On hilltop with pool. Only 400 feet down to waterfront, dock & kayaks.
Cottage in Exuma, The Bahamas
3 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more
About this cottage rental
Exuma Vacation Cottages: located away from the congestion and noise of George Town. The cottage has equipped kitchen, living room, 1 bedroom, 1 dressing room 1 bathroom and a screened front porch. Ideal for two people, can sleep three.Located directly across from Moriah Harbour Cay, which has been designated a Bahamian National Park. Moriah Harbour Cay has miles of the most beautiful, pristine (and almost always deserted) beaches in the world. Between the Cay and your cottage are some of the best bonefishing flats in the Bahamas.
Next to Moriah Harbour Cay is Man O’ War Cay, which also has miles of beautiful, deserted beaches, with great shelling, snorkeling, and swimming. All of these activities are a short kayak ride away (your own two person sit-on-top kayak is included with your cottage rental). You can kayak through awesome mangrove channels, fish for yellow tail snapper,and bone fish or just relax and enjoy views that very few others can see and appreciate. At the end of the day, relax on your screened porch overlooking the ocean and Moriah Harbour Cay, or have a swim in our 35 foot solar heated fresh-water pool, and plan your next day’s activities.
Your onsite host, Valerie, has resided in Exuma since 1964. She can direct you to and assist you in: finding the best bone fish guide; getting a fishing license, finding the right restaurant and finding island entertainment that you will enjoy; renting a car or boat; exploring the island from Little Exuma to Barraterre; finding secluded beaches; going snorkeling, diving and deep-sea fishing; shopping for the essentials and gifts for the folks at home. She can advise you about all aspects of your vacation experience - travel to and from Exuma, what to bring, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit to this special place.
Keywords: Cottage, cabin, villa
Next to Moriah Harbour Cay is Man O’ War Cay, which also has miles of beautiful, deserted beaches, with great shelling, snorkeling, and swimming. All of these activities are a short kayak ride away (your own two person sit-on-top kayak is included with your cottage rental). You can kayak through awesome mangrove channels, fish for yellow tail snapper,and bone fish or just relax and enjoy views that very few others can see and appreciate. At the end of the day, relax on your screened porch overlooking the ocean and Moriah Harbour Cay, or have a swim in our 35 foot solar heated fresh-water pool, and plan your next day’s activities.
Your onsite host, Valerie, has resided in Exuma since 1964. She can direct you to and assist you in: finding the best bone fish guide; getting a fishing license, finding the right restaurant and finding island entertainment that you will enjoy; renting a car or boat; exploring the island from Little Exuma to Barraterre; finding secluded beaches; going snorkeling, diving and deep-sea fishing; shopping for the essentials and gifts for the folks at home. She can advise you about all aspects of your vacation experience - travel to and from Exuma, what to bring, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit to this special place.
Keywords: Cottage, cabin, villa
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
TV
Garden
Map of Exuma, The Bahamas
$$$$
Reviews
10.0
We had a delightful stay at this small cottage, which despite its age, provided all the necessities for a comfortable retreat. The location was absolutely perfect for our adventure-filled getaway, offering easy access to nearby beautiful, secluded beaches! While kayaking to the nearby Cays, we saw sting rays, turtles, and sharks! The host was incredibly accommodating and helpful, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout our stay. If you're looking for a cozy escape with basic necessities away from crowds and fantastic outdoor opportunities, this cottage is an excellent choice!
10.0
Valarie is the sweetest host! She checked on us every day to make sure we had what we needed. The cottage was cute and perfect for the two of us. We had everything we needed to cook meals. The power went off a few times which is common for the island, but the cottage stayed nice and cool the entire time. My husband who is always hot never complained and actually turned the AC up a few times because it was working so well! The location was great for seclusion and quiet! The kayaks were a wonderful amenity and we saw many turtles, fish, and a few sharks while touring Moriah harbor. There were 2 turtles who hung out in the private Bay Area every day which was so cool to see!! We didn’t use the pool but it looked beautiful and very clean. We were a short drive to little exuma and not too far from Georgetown. We would happily stay again!!!
