South Bar Club, a non-profit association incorporated in 1978, comprises the southern tip of Harbour Island and has frontage on both the Atlantic Ocean and the bay separating Harbour Island from Eleuthera. The 117-acre property began as an estate many years ago and is still maintained in a natural setting with a large portion of the beautifully wooded property set aside as a nature preserve with hiking trails.
LIFE AT SOUTH BAR
While it's just a four-mile taxi and boat ride from the North Eleuthera Airport, it seems as if you are going back in time when you arrive at South Bar. It's a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life - a relaxing place to read, walk the spectacular beaches, hike on the wooded trails and sink into the peace of island living.
GUEST LETTER
"Last week I returned to South Bar, having enjoyed being the guest of Dave and Judy Rowland during my vacation times on Harbour Island. On this visit, I planned to stay at South Bar's Dock House with my daughter, son-in-law and young grandson. Although I had seen the Dock House last year, I had no idea just how well it would all work out for our stay there.
Staying in this beautifully arranged and decorated waterside home, with separate sleeping areas and a common living space was perfect for all of our needs. The privacy of Room 1, with the pass through child's room, was perfect for their family, the lovely common living space and thoughtfully outfitted kitchen made it possible for us to share a lot of quality time and make meals at home, while I enjoyed the adjacent Room 2's patio door and water view, with steps to the dock house deck right over the water. Having a charcoal grill, a small bar setup, and such a completely furnished home was a bonus.
We enjoyed hosting cocktail hour on the deck, watching the sun set, moon rise, and stars emerge. My young grandson was delighted with all the stars and the moon (something he rarely sees in the city), and that became a part of his bedtime ritual. His daytime ritual included looking at all the fish and stars (starfish) under the dock, or down at grandfather beach, where the sand made good castles.
Dock House's location, between the bay and the gardens beside the Manor House was perfect. We could run up to the Manor House for ice, wifi, a new book to read, and Neeka and Winslo's ever-ready willingness to meet any need. The women who came to clean refreshed our fresh flowers daily and our linens as needed, cleaned and neatened things, cheerfully, and with flexibility around a toddler's naps.
The breeze off the bay cooled us - I don't think we even tried out the air conditioners. The house decor, classically tropical, enhanced the cool, relaxed feel of Dock House.
Chris was pleasant, efficient, and easy to work with on reservations and arrangements. Winslo brought us a high chair, Neeka arranged our rental golf cart, and Rowlands borrowed a pack and play crib; we have the entire South Bar community to thank for making our stay there simple and relaxing.
We all agreed, that it was a PERFECT vacation and location. Thanks to everyone who made it work so well!"
Martha Phillips
ACTIVITIES
Tennis is a popular activity at SouthBar, with two tennis courts on the property and willing partners almost always available. There also is a sunfish sailboat available for guests to enjoy.
There is no golf on Harbour Island, although golf carts are the major means of transportation. SouthBar is about one mile from Dunmore Town, the main settlement on Harbour Island. Most guests rent a golf cart for easy transportation around the island. A valid driver's license is required to rent and drive a golf cart. Renting a golf cart allows you to be able to take full advantage of the shopping and restaurants available on the island. The SouthBar staff will help to arrange golf cart rental.
SouthBar features numerous marked paths for hiking, and several private beaches. "Hidden Beach" is perfect for snorkeling, scuba and fishing, while the shallow "Grandfather's Beach" is good for harbor wading and beachcombing. Visitors can swim off the dock in the harbor or in the surf of the ocean, or walk the beautiful three-mile pink sand beach accessed through our own pathway.
Fishing can be arranged with local guides. The bonefishing is excellent and bottom and deep-sea fishing are always fruitful. There is great snorkeling in our own waterfront areas and at Cistern Rock and Mann Island. Daily snorkeling and scuba expeditions to reefs outside the harbor are offered by neighboring resorts. Charter boats can take you to Spanish Wells, Eleuthera and other neighboring islands. Rental boats can be arranged through the Club on a weekly or daily basis. The SouthBar staff also will help to arrange fishing, snorkeling and scuba reservations.
MANOR HOUSE
The Club's Manor House is a gathering place for relaxation and meals. Members and guests meet there to play backgammon, bridge and board games, and for other activities planned throughout the year, including art and exercise classes and entertaining each other with skits and song and dance numbers.
Guests and members frequently gather there at sunset for cocktails before dinner. SouthBar style is casual - no ties, no jackets, no tipping.
Meals are served buffet style in the Manor House. Reservations are requested 24 hours in advance by signing the menu listing on the bulletin board in the Manor House.
PHONE & INTERNET
International telephone service is available at South Bar. Calls from the Bahamas to the U.S. cost about $2 per minute. There is an internet phone in the Manor House which allows for free calls to the US and Canada. Calls from the U.S. to the Bahamas are considerably cheaper. Most cell phones will not work in the Bahamas unless they are activated locally. Internet access is available to guests but is subject to long distance charges. For those staying any length of time, Internet access via a local call can be obtained from Batelco, the Bahamian Telephone Company. There are several Internet cafes in Dunmore Town. Wi-Fi is available in the Dock House, Manor House and most cottages.
