Oceanside stay.You'll find Abaco Marina and Abaco Beach within 3 miles (5 km) of this villa. Mermaid Reef and Marsh Harbour are also within 3 miles (5 km).
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula
MERMAID COVE – where the Sea of Abaco is your front yard. Wake up to turquoise water just steps from your door. Mermaid Cove is a luxury one-bedroom oceanfront villa on a private gated peninsula at the tip of Marsh Harbour, with its own protected dock, panoramic water views from every room, and stairs that lead straight into the sea. Rated 5.0 with 33 reviews and an Airbnb “Guest Favorite” badge, it’s often described as the best stay guests have had in the Abacos.
THE HOME Mermaid Cove was purpose-built for island living and completed in April 2023. Bahamian-style exposed ceilings and triple sliding glass doors blur the line between indoors and out.
Interior highlights:
Open-plan layout with vaulted ceilings, far more spacious than a typical 1BR
King bed with premium hemp linens and plush bedding
Double-vanity bath with oversized rain shower
Fully equipped kitchen: gas range, full fridge/freezer, dishwasher, ice maker, microwave, air fryer, coffee machine, toaster, blender, kettle
50" smart TV with Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime and more
Sonos speaker with built-in streaming and AirPlay
Full-size washer/dryer so you can pack light
Large closets and ample storage
High-speed Starlink WiFi reaching patio, deck, and dock
Small dedicated workspace
OUTDOOR LIVING At Mermaid Cove, the best “room” has no roof.
Upper covered patio (~400 sq ft): three sliding doors open from the living area onto a large patio with dining table, comfortable seating, and sweeping 180° views over the Sea of Abaco. You’ll see Montage Cay, Man‑O‑War Cay, and boats cruising through the channel – a favorite spot for morning coffee and sunset cocktails.
Lower oceanfront deck (~450 sq ft): a generous waterfront deck sits right at the water’s edge with cushioned loungers and Adirondack chairs. Wide stairs lead directly into the crystal‑clear Sea of Abaco – no beach walk, no road to cross. A Weber gas grill lets you cook with a view.
Water toys (launched directly from the deck):
2 watercraft (kayaks/SUPs, depending on setup)
Large floating water mat
Snorkel gear for 2
Across both levels you have about 850 sq ft of outdoor living space, all with direct ocean views and strong WiFi.
PRIVATE DOCK & MARINA Your stay includes access to a private, protected slip in our on‑site marina for boats up to ~60 ft (inquire when booking; no liveaboards). The marina sits on the calm canal between the property and Sugarloaf Cay, providing sheltered dockage in most weather, including strong northerly winds.
Dock amenities:
Reverse osmosis fresh water
30‑amp and 50‑amp shore power
Shaded seating area with Adirondack chairs
Fish cleaning station just steps from your boat
South‑facing views over Sugarloaf Canal and lagoon, with beautiful sunsets
Because the marina faces south and the house faces north, you always have a protected side for kayaking, paddleboarding, or relaxing by the water regardless of wind direction. Guests are welcome to use water toys on the marina side as well, giving you a second calm area to explore when the open side is choppy.
OFF‑GRID LUXURY – POWER & WATER Mermaid Cove is part of a self‑sufficient private property, so you don’t have to worry about outages or water quality.
Large solar power plant with diesel generator backup provides reliable 24/7 electricity
Rainwater harvesting with reverse osmosis and UV filtration means every faucet delivers clean, drinkable water – no bottled water needed
Starlink satellite internet delivers fast, reliable WiFi indoors, on all decks, and at the docks
PRIVACY & EXCLUSIVITY Mermaid Cove sits within Eastern Shores, a private gated peninsula at the very tip of Marsh Harbour, surrounded by water – the Sea of Abaco to the north, Sugarloaf Cay channel and lagoon to the south.