10.0
Valerie is a great host. The cottages and pool are nice. Turtles at the dock. We had a wonderful time. Loved her dogs and all the others we saw. :)
10.0
The cottage is quaint with a beautiful view. It’s quite and close to the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Valerie is a great host.
10.0
Our stay at Exuma Vacation Cottages was wonderful. Valerie is a terrific host who ensured we had all we needed to enjoy our stay. Our cottage was stocked with all the necessities and then some. We found the beach blankets and chairs provided to be very helpful as we went out to the beaches each day. The pool was excellent to come home to after a long day, and the dogs were also so welcoming each time we returned from a long day. Overall, a great stay with a wonderful host. We would definitely stay here again on a return visit.
10.0
One of our best trips to Exuma ever! This was our first stay here and we have already planned a return in July. Nothing compares to the peace, tranquility and beauty of Moriah Harbour with it's stunning beaches and sandbars, crystal clear waters and sea life. We took full advantage of the kayaks available to guests. The cottages were clean and comfortable and the owner, Valerie, was a delight and very eager to make sure we had a nice stay. We also loved meeting her sweet dogs, Chica and Bridget. Looking forward to our return in July!!! Thank you Valerie:)
10.0
We had a delightful time. Valerie was very conscientious and checked on us frequently to see if we needed anything. Property has its own private beach and dock. The cottages were built in the 1960’s but have ac etc. we would return again
10.0
Very affordable quaint clean stay with a pool! We saw a sea turtle right at the dock and more while kayaking. Valerie was very friendly & an accommodating host. Close to Tropic of Cancer beach & Blu Restaurant (our favorite places on the island.) We will be back.
10.0
This cottage was the perfect place for us to spend our week relaxing. The dock on the property allowed us to keep our rental boat in the water and ready to go all week. The cottage was very clean and had everything that we needed. Valerie made sure that we always felt right at home and even took us to town to get groceries. Having great air conditioning and Wifi was very nice to come back to at the end of the day. Relaxing by the pool was always a nice way to spend time especially with all of the flowers and tropical plants that surround it. We had an amazing time and cant wait to come back soon.
10.0
This is a great place to stay. Very quiet and relaxing. Valerie is great and knows the area very well. We will definitely stay there again in the near future.
10.0
Very cool spot, easy walk to water with kayak launch. Owner very nice and helpful. Is a good way from Georgetown so stop at store on thebway
10.0
The cottage was just as described! The location was perfect for kayaking to Moriah harbor. It was very clean and the A/C worked great. Wifi worked well. It is small, and no TV service. For us it served its purpose to do exuma on a budget.
10.0
It’s not to fancy and not to rough, just perfect for a peaceful serene stay. Our stay in a cottage was wonderful. The place was clean and very well supplied. Valerie was a great host and offered help as needed. The kayak was nice for paddling around the beautiful beach and the pool was solar heated to just the right temperature. It is definitely on our mind as a place to return to.
10.0
So glad we booked our stay at Valerie's cottage - it was spotlessly clean and well stocked - a pleasant screened porch for cocktails and having the kayaks available to paddle Moriah Harbor, as well as the heated pool were all added bonuses. Loved staying at the quieter end of the island, near three of the best beaches, too! We really enjoyed meeting Valerie, a delightful woman full of good Island information, and her sweet dogs, too. It was a very relaxing and tranquil stay for us! Thank You, Valerie - we miss you!!
