The Cove Eleuthera is the most polished hotel on Eleuthera and the best choice for couples who want comfort and good food on an island known for its emptiness. It sits on a headland near Gregory Town in the north, with a private white-sand cove on either side, an infinity pool above the water and a cliffside bar where everyone gathers to watch the sun go down.
It is the only Relais & Châteaux property in The Bahamas and it holds a Michelin Key, which puts it in rare company for an Out Island hotel. It belongs to the same small group as Enchantment Resort in Sedona and Twin Farms in Vermont, so the standard of service is high without being stuffy. Accommodation ranges from ocean-view rooms with private decks to villas and suites with up to three king bedrooms, including a new 1,600-square-foot two-bedroom villa.
The Cove suits couples who want a beautiful base for exploring Eleuthera's beaches, the Glass Window Bridge and Harbour Island, with a fine dinner waiting at the end of the day. It is less suited to couples who want a large resort with nightlife or an all-inclusive plan.
Highlights at a glance
- The only Relais & Châteaux property in The Bahamas
- Two private white-sand coves
- Cliffside Point Bar for sunset cocktails
- Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Bar
- Close to the Glass Window Bridge and Harbour Island
Why Couples Love The Cove
The setting is unusual. Most Bahamian beach hotels look out over a single stretch of sand, but The Cove has two coves, one to the north and one to the south, separated by a rocky point. That means one beach is often calmer when the wind picks up. You can usually find a quiet spot even when the hotel is full.
The atmosphere is relaxed and grown-up. Rooms are spread across the property, so it never feels crowded. The lawns, hammocks and loungers invite long afternoons with a book. At sunset, guests drift to the Point Bar on the cliff for craft cocktails and the light over the water. Couples often say they came for a few nights and wished they had stayed a week, since the hotel makes it easy to do nothing and still feel like you are somewhere special.
Rooms and Villas to Book
The Cove has two broad categories.
- Rooms have a living area, large bathrooms, water views and a private outdoor deck. They are the entry point and suit couples who plan to spend days out exploring.
- Villas and Suites have one to three king bedrooms and separate living areas, with panoramic views near the water. A new two-bedroom villa covers 1,600 square feet, which is more space than most couples need but good for a celebration.
For a honeymoon, a one-bedroom suite near the water is the sweet spot, giving you a separate living space for slow mornings and a view from bed. If you plan to be out on the island most days, an ocean-view room delivers the setting for less. Ask which coves each room is closest to, since some couples prefer the quieter south beach and others want to be near the bar and pool.
Food, Drink and the Spa
Dining is a strength. Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Bar serves Asian-inspired dishes and sushi, which is a welcome change on an island where cracked conch and grouper dominate menus. The Gregory Town Grill sits beside the beach and serves tropical food in a more casual setting for lunch or a relaxed dinner. Private dinners can be set up on the beach or the lawn for a special night.
The Point Bar is the social center, open daily for sunset with craft cocktails, beer and wine on a bluff between the two beaches. Arrive a little early to claim the best seats.
The Cove Spa Suites offer massages and treatments in a calm setting, with a fitness center that rounds out the facilities. The infinity pool has recently been refreshed and makes a good alternative to the beach on windy days.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
The hotel provides snorkeling gear and sea kayaks for exploring the coves, while a new nature trail runs through the property. Boat excursions and sunset cruises can be arranged through the front desk.
The bigger reason to stay here is the island itself. The Glass Window Bridge, where the dark Atlantic meets the pale Caribbean side, is a short drive north. Surfers head to Surfer's Beach near Gregory Town, while Queen's Baths, a set of natural rock pools, is a good stop at low tide on a calm day. Harbour Island and its pink sand beach are about 30 minutes away by car and water taxi, making an easy day trip for lunch and a golf cart loop. Rent a car to explore farther south toward Governor's Harbour, where the Friday fish fry brings much of the town together.
Getting There
North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) is the closest airport, roughly 30 minutes away by car. It has flights from Florida, Atlanta and Nassau, while Bahamasair, Southern Air Charter and Pineapple Air connect Nassau with both ELH and Governor's Harbour (GHB) daily. Ask the hotel to arrange your transfer when you book.
Rent a car for at least part of your stay. Eleuthera is long and thin, with one main highway. Many of the best beaches are reached by unmarked tracks. Drive on the left and take care after dark, since there is little street lighting and the road has potholes in places. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips, so a car gives you the most freedom to explore the coastline.
Is It Worth It?
The Cove is expensive by Eleuthera standards. Expect rates for two to start at roughly USD 600 to 800 a night, room only, with suites and villas costing more and a resort fee on top. Treat these figures as approximate, since rates vary widely by season and room type.
It is worth it for couples who want the island's best food, a beautiful setting and polished service. Pick elsewhere if you prefer an all-inclusive plan, a busy resort with nightlife or a place in the middle of a town. French Leave Resort in Governor's Harbour is a central alternative, while a beach cottage or villa rental gives you more space for less on a longer stay. If you want to spend most of your time on Harbour Island, it makes more sense to stay there and visit Eleuthera on a day trip.
Insider tips
- Rent a car for at least two days to explore the island's beaches on your own.
- Time your trip to the Glass Window Bridge and Queen's Baths for calm seas and low tide.
- Head to the Point Bar early to claim seats facing the sunset.
- Ask about the resort fee and what it covers when comparing rates.