Gated community entrance with private road access
Security cameras monitor only the road entrance and marina; there are no cameras inside the home or in any private guest spaces
Quiet, upscale residential neighborhood ideal for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the peace
Your villa has its own private parking, entrance, decks, and ocean access, completely separate from any other structure on the property
CENTRAL ABACO LOCATION Being on the main island of Great Abaco, right at the hub of Marsh Harbour, gives you flexibility to explore by both land and sea – without relying on a ferry for basics.
By water (approximate distances from your dock):
Hope Town / Elbow Cay – 3.5 miles
Man‑O‑War Cay – under 3 miles
Mermaid Reef (snorkeling) – 1.5 miles
Lubbers Quarters / Tahiti Beach – short ride south
Fowl Cay National Park – nearby
Montage Cay – less than 1 mile across the bay, a 53‑acre private island being developed as an ultra‑luxury Montage resort with inn, spa, deep‑water marina, and dining
Treasure Cay – ~20 miles north
Green Turtle Cay – ~20 miles north
Little Harbour / Pete’s Pub – to the south
By land (from Mermaid Cove):
Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH) – minutes away
Albury’s Ferry Dock (Hope Town, Man‑O‑War, Guana Cay) – <1 mile at the entrance to Eastern Shores
Maxwell’s and Price Right groceries – minutes
Liquor store, pharmacy, clinic – minutes
Local restaurants – minutes
Boat Harbour Marina (fuel, diesel, restaurants) – ~1.5 miles by car or boat
A rental car is recommended for getting around Marsh Harbour and exploring the mainland. Taxis are always available at the airport.
BOATING IN THE ABACOS The Abacos are widely regarded as one of the best boating destinations in the world. The protected Sea of Abaco between the mainland and outer cays creates ideal, mostly sheltered conditions for exploring by boat.
From our dock you can:
Island‑hop to Hope Town, Man‑O‑War, Great Guana Cay, Green Turtle Cay, and smaller cays
Access offshore and bonefishing grounds
Anchor at uninhabited beaches and sandbars
Snorkel reefs and underwater parks like Fowl Cay
Visit Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay
Cruise to Pete’s Pub at Little Harbour for a waterside lunch
Reach Treasure Cay and Green Turtle Cay for longer day trips
Being centrally positioned on the Sea of Abaco means you avoid long open‑water crossings, so outings in every direction are shorter and more comfortable. If you plan to rent a boat, book early, especially in peak season. If bringing your own vessel, please provide details with your booking so we can confirm and prepare your slip.
GOOD TO KNOW
Additional housekeeping services are available on request, including more frequent cleaning if preferred
Mermaid Cove is a completely private standalone villa on our larger sea‑to‑sea property. It sits adjacent to Starfish Bay, our three‑bedroom home. Both can be rented separately or together as a 4‑bedroom compound (subject to availability)
Self check‑in via keypad – arrive on your schedule
Once booked, you’ll receive our digital guest guide with local recommendations, restaurant suggestions, boat rental contacts, and activity ideas. Whether you want an action‑packed week of boating, diving, and island‑hopping or a quiet retreat with a book and the sound of the water, Mermaid Cove is set up to deliver. We look forward to hosting you in paradise.
MERMAID COVE — Where the Sea of Abaco is your front yard.
Wake up to turquoise water just steps from your door. Mermaid Cove is a luxury one-bedroom oceanfront villa set directly on the Sea of Abaco in a private, gated peninsula at the tip of Marsh Harbour. With your own protected dock, panoramic water views from every room, and stairs that lead straight into the sea, this is the intimate island escape most travelers only dream about.
Rated 5.0 stars with 33 five-star reviews, Mermaid Cove has earned Airbnb's "Top 5% of Homes" designation and is consistently described by guests as the best they have stayed at in the Abacos.
THE HOME Mermaid Cove was purpose-built for luxury island living and completed in April 2023. Every design choice — from the Bahamian-style exposed ceilings to the triple sliding glass doors that open the entire living space to the sea — was made to blur the line between indoors and out.
