The Small Hope Bay Lodge has the feel of a family home. Which makes sense, considering its original structure was built in the 1960s by Dick Birch, a Canadian vacationing (and thawing) with his family on Andros, in the Bahamas. He then set about constructing more cottages out of local coral and pine, added an outdoor dining-lounge-and-game-room area, and, for good measure, made sure everything had a sweeping view of the sea. With seven children of his own, he had a pretty good idea that the largely undeveloped island's natural blessings—more than 100 miles of beaches, pine forests filled with exotic birds, 140 miles of reef—would provide all the diversions any family could want.
To this day, a stay here is a decidedly rustic experience. Nightlife, theme parks, and schlocky tourist shops are nonexistent on the island, and Small Hope makes a big point of keeping things simple (there are no TVs, phones, or clocks in the rooms). Instead, the all-inclusive resort focuses on offering enough snorkeling, diving, and boating expeditions to occupy a week. Even the youngest snorkelers will appreciate the shoals of glittering groupers, snappers, and triggerfish that surround the spectacular underwater barrier reef (the third largest in the world). Scuba divers can explore the mysterious shipwrecks and the pre–Ice Age beach 185 feet below sea level. Small Hope will also arrange for family reef-fishing expeditions (kids 4 and up can learn to cast a line), a guided walk along the island's eco-trails, or a full-day exploration of its wilder eastern coast. Andros is crosshatched with creeks and magical, stalagmite-covered watering holes (called "blue holes") where you can swim, and the island is encircled by a white-sand beach. At the end of the day, there's the promise of a fiery sunset (best viewed from a hammock), the possibility of a barbecue, and the certainty of a blissful night's sleep for your entire sun-kissed family.
Next Page: Andros travel guide
