Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SOUTH ELEUTHERA
Heading along the Queen's Hwy, the accumulated effects of a series of hurricanes and a
downturn in tourism on this part of the island are sadly all too apparent. But press on to find
one of the world's most superb beaches (seriously), a flashy resort, and a one-of-a-kind mar-
ine biology school, among other things.
Windermere Island
Secluded, broom-thin Windermere Island boasts a pristine blush-hued beach running the
4-mile Atlantic shore. It is speckled with snazzy homes reflecting its long-standing status as
one of the most exclusive hideaways for the rich and famous. The chic Windermere Island
Club, once the Bahamas' most fashionable resort, was a favorite of Lord Mountbatten and,
later, Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The club is long closed and the beach is private,
but if you ask nicely or enlist the help of a local, the gate guard may let you wander around.
On the opposite side of the Queen's Hwy, the near-destitute hamlet of
Savannah Sound
, which dates from the 18th century, enjoys roaming goats and chickens among its tumble-
down shacks and collapsed colonial-era buildings. The sound is good for bonefishing and
nearby is
Ten Bay Beach
(above), another beauty that calls out to you to abandon your life
and live here for ever, padding along the soft sand and breathing in that clean sea air…
BEACHES OF ELEUTHERA
The island's secluded shores are some of the best in the Bahamas for lounging,
loafing, lollygagging and maybe, just maybe, a little beachcombing. Beach
hunters should snag a copy of
The Elusive Beaches of Eleuthera
by self-pro-
claimed 'beachologists' Geoff and Vicky Wells ($24.95), which is sold at several
gift shops around the island or online (
www.elusivebeaches.com
). The Tarbox
map (US$10) sold at the Rainbow Inn & Restaurant is also good. Here are a few
of the best starting from the north:
»
Pink Sands Beach
(
Click here
) The sand at this iconic Harbour Island beach
really does glow a light shade of pink, a result of finely pulverized coral. Follow
Dunmore Town's Chapel St or Court Rd to public access paths to the Atlantic side
shores. Hey, was that Mick Jagger strolling by? Probably.
»
Tay Bay Beach
(
Click here
) Beyond Preacher's Cave, this utterly secluded strip
has pinkish sands and calm waters.
»
Ben Bay Beach
About 10 miles from the North Eleuthera International Airport,
this protected horseshoe-shaped beach has calm waters and good snorkeling not
far offshore. The downside? It's impossible to find. We're not even going to try to
