January 2017 | Business View Caribbean

64 65 three bedrooms on the top floor in the front building,” says Bastian. “Below that are two other units with two twin beds or a queen bed. We built two other buildings –one on the beach with three villas, and another building right behind it.”A new building, right next to the property, was built last year by the Lodge’s original owner, who is allow- ing Bastian to rent out three additional rooms with seven extra beds. “This is unique in Andros where most hotels and lodges, the maximum is eight beds or less,” she adds. “We are therefore a good option for tournaments and larger groups - which seems to be the trend for the future in An- dros.” Most of the guests at Swain’s Cay Lodge come from the U.S., and, according to Bastian, they are generally affluent entrepreneurs or business people. “Andros attracts a lot of high-end, saltwater anglers, because there is fantastic fishing and it’s not built up,” she explains. In order to accommodate her guests’ fishing pro- Swain’s Cay Lodge AT A GLANCE Swain’s Cay Lodge WHAT: A beachside hotel catering to anglers and eco-tourists WHERE: Mangrove Cay, Andros Island, Bahamas WEBSITE: www.swains caylodge.com clivities, she knew she had to provide them with the best possible guides. “So, I engaged third and fourth gen- eration guides, who have the personality and the expertise to engage these affluent and high net worth anglers,” she declares. “We work with the best guides in the area who favor working with our lodge because of our fair standards, attractive salary, and growth poten- tial. This helps to make the fishing experience more efficient than our competitors and more enjoyable for our customers.” In addition, Bastian’s staff of ten help make the Lodge’s guests feel at home, while cater- ing to their every need. “We have an excellent staff that provides a truly genuine, helpful, skillful, and friendly service,” she states. “Our client retention is high with guests who have returned for six straight years to fish.” The Lodge’s Reef Side restaurant provides delicious Bahamian food - breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be enjoyed right on the beach with a fantastic view of the ocean. “We recently introduced a lounge area on our deck