Glamping.com

Just a 45-minute flight from Fort Lauderdale, there’s a sliver of land that divides the teal Caribbean and the deep blue Atlantic; it’s lined with 135 beaches, coral cliffs, 8,000 locals and a handful of tourists…the majestic Eleuthera, Bahamas. We landed at the Governor’s Harbour airport and within minutes arrived at the island’s prestigious Sky Beach Club. It could be called a hotel but it is more is a like a cluster of luxury vacation homes with tons of privacy and staff just when you need them. There is a main pool but most villas have their own. There is a fabulous restaurant but the villas’ fully equipped kitchens and ocean-view terraces often inspire a night in. It’s a special place where life slows down and relaxation comes easy.

The 22-acre property has four villas perched on the hillside and two bungalows down by the rare and fabulous pink sand beach. The Atlantic is always in view, and from the top of the Sky Beach Club, you can get 360-degree dual ocean panorama.

The villas are modern while embracing the natural setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows and ample outdoor space. A spacious sunken living room, state-of-the-art kitchen, and room to sleep eight…it’s perfect for families or a few couples. Stock up on groceries in nearby Gregory Town or have the staff fill your fridge prior to arrival. Don’t feel like cooking? Sky Beach Club can arrange a private chef.

Just outside the thatch-roof bungalows is the infinity pool and swim-up cocktail bar. We spent our time sunbathing on the chaise lounges by day or sitting by the conch-shell fire pit by night.

Sammy’s Swim Up bar is renowned on Eleuthera. This local character has been bartending on the island for 19 years and is famous for his gift of gab and Goombay Smash. We chitchatted while he created masterful cocktails. Lounging on their chic patio under the swaying palms, sipping Smashes, and watching the teal sea break was nothing shy of heaven.

The Sky Beach Club lured one of Eleuthera’s top chefs and restauranteurs to their property, Pascal Burrows. He previously owned three restaurants but is now focusing his efforts on Pascal’s Oceanfront Seafood Restaurant. In addition to seating by the pool, the dining room offers sumptuous views that complement every meal.

For lunch, we started with fresh cracked conch and a pair of Kaliks (the national beer of the Bahamas), followed by a blackened grouper sandwich and bountiful salad of romaine, apple, walnut, cranberries and blue cheese. Delish!

Pascal has also secured a beach bar along the coral sand. Grab yourself a Rum Punch as you pass through and lounge under the thatch umbrellas on this secluded stretch of beach. The hotel manager CC leads nature walks along the shore, pointing out the flora and fauna like hog plums and kamalame trees. Follow the scenic and original Banks Road and it will lead you to Governor’s Harbour, a charming British colonial village and home of the famous Friday Night Fish Fry.

Sky Beach Club is the kind of place you’ll want to stay a week or a month. If you’ve ever wanted a second home on tropical island (without the commitment), check into the Sky Beach Club.