Escape to Mel's Manor at Villa Allamanda, an island retreat in central Eleuthera. This free-standing cottage is nestled among lush gardens and trees, offering a covered front porch for relaxation. With vaulted ceilings and terracotta tile floors, the interior is bright and airy while providing top of the line accommodations with smart TV with cable TV and high speed fiber internet.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
1 bedroomSleeps 433 sq m
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Kitchen
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE LISTING DESCRIPTION SO YOU UNDERSTAND THE OVERALL PROPERTY AND THE INDIVIDUAL UNIT YOU ARE RENTING.
WHO WE ARE AS HOSTS; You can book with confidence as we have been Premier Hosts on VRBO/HomeAway since 2016 and have thousands of great reviews for all of our 20+ listings.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ENTIRE PROPERTY; Your are staying in boutique 8 unit compound called MEL'S MANOR. It was born from the vision of one of the island’s most respected architects. He designed and built the compound in 2013 and still continues making improvements on a regular basis…as he says, “the passion for perfection will never end.” He wanted to create a very unique vacation rental experience like no other on the island that takes in the amazing and dramatic dual ocean views, but a space that also envelops the guest in soothing garden oasis all while offering top of the line accommodations. Around every nook and cranny there is something special to find with little sitting areas, gorgeous bromeliads and flowers, palm trees and birds. There are a total of 8 air conditioned units in the 3 story main structure, plus one free standing cottage set back all to itself. Also as an added bonus if you have a large group and all want to be together, yet have your own space and privacy this is the perfect place for that also! Each unit comes with their own space and all have smart TVs with cable TV and free high speed fiber internet. There is even a back-up generator if the power goes out which in Eleuthera is pretty often! There is both city water and a 33,000 gallon rain tank so you will never be without water. There are no shared bathrooms or kitchens and being an architect everything was designed with privacy in mind and with a noise reducing design. The only shared spaces are the jungle oasis property grounds on the main floor outside. There is free on site parking.
YOUR UNIT; Mel’s Manor is free standing one bed room air conditioned cottage away from the main building and is in fact the most private unit available. It has its own little pathway to the entry door and it set among the gardens and trees. There is a covered front porch at the entry which is a lovely place to hang out. The unit is bright and airy and allows the nature outside to be part of the experience. There are cypress wood tongue and groove vaulted pickled stain ceilings and terracotta tile floors along with a ceiling fan above the bed. It sleeps four people, but let us explain the sleeping arrangements; There is a very high quality and comfy queen bed with top of the line linens for two adults and then there is a loft which has ladder that can sleep two kids upstairs on two twin mattresses. It is not set up for four adults. The unit is bright and airy with vaulted ceilings and is painted like all of the units with fun Caribbean colors. There is a very nice mini split high efficiency AC unit for fast cooling, a small kitchenette and a custom bathroom with walk in shower. The kitchenette has a small sink, microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker and assorted kitchen items for preparing and eating some basic meals, making breakfast or warming left overs. Note this is not set up to cook full meals and sit at a dining room table for a formal dinner nor is there a full oven or range, just a toaster oven. There are USB phone chargers and a hairdryer provided also. Of course you have the basics such as; seasonings, soap and shampoo, linens, towels, beach and bath towels, kitchen towels, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, kitchen sponge and dish soap, etc. There is a small library of books for your reading pleasure. Beach chairs and beach umbrella is also provided. You can see the photos section for a better visualization of the interior and exterior of your unit.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION; We are located in Cigatoo Estates in central Eleuthera which is less than a four minute drive from Governor’s Harbor. The location is fantastic for exploring all the way to the southern and northern island tips as you are right in the middle. Some of the island’s best restaurants, bars, beaches and attractions are less than a ten minute drive. Just to name a few you have Twin Coves Beach, French Leave Beach, Allabaster and Receivers Beach and Sky Beach Club all very close. ***Note Twin Coves Beach and French Leave Beach are two of the very top rated beaches on the entire island and that is saying a lot. You can walk to Twin Coves Beach which is a fifteen minute walk or drive at three minutes. French Leave Beach is about a 5 minute drive. As for restaurants you have 1648 Restaurant, Tippy’s, Pascal’s, and Buccaneer Club, all five minutes away, to name a few. Those restaurants are some of the most sought after eateries on the whole island. You have the world famous Friday Night Fish Fry street festival just five minutes away and also Ronnie’s the only real nightclub on the island. We are very close to many attractions also like the Haynes Library, Leon Levy Preserve, Edwin’s Sea Turtle Lake, etc. Important things such as health clinics, the main police station, churches, food stores, liquor stores, shops, banking and ATM, gas stations, etc. are all five minutes away. The island is 110 miles long with one road going tip to tip with some very bad pot holes, so it is very important to pick a good home base location otherwise be prepared to do a lot of driving with super expensive gas prices!
