Li'l Gecko Cottage; a Paradise Amid the Island Party ... Tropical Oasis on Great Guana Cay, Abaco, Bahamas
If you're looking up rentals on Great Guana Cay, you probably already know about Nipper's Beach Bar & Grill's famous Sunday Pig Roast, the late night Jenga battles at Kidd's Cove and the often-bad-but-sometimes-great karaoke at Grabbers. And, of course, our island's beautiful white-sand beaches, easy snorkeling and endless boating opportunities.
We have loved ALL of these things, and more, in the 20-plus years our family has owned our cottage. Which is precisely why we've worked so hard to turn it into a lush, private escape - we love being out, but we love our quiet time at home just as much, and we want you to, as well.
Our extensive decks, screened porch, crow's nest, outdoor shower and tropical gardens will make you feel miles away from all your worries ... But in reality? You're just moments away from all the seawater and shenanigans Great Guana Cay has to offer.
This unique island retreat in Abaco, Bahamas is newly remodeled after hurricane Dorian. As our second home, we have equipped it with everything we — and you — could want for comfort, convenience and privacy. Our 2-bedroom (both kings; an air mattress is available on advance request; although max occupancy remains at 4), 2-bathroom cottage is the perfect home away from home — nestle into your favorite indoor or outdoor space to enjoy the breezes, views and birds or explore Great Guana Cay and the other Abaco out islands by foot, golf cart, snorkel or boat. If you're here for a work project, we are centrally located on the island, convenient to both Bakers Bay to the North and Orchid Bay and the South End to, well, the South. And even if you're working, you'll still find us the perfect spot to unwind before and after a long day.
Whether for morning coffee while you plan your day's adventures, or an evening cocktail while you recap them, our crow's nest is the perfect place to relax, stargaze (be sure to check the shuttle launch schedule!) and enjoy views of both the ocean and the sea. Likewise, the enchanting lower-level gardens teem with tropical plants and vibrant birds and invite you to unwind in privacy that is near unparalleled among similar homes on our cay.
Depending on the time of year and previous guests, you may even be able to snag a fresh banana, coconut, papaya or lime from one of our many fruit trees.
Too warm or buggy? Relax on our screened-in porch, complete with sitting area, ceiling fan, dining area and gas grill.
Sweaty and salty from a fun day at the beach, bar or on the water? Be sure to make the most out of our outdoor shower (fully plumbed with hot & cold water), nestled in the lower garden where your only voyeur will be the tropical birds.
And the inside? From its fully-stocked kitchen (complete with plenty of cooking and hosting utensils and service ware) and bar area (we love to shake up a good mixed drink and have stocked it so you can too!) to its variety of games and beach accessories, our cottage is thoughtfully equipped with all the comforts of home.
Due to our furnishings and high porches we are neither equipped nor appropriate for young children. Please contact us to discuss your family's situation before booking if anyone in your party is under the age of 12. Pets are not welcome.
The inside and upstairs porch are entirely renovated. Much of our gardens have experienced impressive resilience after the storm and required minimal replanting (but massive trimming!). All photos are current, post Dorian taken in July 2022 and December 2024.
your home base for a few days — or weeks
You'll find the amenities at Li'l Gecko Cottage well thought out to ensure your stay is comfortable.
- The cottage offers easy access to the sea, ocean and settlement.
- 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom newly (July 2021) renovated cottage.
- Also includes a lush outdoor garden shower.
- Washer/Dryer (we just ask that you use mindfully as water and power are valuable and limited resources).
- High Speed Wifi for your Internet needs (please be aware that sometimes on weekends or evenings streaming is slower due to increased traffic).
- Smart TV with Apple TV, Sonos speakers, direct TV (does not get network stations).
-Reverse Osmosis on bar sink and bar ice maker for 0 ppm drinking water and ice.
-Whole house carbon filter that keeps the rest of the house better than most US homes (about 30 ppm).
-An easy push-to-start generator for those Abaco power outages we all know (and don't love). We supply you with a full tank and an extra full gas can to refill the tank; this will run the home for roughly 24-36 hours. If you need more (unleaded) gas, you can buy at Orchid Bay.
- Fully equipped kitchen and bar area (blenders, crockpots, bakeware, pitchers, coffee grinder, etc - too many to list please enquire of a specific amenity is important to you)
- Full size yard games (jenga, corn hole, etc - near the entertainment center), numerous board and card games.
Rules:
• Default time between rentals is 2 days; it is likely we can override based on caretaker's availability - please contact us.
• We often tentatively block for personal use - please inquire if your dates are unavailable.
•NO young children. If traveling with children under 12; please reach out about your family's needs.
•NO animals or pets.
•NO smoking in house or in immediate vicinity of open windows or doors.
•1-4 people in two king bedrooms only. No couch sleeping. Air mattress can be made available with advance notice.
• In event of a named storm we will work with you to refund or rebook as convenient.
• A Catagory 1 hurricane or above and you will not be permitted to remain on the property.
• Any violation of above policies and you will be asked to leave and will forfeit the remainder of your rental.