Wind Whistle

welcome to ‘briland & windwhistle

We are thrilled that you have chosen our lovely home for your Harbour Island vacation with family and friends. Our goal is to best serve you whilst in residence and see that you are as comfortable as possible at Wind Whistle  We hope you have a wonderful vacation here on Harbour Island. The following information provided herein should be helpful whilst you occupy the home and enjoy the destination. Please contact us anytime daily between 8am-8pm for general assistance with the home or questions about the island. 

OWNER-MANDATED HOUSE RULES:  

• Max Capacity For Sleeping Accomodations   - 16 Guests

• Max Capacity For Social Gatherings – 16pax.

• All Children Must Be Attended At Pool/Docks All Times

• Please Do Not Enter/Board Boats At Dock/Lift

• No Smoking Or Pets Inside The House

• No Parties, Dj’s, Caterers, Events, Décor, Etc Of Any Kind

• Please Do Not Move Furniture, Open Any Secured Doors

HARBOUR ISLAND LIFESTYLE

Harbour Island originally became a summer holiday-vacation destination in the 1890’s where affluent residents of New Providence referred to as “Nassuvians” or affectionately known as “Summer Gullies” sought refuge on Harbour Island from the Nassau heat. Cooler ocean trade wind breezes, a small walk able friendly village, an ideal protected harbour for sailing, boating, fishing, and harvesting conch, fish & lobster, and summer fruit farms on nearby Eleuthera. Harbour Island was the ideal summer retreat.

In the early 1900’s with the advent of steamship travel, Nassau & Harbour Island then became winter retreats for folks from the UK and Europe seeking health rehabilitation in the warmer drier climates of The Bahamas, a British Crown colony at the time.

In the early 1950’s as the post-war boom and leisure travel (by air) was well underway in North America, Harbour Island offered the first full service hotel/lodge (PINK SANDS LODGE) and was quickly discovered by the discerning winter retreat “snow bird” market. In the 1950’s and 60’s PINK SANDS LODGE at times used many of the in-town cottages for their winter guests’ accommodations. Folks visited from New England, Ontario, Quebec, Upper Mid-West, and the Mid-Atlantic. Traveling here normally took two full days - via Miami, Nassau and eventually to Harbour Island on amphibious aircraft.  Most guests came for 10-14 days at a time.

The ELH airport opened in 1957 with DC-3 service from Miami. Beaching, Bone fishing, tennis, shuffleboard, semi-formal cocktail parties, coat & tie dinners, the friendliest of local people in a walkable historic village were the main appeals, activities and attractions on Harbour Island. During the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s Harbour was strictly a November-May destination.  

In the 1970’s the island became a favored location for the fashion photo industry. The pink sand beach, scenic colorful village, picturesque historic waterfront, tropical foliage, shallow gin-clear waters and white sandbanks…all bathed in an abundance of natural light, offers the perfect backdrop for fashion photo production. It was not uncommon to have a shoot underway in the late afternoons right in the waterfront. This industry activity continues  here (on occasion in off season) to this day with the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue partly shot here featuring the cover shot taken on our beach.

Hurricane Andrew in fall of 1992 dealt a devastating blow to Harbour Island and much of nearby North Eleuthera. It took over 2 years for the island to fully recover and the visitor market to return to pre-storm levels. In October 1995 Pink Sands Resort re-opened under new celebrity-affiliated ownership of recording mogul Chris Blackwell (Island Records). Harbour Island quickly became discovered as a new chic hideaway for the celebrity jet-set “she-she” crowd, with journalists then reporting on some of the top celebrities who vacationed or lived here creating a real “buzz” for the destination. Today, most of these celebrities have moved on to the other newer hot spots, but not all…. And the general visitor ship of North Americans, Brits and Europeans continues to grow.

Now 26 years later, Harbour Island is well know as a top Caribbean destination for sophisticated, affluent travelers, as well as artists, designers, sports fisherman, yachters and families from USA, Canada, UK and Europe. Our season runs November thru August with most hotels, restaurants and boutiques closed in September & October.

The island is generally safe and the vast majority of folks you will meet are friendly and helpful. We are a destination where “The Town is The Resort, The Resort is The Town”. But do take care and remember you are a short term resident in a real living working town with aLl the dynamics that comes with same.

Island living involves some wonderful elements but we can also have challenges that one in North America, UK or Europe may not be accustomed to. They are:

ELECTRICITY – Is very expensive in The Bahamas and sometimes the service is not fully reliable. It’s important to us not to waste electricity. Fortunately, Wind Whistle has an excellent back-up power system that will come on within 15 seconds of any outage. Should it not come on and the power remains off, please do not attempt to troubleshoot or tamper with it. Please call Property Manager ASAP  +1 242.376.9858

We kindly ask that you help us in keeping our energy costs under control, so we can maintain our current rental rates by practicing the following: 

-       Please Turn of Lights When A Room Not In Use.

