How We Celebrate the Holidays - Island Style!!!

The holidays are a time for family and friends, love and laughter, and of course, delicious food! If you are thinking about traveling for the holidays, you should know how we like to celebrate here at Small Hope Bay Lodge . . .

At Small Hope we have big, delicious feasts four times a year - Thanksgiving (US), Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Easter. To see how we enjoyed Thanksgiving, click here.

For Christmas, we get a tree and decorate it with lights, sea shells, Androsia batik garland, and handmade ornaments made by our guests. We decorate our lounge, dining room, and games room with festive lights and decor. We put out nuts with nutcrackers, and candy canes, and we play holiday music - traditional and island style.

For Christmas day dinner our kitchen works tirelessly preparing a huge feast. Each time it's different but you can be sure it is epic! There are usually options such as roasted pig, spiral ham, smoked turkey, lobster, grouper; side like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies, 3 different salads, and a tasty soup!

Then comes dessert . . . No less than 25 mouth-watering homemade desserts such as pumpkin pie, key lime pie, chocolate peppermint bark, guava duff, brownies, lemon bars, and many, many more!


New Year's Eve is similar in the food area - an exquisite and bountiful dinner followed by a plethora of scrumptious desserts. But after dinner things are a little different . . .

Everyone heads to our Games Room where all the crafts are spread out. we all make different and festive hats. Even those a little reluctant in the beginning start getting creative!


Jeff's brother-in-law, Alec, starts serving up Bang Bang shots to those willing adults. The dancing starts. Then, as midnight draws close, we all head down to the bonfire pit where the fire is blazing. At the stroke of 12, we toss the Christmas tree in the fire, and our newly made hats! Fireworks shoot from the dock as we all toast the new year, sing, dance, hug and kiss!

Holidays are Better in the Bahamas!

Pin It Now!

How to Get to Andros Island, Bahamas

It's Easy!

Getting to Andros Island is a piece of cake! There are many ways to get to this beautiful island. Here are some of them . . .

1. Fly to Nassau and then take the short hop over to Andros from there. Book your flights to and from Nassau, then contact our wonderful office staff and they will arrange your flights between Nassau and Andros, there are two flights daily each way. Don't forget to go through the "Traveling Through to Family Islands" line at Immigration in Nassau to skip the long line! Ask us about our Fly Free special too - you may be able to fly to Andros for free!
2. Fly the Fort Lauderdale and fly to Andros via Watermakers Air, or another air charter airline. Watermakers has flights to Andros scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They even offer Small Hope guests special rates, as well as Island Hopping packages to Small Hope and Staniel Cay to see the swimming pigs! Contact us for more info or package rates.
3. Fly your own plane! Fresh Creek, Andros is a Bahamas port of entry which makes a quick hop down to Small Hope easy. We often have private pilot specials, too. Check our Specials page for more info.

Those are the most common ways vacationers come to Andros Island. But just contact our office if you have any questions or need any advice or assistance in making your travel arrangements!

We look forward to seeing you soon . . . 

Pin It Now!

Island-Style Thanksgiving at Small Hope Bay Lodge

Celebrating the holidays abroad can be a real treat! Enjoy all the great food, as well as being with great family and friends, without ever having to do the dishes!

At Small Hope we celebrate 4 holidays with incredible style. US Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and Easter. On these days we make huge feasts and have great parties.

This Thanksgiving was no exception. Our fantastic kitchen staff created a delicious blend of classic Thanksgiving fare with traditional Bahamian dishes. Not only savory dishes, but a plethora of tasty desserts, too! Here is just a taste of what we had: Rosemary baked turkey, Honey glazed ham, Sage and sausage stuffing, Grouper fingers, lobster salad, mac n cheese, peas n rice, potato salad . . . With desserts like coconut tart, pumpkin pie, guava duff, pineapple tart, sweet potato pie, pumpkin roll, Oreo cheesecake, and many, many more!

We are so thankful for the great family and friends.

