, but not this resort. When Jeff Birch (the owner) heard that our plane back to the states had been delayed, he personally brought conch fritters, sodas, and beers to the airport for us. Later, when we were still at the airport (after about 4 hours), he brought out pasta and other food to be sure that all his former Small Hope Bay guests had a great dinner. We have traveled to over 40 countries, but we have never gotten service like that! Visit Jeff and his staff! We certainly will be back." Anonymous Guest We loved the beach and the proximity of the cottages to the ocean. We loved just walking out the door and having the beach and ocean right in front of us. The grounds were very well kept up. We loved the family style dining. We met and had wonderful conversations with people from all over the world. What a plus! That would never happen at a big hotel. We would definately visit Small Hope again. Whit Anderson, email:
Our best family vacation to date. No question about it. From minute one we felt welcome and comfortable. The food and service was fabulous and the location idyllic. We are already pulling out our calendars to plan our next trip back. Mike Burns, email: mfburns271@yahoo.com We enjoyed the availability of bikes, kayaks, sailboats and sailboards to complete the beach experience. All operations were run in an exemplary manner. We enjoyed all the assistance from the staff when approached about anything. The fishing guides were excellent, knowledgeable, and put us onto fish each time we went out (3 days). They instructed us on what to expect, how to react and answered all questions we had. I thought it was a very good experience, allowed us to have an outer island experience which is what we were looking for. All activities were well run. The food was excellent and diverse. We had choices at each meal so you could select something to your liking. I especially liked the quietness of the location, which allowed you to relax and enjoy a real beach experience or select an activity to your liking. I thought it was a real value and everything I was looking for. Ted Ajax, email: goosedoc@tritel.net We were impressed by the courtesy, efficiency and attentiveness of all your staff. We were particularly impressed by the professionalism and safety conciousness of all of the diving staff. In addition, LaToya, Judy and all of the office and culinary staff deserve special commendation for thier courtesy, hospitality and great service! We found Small Hope Bay Lodge to be the perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor activities in a down home and very congenial atmosphere. The relaxed atmosphere belies the fact that it is obviously very well run. We'll be back! We particularly enjoyed learning about native cultures, food, etc. Having a Bahamian offering in addition to the regular breakfast choices as well as a "Bahamian night" was great! Greg Smith, Amhert, New Hampshire It was great to return to SHBL after 30 years. I made my first dive here on that trip in 1974 and have been diving ever since. This year I introduced my 10 year old son to diving through the Discover Scuba program. We had a wonderful trip with special memories for the whole family. Jon & Stacy Schneiderman, Fort Lauderdale, Florida email: deepdvr430@aol.com We just returned from our wedding/honeymoon at Small Hope Bay. Words cannot express what a wonderful time we had. Sure the accomodations, meals, service and diving were all top notch. What separates Small Hope Bay from other resorts is that while we arrived as guests, we departed feeling more like we were leaving family. SHB is a very special place, and while we have travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas, we are counting down the days until our next visit. I have been actively involved in the dive industry for over ten years and have extremely high standards for dive resorts and dive operations. SHB exceeded all of those standards, and raises the bar for other operations to follow. Special kudos to Jeff, Nicole and Victoria for making our wedding memorable and hassle free. You guys were great! See you again real soon. Tam Stewart, Goshen, VT email: eb1@together.net "I've been coming to Small Hope Bay Lodge with my family for over thirty years, and every time we visit something gets better. Sometimes it's little things--such as Eddy's incredible landscaping--and sometimes it's big stuff--like the impressive new dock. But there's always something to look forward to and discover. In the end, of course, it's the extended Birch family that makes all the difference, and the way they take you in. My grandfather first visited Small Hope many years ago, and now his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue to return annually. The place, the people, the traditions, are very much a part of our lives, and we intend to keep it that way for generations to come." Gary & Angela Nech (Los Angeles, California) email address: gnech@ceoexpress.com "Dear Friends, Our group had an excellent time staying at Small Hope Bay Lodge and getting pampered with such outstanding service from all at Andros Island. Thank you lots, everyone. You made it such a memorable holiday. I am certainly recommending you to all our friends. Staying and diving with you was millions of times better than our stay on Bermuda, Thailand or Hawaii, and we saw so many more interesting and wonderful things with experienced dive-guide, Moose. Your team are very efficient and excellent, good service-mind and helpful at the same time. Thank you ALL for your hospitality. We'll definitely meet again.P.S. Thank you very much for sending me my mask & BCD pocket. I really appreciate it."
Myriam - "Our entire family enjoyed celebrating Christmas and ringing in the New Year at Small Hope Bay Lodge. The relaxed atmosphere; the diverse and interesting guests; and the friendly staff have all been wonderful. Most of all we have enjoyed diving with the exceptional dive masters (Mike and Jean-Paul) who introduced us to this sport while making it both fun and safe. they are responsible for getting us hooked on this beautiful sport". Peter - "The stay here has been wonderful. The staff helped make it so with their dynamism. Each member was quite interesting on their own, but their interactions had a lot of synergy. The variety of guests was enjoyable and it is nice to see the same variety partially reflected in the staff. I'll have to come back to this wonderful location with my partner sometime".
"After spending 4 years searching for a destination that we felt we could revisit, we found Small Hope. It is somewhere that we feel comfortable, can kick back, and feel 100% relaxed! After visiting for over 11 years -we will still be coming here all our lives! The Small Hope families really know about the hospitality industry so that when guests arrive they feel as if they are at home-but without all the work! Small Hope has a culture, an ambience, which allows you as a guest to have a unique experience whilst enjoying the land and the marine environment. When you leave, you have a sense of ownership as during your stay you been welcomed into the family. It is easy to meet everyone here – people let down their guards and enjoy everyone's company as they really open up and let out their true selves. We have met friends here that are everlasting. It's a place where you meet people for who they are not what they do. Small Hope is the kind of place that when you leave, you leave a part of yourself behind and take a piece of Small Hope with you in your soul".
To see more reviews of Small Hope Bay Lodge read unbiased opinions at Trip Advisor and Wheretostay.com. |
|
Take a tour of the website! Just click on either of these buttons! Previous || Next |
Map