There are all-inclusive resorts and then there is Three Bees at Harbour Island, Bahamas. It’s worth a mention here only because it is so incredibly unique and because it is always fun to take a vicarious trip to Dreamland.
I’m saving the pricing for last. Don’t look. As you read through the release try to guess what you might pay for a five-to-seven-day stay.
According to the release, this extraordinary villa compound gives the term “all inclusive” a new meaning. From the moment of arrival at Three Bees, you will not have to worry about extras or supplements… from Dom Perignon to unlimited deep-sea fishing excursions to massage treatments. Everything, and they mean everything you would want, or can imagine, is included.
“The Three Bees experience begins as you step off the plane on Eleuthera Island and are met by the manager, Claus, who will escort you personally to Harbour Island, a mere 10-minute boat trip. You will be greeted by a well-trained staff of 23 that already knows your food likes and dislikes and will quickly learn your additional hankerings.
“Three Bees can accommodate up to 26 people in a combination of Villa Bee, a five-bedroom house with expansive sea view balcony; the Beach House, a charming two-bedroom cottage sitting right on Pink Sand Beach; and Bayside, a unique luxury tented facility with three bedrooms, on its own private beach. There is variety and complete privacy. Each part of Three Bees has its own special character, and together the Three Bees compound is perfect for friends or family.
“Once settled, it will not take you long to see the all-inclusive world that is available to you. Activity choices are endless: swimming off the famous, seemingly endless Pink Sand Beach just a few steps away, or in the calm waters at nearby Bayside. Parked in front of the Villa are four- and six-seater golf carts and five off-road quad bikes (three of them especially sized for kids) at your disposal. They can be used to drive around charming Harbour Island, or for the three-minute hop over to your private water sports “club” at Bayside. Here, guests will find an endless number of water toys: inflatables including doughnut tubes and water trampolines, water skis, skimmer boards, paddleboards, boogie boards and small sailboats, and an amazing fleet of water craft including motorized kayaks, Yamaha wave-runners and Ski Nautique power boats. No extra charge for unlimited access to all of these ‘toys.’
“Perhaps you would like to plan an excursion on the Midnight Express, available with captain anytime you like. This sleek 37-foot motor craft is one of the fastest boats on the water. It takes guests to remote deserted islands for a picnic or for turtle- and dolphin-viewing. The Bahamas are yours to explore. And there are no time limits and no extra charges.
“When the sun begins to set, or if there is that rare overcast day, the activities do not stop. Three Bees offers a freestanding movie theater with plush oversized day-bed seating for up to 30, a bona fide popcorn machine and over 3,500 Blue-ray titles and games. And in the super-recreation room in the main villa there are enough games, musical instruments and exercise equipment to keep anyone busy: board games, puzzles, legos, art supplies, a complete set of drums, pool table, foosball, rowing machine, elliptical machine, yoga mats. Too many games? How about a massage…just ask…..there is no extra charge.
“Meals are prepared by a private chef who will incorporate guests’ tastes into the customized daily menus. Some guests take breakfast on the porch in the main villa, lunch at Bayside or picnic on a remote island. And dinner can be a barbecue on the beach or a more formal champagne affair in the main villa’s dining room. Dining will be when and where you like and whatever you choose to eat and drink. Cristal Champagne or another premium brand of your preference at no extra charge.
“While at Three Bees your wallet stays in your room. There are no worries, and no surprises except those that are fun and included. This is what an all inclusive is all about.”
I’ll bet you got the same feeling I did when you read this. I wanted to get on the next plane for Eleuthera and spend seven glorious, carefree days at Three Bees. I contacted Three Bees for pricing and immediately got sticker shock.
Cost for the entire compound for seven nights is $120,000. But one can rent the property for a minimum of five nights. The five-night rate is $85,700 for up to 26 guests. (Rates are more expensive over Christmas.)
I was told that the houses can be broken up as follows:
Villa Bee, with its five bedrooms and three additional rooms in its guest cottage, costs $82,000 weekly ($58,600 for the minimum stay of five nights) with full staff, meals and beverages (can take up to 16).
Beach Cottage for four guests (its capacity), the weekly rate with staff and food/beverages is $21,000.
They do not rent Bayside separately. It comes only with entire rental.
You get a lot of bang for your buck but you also are paying a lot of bucks for your bang. If you go, report back and tell me about your experience. I want to go but not even an assignment from National Geographic Traveler would cover the cost of my stay.
— Stan Wawer
