Fernandez Bay Village

Frommer's Review

Opening onto Fernandez Bay, this is the island's best resort. Although rustic, it has a certain charm, mainly because of its position on a curvy beach set against casuarinas blowing in the trade winds. The beach (or anywhere else, for that matter) is never crowded, so come here only if you really want to get away from it all; this place is far too laid-back for full hotel service. Things get done, but it takes time -- and no one's in a hurry.

Fernandez Bay Village has been in the Armbrister family since it was originally established on a plantation in 1870. Its rusticity and seclusion are part of its charm, and yet, if you wish, you can get acquainted with other guests with similar interests. Yachters, who moor in the water offshore -- there are no marina facilities -- often visit the resort to take advantage of the general store's fresh supplies. (Nearby Smith's Bay is one of the best storm shelters in the region -- even the government mail boats take refuge here during hurricanes.)

The "village" consists of full housekeeping villas, each of which sleeps up to six people, as well as five double-occupancy cottages, all built of stone, driftwood, and glass. Each unit comes with a private garden bathroom with a shower stall.

Meals are served in a clubhouse decorated with antiques and Haitian art. This clubhouse, which opens onto a view of the beach and sea, also features a sitting library area, a stone fireplace, and overhead fans. Dinners are served on a beach terrace adjacent to a thatched-roof tiki bar that runs on the honor system. On many nights, guests gather around a blazing bonfire near the water to hear island music.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; watersports equipment/rentals; bike rentals; car-rental desk; babysitting; laundry service

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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