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

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 by plane away, 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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Rooms at The Cove

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.

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.

Things to do at The Cove and on Eleuthera

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. Snorkeling equipment is conveniently left on deck to allow guests to explore tropical life underwater as they please. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot turtles among an array of sea stars and colorful fish.

Committed to sustainability efforts, The Cove has partnered with the Reef Rescue Network to support coral restoration in the region. Guests can learn more about this initiative through a guided snorkel tour at the property. A portion of revenues is donated straight to the RRN to fund these restoration efforts.

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If you’re sunburnt and need a chill session out of the sun, the resort has you covered at the spa and fitness center. Spa treatments include body wraps, massages, and body scrubs. A few doors down, you can join a yoga session to start your morning fresh or to finish your day with the sunset behind you.

The property offers complimentary activities like kayaking and paddleboarding to keep you busy on the water. Or embrace the beach bum lifestyle on floating hammocks can can be rented for $150 an hour.

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For guests seeking more adventure, The Cove’s concierges can coordinate off-site activities like deep sea fishing ($1,300 to $1,800), horseback riding ($100), and private snorkeling tours ($80).

The water is a clear draw that brings many people to the region, but my personal favorite part of my recent visit was exploring Eleuthera on land during a tour set up by The Cove. It was one part natural adventure and one part history of the island with stops at places like Preacher’s Cave, where passengers took refuge in 1648 after a shipwreck. Human history here dates back centuries earlier to the Indigenous Lucayan people who inhabited what is now the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Glass Window Bridge was another highlight on the guided tour. The eerie spot is on the Bight of Eleuthera, which separates the chaotic deep blue seas of the Atlantic Ocean from the calm and clear Caribbean waters on the other side. It’s referred to as the narrowest place on Earth, and is indeed at least the narrowest point on the island.

Where to eat and drink at The Cove

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Atop a hill between the property’s two sand coves lies an infinity pool with a killer view. Behind this pool, guests can enjoy an outdoor brunch at Gregory Town Grill, or catch sunset cocktails at the open-air Point Bar and dine indoors at Freedom Restaurant. The latter includes an intimate 5-seat sushi bar experience and other delicious Asian-inspired seafood plates. For groups seeking an intimate meal, the property can prepare a private dinner right on the beach.

How to get to Eleuthera and The Cove

Eleuthera’s two local airports (North Eleuthera and Governor’s Harbour) are served by daily direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta. Visitors can also fly in from Nassau if they wish to stop at multiple islands in the Bahamas. Once there, car services and taxis can be arranged through the hotel.