Interior highlights:
Open-plan layout with vaulted ceilings creates a spacious, airy feel far beyond a typical one-bedroom
King-size bed with premium hemp linens, plush comforter, and extra pillows for an exceptional night's sleep
Double-vanity modern bathroom with oversized rain shower
Well-appointed kitchen with gas range, full-size refrigerator and freezer, dishwasher, standalone ice maker, microwave, air fryer, coffee machine, toaster, blender, and electric kettle
50-inch smart TV with Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more
Sonos speaker system with built-in streaming and AirPlay so you can play your own music throughout the villa
Full-size washer and dryer — pack light and do laundry on your schedule
Large closets and ample storage throughout
High-speed Starlink WiFi reaches every room, patio, deck, and dock
Dedicated workspace area for those who need to stay connected
OUTDOOR LIVING — THE HEART OF MERMAID COVE
At Mermaid Cove, the best room in the house has no roof.
Upper Level — Covered Patio (~400 sq ft): Three double sliding doors open from the living area onto a large covered patio furnished with an outdoor dining table, comfortable seating, and sweeping 180-degree views over the Sea of Abaco. From here you can see Montage Cay island, Man-O-War Cay, and boats cruising through the channel. This is where most guests have their morning coffee and evening cocktails.
Lower Level — Oceanfront Deck (~450 sq ft): A generous waterfront deck sits right at the water's edge with two cushioned sun loungers and two Adirondack chairs. Wide stairs lead directly from the deck into the crystal-clear Sea of Abaco — no beach walk, no road to cross. You are literally on the ocean. A Weber gas gril
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Housekeeping (on request)
Unit size: 750 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Must sign rental agreement upon booking
Must sign dockage agreement in order to dock a boat, no living onboard boats docked at the marina
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Note from host: Directly on the water not fenced
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
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Frequently asked questions
How close is Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula to the airport?
This villa is 5.7 mi (19-min drive) away from the Marsh Harbour (MHH) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this villa.
How close is Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula to the beach?
This villa is 2 mi (13-min drive) from Abaco Beach and 8.3 mi (25-min drive) from Garbanzo Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula offer free breakfast?
This villa does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula?
No, there is no casino at this villa.
What time is check-in at Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula?
Free parking is not available at this villa.
Does Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula have a pool?
This villa does not have a pool.
Does Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this villa.
How close is Luxury oceanfront villa 1BR, protected dock, private & gated peninsula to downtown Marsh Harbour?
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
A seriously gorgeous location amazing owners and staff. Get a boat to moor and explore every day and a car if possible … Stunning and peaceful loved every single minute with my husband who is super picky! Get in the water every day from your porch watch the sunrise and sunset - simply awesome.
Absolutely beautiful property with an amazing view and stunning location providing lots of privacy. The hosts made sure the stay was highly enjoyable and were very responsive to any questions or needs. Shoutout to Roland for taking care of us during our stay! Would recommend this property without hesitation!
Mermaid Cottage is perfect! The location is very special and was perfect for boating to the other Cays. The cottage has everything you need during your stay and the owners are super prompt and helpful with any questions. We loved this spot and hope to return again to enjoy its' beauty! Thank you to the owners for sharing their piece of paradise with us!
Perfect location, amenities and view! The owners thought about everything you may need on vacation and graciously provided it.
We utilized all the water toys and searched for shells every evening directly in front of the home.
The AC works great, but with the breeze you rarely need it. You will love waking up and watching the sunset from the VERY comfortable bed. We definitely did and can’t wait to go back!
Our trip to the Abacos was amazing. The Mermaid Cove was everything advertised and then some. Everything about the house was perfect. Very immaculate, it was as if we were the first people to ever stay in the house. Location was very secluded and quiet. Roland, the care-taker was always right near by if you ever needed assistance. We thoroughly enjoyed the property and house. My wife and I hope to be back soon with friends. Thanks to great host, Brandon and Lucy!!
