An aerial view of Eleuthera, an up-and-coming Caribbean island.
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Eleuthera isn’t the Caribbean you think you know—it’s better. This 110-mile-long jewel in the Out Islands of the Bahamas is known for its pink-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and a laid-back vibe that’s worlds away from the bright lights of Nassau. This is the kind of place where time slows down: There are no traffic lights, no high-rise hotels, just endless turquoise waters and a sense of serenity that’s increasingly hard to find these days.
This former pineapple-farming island has been a closely guarded Caribbean secret for decades. But Eleuthera’s moment is arriving, thanks to a new generation of creative entrepreneurs who are reimagining the island’s future while preserving its rich heritage.
The grounds leading to the Clubhouse at the Potlatch Club.
courtesy of the Potlatch Club
At the heart of this revival is the Potlatch Cluba boutique retreat in Governor’s Harbour that was once a glamorous celebrity hideaway. After closing down in the 1980s, the property fell into disrepair until it was rediscovered by a pair of savvy hoteliers who have brought it back to life with a stunning restoration.
To truly understand what makes this island so special, we turned to three insiders shaping Eleuthera’s future: Potlatch Club co-owner Hans Febles, local entrepreneur Bekera Taylor and Sheldon Pinder, founder of Exotic Excursions. They reveal why Eleuthera is a hidden treasure worth discovering—and share their favorite tips and secret spots.
The Clubhouse—built in 1923—at the Potlatch Club.
courtesy of the Potlatch Club
Breathing New Life Into a Bahamian Icon
Reviving a piece of Bahamian history was no small task, but for Hans Febles—a Cuban-born hotelier with Bahamian roots—and his high school friend and business partner, Bruce Loshusan, it was a labor of love.
The Potlatch Club is set a former pineapple plantation edged by a stunning pink-sand beach. In the 1960s, a socialite bought the property and transformed it into a glamorous retreat for her friends and celebs like Greta Garbo and Paul McCartney, who spent his first honeymoon here and wrote the song, “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window.”
When Febles and Loshusan discovered the abandoned property in 2016, they saw a chance to bring it back to life in a way that honored its storied past. “We didn’t want to come in with a bulldozer and flatten everything,” Febles told me in an interview. “We wanted to restore its soul.”
Hans Febles, co-owner of the Potlatch Club.
courtesy of Hans Febles
Febles and Loshusan purchased the property and embarked on a meticulous eight-year restoration. They preserved original structures like the 1923 Clubhouse with its iconic black-and-white checkered floors. Interiors combine pink coral stone floors sourced from the Dominican Republic, bespoke rattan furniture and custom Bahamian touches, like wallpaper printed by local artisans. Febles personally oversaw all the landscaping, blending native plants with curated greenery to create hidden nooks and quiet paths.
The resort’s two pools are designed to complement the tranquil setting. One offers sweeping ocean views, while the other, hidden away among lush gardens, provides a quiet retreat perfect for lounging with a cocktail. Together, they embody the Potlatch Club’s ethos of understated luxury.
The main pool and the Sand Bar at the Potlatch Club.
courtesy of the Potlatch Club
Dining and wellness complete the picture. At the Fig Tree restaurant, the Asian-born chef serves dishes inspired by local flavors and global influences, from house-made pasta and freshly caught seafood to salads sourced from nearby farms. The Sand Bar pairs craft cocktails with uninterrupted sea views, while the spa offers massages and wellness treatments infused with Asian techniques.
For Febles, the Potlatch Club is more than just a hotel—it’s a reflection of Eleuthera itself: unspoiled, welcoming and rich in charm. “This island is special because it’s pristine but still has enough services and amenities to make life comfortable. It’s the perfect balance,” he says.
An intervior of an ocean-front cottage.
courtesy of the Potlatch Club
Febles encourages visitors to embrace the island’s unhurried pace. “When you come to Eleuthera, the best thing to do is just to be,” he says. “Spend your first two days relaxing—get a massage, take in the beach. Then start exploring. There’s so much to see.”
Here, Febles shares a few of his favorite places on Eleuthera.
Sapphire Blue Hole: This natural swimming hole carved out of limestone cliffs is a must-visit. Accessible by a short hike, it’s famous for its deep, crystal-clear water with a mesmerizing sapphire-blue hue. For the adventurous, a 40-foot cliff jump into the water offers an adrenaline rush. “It’s a stunning spot. The water is so clear you can see the bottom, which makes the jump even scarier,” says Febles.
The pretty pink beach fronting Eleuthera’s revitalized Potlatch Club.
courtesy of the Potlatch Club
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve: Spanning over 30 acres, this botanical garden is a sanctuary for Bahamian plants and wildlife. The preserve focuses on traditional uses of native plants, highlighting their role in local medicine, food and culture. “This place is so special,” says Febles. “They’ve created areas that highlight plants used in traditional medicine, keeping those traditions alive.”
Buccaneer Club: A local favorite, the Buccaneer Club serves comforting Bahamian dishes. “I go to this restaurant a lot because I know the owners and they’re very nice,” says Febles, who loves to order dishes like peas and rice, grouper, curry chicken, curry shrimp and fried rice.
