Bella Vista is a freshly renovated beachfront cottage nestled within The Hideaways resort on Elizabeth Harbour in George Town, Great Exuma. The name — Italian for “beautiful view” — couldn’t be more apt: turquoise water fills the windows of the living room, sunrise lights up the master bedroom each morning, and a wide wooden deck with cushioned lounge chairs sits mere steps from the sand. This isn’t a property where the beach is nearby. The beach is the front yard.
The cottage sleeps four across a king master suite and a Murphy bed tucked into the living area, making it ideal for couples, a family of three or four, or two couples traveling together. A thorough renovation has brought new white shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, teal glass subway tile, fresh vinyl plank flooring, and a coat of cheerful mint-green throughout — giving the space a crisp, updated look while keeping the warm Bahamian character intact. The result is a compact but beautifully appointed retreat that punches well above its size.
LAYOUT / ROOMS
Great Room (Open Plan)
The kitchen, living, and dining areas flow together in one connected space lit by windows and French doors facing the harbour. The kitchen is a genuine showpiece for a cottage this size: U-shaped with a peninsula breakfast bar, full-height white cabinets, double under-mount farmhouse sink, electric range, full-size fridge, microwave, drip coffee maker, and a wall-to-wall teal glass subway tile backsplash that ties the Bahamian palette together. The kitchen is equipped to a standard that’s rare at this price point — wine glasses, champagne flutes, cocktail shaker, full cookware, a Ninja blender, ice maker, spice rack, and every utensil needed.
The dining area features a round glass-top table with four wrought-iron chairs and tropical cushions, anchored beneath a driftwood anchor wall decoration. The living area has two sofas, a wall-mounted flat-screen TV, and opens directly to the harbour view through French doors. Ceilings throughout are finished with warm wood planks, adding richness and cottage character.
Murphy Bed / 3rd-4th Guest Space
One wall of the living area conceals a full Murphy bed within a handsome bamboo-panel wall unit with built-in drawers and bookshelf. When closed, it reads as a stylish piece of furniture; when open, it provides comfortable sleeping for two additional guests.
King Master Suite
A private king bedroom with soft mint walls, two windows for morning light, dark wood nightstands, and curated Bahamian art — including the famous swimming pigs canvas above the headboard. Quiet, comfortable, and distinctly tropical.
Master Bathroom
A large walk-in shower with white subway tile walls and a pebble-stone mosaic floor. Bright, clean, and well-sized.
Guest Bathroom (off Kitchen Hallway)
A second full bathroom with shower stall, white vanity, updated fixtures, and Bahamian aerial photography art on the walls. Keeps guests from sharing the master bath.
OUTDOOR SPACES
A wide wooden deck runs along the full beachfront side of the cottage, furnished with blue cushioned lounge chairs facing the open water. On the front/street side, a covered porch with an outdoor dining table and chairs offers a shaded spot for meals. A small shell garden courtyard sits at the entry. The view from the deck — open Elizabeth Harbour, palm fronds overhead, occasional sailboats on the horizon — is the defining image of this property.
RESORT AMENITIES (The Hideaways)
Bella Vista guests have access to the full Hideaways resort facilities:
- Beachfront freshwater pool with sun loungers and rustic pergola shade
- Fleet of kayaks and small watercraft on the beach
- Game room (pool table, ping pong table, lounge seating, mounted fish décor)
- Fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights
- Splash on-site restaurant and bar (open-air beach bar atmosphere)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Direct beachfront on Elizabeth Harbour — water visible from living room, kitchen, and master bedroom
- Fully renovated kitchen — new cabinets, quartz counters, glass tile, all appliances, stocked to a professional standard
- Sleeps 4 — king master + Murphy bed for two; perfect for two couples or small family
- Two full bathrooms with showers
- Warm wood-plank ceilings throughout
- Bella Vista branded beach towels, beach chairs, snorkeling gear, and umbrella included
- Smart thermostat and in-room safe
- Guest book, Exuma visitor guides, and curated local knowledge binder
- Walking distance to George Town ferry dock (boat to Stocking Island / Chat N’ Chill)
- Short drive or water taxi to George Town restaurants and market
LOCATION
George Town, Great Exuma sits at the center of the Exuma island chain — the heart of one of the most pristine archipelagos in the world. Elizabeth Harbour is a legendary anchorage for sailors and a gathering place for those who know the Bahamas beyond Nassau. From The Hideaways:
- Chat N’ Chill / Stocking Island — a 10-minute boat ride across the harbour to the most famous beach bar in the Exumas, set on a perfect white sand spit
- Swimming Pigs — a day trip by boat to Big Major Cay, about 45 minutes north; the swimming pigs are docile and approachable (as seen in the art throughout the villa)
- George Town (GGT) Airport — direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, and Toronto; typically 1.5–2 hours from the US East Coast
- George Town village — groceries (Exuma Markets), restaurants, marina, and the Thursday Night Fish Fry are all within a short drive