10.0
We had a great visit to Exuma and loved staying at Valerie's cottage. The location is far enough away from the business of George Town but close enough to venture into town if you are inclined to do so. The deck with access to the water and kayaks is an easy stroll down to the end of the road, and wow - what a view! The cottage itself was immaculately clean, quiet and perfectly appointed - Valerie has thought of everything! She had all of the basic necessities and even offered to pick up items for us each time she went into town. We loved spending time on the screened porch, and the cross breezes throughout the cottage made it the perfect temperature for sleeping or relaxing between adventures. We found it to be a wonderful location, nice and quiet. Valerie is a lovely woman and we had the added pleasure of meeting some return guests who spend several months at the cottages each year. The resident dogs, Chica and BridgeIt were a welcome sight every time we came and went. Bartlett, a visiting black lab, was also a wonderful host. The pool was a nice option from the beach, but with so much to see and do, we didn't spend much time there. The kayaking, snorkeling, swimming in the ocean, beach hopping, restaurant touring, all made for a wonderful vacation, and Valerie's cottages are the ideal basecamp. We would definitely recommend this property. Valerie is a gem. 5 stars all the way around!
10.0
Valerie is one of those people that anyone is lucky to meet in life. Such a wonderful person and an amazing host. We found the location to be the perfect place to explore everything around the island and beyond. Located right on the Mariah Harbour Cay National Park we had an amazing experience using the kayaks provided to easily paddle around and see the absolute beauty this place has to offer. Only a 15min drive to Georgetown was easy to access boat rentals and water taxis to Stocking Island. Valerie did everything possible for us to enjoy our stay and make us feel safe and comfortable. Thank-you for sharing your amazing place with us. We hope to return again as soon as we are able.
10.0
Wonderful stay!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Valeries cottages. They were clean and comfortable and Valerie went out of her way to make our stay a great one. Thanks so much!
10.0
BEST VACA EVER!!
Ms. Valerie is the most perfect host!! She accommodated our every request. We loved the cottages, loved the location, loved every thing about it! The pool feels amazing after a day at the beaches. We had everything we needed for cooking meals too.
We kayaked out to Moriah Cay thanks to her letting us use the kayaks. Exuma is truly paradise.
We also loved getting to play with Chika and Bridgett. They are sweet dogs. We can NOT wait to return to Exuma, and you better believe we will be staying with Ms. Valerie again!!
10.0
Could not have asked for a better stay!!!
Valerie is the best!!! Very helpful and accommodating in every way! The cottage was great and the location was perfect! Our only complaint is we wish we could have stayed longer! Already planning our next vacation there!!!
10.0
Another retirement trip!
We really enjoyed staying in Valerie’s cottage. It had everything that you needed, love having a screened in porch to sit out on. There wasn’t any traffic except people going to the church just past the cottage. So peaceful and beaches all around the area, I really enjoyed Forbs Hill Beach and Pretty Molly Bay Beach, as they were just a short drive away. Valerie can tell you where to shop for groceries as well as restaurants to eat at, really anything you wanted to know she can tell you, or she will find out. We will return one day, for now we are heading to places we’ve never been before!
10.0
Great spot in Hartswell
The location is beautiful with access to flats, cays and a great pool. Valerie is attentive and will work hard to ensure you have the best stay possible. The bedding and accommodations aren’t fancy that was expected, overall great place to enjoy a great part of the island.
8.0
Clean pleasant accommodation
Valerie is friendly, quick to respond to questions and very helpful. Check in was so easy, she even invited us to come early on check in day as we needed to be out of our previous resort by 11am.
The buildings are older and the air conditioning unit is pretty loud, but the unit was clean, well stocked and the beds are comfortable. The screened in porch was a lovely relief from the evening insects!
The property is a little ways from town, so very quiet. Though the ocean is a short walk away there is really no beach, just an area to launch the kayak. It's well treed so not much view of the ocean either, but lovely foliage, flowers and prolific birdsong.
We looked forward to the pool every day, it was such a refreshing end to a salt water day. We also used the double kayak, which was a real treat! Mariah Cay and Crab Cay are easily accessible to even novice paddlers. We saw sting rays, fish and turtles, not to mention beautiful deserted beaches!
This property is quiet, clean, and completely adequate for an enjoyable getaway... just don't come expecting a luxury beachside experience.
10.0
My stay
Valarie is fantastic very good host helped me out immensely with directions and activities on island. 5 Stars
10.0
Great Host!