Pin It Now!

Hurricane Matthew Relief Efforts for Andros, Bahamas

We've finished distribution on our school lunch kits! Every child in Central Andros- in school and the younger ones staying at home- received a packet with: cereal, milk, water, juice, and 5 different snack items. Close to 600 kits were distributed and the remaining 400 stayed with Social Services for distribution to households with severe needs. Linda and Casey helped local Social Services pack up and deliver the kits. The kids loved them and we are so happy to get a smile out of everyone! In addition each school and the clinic received a few weeks supply of bleach, garbage bags, toilet paper and dishwashing liquid. Thank you all so much, with your help Small Hope has now donated over ten pallets of supplies to our local communities- up next shingles for as many roofs as we can cover!

Pin It Now!

What's in a Bahama Mama?

Ah, the Bahama Mama . . . A delicious concoction that taste like a sip of Paradise. But what exactly goes in this famously tasty beverage? Here is a recipe so you can have one any time you want!

Bahama Mama Recipe:

• 1 oz light rum
• 1/2 oz. Nassau Royale
• Top with fruit punch (we make our own from equal parts orange and pineapple juice, with a dash of grenadine for color)
• Shake with ice
• Add a dash of grenadine

Viola!!!!  Here are some more of the recipes we like to make at Small Hope Bay Lodge . . . Pin It Now!

A Kid-Friendly resort in the Bahamas!

When planning a vacation, we always want to make sure we find the right fit. This goes double for kids. Cuz when the kids have a great vacation, the whole family has a great vacation!

At Small Hope Bay Lodge, we know this and do our best to ensure the kids have a blast! We also like to give the parents a wonderful and, most importantly, stress-free vacation.

We are located in a secluded and very safe area. With two private beaches, we give the kids the space to roam around and explore but remain on property. We have a Games Room just for kids! (It's even being completely renovated right now - photos coming soon!). In there we have a kiddie castle, arts and crafts, their own cubbies, a ping pong table. We have a swing set with attached fort, located right on the beach so they can swing in style. We have Nature programs for the kids who want to learn more about our environment and the flora and fauna around the resort.

Our Kids Dining program is one that has been proven to be great for both parents and kids. At 6 pm, the kids go to our Games room with one of our highly capable babysitters. There, they have their meal together (kid-friendly meals or the adult menu of the day - their choice!). After dinner, they play, or make crafts, a play games. This gives the kids time to be just kids and the grown ups time for some adult time with the other adults at our cocktail hour and dinner.

We have Family Packages available or you can make you own! Call us for more info at 800-223-6961 or email at info@smallhope.com!

Not a bad view for the kids fort, huh?

Pin It Now!

What is Included in "All Inclusive" Rates? At Small Hope, A LOT!

There are many resorts that say they are all inclusive. But many only include breakfast, and most do not include beverages or bar drinks. There can also be added resort fees.

At Small Hope Bay Lodge, we like to make it as simple as possible! All Inclusive to us means totally ALL INCLUSIVE! Included in our nightly rates are the following:

• Beachfront cabins - All the cabins are just steps away from crystal clear water!
• Breakfast - Made-to-order and continental selections including omelets, toasts, bagels, yogurts, french toast, etc. There is even a special Bahamian breakfast each day so you can try some island flavors.
• Lunch - Three different salad options, sandwich fixings, and a different island-style hot lunch every day such as Pepper Pot Curry or Conch Chowder. And, of course, plenty dessert choices!
• Dinner - A soup, multiple salads, a seafood course, a meat course, a starch dish, and a vegetable dish. Plus homemade bread, and at least three different dessert options!
• Snacks and hors oeuvres -  At cocktail hour we serve our famous conch fritters, as well as some chips and dips. And if you fancy a bite at any time during the day, just pop your head in the kitchen and our chefs will whip up something tasty for you!
• Beverages and Bar Drinks - That's right. All your drinks are included in the all-inclusive rate! Plus you can even hop behind the bar and show us how you make your favorite drinks!
• Resort fees - That means use of all the extras: hot tub, bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, sailboat, wifi (in lounge and bar areas), etc. 