Todd and Betsy
We had a wonderful stay at the Mermaid for 5 days in July. This place is absolutely gorgeous with breathtaking ocean views. The unit is immaculate, comfortable and fully stocked with everything you could possibly need on vacation. The upstairs has a large deck with outdoor seating for meals. We took advantage and cooked our fresh catch every night and enjoyed the sunsets and our wine out on the deck. The ground level provided lounge chairs and ocean access to swim/snorkel as well as paddleboard-available for use. We came by boat and used the assigned large dock that easily accommodated our 42’ Yellowfin on the canal side of the property. The dock had water/power, a cleaning table and plenty of seating as well. The area is fully secure and we felt comfortable leaving all of our rods and equipment on the boat which was a great piece of mind for us. Everything about this place is top draw with all the bells and whistles. In addition to being a great place in a wonderful location, the owners are unbelievably helpful. We had a boat engine issue on arrival and the owner referred us to his mechanic that got us up and running in a day-no simple task-blown lower unit being changed out in the Bahamas in less than 24 hours? Miraculous! Their concierge Roland went above and beyond as well, helping us unload our way too many things and procuring ice for the boat every morning. We can’t thank them all enough for the great care they took of us while we stayed at the Mermaid.
Might be the best spot for a couple on the whole island !
The cottage was flawless, spotless and well maintained with a very enviable position literally your own private steps down to the Sea of Abaco. Dolphins in the morning if you are up early to enjoy coffee on the deck or the stairs to the water, cool off with a dip anytime you like, some beginner kayaking at your leisure, splashing fish at sunset, and views all day long. The hosts were in town and immediately responsive to a minor request for a small table, couldn't have been nicer!
The ONLY reason the location isn't five stars is because you really need a car to get to restaurants, but in exchange for that you get more privacy at night, in a very safe gated neighborhood. One of the neighboring villas is quite close, but the mature landscaping helps with that, and we can't say more because it was unoccupied during our visit.
Recommend a small car if you can get one as the streets and parking in general and at all the villas in the eastern shores is pretty tight. We had a great rental but it was full-size as we had some family to taxi around from the airport to treasure cay with luggage which made parking just a bit tighter still, but not a problem.
The villa has a nicely appointed bathroom with both hand-held and mounted shower heads in the very large standup shower, and there were more towels (including beach towels) than you could use in 4 weeks, which was appreciated. And if you do somehow use them, there is a washer and dryer right in the unit with detergent etc !
Would recommend to any couple looking for a first experience in Marsh Harbour. A bit far from Treasure Cay for any events there, and not recommended to drive between the two at night, but if you can sacrifice a night in Marsh Harbour, it is great to return to Mermaid Cottage after a short visit to the northern part of the island.
For Dining would recommend Da Blue Hole for nice dinner, and the bar upstairs for a drink, sunset, and lighter meal. Colors by the Sea is good for cold beer and local fish steamed in foil with plantains and goat peppers. Up in Treasure Cay on the advice of owners we had lunch at Treasure Sands Club, which was a cool outside club atmosphere with good food, if a bit pricey, but with better service than most too.
Would return if in the area again.
Jeffrey B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Daniel N.
Jun 3, 2019
Amazing hosts and wonderful snorkeling right outside the front door!
Hosts: Fantastic, have loads of information and easily reachable for any questions.
House: Beautiful and completely renovated recently. Decor is fantastic. Fridge is only a counter high half fridge, so just FYI. Amenities were great. We had tons of fun snorkeling right off the front steps. Just wade into the water and have fun! Boat storage location was very close and easily accessible. Road to the house is unpaved, but not hard to drive on. Wifi and TV worked great.
Overall we loved the house and if you are going to be in Marsh Harbour, I can't imagine a better place to stay.
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Notes about the Area: Marsh Harbour is nice, but all the shops and restaurants had very random hours they would be closed, which was frustrating. We rented a boat, but it was much more difficult than we anticipated. Suggest you only rent a boat if you have a lot of experience with one. The town seems to be very quiet at night. Everything is very expensive in the Bahamas, and be prepared for a 12% VAT on every purchase, and usually automatic 18% gratuity at any restaurant/bar.
Daniel N.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Lorinda C.
May 7, 2019
Paradise found!