Valerie was an amazing host! She offered to even do some groceries for us prior to arrival. The property goes down to the water where you can use one of Kayaks offered to go to Moriah Harbor Cay for low tide and enjoy the huge sandbar.
6.0
Great place if you like camping
This rental was a lot more rustic than we thought from the listing, even by Bahamian standards (this was our 7th rental in the Bahamas). One bedroom was the only room that was dry walled and had an air conditioning duct, so this is where I spent most of the time when indoors. We had to keep the windows closed at night due to the no-seeums, common here, but it was difficult to cool the rest of the cabin. Wiring was exposed due to no drywall but was painted over. The bathroom was a real issue, as the lip of the shower was rotted out (I could tell by the ants coming in and out of it) and I’m allergic to mold, so we ended up leaving. The cabin was spotless and kept very clean. The best part is the water access. There is a new dock and we had a good time kayaking and sitting on the dock looking at the starfish and even saw some turtles from the kayak. This would be a great rental for campers who would like a few more amenities.
8.0
Our first visit to Exuma
Exuma Cottages are older but well maintained. The cottages are perfectly stocked. We did not lack any essentials in the cottages. We cooked breakfast everyday and a couple of dinners. We liked the Hartswell location as we enjoyed the less populated area than in town. Close to TOC beach, Pretty Molly, and our fav Forbes Hill beach. Kayaking to Moriah Cay beach was one of our highlights that we will never forget. We arrived as strangers but felt we left with a new friend in Valerie.
10.0
Amazing Exuma Cottage
Valerie was such a kind host. And made sure we had anything we needed The cottage was so cozy and had everything you would need. We had a wonderful time kayaking around the property . Me and my wife will be back and not hesitate to rent this cottage again.
10.0
Exuma - Anniversary Trip
We had and absolute amazing time. Exuma Vacation Cottages are located on the perfect side of the island. It’s quiet yet an easy drive anywhere. Valarie assisted in a with our boat rental and directed us on car rentals. The cottages are adorable, a few feet down to the dock and the view is gorgeous! We will be back! We consider Valarie is truly a sweet friend now!
10.0
Enjoyed our stay!
Good location kinda in the middle of the island. Cottage was nice & met basic needs, few minutes walk down to water & dock & kayakes.
Valerie couldn’t have been nicer - enjoyed meeting her & her sweet dogs!
We had very little internet & almost no cell service but think it was mostly our carrier...and we survived!
Beaches are absolutely beautiful and mostly deserted. Great getaway for peace & quiet!!
Joyce & Keith
Wilmington, NC
February 2020
5.0
Good location kinda in the middle of the island. Cottage was nice & met basic needs, few minutes walk down to water & dock & kayakes.Valerie couldn’t have been nicer - enjoyed meeting her & her sweet dogs!We had very little internet & almost no cell service but think it was mostly our carrier...and we survived!Beaches are absolutely beautiful and mostly deserted. Great getaway for peace & quiet!!Joyce & Keith Wilmington, NCFebruary 2020
10.0
" We had a great stay at Valeries Cottages in Hartswell "
We enjoyed our 8 day stay in Exuma and was a nice getaway as Hartswell is semi-secluded and relaxing , not a resort type place with people wondering all about , our first day we took one of the Kayaks on the private dock out to a deserted beach and had a picnic & swim.... also just a 10 minute drive from the cottages is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen " Pretty Molly Bay " don't miss it !
10.0
Christmas in the Bahamas!
Our family loved staying at Valerie’s cottage in Exuma! Everything was FANTASTIC!!! - from pre-travel communication, picking up groceries for us before our arrival, her awesome dogs Bridge-It and Chica, providing kayaks to explore the aquamarine waterways and Moriah Harbor Cay in front of her hillside property, the on-site WiFi, pool and laundry, friendly chats, local advice, and all-around help, as needed. Having our own kitchen saved us from having to plan and pay to eat out every meal. We preferred staying on the east end of the island, 15-20 minutes out of George Town, which is quieter and very close to Little Exuma (really liked Forbes Hill and Tropic of Cancer beaches, Santana’s for an oceanside drink, and delicious coconut bread from Mom’s Bakery here). For side trips, we booked a wonderful private half-day snorkel trip with Tamara and Jonathan at Dive Exuma, and took the Island Boy water taxi to Chat n’ Chill on Stocking Island to feed the stingrays, take a short hike to the Atlantic side, and have a cheeseburger (in paradise : ) Thanks, Valerie, for your hospitality, in making it a memorable vacation for our family!
