Since March, I’d been counting down the days.
When a wonderful publicist pitched The Cove Eleuthera to me, and I knew it was the kind of place my husband Sebastian and I adore: secluded, luxurious, and full of natural island charm. When June finally arrived, so did our chance to escape to this Bahamian paradise.
From the moment we were picked up and driven to the resort’s breezy entrance, greeted with a chilled rum punch, I could feel my world slowing down.
An Island Rich in Beauty and History
Once you land, and as you head over to The Cove, you will realize that this is an island that is as unique as it is beautiful, and the surroundings during our drive to the resort proved this even more. The Cove Eleuthera is nestled on one of the most captivating out-islands in the Bahamas. The name Eleuthera comes from the Greek word eleutheros, meaning “freedom,” which fits perfectly with the feeling you get upon arrival.
This 110-mile-long sliver of paradise, which is just 50 miles east of Nassau and 225 miles from Miami, has a storied past. Settled by the British in the 1700s, Eleuthera is often called the birthplace of the Bahamas. Once known for its pineapple farms, which are still thriving today, the island now beckons travelers to unwind, reconnect and embrace the slow rhythm of island life.
The Cove itself sits on 40 lush acres and offers 29 stylish accommodations ranging from oceanfront villas to garden-view suites. With two private beaches, an infinity pool, sushi bar, gourmet restaurant, and breathtaking views from nearly every vantage point, it’s a place where both serenity and sophistication thrive.
Warm Welcomes and a Place to Call Home
The hospitality at The Cove is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. The staff exudes warmth, attention to detail, and pride in their island, reminding me so much of Puerto Rico—my beautiful homeland where I was born and raised. The tropical breeze, lush landscapes, and the gentle rhythm of Eleuthera’s daily life brought me back to my roots in the most heartwarming way.
Our villa felt like a cozy island apartment, a true home away from home. The private patio opened to a sweeping view of the turquoise sea, complete with cushioned couches, chairs and a table—an ideal space to soak in the colors of the Caribbean and let time simply drift. With a cocktail or beverage of choice, of course, and some room service if that’s your choice.
Before we had even fully unpacked, Sebastian and I found ourselves rushing down to the beach and enjoying the views of the sparkling turquoise ocean that the Bahamas is widely known for. My husband immediately made sure to grab a paddleboard and enjoy the activity on the quiet waters that were present that day. Moments later, we were lounging in beach chairs with handcrafted cocktails in hand, toasting to the start of a weekend that would feed our souls.
Island Days Full of Wonder and Flavor
The Cove’s culinary experiences are a journey in themselves, deeply rooted in Bahamian flavor but elevated to something uniquely elegant.
Each morning, Gregory Town Grill welcomes guests with bright island air, offering delicious options for a fresh breakfast. Guests can expect everything from fluffy buttermilk pancakes and golden Bahamian French toast to grilled pineapple, smoked salmon bagels, and chilled watermelon gazpacho. Refreshing cold-pressed juices and tropical smoothies round out mornings with just the right touch of paradise.
Lunches at Gregory Town Grill are vibrant and fulfilling, and you will see this by their vast menu of options for every visitor’s taste: imagine crispy coconut shrimp, island chicken wraps, blackened snapper sandwiches, or the Cove’s signature grilled burgers, and make sure to try some dishes there during your visit, or a cool drink on their tables overlooking the ocean.
While you can dine at a table overlooking the sea, you can also have meals delivered directly to your beachfront lounge chair, where your toes are buried in sand and your heart is at peace, a moment that highly recommend having to beat a little stress. This is not a place that allows you to feel or even think about stress, and it’s completely acceptable to forget what day of the week it is, or even the time. In fact, it is encouraged.
