This Island Resort Offers Secluded Serenity Near the 'Narrowest Place on Earth'

08.01.2025 - 10:35 / matadornetwork.com

Fifty miles east of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas that locals refer to simply as “the city,” lies Eleuthera, a slim island 110 miles long and under 1 mile wide at parts. Only about 11,000 people live on the stretch of land that gets its name from the Greek word for freedom.

Arriving on the island via a 40-minute flight from Miami gave me a taste of what was to come. North Eleuthera Airport is the smallest airport I’ve ever encountered, possessing only a few narrow rooms inside. The security area is the size of a hallway, and the customs area is the size of a bathroom with a line that stretches outside. Eleuthera is not a year-round tourism hub like Nassau while still being accessible for travelers from the United States, and that’s precisely its charm.

View of the villas at The Cove on Eleuthera. Photo: Keven Gungor

The Cove, a 25-minute drive away from the airport, shares this sense of isolation among paradise. The recently renovated resort has just under 30 units, keeping the area consistently tranquil. The Caribbean is a popular getaway for people based in South Florida like me. The pristine beaches and culture are a couple of hours away by plane, and I’ve been to more islands than I can count. Still, I’ve never had an experience quite like the one on Eleuthera, where The Cove offers a novel respite. The property and island are ideal for visitors who want to visit the Caribbean without staying in revolving door resorts or being limited to overcrowded cruise ports.

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Guests can choose between junior or king suites (between $1,500 to $2,000 per night), or larger villas (between $4,000 and $6,000 per night). Sporting a king bed, the suites are best for solo travelers or couples, while the beachfront villas are intended for families or groups of friends up to six guests. Most of these stand-alone bungalows are beachfront, with a delightful view of the Caribbean azure from bed.

Private pool at one of the villas at The Cove. Photo: Keven Gungor

The 750-to-950-square-foot suites include perks like private patios and soaking tubs, while 1,100-3,500-square-foot villas offer a spacious living area, outdoor showers, and a few even have private heated pools. The bathrooms inside make you feel like you’re in a chic spa with mosaic tiles, rain showerheads, and plush robes and slippers.

View from the king suite patio. Photo: Keven Gungor

The majority of the bungalows at The Cove have beachfront patios so you can stroll right out of bed to walk on white sands or take a dip in the turquoise Caribbean waters.