10.0
Warm, peaceful and relaxing.
Clean, comfortable and convenient cottage with everything you could need. Valerie is always there to furnish whatever you ask for. Fishing guide suggested by Valerie picked me up at her dock on day one, and the bonefishing was great. Definitely want to go back soon.
10.0
Exellent
Best accomodation on Exuma
10.0
Comfort away from home
My husband and I spent eight nights at Valeries cottages in Hartswell, Exuma. The cottages were very clean and comfortable, and Valerie was a delight as our hostess. We enjoyed the time that we spent with her and playing with her two rescue dogs Bridget and Chika. Highly recommended!!
10.0
Great Experience, Beautiful Location, Short Kayak or Drive to Beach
This was our first trip to Exuma and we didn't want to stay on a resort property or in Georgetown. After researching many properties from one end of the island to the other we settled on Valerie's Cottages. If you are looking for the resort vibe this is not your place...if you want a clean place to stay, fa great hostess, peace, quiet, and relaxing time you have found it. Valerie was helpful even before we arrived, she let us know that the island was celebrating a 4 day holiday weekend and offered to purchase groceries, beer, and liquor to get us by until the shops opened back up on Tuesday. When we arrived she and her sweet dogs greeted us in the driveway and showed us around our cottage (we stayed in #3). It is a very short walk down the hill to the dock where there is a kayak launch. We kayaked over to Mariah Cay on 2 different days, packed a small soft cooler with lunch and adult beverages and absolutely loved having a private beach to enjoy to ourselves. (Just pay attention to the high/low tide times before you head out) The pool was a nice addition to the property. Hartswell is about a 20 min drive from Georgetown. It takes less than 10 minutes to reach Forbes Hill Beach (my favorite) and 15-20 minutes to reach Santana's and Mom's Bakery in Williams Town. If you have a larger group you can rent more than one cottage. As a side note we recommend Coastline Adventures to hit all of the fun things to do/see on the outer Cays, Shirley's Fish Fry, Eddie's Edgewater Restaurant, Santana's, and Mom's Bakery. We also had a good experience renting a car from Thompsons across from the airport.....just watch out for all those tire eating potholes on the island!
10.0
Wonderful Stay!
My daughters and I loved our stay here. Valerie is the kindest person. Her property is clean, safe, quiet and beautiful. The grounds burst with tropical plants and flowers, birds and lizards, not to mention the breathtaking view of Moriah Cay. The pool is clean and refreshing, with plenty of space to relax. You might make a friend with the tree frogs in the pool umbrella! The air con is cool and works fast and she will gladly let you use her washing machine. The cottage kitchen is equipped with the basics and ice cold water in the fridge; just stop at the store to pick up groceries on your way in. There's even a cooler to use. There are plenty of bath towels and beach towels and extra bed sheets, if you get yours sandy. We wandered down to the boat dock everyday and explored the water. Take out the kayak or snorkel off the dock. Be sure and love on her pups. They are the sweetest girls. The best is the screened porch for sunrise and sunsets. Bring your bug spray-it’s just the nature of the tropics. The location is close to Little Exuma and about 20 minutes from Georgetown. Don’t miss Hoopers Beach for the sea turtles. (It’s hard to find-look for the Beach Access sign posted on a telephone pole, next to a giant blue stucco house on Queens Highway-you have to park across the street and walk down a narrow, slightly overgrown path, and the walk down the beach a bit to the private docks-Don’t feed them!!! Just play and enjoy!! They will come to you!) Thank you, Valerie! We will be back!!
10.0
Absolutely amazing!
