Pigeon Cay, a casual, homey property, sits a few minutes down a rambling dirt road. Reception is inside a low, broad building surrounded by a bumpy paved path, patio furniture, and greenery. Inside, past the tin-roof-topped patio sits the office, a hodgepodge of wicker baskets, sea sponges, and a single stained-glass lamp surrounded by terri-cotta tiled floors and a woven wood ceiling. A small side boutique sells glasswork, decorative maps, T-shirts, and beach hats among other knickknacks. To the right of this sits the loaning library, a closet piled high with paperbacks and board games. The owners' two dogs often loll in a shady spot by the office and are happy for a friendly pet. 

The grounds are thick with vegetation: palm trees, tropical flowers, ferns, and a wide lawn with patches of grass browning in the sun. Hammocks are strewn up through the trees and clusters of patio furniture give more places to linger. For being a small resort, the guest cottages are fairly spread out and give plenty of privacy. The cottages are housed in two-story white buildings along the water. 

Pigeon Cay opened in the mid-1990’s and the owners, who live on the property, are friendly and welcoming. With only seven cottages, the resort is quiet, relaxing, and secluded, not just because of its remote location on Cat Island, but also because there’s no TV or Internet in the rooms. Many guests choose to explore the island or do excursions during the day; others lounge on the beach. You may encounter a few guests at the beach bar, but solitude is not hard to find here. Guests comprise mostly couples and families, although single travelers find that the owners and other guests are friendly as well.  

Pigeon Cay Beach Club is located on Cat Island, 130 miles southeast of Nassau. There isn’t much on this island, which is 48 miles long and has a population of only 1,300 people. The island is lush, hilly, and incredibly scenic with a generous and friendly culture. It's very safe, and guests enjoy the laid-back, slow pace of local life. The resort is located on the northern part of the island, three miles from Bennetts Harbor.

Cat Island is known for its gorgeous, secluded beaches as much of the island is not developed. It’s not uncommon to come across miles of white sand with no one around -- no boats, docks, or jet skis. Guests often remark how surprising it is that a place like this still exists.

The island can be accessed by a short flight from Nassau. Charter flights from Fort Lauderdale can be arranged but are much pricier. The hotel will organize a taxi from the airport (for a fee).

Pigeon Cay has studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages. All of the cottages are individually decorated, and some come with interesting architectural details, such as archways or handmade woodwork. But in general, they're rustic and far from fancy, with white walls, terri-cotta tile floors, and white plastic ceiling fans. There's no air-conditioning, TVs, or Internet. The decor is dated and a little dumpy with wicker furniture, bright throw pillows, basic wood tables, and older cabinetry in the kitchens. Kitschy beach items like ceramic tropical fish add color. Living room areas are a no-frills, homey spot where guests can kick up their feet.

Bedrooms are simple as well with patterned bedding and basic furniture, such as a dresser, mirror, and end tables. The bathrooms are outfitted with Bee Kind toiletries, towels, and standing showers. All cottages have a fully-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, appliances, pots, pans, plates, cooking utensils, and silverware. (Some of these are looking worn and in need of replacement.) The owners can arrange to have the kitchen stocked before guests arrive, a convenient service as island grocery stores are usually pretty sparse.

Each cottage has a furnished outdoor space -- the studios have a small tin-roof patio, while the larger cottages have a deck or garden. All cottages are set close to the water, and guests can hear the waves at night.

The beach at Pigeon Cay is spectacular, and guests report they often have it to themselves (or just about). It's a wide stretch of powdery white sand with calm, clear, turquoise water. A handful of loungers are set up along the beach by the trees, and there are some hammocks as well. The resort provides loaner kayaks, canoes, and snorkel gear for free. The owners host bonfires most nights in a fire pit by the beach bar.

Housed under a straw cabana, the cheery beach bar is nicely decorated with colorful lights, lanterns, and flowers on the tables. The bar operates on the honor system -- guests take what they want and note it in a notebook provided. Many guests gather here for an evening drink. The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. The menu is fairly limited and mostly seafood (depending on what they have on hand), but the guests report the food is delicious. Meals can be served at the beach bar, in the cottage, or on the beach. Wi-Fi is available here and by the office.

Guests can make use of free bicycles to explore the island. The owners also operate a small car rental service with hourly and daily rates. And they're happy to arrange activities and excursions and provide advice about the island. 

Pigeon Cay can accommodate weddings up to 40 people and can arrange a full range of services including the marriage license, officiant, flowers, photographer, dinner, wedding cake, transportation, and music.