South Eleuthera: With deserted beaches, rugged cliffs and a beautiful marina, South Eleuthera offers a glimpse of untouched Bahamian beauty. “I love driving south—it’s more pristine and quiet there, a true Out Islands experience,” says Febles. “It feels like stepping back in time.”
Visiting Taylor Made Farms.
courtesy of Taylor Made Farms
Eleuthera: Rooted in Tradition
When visitors drive through Hatchet Bay in Eleuthera, they might stumble upon Taylor Made Farm & Tours—offering farm-fresh eggs, produce and handcrafted jams. At the heart of it all is Bekera Taylor, a multi-talented entrepreneur whose roots run deep on this island. And she isn’t just reviving Eleuthera’s agricultural legacy; she’s creating a sustainable future by blending farming with storytelling and community-building. She is the author of several books like My Bahamian Potcakewhich celebrate the island’s culture, history and resilience.
Originally from Eleuthera, Taylor felt a spiritual calling to return to the island after years of missionary work and life in Nassau. “It’s the place of my inheritance,” she told me in an interview. That inheritance includes a five-acre farm where she grows fresh vegetables and transforms them into products like guava jam, sweet potato spreads and her signature pineapple ketchup, made from the island’s renowned sugar loaf pineapples. They’re sold in the gift store at the Potlatch Club and various island farmers’ markets.
Author, farmer and entrepreneur Bekera Taylor.
courtesy of Bekera Taylor
For Taylor, Eleuthera represents a way of life that’s unhurried and deeply connected to the land. “Just breathing in the fresh air here is a gift,” she says. “This island is changing, but we’re holding on to what makes it special.”
Here, Taylor shares her favorite spots on Eleuthera.
Gaulin Cay Beach: Set in North Eleuthera near Daddy Joe’s restaurant, this serene spot offers turquoise waters and soft sands perfect for a relaxing swim. “I love how clear the water is,” Taylor says. “You can see right to the bottom—it’s so peaceful.”
Geological formations on Eleuthera.
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Hatchet Bay Cave: This mile-long cave system is one of the largest in the Bahamas. Visitors can explore its winding pathways and dramatic stalactites. “It’s on so many people’s bucket lists who come here,” says Taylor.
Sweeting’s Pond: Just behind Taylor’s farm lies a natural wonder—a pond with one of the world’s largest populations of seahorses. “It’s incredible to see these little creatures in their natural habitat,” she says. “Scientists come from all over to study them.”
Preacher’s Cave: This historic cave on the northern end of the island was a refuge for the first settlers seeking religious freedom. “They had church services and actually lived in that cave,” says Taylor, who understands why they loved it. “When you go in here, you’re just in awe.”
Sheldon Pinder, founder of Exotic Excursions.
courtesy of Sheldon Pinder
Eleuthera By Sea
If you want to see Eleuthera with a true local, Captain Sheldon Pinder is your man. He has a deep connection to Eleuthera, going back more generations than he can count. His company, Exotic Excursionsoffers a range of nautical adventures, from diving for lobsters to exploring hidden beaches to bonefishing (Eleuthera is renowned for its fishing). What truly sets the company apart, however, is Pinder’s passion for crafting unique experiences that capture the essence of the island.
Before launching Exotic Excursions, Pinder spent 23 years as a commercial lobster fisherman, a career that shaped his deep respect for the sea. Today, he shares that knowledge with visitors, offering unique boat tours where guests can dive for conch or lobster, then enjoy their catch as freshly prepared ceviche on board. “It’s all about giving people a true taste of Eleuthera,” Pinder told me in an interview.
Pinder has a number of boats that can take guests out on charter trips for an afternoon or a week—or more—but the star of the operation is his new 55-foot Hatteras yacht, the only luxury yacht available for tours in Eleuthera. “It’s something you won’t find anywhere else here,” he says. Guests can lounge on deck, enjoy water toys and indulge in freshly prepared local food like lobster kabobs. “We want every trip to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Pinder.
Here, Pinder shares a few of his favorite spots on Eleuthera.
Glass Window Bridge—where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet.
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Glass Window Bridge: This narrow strip of land is one of Eleuthera’s most iconic landmarks, connecting the calm Caribbean waters on one side to the dramatic Atlantic Ocean on the other. “The Caribbean side is peaceful, while the ocean waves crash wildly,” says Pinder. “It’s incredible to see the contrast.”
Twin Cove Beach: Known for its unique geography, Twin Cove Beach features a natural saddleback formation with two coves on either side of a sandbar. “If it’s windy on one side, the other side is usually calm,” says Pinder. “It’s the perfect place to swim or relax, no matter the weather.”
A view of the Pineapple House at Potlatch Club.
courtesy of the Potlatch Club
Potlatch Club: This boutique retreat is a restored piece of Bahamian history—and for Pinder, it’s a personal favorite. “It feels like I’m somewhere else in the world on vacation,” he says. “It makes you feel like you’re in a special place where people save up a lifetime to go to.”
Queen’s Bath: Natural rock pools carved by centuries of crashing waves create a secluded, spa-like experience. “The water collects in these pools, forming little jacuzzis,” says Pinder. “It’s an amazing place to unwind and soak in the beauty of nature.”
