My husband and I stayed for two and a half months in the property adjoining the resort that has recently come under the management of Cheryl Bastian, owner of the Swains Cay Lodge Resort. Our agreement allowed flexibility to be independent tenants in a long term stay rather than “guests” of the next door lodge. We could, and did, take advantage of all the accommodations of the lodge at different times, by choice. We rented a bedroom and the kitchen. We cooked mostly our own meals and did our own cleaning and laundry, but at any time we could have had the housekeeper, Enid, do our chores instead. It’s the best of both worlds! To my knowledge, long term stays are difficult to find or nonexistent on Andros. We were fortunate and grateful to have found such a reasonable and flexible opportunity! Our growing familiarity with Swain’s Cay Lodge created deep respect for the management philosophy and standards of Cheryl Bastian, who lives on site. The property is maintained well and is clean, physically attractive and comfortable. Cheryl Bastian graciously provides a guest-centered first class experience. She has a dedicated team, including Chef Pam’s kitchen crew who creates inspired meals of high quality and carefully prepared food. The caretaker, Noel, has pride in his grounds-keeping aesthetics and over all can-do fix it problem solving. Krissy Taylor’s office manager resource skills helped us immeasurably in negotiating Covid regulations and documentation and above and beyond logistical support when when a family member had a health issue. The team at Swain’s are all kind, helpful, warm and prioritize tailoring your stay to you. They all have a love and enthusiasm for the area and they advocate and educate and facilitate in all aspects of a person’s stay as needed. The seaside location on a wadable white sand flat and swimming beach is stunning. The expansive grass and sand lawn is soft to the barefeet. There are flowers and coconuts and birds. Amazing sponges and coral are washed up by the tides. If you want privacy or the comraderie of others, it’s your choice to make. There are bikes and kayaks if you want to explore the area. People are friendly and it’s a safe place. This is a small family out island. There are mom and pop stores for basics. This is a natural unspoiled island suitable for people who enjoy simple living and a slow easy pace. Swain’s Cay Lodge feels private and the beach isolated, and yet the community is accessible if you want to explore island life. Things to know about Mangrove Cay. The power goes out from time to time. There are no-seeums. Supplies come from far and delivery is subject to factors including weather and high taxation. Do bring what you will need. Do not expect to necessarily find special items or much choice at the little stores. Cheryl maintains a small gift shop that includes flies and bug repellant and Benadryl and really nice shirts and hats and buffs and gloves, etc. Staff will run for items if you are lacking and there are taxis and rental cars. There are native food takeouts staff can bring you to or you can pedal to if you want. Don’t count on signage. People just know where things are. Mangrove Cay is not commercialized. It’s a cash economy. The is one bank on Mangrove Cay and it’s open short hours on a few days. PayPal and credit cards are generally not able to be accepted and internet may not support transactions even if a business accepts cards. Tipping is a way of life. Give a “blessing” of a tip when you are helped. Bring Picardin bug dope. It works better and longer and is more comfortable than Deet. Hydrocortisone ointment works better than Benadryl Cream for bites. Developing relationships with the Swains Cay staff will give you a “family” to rely on in a culture that is unique and totally real. We were grateful for their generously given friendly advice. My husband and I both bonefish and we did mostly do-it-yourself wading on the accessible flats all around Mangrove Cay. Admittedly, we caught more fish by booking several of the world class guides of Andros. The guides are kind and knowledgable and gentle teachers. Go to a different country if you want critical guides who yell at you. That’s not the Bahamas way. Swains Cay Lodge Resort is a really nice and special place. It has its own genuine comfort and style, not fake impersonal luxury. We look forward to returning to Swain’s Cay Lodge.…
This is my second time visiting Swains. The rooms are very comfortable w airconditioning and cleaned daily. The food is EXCELLENT featuring local Bahamian cuisine- fish, lobster, ribs etc. This resort is small, not fancy, but intimate w 13 anglers. The guides are excellent- knowledgeable, helpful, courteous and put the angler in front of big bonefish. I wish the guides were at the resort instead of the 15 minute drive. Would have been more helpful to have internet service reliably. I would recommend Swains for any serious bonefishing enthusiast.
Just spent a week here with my Father. This place was everything we hoped for. The food was excellent and the rooms were clean and functional. Now for the important part-This fishing was excellent! The guides that work with this lodge are friendly and local. Got us on fish everyday in different conditions. If you like bone fishing this is the place to go. Defiantly going to return at some point in the future.
We spent a week at Swains Cay Lodge after the holiday and it was the best decision we made in 2020. My husband and 4 kids, ages 14-8 enjoyed every day we had at Swains. Incredible fishery and bone fishing guides, beautiful property, clean comfortable rooms and the food was delicious. Days were filled with fishing, bike rides, kayaking, exploring the island in front of the property and just quality family time. We will be back for sure and would highly recommend it. The Bahamas felt safe during the pandemic and it was the get away we needed.
My recent fly fishing trip to Mangrove Cay, Bahamas was simply outstanding while staying at Swains Cay Lodge. You can get to and from this destination by taking Makers Air straight from Ft. Lauderdale to Congo Town and a simple 15 minute ferry ride to Mangrove Cay to avoid the long custom and immigration lines in Nassau. The owner, Cheryl, will pick you up at the ferry dock followed by a 5 minute car ride back to the lodge where there are ice cold Kaliks waiting for you. This past trip was my 4th trip and I booked another week before I even left. Swains Cay Lodge's bonefish guides are some of the best on Andros Island - first class and releasing double digit bonefish daily during my stays happen more often that not. The food, accommodations and service is equally as good and this place is located right on the beach! If you're looking. for a world class bone fishing destination - this needs to be on your bucket list!…
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