Abaka Bay Resort

Abaka Bay opened in 2002 and feels like a deserted tropical beach -- albeit one with bright pastel-colored bungalows nestled along a beautiful sandy beach. It's a homey, simple affair at this hotel, and there’s no lobby. Instead, the casual vibe kicks off in the hotel’s rustic, thatch-roofed restaurant. The resort’s grounds are lush, and stretch up a manicured hill behind the main buidings. Be forewarned though, there’s lots of stairs to reach the non-beachfront rooms and no elevator. In any event, the small size, lack of a pool, and humble style make this a quiet, calming place to kick back for those wanting nothing more than a beach and a few meals a day. Hotel guests are mostly Europeans and Haitians, although some Americans pass through as well. Guests usually stay for a night or two, though, as there really isn't much to do. It’s also possible to visit the resort just for the day. 

This calm hotel is located on the remote Ile-a-Vache, a big, mostly undeveloped island surrounded by azure waters and sandy beaches on Haiti’s southern coast. There’s not much to do on the island beyond laze by the beach. Rocky paths connect small villages and the closest village to the hotel is a 15-minute walk. Lover’s Island, a small deserted island (essentially a sandbar) that guests visit for a romantic afternoon is a 30-minute boat ride away. Getting to Ile-a-Vache can be challenging. It’s a four-hour and twenty-minute drive from Port-au-Prince International Airport to Les Cayes, followed by either an hour-long public ferry or a 25-minute private boat to the resort (though weather can be a factor). There’s a helipad near the hotel that cuts the trip down to an expensive hour-long journey for those with the means. For a beautiful mainland beach, Port Salut is a ferry ride plus another 45-minute drive from the resort. To experience one of the Caribbean's largest cave systems, Grotte Marie Jeanne, is a ferry ride from the resort to Les Cayes followed by an hour drive. 

Rooms at Abaka Bay are a mix of oceanfront bungalows and guest rooms set on a lush, manicured hillside. They’re not fancy and many are a bit tired, but they do the trick for a few days on the beach. Standard features include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, and either a king or two queen beds. Most rooms lack TVs. The upstairs rooms are the hotel’s older offerings and have amazing vaulted wood ceilings, stone walls or palm tree murals, and colorful Haitian paintings on the walls. However, expect to see old bedspreads, dated furniture, and a bit of wear. The beachfront rooms have beautiful ocean views and are slightly more updated. Interiors are painted in neutral tans, have vaulted ceilings, and ocean-view balconies. The Luxury Suite is the resort’s choicest offering -- though not exactly luxury caliber -- with its big kitchenette, flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD player, and a sitting room with plush couches. Overall, bathrooms are a mixed bag. Some are fully tiled, while others are partially tiled. All have stand-up showers and (most of the time) hot water. The glass brick skylights are a nice touch in some, and keep them bright. Soap, shampoo, and conditioner are included with all rooms, but no hairdryer. Other room amenities include one free bottle of water and a fire-proof safe. Irons and ironing boards are available to borrow at the front desk and Wi-Fi is free in all guest rooms.  

Abaka Bay’s all about the beach. Its long sandy shore stretches across the resort and is lined with palm trees, plastic lounge chairs (a few have cushions), and thatched cabanas. There’s also a beach-volleyball court. Kayaks and canoes are free to borrow. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included with all stays (although not soda or alcohol). Meals are a mix of Haitian and international cuisine and served at Chez Fernent, either at the thatch-roofed outdoor seating area or nautically-themed indoor dining area when mosquitos are bad. Meals are also served at the oceanfront Sunset Grill. An a la carte menu is available at non mealtimes, though it will incur an extra fee. Other activities include an oceanfront basketball court, an outdoor game room with a foosball table and table tennis. Snorkels and fins are available to rent (for a fee). The front desk can assist in arranging island excursions like horseback riding, snorkeling, trips to Lover’s Island, and airport transportation. They also sell mosquito spray (but it’s extremely expensive, so bring your own). There’s free water at the bar and Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.