-       Please Turn Fans to Slowest Setting when Room Vacant

-       In The Daytime If Bedroom Not In Use, Please Turn A/C to 76

-       Please Keep Exterior Doors Closed – All Times - When A/C is ON.

-       Close Fridge Doors (Kitchen & Pool Bar) when not in use.

-       At Night When Vacating Great Rooms, Please Adjust A/C to 76 F.

-       Please Do Not Set A/C in Great Room Below 70 F.

-       Please Do Not Tamper With Pool Controls, Pool Heater or Pool Light Timer

WATER – The water supply to Wind Whistle is supplied R/O (pure) water, filtered 3x and has a large water storage tank under the floor between 2nd master and the twin bedroom. The house is on a pressure system with the pressure tank and pump in basement.  If the house loses all water pressure or is low, please do not tamper with pump or valves, please contact Property Manager ASAP +1 242.376.9858.

HOUSE OCCUPANCY GUIDELINES:

 Wind Whistle comfortably accommodates 16 persons for overnight accommodations and 16 for dinner gatherings.  We do ask that no one sleep on the couch, floors or outdoor chaises. Please be conscious of excessive towel usage with both bath and beach towels.

 There is a washer/dryer on 2nd & 3rd floors and a COLD WATER only washer/dryer in basement. There is as a fridge/freezer in basement you are welcome to utilize, and has complimentary back up ice. The housekeeper generally will not do personal laundry unless the renter specifically arranges to compensate/tip accordingly.  Please use only use the housekeeper(s) provided by Wind Whistle. Thank you.

 We ask that there be no smoking indoors, no pets in the house (without prior approval), no gatherings or parties are to exceed 16 persons, and no overly louds music outside or after 9pm please.

 While most of our guests take great care to treat Wind Whistle as if their own, would do like to give a friendly reminder to our visitors to please take care of the house whilst here. Thank you.

 Please only use plastic plates and glasses at the pool and ground-level dining area.

HELPFUL HOUSE INFORMATION & SECURITY

Please take care of any potential fire hazards, use of candles, cooking, use of matches, open flames, etc. and please be careful when using the gas grill outside. Please do not overload any electrical outlets.  There are smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in a few key places, for your safety.  Thank you.

The BBQ grill is LP gas. Please turn tank off after use. Please do not move or tamper with the grill.  Lighter gun may be needed to light burner.

 Howard the “Pool Guy” ,may come by a couple times a week in early AM hours. He will enter at side gate and cleans pool, checks filets, chems and skimmer. Don’t be alarmed if you see him around the side of the house, pool or pool pump area.

Harbour Island is generally a safe place for visitors and locals alike. Personal safety should not be an issue if one is guided accordingly avoiding any bad elements.  However, at times, there can be instances petty theft and non-violent infractions of opportunity.  

Please do not invite strangers or unknown local persons into the house for any reason.

When you leave the house for more than 3-4hrs. at a time it’s best to lock all ground level doors and either hide the key about the exterior or take it with you. Lock all doors at night. Please do not lose THE key.  Code for side door. The Property Manager and Housekeeper have their own keys.

We provide a hotel style (CODE) & key safe in the master bedroom. Please use this safe for all valuables, passports, jewelry, cell phones, cash, etc.

HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

 The house will be fully prepared upon your arrival for occupancy for the week. We provide all towels, paper products, all soaps and all plastics products for your usage. We also provide sunscreen, bug repellant and spray, mosquito coils, flashlights, candles and matches.

 The housekeepers (Ruth & Valentine) and Houseman-Yardsman (Carlot & Desime) will come by daily (except Sundays and Bank Holidays) late morning for a couple hours. She will make up the beds, clean the bathrooms and kitchen, sweep and mop the common areas, launder towels, etc..  On certain evenings, based on house usage, she may come by in evenings f0r an hour or so – for a turn down service.

 Ruth is happy to prepare meals for guests. $35pp. (adults 15 & over), plus cost of food. Please speak with her at least 3 days in advance. Thank you!

The housekeeper will take the garbage out daily, but if this is not sufficient, please place the garbage by car port and we will remove it. Thank you.

 ** As a general guideline for Housekeeper Gratuity, should you be fully satisfied and care to leave a tip, is; $25-$35 per day. So 16 persons for a week is approximately $245. If the housekeeper has done personal laundry for you, figure $15-$20 per load (washed/dried/folded) **

Please park inside the gate, in the gravel parking area closest to the house.

When returning from the beach, please FIRST use the outside shower by steps to beach to remove ALL SAND, before entering pool, house or using inside showers. Sand will clog drains very quickly. Thank you.

Please only take the beach towels to the pool & beach and do not leave beach towels on golf carts in town or whilst at the beach. Thank you.

Please be sure and wipe or shower off (outside) sandy feet before entering the house. Sandy feet in the shower will cause drains to back up.

HELPFUL ISLAND INFO & TIPS

Here is a list of suggested restaurants on the island with a notation ($$$$$) based of expensive to moderate to budget prices. Many of the more expensive restaurants REQUIRE advance reservations and have rules regarding allowing small children for dinner periods.

