Luxury rebirth of a Bahamian wedding classic: The Cove, Eleuthera

The Cove, Eleuthera, sits on the perfect beach for a destination wedding

In 2011, when New Orleans developer Sidney Torres IV bought The Cove, a beachfront resort on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, it was withering.

Surrounded by thick bush and with only a handful of rooms, The Cove might have been the biggest thing going on the long, skinny island, but frankly that wasn’t saying much. Despite its proximity to the jet-set haven of Harbour Island, 53 miles to the south, Eleuthera has virtually no development.

But Torres, who was instrumental in helping New Orleans clean up after Katrina, transformed The Cove into a dreamy 120-room hideaway that officially opened this month with a star-studded celebration including a musical performance by Aaron Neville. Framing the resort, and elegantly etched into a swath of prime island oceanfront, two crescent-shaped beach coves are connected by a 110-foot grassy point that juts out into the sea, practically begging for a bride and groom to walk down its all-natural aisle.

Also sure to please wedding couples, Torres plans to work with Harbour Island wedding gurus Ben and Charlie of Little Island Design (littleislanddesign.com) to handle destination weddings. “The Cove has a unique topography that would make most brides weak in the knees,” says Ben. “It has spectacular views and the Point will provide a perfect spot for a couple to exchange rings.”

How does Ben imagine the event? “Great lawn parties with white sofas, lanterns, Edison string lights hung between the trees, lobster right off the grill, and a local reggae Band.”

The bride, groom and wedding party can book two 4,000 square-foot, three-bedroom luxury villas, with their own private cove, personal butler (from Bhutan no less), and lounging pool. There’s also an assortment of suites and bungalows, and the 20-room Sanctuary, with a wraparound porch for New Orleans flair, overlooking the Cove’s expansive edible garden.

No one will go hungry, or grow bored with the fare, with dining options ranging from the glass-front main restaurant, Freedom (Eleuthera means freedom) with its upscale, Eurocentric menu, to poolside and beach, where guests can ensure quick service by ordering on an iPad.

“Eleuthera is full of authenticity, uniqueness and the resources to create a wedding that is unforgettable,” says Ben, “not to mention it’s a stone throw from the U.S. yet still relatively undiscovered by the wedding market.”
And just how far is a stone’s throw? Very close, indeed, when you can fly in on the resort’s new Falcon 50 jet. – Nicole Alper