Small Hope Bay Lodge

Best vacation spot ever. We keep coming back! Although Small Hope caters to Scuba Divers, the first time we went was not to dive. It looked like a family oriented relaxing place with plenty to do - and it was! Wonderful food, a truly open bar, lots of activities, and a culture that makes you feel like part of the family immediately. The cabins are comfortable, the beaches are beautiful, and - as we discovered - the diving is beyond compare! We did a dive just before we left, and came back a few months later with the rest of the family. Best decision ever. We'll be back!

Fishing and Diving with friends. The friendly service made the trip. Very laid back and comfortable for the group. Staff was both professional, friendly and helpful. The fishing was great and the guides worked to make the fishing a great experience. The diving was excellent and well staffed. The check out was totally painless. Anastasia helped me organize the trip and took care of all the arrangements prior to our arrival, she was fabulous.

Hard to put in words how relaxing and fulfilling a trip to Small Hope Bay can be. The property is quaint and understated, allowing the beauty of the natural landscape to play the main character as it should. In contrast, the people of SHB could not be more accommodating and customer focused. Virtually every day is scripted and tailored to the wants and needs of each guest and family. The opportunity to snorkel on and around the property is beautiful. My family took advantage of the Dive Master Discovery Course, where all four of us learned and became comfortable with the underwater environment. Further, picnics at the blue hole for an afternoon swim; a packed cooler and beach umbrella on a private island for the afternoon; kayaking and snorkeling in the mangroves as well as a private deep sea fishing charter were all great experiences we enjoyed. The food was always tremendous, and easily accommodating if desired. The concept of the ambassadors is unique to any property we have visited and offer a truly intimate experience and relationship to the place. Lastly, Small Hope provided our family a slowed pace and ability to relax not easily found. We are planning our return!

My husband and I were looking for a "laid back", all inclusive resort in the Bahamas - happily we stumbled into exactly what we were looking for. Small Hope Bay Lodge is a beautiful and lovingly maintained piece of paradise! The cottages, built of island pine and sandstone, are nestled among palm trees and other tropical vegetation along a sandy path that follows the contour of the sea. The cottages are well appointed and cleaned daily. Crystal clear water in sight at all times. Wonderful snorkeling from the beach or you can be taken (along with a picnic lunch and umbrella) to a nearby small island. If diving is your thing, the crew goes out twice a day and even makes video that all the guests watch in the evenings. The fishing is plentiful and many evenings the fish we ate were the fish that was caught that day. The lodge itself has many book and photos of the early days of the lodge and books about the "blue holes" that are found around Andros. I was happy to visit Androsia, the batik factory and gift shop started by the original owners in the 1960s which is still operating...If you are so inclined, you can batik your own shirt or piece of fabric. The food is plentiful and delicious. All the staff are amazing - so friendly and professional. We didn't want to leave and we will definitely be back

The first time My wife and I went to Small Hope was 1988. Now you need to understand, it is on Andros Island, the least populated of the Bahamian Islands. If you want to go out and Island party at night, stay in Nassau. Even back in the Eighties we were captivated by the setting (every cabin is on the water) the staff (every staff member but the cooking staff is a Master Diver) and the owner.(Jeff is second generation . His dad, Dick built the place). We just returned from our sixth stay. My wife is a master diver. I read books. Our daughter is a newbie diver. We all had a blast. There is always someone to assist you. The food is excellent ~ mostly local. (No theme restaurants here). The crowd is nothing short of amazing. Professionals, academics,scientists, farmers, fisherman, business people guerilla divers and everything in between. Most guests never leave the property except for a fishing excursion, a kayaking ride through the mangroves or a bike ride. But the best part is every night the guests eat together, and get time to know each other. You never know who you might meet. The accommodations are basic, but clean and comfortable. You have plenty of privacy, and you can enjoy yourself whether you dive, read, fish kayak or just chill. This place is a hidden Jem for those who are comfortable in their own skin.

Small Hope is a truly lovely place to unwind, on the gorgeous beaches, kayaking in the mangroves, hand fishing off the dock or relaxing on your own little slice of paradise on Goat Key. The rooms are basic but very clean and comfortable. The food is fresh and local. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. Being basically unplugged was perfect. It’s easy to see why it was rated best of the best.