A Stone's Throw Away

The
entrance of A Stone’s Throw Away initially looks modest, with a small sign
creatively set in a rock and a single, unassuming door. Step beyond this
doorway, however, and you’re met with a far more dramatic sight: A steep limestone
staircase leads up to reception, followed by another equally steep
wooden staircase. It certainly looks impressive, but the task of carrying luggage
up all those steps can be a rude surprise for some guests.Potentially
challenging arrivals aside, the guest house has a homey, hideaway vibe. It’s
modeled after a Colonial-era mansion, complete with pickled-wood ceilings and
louvered shutters. The furnishings aren’t particularly luxurious, but they have
a timeless feel that compliments the old-school design of the building. Most guests
are couples, and with only 10 rooms in total the ambience is predictably calm
and laid-back. The atmosphere lends itself well to reading in the gardens or
enjoying long conversations on the scenic porch. Its hilltop location allows
for sweeping views of the ocean from the restaurant and many guest rooms. The
area around the hotel doesn’t offer many attractions or dining options, but the
out-of-the-way location seems to suit many guests.

A Stone’s
Throw Away is located off picturesque West Bay Street, less than a 30-minute
drive from downtown Nassau. The coast is found a gentle two-minute walk
downhill, but it’s quite rocky in this area. The soft sands of Love Beach are about
a 10-minute walk away. There are a handful of restaurants found within walking
distance, but not much else.There are
several jitney bus stops along West Bay Street, where you can catch a cheap
ride to Cable Beach or downtown Nassau (although service only runs until early evening).
The airport is a three-minute drive away. Paradise Island and the attractions
of the sprawling Atlantis Resort can be reached in a 30-minute drive.

The 10 guest rooms
at A Stone’s Throw Away are cozy and inviting, featuring hardwood or parquet
flooring and neutral color schemes. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, iPod
docks, and free Wi-Fi. Walls are decorated with delightful black-and-white
photos of the island. All rooms include mini-fridges as well as closets
enclosed by curtains. Rooms have sweeping views over the island, the pool and leafy
grounds, or the ocean. The hardwood flooring continues in the simple but
attractive bathrooms. Off-brand bars of soap are set on pedestal sinks. Glass-enclosed showers are stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
dispensers.Some rooms
include double French doors, which open up onto the building’s large
wrap-around porch. The porch is furnished with wooden benches and loungers; some areas feature Indonesian teak daybeds. Suites have larger sitting
areas with Victorian sofas, as well as bathrooms with separate bathtubs and
showers.

As a small-scale property, A Stone’s
Throw Away has limited amenities, but they add to its overall charm. The property's star feature could be its tiny pool with rock and waterfall focal points. Seating around
the pool is offered at rustic chic wooden tables and loungers with deep red
cushions. Nestled within the hotel’s lush grounds and surrounded by rock
tiling, the pool area feels like a magical little retreat.Free
breakfast is served in an appealing restaurant located just off the lobby. The menu includes cereals, toasts, cheese, yogurt, ham, fruit, and made-to-order eggs. There are a few tables set inside around the buffet, and more seating out on a
roomy terrace overlooking the ocean. The terrace is breezy yet sophisticated,
with burnt orange and red cushions popping against the neutral colored tables
and wooden deck. The restaurant is only open to hotel guests, and serves lunch as well as dinner by request. There’s an
honor bar in the lobby, where guests can help themselves to spirits and wine. Free
Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Free parking is offered on the street in
front of the hotel.