Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas – What’s so special about it?
My wife and I have lived in Eleuthera for over 9 years and we still love it. We soon realized that the moderate subtropical climate from the Bahamas would be perfect for us. Yes, we stay here every winter and sometimes even in the summer because we own a house and cabin in Central Eleuthera.
But before I tell you how special this island is… Well, did you know that it is only an hour by air from Florida, that is, Miami or Fort Lauderdale? No, you didn’t?…
Well, that’s a good reason to tell you the most important fact about Eleuthera right now: this long, narrow island is the best place to be. Total relaxation… A paradise of peace and tranquillity. Particularly for couples, families, divers and fishermen. Why?…
The most beautiful pink sand beaches
The number of spectacular and deserted beaches is truly impressive. So you get both… the beauty of the beaches and the beauty of the underwater world if you are a scuba diver.
AND outgoing rental locations because many foreigners, mainly from the US, are renting their houses or guest houses. Simply put the two search words eleuthera and rent into Google and you will find a wide variety of rental homes.
Hotels? It’s hard to believe, but on the entire island there are only three hotels directly on the water. The one on the north near Gregory Town is the newly renovated Eleuthera Cove.
In the Central Eleuthera area there are only two hotels directly on the water, namely… the charming Italian Resort cocodimama with 12 rooms. It is on the left hand side of Eleuthera near the GHB airport. And the other hotel with 8 rooms – unique village – is on the right hand side at North Palmetto Point. This is the Atlantic side with all the fine pink sand beaches.
The unusual shape of Eleuthera and its friendly people
Eleuthera is 100 miles long and between a quarter and 4 miles wide. Its population is only about 9’000. And the Eleutherans, the native English speakers, are very friendly. let me give you An example…
When we first arrived at Governor’s Harbor Airport, we were taken to the Governor’s Harbor settlement, 9 miles south of GHB Airport. And what did we see?… An almost straight path through gently rolling hills that looked like a roller coaster and… bushes, bushes, nothing but bushes on either side.
As we entered the small town of Governor’s Harbour, we were greeted by all the locals. *You must be a well-known person*, I said. * Oh no, that’s how people are here * she told me. And so it remains today when we’re driving into town.
What can you expect?
crystal clear turquoise waters, Stunning pink sand beaches and clean air. Little traffic that by the way is traffic on the left as in England. After all, the Bahamas were a British colony. That’s why the children still greet him with a friendly *Good evening, sir*.
What else can you expect? there are some grocery stores pretty good selection but nothing to compare to the US Well maybe with this one exception…in Rock Sound – South-Eleuthera – is the largest grocery store on the island with a good selection of fruit and vegetables.
Most regular visitors to Eleuthera bring frozen meat. However, do not pack vegetables or fruits, because customs will confiscate them. Visitors also bring their prescription medications because there are there are no pharmacies on the island.
Restaurants?… You will find all kinds of restaurants but of course not as many as in really tourist places. Bahamian, Italian or Chinese cuisine… yes, they are all there.
Eleuthera is developing at a faster rate now
Since The New York Times published articles about Eleuthera in the winter of 2005/2006, a couple of five star resorts started to climb. They are still under construction – summer 2007 – but will start operating in 2008. The most important is cotton bay in South Eleuthera.
However, this does not bother us winter residents, because they are small resorts. Nothing to do with mass tourism. Believe me, that is the essence of Eleuthera, peace and quiet and a private home to truly enjoy your privacy.