The Bahamas featuring Eleuthera
If you are looking for an escape to paradise, a short hop from Miami and with direct flights from many US cities and London, then The Bahamas - and Eleuthera in particular - should be top of your list. Beautiful, deserted beaches and the friendliest folk in the Caribbean await, whilst one of the most exciting new hotel openings is about to introduce the delights of Eleuthera to a new audience.
While the bright lights of Nassau attract cruise ships and tourists in their droves, we look for more tranquil pleasures and recently found them on Eleuthera, a short hop from Nassau to North Eleuthera, Governors' Harbour or Rock Sound airports. The island is a 110 mile-long, shaped like a thin leg bone, with gorgeous, almost deserted, Atlantic and Caribbean-facing beaches. At its narrowist point it is just 30 feet wide, at it's widest, one mile. As a result, there is just one road that runs north to South, grandly named The Queen's Highway.
The beaches are magnificent. On the Atlantic shores, the waves are broken by reefs as you look out across the ocean towards Africa. On the Caribbean side they are mesmerising shallow bays, almost Maldivian in their still beauty, often fringed by casuarina trees. Here you can swim with stingrays and turtles and snorkel with angel fish, with no crowds to be seen. Heaven.
On Eleuthera, if you are looking for the conventional island luxury lifestyle, then head for Harbour Island at the most northern point, where you will experience the glamour, feel the buzz, find the shops - including India Hicks' lovely boutique - and be spoiled for choice in terms of bars and restaurants.
Governor's Harbour
However, while we like a good dip in and out of Harbour Island, we have found our version of paradise in Governor's Harbour, about halfway down the island. Here, to open in early 2024, you will find The Potlatch Club, restored to more than its former glory, where in the 1960's and 70's this was one of the most exclusive retreats in the Caribbean, regularly visited by royalty, celebrities and high rollers. Paul McCartney honeymooned here with Linda back in 1969.
The rebirth of The Potlatch Club
Occupying a beautiful location, facing a deserted powder-soft, pink sand beach and the Atlantic Ocean beyond, the new owners have lavished so much care and attention on its re-birth, we think it will be one of the most talked about new hotel openings of 2024.
We visited for an exclusive pre-opening review in late November 2023, and were blown away with the lush, tropical setting; the restored historic architecture, blended sympathetically with the new; and friendly nurturing service, delivered by the adorable GM and his lovely team.
We wish The Potlatch Club every success and thank them for introducing us to the many joys of Eleuthera, knowing we will return time after time to this discreetly luxurious and very private gem.
Our exclusive pre-opening 'sneak peek' review of The Potlatch Club will be published, so make a note to return to this page on December 1st or contact us for advance reservations for the cottages, suites and the fabulous 4-bedroom villa which will be available when the resort officially opens in March 2024.