A vacation on Cat Island Bahamas
The Hermitage is a bit of a historical oddity, fascinating and strange. The hike to see this religious site will take visitors through small towns along beautiful trails, filled with the island’s flora and fauna. It is located on top of Mount Alvernia, which stands at 206 feet above sea level and is the highest point in the Bahamas.
The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs, with each piece painstakingly quarried, shaped and fitted by hand by the Canadian mule skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as Father Jerome. The Father built the structure to scale, designed it to fit his diminutive form. Beloved by the people of the island, the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.
Other historic sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus Point, and plantation ruins, remnants of the islands’ efforts to unite with the world’s cotton growers. Deveaux Mansion was once the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to recapture Nassau from Spain. Other well-known ruins are the remains of the Ambrister Plantation, near Port Howe.
For those interested in water sports, Cat Island Dive Center is the place to go. They operate out of the Greenwood Beach Resort and have a variety of diving and snorkeling packages available, and there are many great areas to explore, offering an abundance of marine life and fascinating geological formations. They also have water sports equipment for rent.
Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas and boasts extraordinary beaches. There are literally miles and miles of virtually unspoilt beaches, where you can swim and relax in complete privacy.
Fine meals can be had at various locations on Cat Island. Hawk’s Nest Resort and Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are fresh grilled fish and roast rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to be for creative and delicious native dishes, served in the dining room or at a beachside patio table. Greenwood Beach Resort’s Bahamian cuisine is complemented by its wonderful breads, which are baked daily.
Cat Island is a great option for vacationers who are looking for a natural beach experience and enjoy a calm and very relaxed atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace, which is a much better way to take in the local flora and fauna, as well as soak up the local culture. Because it has a much smaller population than many of the other islands, it’s easier to get a real feel for the people and their way of life. Cat Island is an interesting place that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