The Mermaid Cottage is the most well-appointed and beautiful Rental we have ever stayed in! The minute you drive up you realize how special it is. It looks like it was freshly painted and brand new. When you walk in, you immediately see the turquoise waters outside, which draws you out to the comfortable chairs on the deck. We spent many hours sitting out here, having a cocktail, enjoying the view! Brandon is a fantastic host, and was immediately helpful when we had questions. This is a dream cottage, and we will definitely be back! Brandon, thank you for providing such a wonderful place for us to stay!
Lorinda C.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Dawn R.
May 2, 2019
Beautiful secluded cottage
The cottage was a wonderful little secluded spot to return to after being out on the town. Very quaint and comfy. Perfect for a couples getaway.
Dawn R.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Hannah W.
Apr 15, 2019
A dream cottage--our new happy place!
My husband and I stayed at the beautiful and breezy Mermaid Cottage for a getaway before our 3rd baby is due to arrive. Let me just rave and say I loved everything about this perfect little place and our trip-- it was a dream come true! We rented a boat and car so we were able to have lots of adventures and excursions, but coming back to the cottage and waking up to the indescribable beauty of the panoramic aqua-blue water view of the Sea of Abaco every morning was my favorite part of the trip. It felt like coming home even after only a few days! Cleaned spotlessly, equipped with all you need and nothing you don't, Brandon and Lucy have put thoughtful time and love into this home and ensure you have an amazing vacation by being helpful and quickly responsive to all questions/suggestions/concerns. I absolutely loved the king bed and comfy pillows and could have spent all day just sitting on the porch soaking in the view and relaxing or sitting on the edge of the dock/stairs that go right into the water. I told them before I left it's my new "happy place". We snorkeled and swam right off the dock and lounged in the chairs every night for sunset and to stare up at the starry night sky. Perfect location and the most desired in all of Marsh Harbour on the end of the Eastern Shores peninsula, it felt secluded, yet was close by to so many wonderful beaches and islands-- we loved exploring in the boat. The food in Marsh Harbour was excellent-- we ate every kind of seafood imaginable and never had a bad meal while there! I could go on and on, but will say this place is a gem and we cannot wait to return!!
Hannah W.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Nathan W.
Apr 11, 2019
Beautiful spot
Beautiful, clean house. Great spot, looking out over Matt Lowe's Cay. House was nicely decorated, and the owners are very responsive. Would definitely recommend!
Nathan W.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Rhett B.
Mar 22, 2019
Perfect Getaway
What a wonderful place to stay! This was my 5th trip to Abaco/surrounding islands. I’ve rented a few homes that were very much NOT as advertised and I’m always a bit nervous when I show up to start my vacation at a new rental. The Mermaid was actually better than advertised and is the only place I’ll rent going forward. Look no further if you’re looking for a rental that is clean, super private, centrally located with great neighbors and amazing views. Brandon was very responsive and provided all the information that anyone new to the Island would ever need to have a great trip. Thanks Brandon, we’ll be back!
Rhett B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Laura W.
Jan 30, 2019
Perfect setting on the turquoise waters of Abaco.
We were overwhelmed by the beauty of walking into Mermaid Cottage and looking directly out to the most beautiful water scene. The cottage is modern, clean, beautifully decorated, and extremely comfortable. From the great porch outside to the beach loungers, the great big screen tv, the very usable and up to date kitchen, and the very comfortable king size bed, we couldn't have been happier. The location of Mermaid Cottage is very close to the ferry to Elbow Cay and also close to some very good restaurants. The grocery shopping was near and easy at Maxwells. The other homes near Mermaid Cottage are quite lovely built right on the shoreline and surrounded by water. We rented a car at A&P Auto and it worked out well. We could explore the island, and a car is necessary to get around, and to and from the cottage. Overall a great Bahamian experience.
Laura W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Morgan N.
Jan 7, 2019
Perfect !!! We loved the property. We will surely be back. Thank you very much Brandon,
The mermaid cottage is a perfect romantic getaway. We loved every second of it and Brandon went above and beyond to ensure that our stay was perfect