Eleuthera is long. It is thin. It is basically a 110-mile jagged line of limestone dropped into the Atlantic, and for decades, it’s been the "quiet" island. But if you’ve spent any time looking at where to stay there, you’ve probably seen photos of these massive, peaked safari tents sitting right on the water. That is The Other Side Eleuthera. It’s not a hotel in the way most people think of hotels. It’s more like someone had a very expensive, very tasteful fever dream about what camping in the Caribbean should look like and then actually built it.
Honestly, the name isn't just a marketing gimmick. It refers to the fact that the property sits on the "other side" of the water from Harbour Island. If you know the Bahamas, you know Harbour Island is the place to see and be seen—the "St. Barts of the Bahamas." But The Other Side is the literal and metaphorical antithesis of that scene. It’s a solar-powered outpost that manages to be incredibly chic without trying too hard, which is a difficult needle to thread.
Most people get Eleuthera wrong because they expect a manicured resort experience. You won't find that here. You'll find palm trees, salt air, and a level of silence that is almost startling if you’re coming from a city.
The Solar-Powered Soul of the Property
Let’s talk about the power situation because it actually matters for the vibe of the place. The Other Side Eleuthera is entirely solar-powered. That isn't just a bullet point on a brochure; it dictates how the whole place functions. It means the property is off-grid, self-contained, and deeply quiet. There is no hum of massive industrial AC units or the buzz of a crowded resort infrastructure.
Ben Simmons, the man behind this place (who also operates Ocean View Club on Harbour Island), designed it to feel temporary, even though it’s very much permanent. The structures are built on stilts. They have these sweeping canvas roofs. The idea was to leave as small a footprint as possible on the land.
What the "Tents" are Really Like
Don't think of these as tents you’d buy at an outdoor goods store. They are massive. We are talking about hardwood floors, four-poster beds draped in mosquito netting, and walk-in showers. The walls are essentially thick canvas, which means when the wind picks up or the rain hits, you hear it. You are part of the environment.
One of the coolest features is the lack of traditional "walls." During the day, you can essentially peel back the layers of your room to let the breeze through. It creates this seamless transition between your bed and the turquoise water of the Exuma Sound. It’s a bit vulnerable, sure, but that’s the point. You aren't tucked away in a concrete box.
- The Communal Shack: This is the heart of the property. It’s where people eat, drink, and hang out. It’s basically a massive open-air living room filled with books, backgammon boards, and very comfortable sofas.
- The Pool: It’s a communal pool that looks out over the ocean. Since there are so few guests at any given time, you often have it entirely to yourself.
- The Garden: They grow a lot of their own produce. You’ll see rows of greens and herbs that eventually end up on your dinner plate.
Why Location is Everything Here
Eleuthera is a weird island geographically. It’s so thin that at the "Glass Window Bridge," you can see the dark, churning Atlantic on one side and the calm, pale turquoise Bight of Eleuthera on the other. The Other Side Eleuthera is positioned on a private stretch of beach that feels incredibly isolated.
To get there, most people fly into North Eleuthera (ELH). From there, it’s a quick boat ride. That boat ride is the moment most people feel their blood pressure drop. You’re leaving the "mainland" of Eleuthera and heading to a spot that feels like its own private kingdom.
If you get bored of the solitude—which some people do—Harbour Island is just a 10-minute boat shuttle away. You can go over there, have a fancy lunch at The Landing or Sip Sip, walk the pink sand beaches, and then flee back to the silence of The Other Side. It’s the best of both worlds.
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The Food: No Menus, Just Meals
If you’re the type of traveler who needs a 12-page menu with standardized club sandwiches, you will hate it here. The dining experience is communal and fixed. The chefs use what is fresh. Since they have an on-site organic farm, you're eating stuff that was in the ground that morning.
Dinner is usually served family-style or at individual tables in the main pavilion. It’s a lot of fresh-caught snapper, grouper, and lobster (when in season). The flavors are Bahamian but refined. Think less "deep-fried everything" and more "grilled with citrus and herbs."
Honestly, the lack of choice is a luxury. In a world where we have to make a thousand decisions a day, having someone just say, "Here is a delicious piece of fish we caught three hours ago," is a relief. It allows you to actually talk to the person across from you instead of staring at a menu.
