Actually this was the third time we stayed at Higgins and are presently planning our fourth visit. THE place to go to turn off the world and be pampered while doing it. Fantastic beaches, wonderful accomodations, and a five-star chef. Each time we've been there we've been spoiled for more.

My husband and I stayed at Hotel Higgins Landing for our 1st Anniversary. We so enjoyed our trip that we are returning this May for our 2nd Anniversary. Carol and Dave Higgins are outstanding hosts and made this trip wonderful! The bungalows are beautifully decorated and eco friendly. Perfectly private and all with spectacular views of the water. Our evenings were filled with wonderful food and spirits and of course watching the many shooting stars from our deck. I have been conflicted about writing reviews for this resort; not because I am disappointed with it, but rather I don't want it to become so popular that we have a difficult time making a reservation. Hotel Higgins Landing will always be a special place for my husband and I...we look forward to many repeat visits!

In November 2005 I reserved a 2 bedroom cottage for a surprise family vacation over New Year's, at Higgins Landing. I also purchased 4 non-refundable airline tickets to Exuma. From the date of my reservation, the balance was due just (3) days later. However, at the time I arranged the details of the reservation with the hotel's owner, this was not communicated. When the hotel tried to draw the balance from the same credit card they had used for the deposit 3 days earlier, it exceeded my card's limit. Rather than clearly explain what happened, or offer to take another credit card, the owner insisted the balance be wire-transferred or direct-deposited into their bank account.

I was scheduled for somewhat significant surgery when this happened, so I asked my husband to help resolve the situation. He was in another state at our business office, and had not been involved with the trip details (after all, it was supposed to be a surprise), but he agreed to complete the payment. To expedite the resolution, he suggested to Higgins Landing that he use one of his credit cards - but they denied his request. My husband is the Registered Principal and responsible for Compliance for a securities firm. Since he was aware this was a small family-owned resort outside the US, he felt their demand for a wire transfer or direct deposit was somewhat unusual. To be cautious, he insisted on using a credit card. They still refused.

Recovering from surgery, and still on medication, I spoke with the owner, but had the most insulting and rude conversation I have ever experienced. Once I understood what had happened (the deposit & balance being deducted almost simultaneously from my card), I apologized profusely, but she remained inflexible. Now, she refused to allow us to complete the payment in ANY manner! She accused us of trying to "dictate her hotel's policy" (because we had asked to use my husband's credit card), said she did not want "people like us" at her resort, called me a "despicable liar and a credit risk", and hung up on me.

By refusing to allow us to complete the payment, we were left with non-refundable airline tickets to Exuma, no place to stay (the owner said she "didn't care"), AND she kept the $2,070 deposit from my credit card, including a 15% pre-paid gratuity!

We have evidence our original dates were re-booked. Therefore, Higgins Landing has no legitimate reason to keep our deposit - yet almost 3 months later, it still has not been returned. What was a simple misunderstanding that should have been expeditiously resolved has become the most negative experience we have ever had in 30+ years of extensive travel.

We expect to recover our deposit with the assistance of the legal department of our credit card company, but will NEVER forget how we were treated by the owners of Higgins Landing, nor pass up the opportunity to tell others about it.

First of all, I advise whoever reads these reviews to please ignore the previous one that says the owner of this place is rude and unaccomodating. I read that review before we booked our reservation, and thankfully it didn't deter us! Hoever, because of that review, I was bracing myself for the male owner not being a very nice fellow, and I was pleasantly shocked to find how grossly inaccurate and slanderous that description was. Both Dave and Carol Higgins are absolutely gracious and generous people. In fact, they couldn't have been nicer or more accomodating and yet totally unobtrusive at the same time. I am sorry for that person who didn't even end up going to see this place in person!! What a loss!!

It may not be right for people seeking big, cookie-cutter hotels with lots of tourists and casinos and flashiness, but it was right for us: we LOVED this place....In fact, my husband and I just returned from what were undoubtedly some of the most relaxing and fabulous days we've shared together. Hotel Higgins Landing is absolutely charming: we loved how the place is eco-friendly, respectful of the beautiful landscape around it, totally self-sustaining and yet incredibly comfortable and relaxing and luxurious. Despite the solar panels on the lovingly-built post and beam cottages, you don't feel like you are "roughing it" at all....Quiet and/or lively days filled with snorkling, kayaking, hiking, reading and just breathing....Stocking Island is a little paradise: you can walk for miles along the white sand beaches and not see anyone, gorgeous blue-green sea filled with beautiful fish and coral, incredible golden light sparkling on the water at dusk, and then in the evenings we indulged in yummy pina coladas by the bar right off the pristine private beach and truly elegant and delicious meals served by candlelight in the dining room overlooking the water. It really was a sublime place and we would definitely go back.