The only things not included are any optional guided activities like scuba diving or fishing, and the Bahamas VAT of 7.5%.
 

All Inclusive means you don't have to carry your wallet. Everything made easy!Come and see for yourself . . .

Pin It Now!

Great Hope for Small Hope!

We believe Hurricane Matthew will not hit us too hard but it is always better to be prepared!!! We will keep you posted with updates . . .

Pin It Now!

What to Bring on Your Bahamas Vacation? Here's a List to Get You Started

 Packing for vacation is always so exciting because it means . . . your going on VACATION! But with airline luggage fees, not to mention the hassle, it's great to bring just what you need.

Andros, Bahamas has such a lovely climate year-round, so no need for big heavy jackets or boots. Scuba divers and fisherman often want to bring their own gear, but Small Hope Bay Lodge has everything you'll need for scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing here if you don't want to pack your own.

Here is a list of some of the essentials to bring on your Bahamas holiday:

• Swimsuit - The water is way too nice to miss out on swimming
• Good walking shoes - There are great nature walks around here
• Flip flops or sandals - The weather is warm. Give your feet a break with comfy sandals
• Light, comfortable clothes - Summers are very warm, but Autumn, Winter, and Spring often have beautiful warm weather too.
• A light jacket or hoodie - Not absolutely necessary in summer, but always a good idea
• Small, compact umbrella - We get lovely, tropical showers that are usually quite brief, but the umbrella will make getting from your cabin to the bar that much easier!
• Sun glasses - We get lots of sun
• Sunscreen - We get lots of sun
• A hat - Not mandatory, but . . . we get lots of sun
• Bug spray - We provide some bug sprays, but you may have a favorite brand that we don't carry. 
•  A good book - Always great to finally have the time to enjoy a book  . . . 
• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, etc) - We will be adding these to our bathroom provisions soon, but contact us to ensure we have them or bring your own

Optional items:

• Mask and/or snorkel and/or fins - We have plenty here that fit most sizes but some people love to use their own stuff
• Dive gear - see above
• Fishing gear - see above. If you are wondering what fishing gear is best for Bonefishing click here

What we have at Small Hope Bay Lodge so you don't have to worry about bringing:

•  Towels
•  Water bottles - in your cabin, and you get to keep them!

And we have a boutique at the resort, just in case you forget anything!!!!

Pin It Now!

Small Hope Staff Party 2016!!!!!

Another season is over. We have had a great year, and now we begin preparing for another wonderful season. Like every year, the Small Hope staff celebrates a great year with a great party.

Our fearless leader, Jeff Birch, treated us to a fantastic party - private cay, diving, snorkeling, delicious food, drinks, dancing, and more!

Thanks to all our guests for a marvelous year! Looking forward to the next one . . .

Pin It Now!

Having Fun with Photos and Filters

We have a virtually unlimited supply of gorgeous views at Small hope. That means it is not hard getting a beautiful photo anywhere here at the resort. But I have also recently found new apps that make your photos in to different styles of art and having been having fun playing around with those. Take a look at some of the recent ones . . .

All pretty, but the original, in person are always the best!!!

Pin It Now!

Diving the Backside of the Blue Hole!

Check out this incredible, and one-of-a-kind dive . . .

See more about diving Blue Holes here

Pin It Now!

DIY Bonefishing at Small Hope . . .

We love sharing the videos we make about our favorite activities here at Small Hope Bay Lodge. But we also love when our guests share their own great videos and photos! Here is a wonderful video from our friend Ingo, who recently spent his vacation here thoroughly enjoying the bonefishing. He also did some diving, saw the batik factory, and more.

Thanks for sharing this great video, Ingo!

Pin It Now!

Small Hope Bay Lodge is now on Snapchat!