Navigating the "Rough" Parts
Let’s be real for a second. This place isn't for everyone. If you have a phobia of bugs, you might struggle. It’s the tropics. There are mosquitoes. There are sandflies. The staff does a great job with natural repellents and nets, but you are in nature.
Also, the "off-grid" life means you have to be mindful. You can't leave the lights blazing all night or blast the AC with the doors open. It requires a bit of respect for the resources. Some people find that annoying; others find it grounding.
Is it Worth the Price Tag?
The Other Side Eleuthera is not cheap. You are paying for the exclusivity and the design. You are paying for the fact that there are only a handful of "rooms" on the entire property.
When you stay at a massive luxury resort, you’re paying for the marble lobbies and the army of staff. Here, you’re paying for the space. You’re paying for the ability to walk down a beach and not see another human soul. You’re paying for the architectural feat of having a luxury suite under a canvas roof in the middle of nowhere.
- Privacy: It is unparalleled.
- Aesthetics: Every corner of the property is a visual masterpiece.
- The Staff: It’s a small team. By day two, they know how you like your coffee. It feels like staying at a wealthy friend’s estate rather than a commercial property.
Beyond the Tent: Exploring Eleuthera
While the property is hard to leave, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't explore the rest of the island. Eleuthera is raw. It isn't polished like Nassau.
You should definitely rent a rugged 4x4 (don't bother with a car, the roads are brutal) and head south. Check out:
- Preacher’s Cave: A massive limestone cave where shipwrecked settlers found refuge in the 1600s.
- The Blue Holes: There are several inland "blue holes" (water-filled sinkholes) that are eerie and beautiful to swim in. Sapphire Hole is the most famous nearby.
- Surfer's Beach: Even if you don't surf, the waves and the vibe are legendary. It was a hippie hangout in the 70s and still retains some of that soul.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to The Other Side Eleuthera, timing is everything. The Bahamas has a hurricane season (June through November). Many boutique places like this actually close down for a month or two in the late summer/early fall for maintenance because the heat and humidity are just too much.
The "sweet spot" is usually April or May. The winter crowds have thinned out, the water is warm enough to stay in for hours, and the breeze is still cool enough to keep the bugs at bay.
Pack light. You don't need heels. You don't need a suit. You need linen, a couple of swimsuits, a good hat, and a pair of sturdy sandals.
Also, bring cash. While the resort takes cards, if you’re out exploring local spots on the island or buying fish from a guy at a dock, cash is king in the out islands.
The Verdict on The Other Side
Ultimately, this place is about a specific kind of luxury. It’s "barefoot luxury," a term that gets thrown around way too much but actually applies here. It’s for the person who wants to unplug but still wants a high-thread-count sheet.
It’s not for the person who wants a TV in their room (there aren't any). It’s not for the person who wants a gym with 50 treadmills (the island is your gym). It’s for the person who wants to remember what the stars look like when there’s no light pollution.
Actionable Steps for Planning Your Trip
If you're ready to book, don't just go to a generic travel site. Follow these steps to ensure you actually get the experience you’re looking for:
- Book Directly: Boutique spots like this often have better communication and more flexible "add-on" options (like boat transfers) when you deal with them directly.
- Check the Flight Schedule: Flights into North Eleuthera (ELH) from Miami or Fort Lauderdale can be erratic. Book your flight first, then your stay, to make sure the dates align. Silver Airways and American are the main carriers, but local charters like Pineapple Air are great for inter-island hops.
- Communicate Dietary Needs Early: Because the menu is fixed and ingredients are brought in specifically, let them know if you’re vegan, gluten-free, or have allergies weeks before you arrive. They are accommodating, but they need lead time to get the right supplies to the island.
- Arrange Your Transfer: Make sure the property knows exactly when your flight lands. They will coordinate the car and boat transfer. Trying to wing it at the airport is possible but much more stressful.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service on Eleuthera can be spotty once you leave the main settlements. If you plan on exploring, download the Google Maps area for the whole island so you can navigate the unmarked dirt roads to find the hidden beaches.