Eleuthera has been a hidden gem for many a year, a closely kept secret for those lucky enough to have homes on this long, thin island with Atlantic shores running down one side and calm Caribbean beaches on the other.

We took a twenty minute flight from Nassau to Governor's Harbour in a little plane captained by Brandon, one of the finest 'Pilots of the Carribean', according to Southern Air Charters. Bahamas Air also flies to 'Govenors' and, soon American will fly here direct from Miami, which is certainly going to make the town more accessible. At 'Governor's Harbour International Airport' - comprising a runway and welcome hut, we were met by Kezang, the charming general manager of The Potlatch Club, and within ten minutes of landing we were whisked away on the short drive to the resort.

First sight of The Potlatch Club

Situated just out of town on Old Banks Road, photographer, author and illustrator, David Loftus and I arrived to a warm welcome and iced ginger and lemongrass tea, which was specially prepared for us by chef Choki. It proved addictive, and subsequently requested by us each day.

The cottages and suites were not yet furnished, so we stayed in the beautiful and very private 4-bedroom villa with soaring ceilings, super comfortable beds - mine a four poster - and glorious views over the private pool, winding path bordered by towering palms and sea grasses, with a white pavilion and its Adirondak chair a point of focus, contrasting with the Atlantic blue ocean and azure sky. The sea air, scented with jasmine and frangipane, revived our senses after our journey from London, and we knew we had arrived somewhere very special.

The Potlatch Club occupies 12 acres of stunning landscaped bliss, masterminded by co-owners Hans Febles and Bruce Loshusan, where the cottages and public buildings literally nestle into the lush gardens in a serene and uncrowded way. Apart from our 4-bedroom villa, there are 3 garden suites, 3 garden cottages, 3 ocean view cottages and a beautiful 1 bedroom ocean front villa, which will be perfect for honeymooners. The low density concept is in contrast with any other hotel on the island (and beyond), which makes this place so alluring, and all the architecture, including the stunning pavilion bar, just feels 'right'. Bravo!

The pink sand beach is as soft as powder and my many soon-after-dawn walks were alone on this vast shore, where the water is as clear as crystal. When you find yourself sharing the shoreline, the stranger seems as surprised as you.

Perfect for exclusive use and weddings

Given the boutique size of the property laid out in 12 acres of beautiful gardens, The Potlatch Club will be perfect for beach-front weddings and exclusive use buy-outs, where families can take the whole property for a very special vacation or celebration. It would feel like a private island.

We will save all the details for our full new hotel review, but this glimpse of The Potlatch Club is intended to whet the appetite for those seeking peace, privacy, beauty and style on an unpretentious isle where friendliness is in the DNA. Its a place where there's plenty to do, but at The Potlatch Club, you can just 'be'.

For more details and pre-opening reservations, please contact our concierge.