Southern Bahamas - The Bahamas - page 337

from where there are frequent humpback whale sightings and free snorkeling trips from the
Stella Maris Marina.
Pratt's Restaurant & Bar SEAFOOD $$
( 242-338-7051; Burnt Ground; mains $10-20; lunch & dinner) Run by a local
fisherman who cooks up his own catch each day, this friendly spot won't win any design
awards, but it's one of the best options in northern Long Island. We recommend the seafood
platter ($25). Call ahead to let them know you're coming.
STELLA MARIS TO SALT POND
Between Stella Maris and Salt Pond, the coastal Queen's Hwy passes Deal's Beach , which
has fabulous snorkeling over a sea-fan garden. You can follow a road east from here to
O'Neill's , a tiny hamlet with two beaches that also offer good snorkeling.
Simms , a quaint seaside hamlet about 10 miles south of Stella Maris, dates back to the
plantation era. It is dominated by well-kept St Peter's Anglican Church . The most en-
dearing structure is a prim little post office and, nudging up behind it, an equally diminut-
ive jail still bearing the sign 'Her Majesty's Prison.'
South of Simms, the road moves inland until it touches the shore again at Thompson
Bay , about 5 miles further south. The bay is scenic, but far more spectacular is the one at
McKann's , about half a mile east; turn east at the sign for King's Bay Resort.
Sleeping
Chez Pierre Bahamas RUSTIC LODGE $$
( 242-338-8809; www.chezpierrebahamas.com ; Miller's; s/d half board $125/175; )
This is one of our favorite places in the Bahamas and a superb choice for a sublime rustic
escape. A bumpy gravel road leads you to this perfect crescent beach, which is totally un-
developed save Pierre's six beach huts, which are just simple, tree-hut like structures with
a double bed and full bathroom. If you stay five nights or more, there's a $20 per night
discount on the room price. This is not a place for those looking to be pampered - air-con
and swimming pools are unknown - but for those who appreciate simple luxury, look no
further.
Sunset Beach Villa VILLA $$
( www.sunsetbeachvillabahamas.com ; Wemyss; villa from $165; ) This large and
cleverly designed villa right on the beach is perfect for a big family holiday, sleeping as it
does up to nine people when booked in its entirity. It can also be split into two properties,