Banks Rd., Governor's Harbour, Bahamas
Bright and cheerful one- and two-bedroom condo units that have authentic Bahamian style
A laid-back family-friendly setting
Beautiful and secluded beach across the street with sunset views
Fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances
Spacious bathrooms and washer/dryers in each unit
Garden pathways and an outdoor pool with lounge chairs
Tippy's -- a popular bar and restaurant -- across the street
Snorkel spots, horseback riding, and a quality nature preserve within walking distance
On-site store and deli
Free Wi-Fi
Not right on the beach
Some patios lack privacy
Some units not as up to date as others
No ocean views
This relaxed, family-friendly condo complex offers 32 units in central Eleuthera Island, close to the small village of Governor's Harbour. With friendly Dave at the helm, an owner who is rarely far away, the peaceful grounds stay as easygoing as the rest of the island, which is known for its naturally rugged and secluded beaches. Guests requiring typical hotel amenities should probably look elsewhere, but units are bright, clean, and cheery, and come with fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances, spacious bathrooms, pull-out sofa beds, and stackable washer/dryers. Guests can start the day with fresh chocolate croissants from the on-site deli, and then hit the beach across the street, or nap the afternoon away on a lounge chair at the pool. Guests tend to use the kitchens for dinner, or watch the sunset from Tippy's -- a popular restaurant with a fun mix of locals and tourists.
Scene
A laid-back family-friendly setting with party action across the street
Keep your eyes peeled -- Pineapple Fields has an obscure entrance along a backroad in central Eleuthera, an already sleepy island with an extra-relaxed Bahamian vibe (precisely why many choose to come here). Once the "Office" sign is found, guests can pull into the dirt driveway and check in, but if arriving by taxi, be forewarned: The condos are up the road, and there is no porter service to help with luggage. The lobby has a simple front desk area, with an attached gift shop, and the deli has a cute backyard patio with seating areas for sipping coffee.
Most guests here will have a rental car and can park in the area that is closest to their condo building. During the day, much of the property feels nearly desolate as most guests are either catching rays at one of the island's many beaches or at the outdoor pool in the center of the grounds. At nighttime, however, locals and guests make their way to Tippy’s for sunset cocktails on the deck, and then head inside for seafood served from an open kitchen. A menu is displayed nightly on large chalkboards and the service is friendly and fun. There is live music on Saturday nights, but since the restaurant is across the street, noise does not carry over to the condos.
Romantics can walk along the beach with a bottle of wine and practically have the entire place to themselves.
Location
A quiet property in the midsection of Eleuthera Island that's driving distance to many cool sights
Pineapple Fields is situated near the village of Governor's Harbour on Eleuthera, a narrow island about 110 miles long, known for pink sand beaches, as well as snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. This remote “Out Island” of the Bahamas lies 50 miles east of the Bahamian capital, Nassau, and can be reached from here by three small airports on the island. The closest airport is Governor's Harbour Airport, which is about 15 minutes away, and there are regular daily flights that take about 20 minutes, though sometimes there is a stopover to pick up and drop off guests at North Eleuthera Airport.
Guests can take a taxi from the airport to Pineapple Fields, but once checked in, they'll find that there's not much within walking distance except the beach across the street, Tippy's restaurant and bar, the nature preserve, and horse stables. Most guests choose to rent a car to have the freedom to explore the island -- and shop for groceries.
Rooms
Cheerful units have sofa beds, and some nice comforts of home
There are currently 32 condos (more are planned) in eight separate two-story yellow buildings with green shutters, with a surrounding walking path and a kidney-shaped pool. All one-bedroom units have fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops (including nice extras like salt and pepper grinders, blenders, coffeemakers, and cutting boards). Bathrooms have marble countertops with tub/shower combos, while bedrooms have king-size beds with white furnishings and colorful tapestries on the wall. Each unit has a stackable washer/dryer in a closet, two televisions (some older tube TVs and some new flat-screens), DVD players, beach towels, beach chairs, and queen pull-out sofa beds. There are ceiling fans and air-conditioning in both the living room and bedroom, and the sliding glass door leads to a patio with one cushioned lounge chair and patio table with four chairs for outdoor dining. The front door leads to another patio area with a rocking chair and eccentric nautical rope and sand bucket display, which upon first glance, can appear like the cleaning crew is still present.
Among the 32 units are four two-bedroom, two-bathroom units for larger groups. The second bedroom has two twin beds, and the kitchen has a dishwasher.
Features
A few fun activities within walking distance, but a car is recommended
This quiet "Out Island" has a range of activities, but the main feature is the secluded beaches. There are so many to choose from, and each unit has a handbook with information about all the sandy locations and what they offer. The closest one is just across the road. Some areas are too rocky for swimming, but the front desk staff can point guests to the best swimming and snorkeling spots. Condos come equipped with beach chairs and towels, and snorkeling equipment and kayaks can be rented from a nearby outfitter. Scuba diving and deep sea fishing excursions can also be arranged.
Next to the resort is the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, with 200 types of native and medicinal plants, as well as and 34 bird species. Also walking distance to the resort is a horse stable with horseback riding lessons or tours on inland trails or along the beach.
In-room spa treatments can be arranged for massages and nail care.