Villa Allamanda, Eleuthera

Built in 2014, Villa Allamanda is situated on a hill overlooking Eleuthera. The hotel looks like a contemporary country home from the outside, with wooden wraparound porches and stone paths leading to floral gardens. Once inside the arched trellises, those familiar with the laid-back Bahamian way of life will not be surprised by the lack of lobby or front desk. Instead, guests can expect to check-in at the two wooden lounge chairs on the wraparound porch and then be taken to their rooms. There is a laid-back and serene vibe throughout the property, with rope hammocks, flower gardens, and ample common areas all meant for kicking back and relaxing. The second floor porch is simply known as The Breezeway, a common area for guests to socialize alongside stunning sunset views. The simple property is best suited for couples and families that appreciate location over extra amenities. 

Villa Allamanda is located off a well-trafficked road -- Queens Highway -- which runs the length of Eleuthera. While the road receives steady traffic, Villa Allamanda is set up on a hill away from the noise of the road to ensure quiet. Situated on the Atlantic side of the island, the sands of Twin Coves Beach are a 15-minute walk along a gravel path from Villa Allamanda. Governor’s Harbour, the capital of Eleuthera, is a 10-minute drive from Villa Allamanda, and has a grocery store, shops, a few restaurants, and an ATM. Tippy’s Restaurant and Bar, a local hotspot, is a 10-minute drive away, as is Governor’s Harbour Airport. North Eleuthera Airport is a one-hour drive away and Rock Sound Airport is a 45-minute drive. Guests should note that there is no public transportation on Eleuthera and walking is not recommended, so the only way to get around the island is by taxi or renting a car.

There’s a lot to like about the stylish rooms at Villa Allamanda. They manage to be contemporary and homey at the same time, and each units has a whiff of an upmarket beach home. Colors throughout skew toward bright greens, blues, and reds. While the hotel's limited common areas have a simpler style, the look in the rooms -- bright accent walls, driftwood desks, stone tile floors, wood paneled ceilings -- has a funky edge. Expect to see padded, wood-paneled, or geometric tile headboards over king and queen-size beds. There is an equal mix of handsome and rustic hardwood furniture plus vibrant artwork that adds even more character to the colorful spaces. 

Most rooms have kitchenettes with mini-fridges, sinks, and coffee set-ups. Larger rooms have well-appointed full kitchens with toasters, dishware, and ovens. All rooms have flat-screen TVs mounted on the wall, high speed Wi-Fi, powerful air-conditioners, ceiling fans, and ample outdoor sitting space. The one and two-bedroom King Suites are an especially nice splurge, each with a huge kitchen, extra den, and dining room as well as a private outside deck complete with a wood dining table and grill. 

Bathrooms vary, and in many cases the tiled showers are separated from the rest of the bathroom. Some bathrooms have a shower/tub combo while others are just standing showers. All showers have glass doors and faux-stone tiles. Bathrooms are well-appointed with toiletries and linens.  

The features are limited at the Villa Allamanda, even for being a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel. There is no on-site restaurant and --surprisingly -- no pool. The beach is a 15-minute walk from there, and like many beaches in the Bahamas, Twin Coves is generally not busy and there will be ample space to sunbathe. The hotel has two wood wraparound porches with a handful of lounge chairs for guests to relax and grant stunning sunset views. A stone and plank path winds through the serene floral garden where there are a few rope hammocks and lounge chairs on offer for guests. An especially nice extra is the free welcome shuttle into Governor’s Harbour for groceries and supplies. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there is plenty of free parking.