Tucked away in the Bahamas Out Island of Eleuthera is Yellowbird Estate—an expansive private villa that stands as a beacon of coastal charm and tranquility. With its idyllic oceanfront location, this unique vacation rental captures the essence of island living, while offering an unforgettable escape for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Yellowbird Estate welcomes guests with an interior that seamlessly combines seaside elegance with modern comfort. The spaces are adorned with carefully selected furnishings and décor that create an atmosphere that is both soothing and invigorating. Large hurricane impact glass doors, windows and ample open spaces allow the sunshine to weave its way through the rooms, enhancing feelings of being connected to the natural world.

The most enchanting feature of Yellowbird Estate is undoubtedly its oceanfront location. A private stretch of pink sand beach invites guests to unwind under the sun, take leisurely strolls along the shoreline, or simply listen to the serenade of the waves that ceaselessly ebb and flow. The estate’s outdoor spaces are designed to maximize the beauty of the surrounding environment, offering stunning views of the ocean that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Luxurious Interior Amenities Abound
While Yellowbird Estate embodies the laid-back spirit of island living, it doesn’t compromise on luxury and convenience. The home is equipped with modern amenities that cater to the needs of travelers seeking comfort and relaxation. From a fully equipped chef’s kitchen to spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, each detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay.

This nine-bedroom, 9.5-bathroom treasure, which can accommodate fully 22 guests, sits on a lush 2.3 acre ocean view property that is nestled between a 20-acre pond and a beautiful private pink sand beach. With a main house boasting 8,400 square feet, there are four beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms, plus a stunning separate primary suite with its own private entrance. The bed in the primary suite is oriented so that the moment a guest opens their eyes in the morning, they are greeted with unforgettable vistas of the Caribbean blue sea.

The property’s chef-inspired kitchen features a gorgeous custom rock wall, large island with seating, gas range, double oven and a wide array of appliances and cooking tools sure to meet any culinary need. Guests can on their own, or for dinner, elicit the services of Island Hospitality Group or other area private chef services that can facilitate wonderfully immersive gastro-travel experiences.

Yellowbird Estate also features a spacious living room with bar—boasting soaring 28-foot ceilings—which offers a cozy, communal space perfect for family game night, conversations or a sunset cocktail that can be viewed from the large attached pergola overlooking the heated infinity pool and private beach. The house also has a super comfy media room for watching movies or TV and playing games.

Oceanfront Indulgence
Outside of the main house sits a detached 2,200-foot guest casita that also overlooks the pool, which has its own large living space and eat-in kitchen. This luxury casita has three en-suite bedrooms with an additional bunk room with top twin bunks, and bottom full and double bunks, plus a full bathroom.

Rounding out the incredible lot is a large covered cabana—affectionately known as “The Office”—that faces the private beach. Aside from serving as the perfect space to feel the omnipresent breeze in your hair, this multi-functional space can be used for yoga, massages, cocktails, coffee breaks or a quiet dinner right next to the melodic ocean. It’s also noteworthy that Yellowbird Estate comes fully staffed with a cook for breakfast and lunch, housekeeping and concierge services to facilitate guest requests. While guests pay for their own groceries and other provisions, grocery stocking is available at no charge. Airport pick-up and drop-off is additionally included with each stay.

Beyond its own captivating beauty, Yellowbird Estate also serves as a gateway to exploring the wonders of Eleuthera and the Bahamas at large. Guests can indulge in water sports, fishing, snorkeling and diving adventures to discover the vibrant marine life that resides beneath the waves. Additionally, nearby attractions such as swimming with pigs, cliff jumping, ATV riding and more offer endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment. Resources like those offered by EleutheraVacationRentals.net provide a comprehensive list of things to do on the island.

The owner of Yellowbird Estate, Ann Bakhaus, has been venturing to the island for over 40 years, having fallen in love with Eleuthera on her very first visit. She fondly upholds a childhood memory of the iconic Dr. Seabreeze singing the song “Yellowbird” to her father, which was his favorite, eventually inspiring the moniker for this distinctive estate home. Below, Bakhaus shares some of her personal thoughts on what makes this property a premier vacation rental option in Eleuthera.