EXTRA PERKS STAYING WITH US; We offer a large fleet of SUV rentals as an option during your stay directly from John the owner. The vehicles are in excellent condition and very nice comparatively speaking on the island, reliable, always spotless and he is always there is you ever had an issue. If you want tours for fishing, swimming with the pigs, snorkeling etc. we have the best captain in all of the Bahamas and have been using him for years. Our guests always get first dibs on any trip with him even if he’s busy. There is an outdoor gas grill with free gas and a charcoal grill with free charcoal you can use in the garden grounds area. The snorkeling and spearfishing is some of the very best on the island right near our property both on the Atlantic and Caribbean sides. There are USB charging stations in every unit. John the owner lives on site and knows everyone and everything about Eleuthera. So you really have a personal concierge on site during your stay. Don’t worry about privacy as he leaves all guests alone unless they require his assistance. There is a laundromat just 5 minutes away. We offer an awesome 20+ page trip planner document that tells tons of very helpful information about renting vehicles, planning tours, swimming with the pigs, how to get to the island, etc. and that is only for our guests.
ELEUTHERA IS NOT FOR EVERYONE; If Miami Beach is your thing we respectfully suggest you pick a different destination. Eleuthera is a sleepy island with some flaws; bad roads, dated infrastructure, more frequent than back home power / water / internet outages and some slow service at times. We say this because every year we get a guest that complains about the island and that is clearly the case of a guest going to the wrong destination for their vacation needs. In Eleuthera people are genuine, helpful and kind. It is unspoiled and gorgeous and mostly empty going back back 75 years in time. You will explore the most stunning beaches you have ever seen and have them usually all to yourself. Last but not least, crime is very low in Eleuthera unlike other Bahamian and Caribbean islands.
ELEUTHERA IS VERY SAFE; Eleuthera is a very safe island even for women traveling alone and going out at night. There is some petty theft, but even that is occasional nature and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.
Marielbys and Tommy
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car available
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Ice maker
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Toaster oven
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shared bathroom
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Entertainment
Books
Smart TV with cable channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Charcoal grill
Fenced yard
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Comfort
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Tile flooring in public areas
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the bay
Near the sea
Things to do
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
No people outside your rental group allowed, no rowdy or loud behavior, nor parties and no people outside your rental group allowed.
Smoking and vaping is allowed only on the outside grounds, no flicking butts on the ground. No emotional support animals due to allergies.
Upon check in you must provide ID to the owner. Security cameras are present on the exterior. None inside as we always respect your privacy.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 10017430
About the area
Located in Governor's Harbour, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. Haynes Public Library is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve and Twin Coves Beach. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and horse riding nearby. Visit our Governor's Harbour travel guide
Is Caribbean / Atlantic Ocean Views / Near Twin Cove Beach / Garden Oasis Setting. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Caribbean / Atlantic Ocean Views / Near Twin Cove Beach / Garden Oasis Setting.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Caribbean / Atlantic Ocean Views / Near Twin Cove Beach / Garden Oasis Setting.?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Caribbean / Atlantic Ocean Views / Near Twin Cove Beach / Garden Oasis Setting.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Caribbean / Atlantic Ocean Views / Near Twin Cove Beach / Garden Oasis Setting. located?
Situated by the sea, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Twin Coves Beach, Central Eleuthera Beach and Hut Point Beach. Haynes Public Library is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.
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All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Loved our stay in this beautiful setting - private, lush gardens, gorgeous view of the ocean. Stayed in Mel's Manor - small, as described, but very comfortable. Plan for some bumpy roads - potholes, etc, when beach hunting and exploring - this is part of the Eleuthera experience! Love this Island!
Place was clean, very easy to connect with property manager and he was very helpful! The pictures online did not match the property we were booked in or stayed at but they were very nice.
Jessica R.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marc-Andre
19 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
John maintains a meticulous property and operation. You can tell he takes pride in his work. Since we were renting one of his vehicles (highly recommended and a must to explore the island), he gave us a great rundown of the do’s and don’ts, some recommendations, and how to reach him if we needed anything.
If and when we go back, we’re definitely staying at Villa Allamanda. It’s in a good location about 5mins from Governor’s Harbour; so everything you need is closeby. Furthermore, being in the geographical center of the island makes it easy to explore both ends of the island.
Anyhow, we can’t thank John enough. He’s truly a wonderful person with an amazing property.
Cheers to an amazing trip!
This place is a true gem and John is so helpful and knowledgeable. The rooms are all great and Mel's cottage, where we stayed was cute as a button. Process was smooth from the time we arrived to time we left. Highly recommend renting a car from John as well as many amazing beaches to explore!!
I had a great relaxing week at Governor's Harbor...the cottage was perfect (including a supporting bed). John, the owner/host was always available when needed and always helpful. I got in a routine....coffee, news and a book early morning, then off to find a beach to snorkel and walk at...then find a beach lunch and then siesta...around 5 or 6 I would walk down to Twin Cove for an evening dip in the crystal clear Atlantic...then a lite dinner and people watching...repeat for 7 days. I came back relaxed and happy! Great host, great location. I'd do it again!!
My son stayed in the cottage. The lush garden provided much needed shade in such a tropical place. John helped him to get around as he could not rent a car being under 25. The place is too far from governors harbour to walk or cycle there but there are amazing beaches nearby to explore. He lives his stay.