Frequently Asked Questions

Are Solstice and Kaleidoscope ever rented separately?
No. In order to ensure the complete privacy of our guests and to provide the full range of amenities, the two houses are always rented together for one price.

Is Solstice appropriate for children?
Solstice is good for school-age children but it wasn't designed with very young children in mind. High balconies, rocky cliffs, miles of dense forests, thorn bushes, an ocean, irreplaceable original art...you get the picture. If you have young children, we can discuss your particular circumstances and see if Solstice is right for you.

Smoking?
It really isn't good for you. If you must, please not inside the houses.

What is the maximum occupancy?
12 to 16 people, depending on how many beds you use and how many people per bed. Between the two houses, there are six bedrooms, one loft and two other convertible beds.

How close is the nearest grocery store? Restaurant?
Nothing is exactly "close" to Solstice, its remoteness is one of its charms. But you can reach the best grocery stores on the island and a half-dozen of the closest restaurants in 15 to 20 minutes. 

Is the tap water safe to drink?
The tap water at Solstice is rainwater with no processing or chemicals added, for better or worse. It is tested once a year for purity but unlike your municipal water system back home, it is not constantly monitored. If you are sensitive or cautious, you may want to drink bottled water which is available at all of the grocery stores on the island. However, we drink the tap water ourselves and every guest we have spoken to has done the same without any complaint.

Is the rent tax deductible since it all goes to charity?
Solstice is not a registered charitable organization so your rent is not deductible. We, the owners, claim a tax deduction when the money is donated to the designated charities.

Are there lots of bugs?
Of course...humans are not the only animals that love a tropical paradise. At certain time of the year, every tree on the island flashes with millions of fluttering yellow butterflies. If you leave a porch light on overnight, you will see a veritable reference book of moths and other harmless insects on the wall next to the light. But what you are probably really asking about are mosquitoes and other biting insects. Mosquitoes prefer low-lying, damp, sheltered areas near fresh water -- a description that regrettably fits the airports and some of the rental houses and resorts on the island. Solstice sits on a rocky, breezy hill far from the nearest fresh water pond so mosquitoes are not usually a problem. On a recent visit in August at the height of the summer "rainy season" there wasn't a mosquito to be seen. However, a breezeless day after a rain storm will bring out the mosquitoes or no-see-ums anywhere in the tropics, even during the dry season. In that case, you will want to wear insect repellent, especially if you go outside in the evening. Rest assured that all of the windows and doors in both houses have screens.

Do stores and restaurants accept US dollars? Credit cards?
The Bahamian dollar is tied to the same value as the US dollar and the two circulate interchangeably on the island. Any bill may be paid with either currency and expect a mixture in the change you get back. A few of the larger grocery stores and restaurants on the island accept credit cards but most smaller establishments do not so it is always good to have plenty of US or Bahamian cash available. There are ATMs that accept most debit and credit cards near both of the airports.

Is Solstice accessible to people with limited mobility?
The path to the cove is not steep but it is a dirt trail with about 60 feet of elevation loss/gain. The very short trail between the houses is also dirt and a bit rough. Particularly in Solstice, stair-climbing is required to reach many of the rooms. Wheelchair users would have difficulty navigating the property.

Are there other web sites with more information about Solstice?
Solstice has a page on Facebook where we post new photos and information periodically. You can sign up as a "fan" and be notified as we add new content. We also have listings on Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO.com), HomeAway.com, Bahamarama (a UK-based real estate and tourism web site), and Bahamas4u (a site that also has many useful links to information and business in the Bahamas).

Have another question?
Contact us!