The Bahamas Greatest Getaway: The Cove, Eleuthera

A Caribbean island–void of chain hotels, crowded beaches, shopping malls, or even a stop light… Eleuthera, Bahamas is a little known paradise. It straddles both the teal Caribbean sea and the deep-blue Atlantic, has 135 beaches, a handful of hotels, and one particularly exceptional resort.

The Cove Eleuthera used to be a hippie lodge in a pineapple field, then in 2013 this unbelievable piece of real estate, with its twin beach coves framed in coral cliffs, re-opened as a luxury escape and the most beautiful beach resort we have ever seen.

Just 51 miles from Nassau and a 20 minute drive from the North Eleuthera airport sits Gregory Town: home of the Annual Pineapple Festival, The Island-Made Gift shop, and The Cove. Set on 40 acres of forest and coast, this 57-room resort is designed to maximize its dramatic natural setting.

The rooms are minimalist but stunning, with furniture made by local carpenters, fluffy white linens, and natural sisal rugs. As if our suite wasn’t inviting enough, the manager welcomed us with a fruit basket and a bottle of their very own pinot noir “The Cove.” (A California vintner was so enchanted with this property, he decided to create a wine in its honor).

We started our mornings sipping espresso on our porch or yoga at the point, then diving into one of The Cove’s many water activities: snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, boating, or standup paddleboarding. We’ve done SUP before, but with waters this calm and cliffs so stunning…it was an experience like no other.

For those who go spearfishing or hand-lining, The Cove’s sushi chef can sashimi or grill your catch of the day. One of the guests was so proud of his fish, he offered everyone in the restaurant one of his self-caught appetizers. The next day we ordered spicy tuna rolls and this beautiful seaweed salad and kicked back to enjoy the view.

By night, the property glitters off the water—both the Caribbean ocean and the 110′-long infinity pool.

Just a quick bike or drive (The Cove offers complimentary bicycles and 4WD Jeeps for rent) from the property are The Queen’s Baths — a place that “Mike Rock-Hound Howard” ranks in his top 5 favorite geological wonders of the world. The Atlantic wave action has carved the limestone and exposed a myriad of colors, textures, artistic formations, and multiple swimming pools. At low tide, we climbed down and basked in the sun-heated baths.

After our time lounging on the beach with a book and a Bahama Mama, the resident boat captain took us snorkeling. We dove in to find forests of purple fan coral, underwater caves, a sunken bridge, and fish galore. We spotted yellow spotted rays, lion fish, spiny lobster, even a seven-foot nurse shark!
Fun Fact: Lenny Kravitz is half Bahamian and you pass his house on the snorkel trip.

We love that The Cove provides a plethora of activities, but its incredible beauty and welcoming vibe allows every guest to slow down, soak in the view, savor a cocktail, and bask in the sunshine.

Anne & Mike Howard

Mike and Anne Howard left on their honeymoon in 2012 and have been traveling the world ever since. HoneyTrek.com chronicles their adventures across 7 continents, 44 countries, and counting! Their writing, photography, and the story of the “World’s Longest Honeymoon” can also be found on Condé Nast Traveler, BBC Travel, The Knot, Los Angeles Times, CBS, and dozens of other international publications. Connect with @HoneyTrek on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.