MK: What are a few things that set the property apart from other comparable options in the area?

AB: First and foremost is our staff, who strive for the most wonderful experience possible for each guest. Their attention to detail is unsurpassed. And both our Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director are certified in First Aid/CPR and AED by the American Heart Association. The layout of the property and the design of the buildings are other notable features of the house, as the spaces are very flexible and each room is decidedly cozy. Variation and ease of guest experiences is another strong suit, as each guest can design their activities just by checking a box in their welcome package upon arrival.

MK: Who is your target or ideal clientele?

AB: Our target clientele is anyone and everyone that’s looking for a beautiful, quiet property large enough for 22 people. We have hosted corporate retreats, family reunions, destination weddings and have even made it intimate for small groups of six or less. We’ve even had a couple rent it just for themselves. Yellowbird Estate offers wonderful experiences and things to do, from sip and paints for children and adults to a day at Tin Bay with Jet Ski’s! Also available are DJ’s and other live music, fire dancers, hair braiding, massages and even blow up outdoor movie screens for cinema and pizza parties under the stars. We facilitate as much, or as little, as guests would like to do.

MK: What is your personal favorite aspect of the property and/or guest experience at large?

AB: My personal favorite aspect of the property is our beautiful, thatched building that sits next to the beach, which we call “The Office.” It is perfect for yoga, massages, morning coffee, romantic dinners for two, a personal workspace or just a terrific place to chill out and watch the sunrise. Of course, hospitality is our number one priority and our guests become family. In fact, many book their return even before they leave. Attention to detail is our specialty, from appetizers and Yellowbird drinks upon arrival to turn down every night.  We also have a famous bonfire on the beach the night before departure—s’mores included!

All of that said, what is most special about Eleuthera and Yellowbird Estate is the people of the island, who are the kindest, most gracious and honest people you’ll ever meet. They have much pride and work so hard. The simple life on the island with these folks is amazing. No commercialism, just good clean healthy living full of respect and thankfulness. Tourism is how they make a living and the local islanders are very thankful for those who visit Eleuthera.

MK: What are the property’s policies/protocols regarding sustainability, if any?

AB: Sustainability is one of our top priorities at Yellowbird Estate. From capturing our own water into our cisterns that take care of every building on the property to our solar panels that produce 90% of our electricity. We also supply each guest with their own water bottle personalized with their name upon arrival to cut down on the use of plastics.

MK: What is particularly notable about your location on the island?

AB:  We are centrally located 20 minutes from Governors Harbor, which is far enough away to be very private and close enough for wonderful restaurants, shopping, fuel and ATMs. Also, Fishermen come in each day to supply fresh fish.

MK: How has technology impacted the guest experience?

AB:  Luckily there are no issues with technology or television at Yellowbird. We have Starlink, which has proven to be very reliable for Internet service, as well as for support of the worldwide television channels. Eleuthera is known for issues with electrical supply, but our main supply at Yellowbird Estate is from solar. We also have a generator back up, so there’s never an issue with blackouts.

Yellowbird Estate offers more than just a place to stay; it provides the backdrop for unforgettable memories. Whether it’s savoring a sunrise breakfast or cup of Joe on the patio, or in the ocean-adjacent cabana, sipping cocktails with toes in the sand at dusk, or sharing laughter and stories with loved ones around the communal kitchen island or living room bar, the house becomes a canvas on which travelers paint their own tales of relaxation and joy.

What’s certain is that Yellowbird Estate Bahamas is more than a vacation rental; it’s an embodiment of the beauty and allure of Eleutheran island living. With its beach-chic interiors and breathtaking oceanfront location, it invites travelers to experience a slice of paradise. As guests immerse themselves in the tranquility and coastal charm of the Yellowbird Estate, they forge a connection with the Bahamian spirit sure to leave a lasting imprint on their hearts and souls.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***