As Bob Dylan said, "Times they are a changin". And we are riding the wave! We are now on Snapchat! Follow us at: smallhopebay

Pin It Now!

2016 Certificate of Excellence, from TripAdvisor!

 

 

 

Small Hope Bay Lodge is very proud to once again be a recipient of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, as well as the #1 Hotel on Andros, Bahamas! We work very hard to ensure our guests have the best vacation possible and we are so thrilled to see the wonderful comments and reviews they give us on TripAdvisor.

If you have stayed with us and have not yet left a review on TripAdvisor, please click here to leave some comments about your stay.

A Big Thank You to All Our Wonderful Guests!!!

Pin It Now!

A Memorial, and Saying Goodbye to a Good Friend . . .

We lost a good friend recently. Carol Heimann has been coming with her husband and two kids to Small Hope for several years. The four of them are passionate divers and they loved diving as a family with us.

In December of 2015, Carol lost her battle with cancer. As per her wishes, her friends and family gathered here at Small Hope to spread her ashes at one of her favorite dive sites, the Blue Hole.

All of us at Small Hope are very touched and honored to share this moment with her family. And we are glad she will always be in a place she loved so much.

Pin It Now!

Get to Know the Staff: Meet Tony!!!

 

Introducing . . .

the Terrific Tony!

Tony is notorious around Small Hope for his hilarious (and often quite accurate) impressions of other staff members.He has at least 3 of his own concoctions on our bar list and they are all favorites among the guests and staff alike. He definitely keeps us all laughing!

Fun facts about Tony:

# of years at Small Hope: 4

# of Kids: 2. Tyrese is 4, and Charisma will be 2 this summer

Favorite Thing to do Outside of Work: Take his son snorkeling

Favorite Thing about Working at Small Hope for him: Great diving, meeting and forming relationships with new people

Favorite Food: Sheep Tongue Souse

Favorite Color: Black

Favorite Movie: Kings of New York

Pin It Now!

Kids Playing at Small Hope Bay Lodge!

Now that school is out, families are going on vacation! And what better place than Small Hope? Nowhere else blends the casual comforts, and fun activities, and family atmosphere like we do!. Check out some of the kids we've been hanging out this week. They decided to move their fun to the dock and were playing in our diver cubbies. Crazy kids!

Pin It Now!

Bahamian Peas n' Rice Recipe

 One of the many great things about Small Hope Bay Lodge . . . the food! Our wonderful kitchen staff continuously and consistently prepares the most delicious and wonderful foods. From breakfast though dinner and desserts, they are exceptional.

One of the most popular nights here is "Bahamian Night". This is the night when the chef prepares traditional Bahamian food. Bahamian cuisine has a similarity to Southern cooking, but with a distinct island flare!

Here is our recipe for Bahamian Peas n' Rice . . .

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 can pigeon peas (16 oz.)
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 sweet pepper, finely diced
• 1 tomato, finely diced
• 6 cups long grain rice
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp browning sauce
• 1 2/3 quart vegetable stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce (We use goat pepper sauce. Hot hot hot!)

Directions:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, sweet pepper, tomatoes and cook until soft and turning brown, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook 5 more minutes. Add pigeon peas, stock, browning sauce, thyme, and pepper sauce. Bring to a boil, then add rice. Stir until it returns to a boil, then add the bay leaf. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot. and cook until rice is tender, stirring occasionally, about 25 more minutes.

Serves up to 5. Pin It Now!

Crab Fest on Andros Island . . .

Each and every June, the population on Andros Island triples for one weekend. People from all over the Bahamas, not to mention many other places, come to Andros to celebrate Crab Fest. Crab Fest is our celebration of land crabs which flourish on Andros.

We have the festival at Queen's Park in Central Andros. The party this year started Thursday, June 9th through Sunday, June 12th. There is live music, dozens of stalls with food and drink, crab served in more than a dozen ways, laughter, dancing, games, and fun!!!!

Have you ever been to Crab Fest on Andros?

Pin It Now!