THE LANDING – On Bay Street at Church Street ($$$$$)    

No Lunch, Closed on Wednesdays, Offers Brunch. 333.2707                  

THE ROCK HOUSE – Above Bay Street at Hill Street ($$$$$)

Lunch & Dinner daily 333.2053                                                                        

DA VINE SUSHI & WINES – On Bay Street at Hill St. Steps ($$$$$)

Lunch & Dinner, Closed Sundays 333.2950                                                  

VALENTINES RESORT & MARINA  - Bay Street at Clarence St. ($$$)

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily 333.2142                                                     

RUNAWAY HILL CLUB – On The Ocean at Love Lane ($$$)

Breakfast & Dinner Only 333.2150

QUEEN CONCH – On Bay Street Between Duke & Pitt St. ($$$)

Lunch and Dinner, Conch Salad, Closed Sundays  333.3811                

SEA VIEW TAKEAWAY  - At Foot of Main Dock, Bay St ($$)

Snacks & Lunch Daily, Closed Sundays 333.2542                                         

THE DUNMORE RESORT – On The Ocean, Court Rd & Dunmore Ln. ($$$$$)

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily 333.2200                                                   

PETER PAN – Princess Street near Dunmore St. ($$)

Dinner & Late Night, Fried Fast Food, Local Fare  551.9809                    

ARTHUR’S BAKERY – Dunmore St. & Crown St. ($$$)

Breakfast & Baked Goods Daily, Closed Sundays   333.2285                 

DUNMORE DELI – King & Princess St  ($$$)

Open Daily Except Sundays, Breakfast & Lunch, Gourmet Foods 333.2644

PINK SANDS RESORT – End of Chapel Street on Ocean, 2 outlets ($$$$$)

Breakfast Lunch & Dinner, Open Daily (2 outlets)   333.2060             

BLU WATER BAKERY – Murray Street ($$$)

Open Friday – Sunday                                                                                          

AQUAPAZZA ITALIAN – At Romora Bay Marina, Top of Hill ($$$$)

Lunch & Dinner Daily   333.3240                                                                 

TROPIC HUT – Dunmore Street at Princess St ($$)          

Pizza, Fast Food, Ice Cream, Lunch & Dinner 333.3700                           

ROMORA BAY RESORT & MARINA – Colebrooke & Queens Hwy ($$$$)

Lunch & Dinner, Pub Fare. On harbour, Live music 333.2325           

CORAL SANDS HOTEL – On The Ocean at Chapel Street ($$$$)

Continental Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Open Daily 333.2350              

ANGELA’S STARFISH  - Barracks Hill at Dunmore & Grant St ($$)

Lunch and Dinner Daily  333.2253                                                                    

BRYAN’S RIBS BBQ – Dunmore Street & Princess St ($$)

Dinner Only, not open daily, so check. 333.3129

GENERAL TELEPHONE CONTACTS 

ROSS RENTALS  (Golf Carts)                         333.2122  or 470.3400

DUNMORE CART RENTALS                      333.2372

MAJORS RENTALS                                       470.5065 or 465.7329

 LITTLE SHAN’S WATERSPORTS                 333.3532 or 422.9343

DUKE   DAVIS BOAT RENTALS                    359.7952                                            

VALENTINE’S DIVE CENTER                       333.2080

OCEAN FOX DIVING & SPORTFISHING   333.2323                                

 VALENTINES MARINA                                  333.2142

ROMORA BAY MARINA                                  333.2325

 ISLAND SPA                                                      333.3326

DERMETOLOGICA SPA at VALENTINES      333.3772

 PIGGLY WIGGLY FOOD STORE                    333.2120

TIP TOP STORE                                                 333.2251                    

KAY’S MARKETS                                                                                 

CAPTAIN BOB’S MARKET                                333.2628

PINEAPPLE SHOP – FRUITS & VEGS

 BRISTOL CELLARS WINE & SPIRITS             601.9308

DA VINE FINE WINES & SPIRITS                    333.2950

MARIOS LIQUOR STORE                                  333.3400

700 WINES & SPIRITS                                                               

BLUE ROOSTER BOUTIQUE                            King St, near Pigly Wigly

SUGAR MILL BOUTIQUE                                  Bay St, near main dock

CALICO’S BOUTIQUE                           Dunmore Street near Arthur’s Bakery

BOUTIQUE AT THE DUNMORE                      The Dunmore Resort

ANDROSIA BAHAMAS                                        Barracks Hill at Gusty’s 

HOUSEHOLD INVENTORY

 Please be conscious of all items that belong to the house. If something breaks, please let us know….as accidents do happen. The only things that need to leave the property are beach towels. Please don’t leave towels on golf carts as they easily get lost, fall off or can be taken. Please be conscious not to take glasses, cup plates, silverware, serving dishes, knives, etc. off the property. Please do not move any of the furniture from their current locations.

Thank you.