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