Different of Abaco

"Don’t forget to stop by Nettie’s Different of Abaco for lunch or to see Auntie Nettie's flamingos and other eco-tourism delights."

Having read such advice in a couple of guidebooks, we were definitely planning to check out the flamingos on the way back during our road trip. So when we saw the sign for Netties, we left the highway and headed about a half hour down the secondary road in search of Different of Abaco.

Set in the natural surroundings, and landscaped with hundreds of plants, including sapodilla, mango, sugar apple, coco plum, bougainvillaea, and sea grape Different of Abaco was the dream-child of Nettie Symonette. Born in Eleuthera she was a successful hotelier in Nassau before she started her eco-touism lodge and bonefishing resort on Casaurina Point just north of Cherokee. Her resort showcased the natural life and native art of the Abacos.

One of Nettie's dreams was to establish a flamingo population on Great Abaco, so she brought a flock of the birds to her wildlife refuge, along with other native animals such as iguana. The first flock of birds did not do well and the remainder were destroyed by a hurricane, but she tried again bringing another flock of 19 birds to the resort several years ago.

It was not easy to find Nettie's place. Only a small sign was visible on the road and it was surrounded by vegetation. There was no obvious place to park, so we pulled off the road and walked to the entrance. Imagine our disappointment and curiosity when we discovered the Different of Abaco was no longer in operation. Yet it was a fascinating site to explore.

It was obvious that something had happened. We later heard that Nettie had passed away, but do not know this for sure. The resort appeared to be abandoned. The slatted gate at the entrance was locked. The interior of the building which looked to be a bar and restaurant was left with only sparse furnishings and a carpet of pine needles.

The walls and fixtures were decorated with primitive carvings of birds and unique paintings and on one wall were hand written testimonials of former patrons who had thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Outside, the gardens were overgrown.

The rooms behind the hotel were still furnished but unused. There were no signs of the flamingos, but a few peacocks still wandered in the gardens. It was all very eerie and sad.

Different must have been quite a destination in its day, because it still has quite a presence on the Internet. One couple wrote on a travel website about their experience visiting the resort in 2006, at which time it may already have been closed. One site says it may reopen in 2008. Leaving Different, we couldn't help but respect the accomplishment of Nettie Symonette who raised up in the wilderness such a unique realization of her dream.

"It's very important, because as I see it, this is the way the world has to go. One has to have respect for the environment," "I found myself living among these birds and animals and whatnot, and then I found that they became like a tremendous closeness to God." ...Nettie Symonette