By evening, Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Bar transforms the resort into a culinary haven. The dinner menu features indulgent options such as sesame-seared tuna with avocado mousse, grilled lobster tail with citrus butter, filet mignon with truffle mashed potatoes, and roasted cauliflower steak with island herbs. Sushi lovers can indulge in expertly crafted rolls like the Island Time (spicy tuna, mango, avocado), the Eleuthera Rainbow (local fish, crab, cucumber), and even vegetarian options bursting with flavor and texture. I opted for two different rolls when I visited for dinner with Sebastian and was left impressed with their take of a spicy tuna roll; it’s my favorite type of sushi and I loved how fresh, well-balanced and spicy it was. This is one of my favorites now, and I might have to come back just for that!
Culinary Experiences, Cocktails and Spirits Meant to Be Remembered
Speaking of sushi, the highlight for me was taking a sushi-making class that visitors can enjoy led by Chef Joel or Chef Cora. Held daily at the elegant new sushi bar, this hands-on, one-hour session teaches everything from preparing sushi rice and selecting sushi-grade fish to perfecting that iconic roll. I was excited, feeling brave, and was impressed with the fact that I was able to create some awesome rolls, and tasty ones, at that.
My husband is quite the cook, so I was ready for him to chuckle a bit as I attempted to roll my own sushi. He was quite supportive, but of course some laughs were had along our experience, with the chef as well. It was just fun, and the sake options to pair with the sushi experience were well-selected, and you can choose from chilled sake or warm sake to enjoy with the rolls when you finish creating them.
Then there are the libations. I also want to try whipping some of those at home to remind myself of the trip and their creative drinks. From the Island Mule to the Guava Mojito and the signature Cove Rum Punch, the drinks menu is a celebration of tropical flavors. The Point Bar, perched on a bluff between the north and south beaches, is the perfect place to enjoy them. As for their happy hour held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., you can expect breeze, a little heat, and delicious drinks and spirits. The bar is set up right up the grassy hill, with comfortable seats that face the ocean, and you can take in the views as you sip your drink or spirit of choice.
I had the guts to carefully walk over to their bench nearby, nestled on a high-up rock at the corner of a rocky hill close to the happy hour. As I sat there sipping some Chardonnay with my husband watching over me, I felt so blessed and the view simply was breathtaking. Do not leave without taking some pictures there. They’ll turn out impressive and you just might want to frame many of them afterwards when you get home. Trust me!
Spa Dreams and Sunset Moments
One of the most magical moments was our couple’s massage at The Cove’s spa. Within minutes of lying on the table, we were nearly asleep, lulled by the expertise of our therapists and the soft sounds of nature sounds. When it was over, we were so perfectly disoriented and relaxed, and that’s a good thing. Trust us!
Pineapple Festivals and Colorful Memories
Our trip coincided with Eleuthera’s traditional Pineapple Festival, a joyful celebration of the island’s treasured fruit. I danced with an elderly woman who radiated the spirit I hope to have well into my 80s, which was unapologetically joyful, full of rhythm and a love of life. It was quite the highlight of the festival for me. At the festival, we also indulged on food, listened to local music and bands, witnessed an art competition and even purchased a book by a local author and a Bahamian soap made in the island.
Sebastian purchased me a handwoven My Little Pony Rainbow Dash straw basket, an adorable souvenir that now reminds me of sunshine, laughter, and unexpected connections. The best part was watching the artisan sew my name with blue straw on the back of the bag. It came out perfect and I’m excited to wear it back at home in South Florida.
If you are in the area in the summer, we recommend visiting the festival to support locals with a passion for art, food, music, fun and to feel the city’s general warmth environment and people.
Gratitude in Every Moment
I left Eleuthera to return to a busy but meaningful summer: writing stories, and teaching kindergarten and first grade students. But before stepping back into the hustle, The Cove reminded me how essential it is to breathe, to be, and to simply let joy in.
I hope to return and relive this dream again one day. I hope that you get to experience this as well someday.
The Cove Eleuthera is located at Queen’s Highway, Gregory Town, Eleuthera, Bahamas. For more information and to make reservations call 1-888-776-3901 or visit thecoveeleuthera.com.
