Eleuthera

Eleuthera's close proximity to the southeastern United States, combined with its unbridled natural beauty, make it the perfect haven for discriminating travelers. Only 240 miles from Miami, Eleuthera is close enough to the United States to make it ideal for long weekend getaways. Renown for the welcoming nature of the local population, and the lushness of its landscape, Eleuthera also serves as an enchanting long-term vacation destination or second-home location. Eleuthera embodies the traditional charm of island living without the commercialism that mass tourism has brought to other parts of the Bahamas. Always favored by those seeking the extraordinary, Eleuthera is now quietly being rediscovered. Discover it with us, at French Leave.

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Early History

Cupid’s Cay, located directly adjacent to Governor’s Harbour, is actually the birthplace of the Bahamas (1648). Over 350 years ago, a small band of English pilgrims set sail from Bermuda seeking religious freedom, warmer climates and the establishment of a new land. Several weeks later these pilgrims shipwrecked on the reefs near Preacher’s Cave on Northern Eleuthera (the uninhabited Arawak Island of Cigatoo). After several months of hardship, the pilgrims, who would come to be known as the Eleutheran Adventurers, worked their way to Cupid’s Cay. It was here that the thankful survivors renamed the island “Eleuthera”, taken from the Greek word 'eleutheria,' meaning freedom.

Origins of French Leave

It is said that upon seeing the site that he would later name French Leave, Count Alfred de Marigny of Mauritius knew that he would one day obtain it. And so it was that in 1938, the Count purchased and named the property. Sadly, Count de Marigny was not able to keep French Leave. In 1943, while living in Nassau with his new bride Nancy Oakes, Count Alfred de Marigny was accused of murdering his famous father-in-law, Sir Harry Oakes. Although acquitted, Count de Marigny was immediately deported from the Bahamas. Unable to return to Eleuthera, he sold French Leave to Sir Roland T. Symonette, who later became the first Premier of the Bahamas. While under Sir Roland Symonette, the property was offered as a guesthouse with 10 rooms and cottages.

In the late 1950's, French Leave was sold to aspiring actor Craig Kelley. The first French Leave Hotel was built on Eleuthera and operated successfully until 1972. In 1976, Club Med purchased the property. For twenty-three years, Club Med continued to attract tourists from around the world to enjoy the famous pink sand beaches and turquoise waters of Eleuthera. Club Med closed in 1999.

Governor's Harbour

Rich in history and resting atop a gently sloping ridge, sits Governor’s Harbour, the capital of Eleuthera. Governors’s Harbour and neighboring Cupid’s Cay, are the oldest settlements in all of the Bahamas. It is here that you will find incredible heritage homes built over 150 years ago, the site of the first Bahamian Parliament dating back to 1746, and the site of the first United States Consulate General, established in July of 1789. This quaint capital city is also known for its historic churches, breathtaking views, and unparalleled hospitality.

Harbour Island

Affectionately called "Briland" by its residents, Harbour Island, located on the northern coast of Eleuthera is famous for its three and a half miles of shimmering pink beaches. The weather is sublime, with average high temperatures ranging in the mid 70’s and 80’s to average low temperatures ranging in the mid 60’s and 70’s. Here, the turquoise waters provide excellent fishing, diving, and boating. The nearby reef offers amazing snorkeling and swimming.

Harbour Island is the home of Dunmore Town. One of the oldest and most charming settlements on the islands, Dunmore Town is filled with colonial architecture complete with white picket fences. Other historic attractions include Hill Steps, which were cut out by prisoners, and Titus Hole, an open mouth cave said to be the first jail of Harbour Island. Visitors can explore the island by horse & carriage, bike, or even golf cart. Harbor Island's nightlife is vibrant and accommodations range from cozy, family run guesthouses to elegant resorts. Your trip will not be complete without visiting Sip-Sip for lunch.

Spanish Wells

Long ago, following perilous sea voyages, sailors would come to the shore of Eleuthera from Spanish galleons to fill their casks with fresh water. Today, this place is known as Spanish Wells, and is the fishing capital of the Bahamas. Here, you will find opportunities to explore a sunken train wreck, fish and dive. You will also find Preacher’s Cave, the subterranean cave in which the Eleutheran Adventurers took refuge and held religious services. The people of this prosperous village are credited with superior seamanship. They have deep ancestral roots and are direct descendants of the original Eleutheran Adventurers and British Loyalists.

Cuisine

Eleuthera boasts some of the finest restaurants in the Bahamas. Choices range from continental cuisine to authentic local fare. Fresh fish such as native groupers, stone crabs, lobster, and conch is plentiful and sold at the various docks and harbors throughout. Eleuthera. Dress codes are casual and the service is excellent. One warning only, you will be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that does not offer a stunning oceanfront or beachfront view! Making advance reservations for popular venues is strongly recommended.

Key Facts

Population: 8,000 Size: 90 miles long, 200 Sq. miles in total Highest Point: 168 Ft. Location: Lat. N25 10' 00" - Long. W76 15' 00" Distance from Nassau: 60 miles East Distance from Miami: 240 miles, southeast of Miami

Weather

The weather on Eleuthera is beyond compare. In general, daytime winter temperatures average in the mid 70’s, very rarely dipping below 68-72 degrees at night. During the summer, daytime temperatures average in the high 80’s, with temperatures rarely falling below the high 70’s at night.

Tidal Charts

http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/calendar/year/1786.html

Sunrise & Sunset

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/cgi-bin/aa_pap.pl

Moon Phases

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/MoonPhase.html#y2004

http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.html