Escape the Crowds This Holiday Season
The holiday season on an island lands a little differently. There’s no snow. No long lines at the store as people rush to get last-minute gifts. No overflowing calendar of events. Here on Eleuthera, we continue to embrace the rhythms and tranquility of the water even as we decorate and prepare for the most festive time of year.
At The Cove, guests can join a number of customary holiday events, like a Thanksgiving barbecue, Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve party—all with an island twist, of course. But they can also savor the low-key, crowd-free life for a few days or a couple of weeks.
Gift yourself a different kind of holiday this year, depending on your personality.
- Spend the day on the water. Full- and half-day boat tours can be customized to your interests, whether you want to snorkel along the coral reefs (keep an eye out for sea turtles, which are particularly active in the winter), go fishing or relax on the Sand Bar.
- Take a day trip. We’ll give you a lift, via boat, to Harbour Island—where Eleuthera’s famous pink sand beaches await—or Spanish Wells, where the seafood on area menus was caught by the same fishermen you’ll spot along the dock. Or let us lead the way to some of the island’s gems during a guided Explore Eleuthera tour; expect to see sights like the Sapphire Blue Hole, Queen’s Bath and Glass Window Bridge.
- Learn a new skill. Surfing. Bonefishing. Deep sea fishing. We can arrange excursions for whatever interests you. On property, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkels are available for use.
- Connect with your breath. Morning yoga flows, either in the studio or on the pool deck, will set you up for a day guided by intention and peace.
- Heed the call of the spa. Book yourself an Island Glow Facial, Ocean Dew Mineral Melt or Aromatic Coffee Scrub—or all three—and luxuriate in the serene life.
- Find your artistic side. Our concierge team will deliver a watercolor, paint-by-number or acrylic paint set to your room (along with a bottle of wine) so you can create at your own pace.
- Relax on the water. No need to paddle and splash. Reserve a floating sea lounge and spend a leisurely day swimming in a hammock, or dipping your toes in the calm cove and snacking on the food and drinks of your choosing.
- Taste the Bahamas. Every Thursday evening, happy hour is paired with Junkanoo music. Then, you’re invited to Freedom Restaurant for a Bahamian-themed dinner.
- Try local delicacies. Our daily rum tasting—with sips of four varieties from local John Watling’s Distillery—and conch demonstration (available upon request) give guests the opportunity to experience unique island flavors. Both are complimentary.
- Learn to make sushi. Sit down at the new sushi bar for a chef-led class on the art of sushi making. The casual, hourlong event is offered daily.
- Take a walk. The mile-long Nature Trail winds through native Bahamian vegetation, including orchids and kamalame trees, and kids will enjoy trying to spot the wide variety of native birds, like Bananaquits and Cape May Warblers. Nearby, the 30-acre Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is an easy outing as well, with guided tours available.
- Splish and splash. Whether you’re sipping fresh-squeezed juice by the infinity pool or taking a complimentary paddleboard or kayak into the coves, there are plenty of low-effort ways to play in the water.
- Stay up late. Or, at least until the stars come out. We can provide a telescope directly on your patio along with a stargazing book so you can ID the plentiful constellations overhead.