We stayed in Exuma for 2 week on Val's gorgepus property and enjoyed every second of it. From the dogs, to the greenery, the water front, pool and of course, our host!
We had never been here before and didn't want to book a regular hotel. We wanted to live out the Bahamian experience and truly got to do so here. It is beautiful, quiet and remote, offering us all of the peace of mind we had been craving. Val is an amazing host and made us feel so comfortable within the first day of our arrival.
The place itself is well-kept, clean and offers a home-like feeling. We loved the kayaks and often went down to the dock just to walk along the water or see the sunset and stars. Just don't forget to cover up as those mosquitoes will start to feast! Bug spray alone will not work if your skin is exposed. Val and her neighbor Sandy were sweet enough to offer us all kinds of help with that including calamine and allergy medicine. They were so kind and were always wiling to offer us a helping hand. For instance, we couldn't rent a car as it requires us to be a minimum of 25 years of age, due to insurance policies. Thankfully, Sandy and Val would offer to drive us into town to get our groceries! They also offered advice whenever we had questions or needed guidance, enhancing our vacation experience on so many levels.
We would recommend this cottage to anyone who is looking to enjoy a peaceful time in Exuma living one day at a time in the purpose of enjoying the island's beauty.
10.0
Serene and Beautiful.... Valerie the homeowner is EXCEPTIONAL!
My wife and I stayed here 06/28 for 8 days. The cottages are perfect! No frills, but Very clean and had every amenity you could need on this beautiful island. gas stove, refrigerator, fan, TV, a dock with kayaks. access to a washer. The AC was incredible! We have been all over the Bahamas and the Caribbean and have never had ac work as well as here. It really makes the stay enjoyable. My wife and I would go out in the morning and not return until sunset (sunburnt), we would leave the ac off or up and the minute you enter and turn it on the rooms are quickly cooled. I know this is a lot to say over something that many people could careless about, but it made sleeping so nice.
The pool is much larger than the pictures show it as, and we had it to ourselves every night but one and the other couple were very nice. At night incredible views of the milky way, laying on the loungers around the pool, starring straight up. We brought steaks with us and bbq'd on the grill, saving us some bux and enjoying some of the best meals. Although, the island does have some really good places to eat (February Point and Lattitudes)! Valerie is a great host she will make sure you have what you need, or she will point you in the right direction
I know this has nothing to do with the cottages, but I need to warn you: We rented a 17 foot boat at Minns, It was bare bones at best. In order to get in and on the boat to snorkel, it had a 2 step ladder with no railing. It made it very difficult to get in and out, holding on to the hot motor and throwing yourself onboard. No lighter for charging a phone or music player.. bummer.
The location of the cottages is perfect, it's just enough away from Georgetown, but far enough west for close access to some of the best beaches in the world. We took a 3 mile trip to Little Exuma (4 times) to our favorite beach (Forbes Hill). I almost feel guilty putting it out here, don't want others to be there when we are. We saw 6 people on one day and the rest were just us. This is the most amazing secluded , yet easy to get to, beach I have ever been on, and I have been to many many islands!!!
The cottages are no frills, but super clean, well kept, the grounds are beautiful, We will be back, thank you Valerie!
10.0
Perfect Exuma Expierence. Great spot, great hostess. Everthing you need is there. I will book again
What a treasure, immaculate. 30 yrs going to Exuma, never felt so peaceful. Incredible views. Near Tropic of Cancer. Valerie is the perfect hostess, there when you need her. Pool is a great addition. I can't wait to return.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Exuma, The Bahamas?
The average price for a rental in Exuma, The Bahamas is $684 per night. This rental is $399 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at On hilltop with pool. Only 400 feet down to waterfront, dock & kayaks.. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at On hilltop with pool. Only 400 feet down to waterfront, dock & kayaks.. Enjoy the water!
Is On hilltop with pool. Only 400 feet down to waterfront, dock & kayaks. pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this cottage is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at On hilltop with pool. Only 400 feet down to waterfront, dock & kayaks.?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.
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