Three hundred years ago, the one hundred ten mile long and pencil thin island of Eleuthera was settled by a small band of English pilgrims seeking religious freedom. The name "Eleuthera" is the Greek word for Freedom. Today, modern day adventurers find themselves seeking out the freedom and treasures of Eleuthera. This is an island of casual sophistication and those who find themselves there will savor the all of the gifts and beauty this island has to offer. Miles of pink and white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, quaint little colonial settlements and the lush tropical foliage of the many pineapple plantations all strive to make this island the ideal tropical getaway.

Eleuthera is also home to many natural wonders that will keep you enthralled. The first you may want to visit is Preachers Cave, where William Sayles and his band of religious adventurers took refuge in the late 1600's after their ship hit a coral reef and left them stranded. This subterranean chapel in the wilderness was where these pilgrims held their religious services. At nearby Hatchet Bay, the magnificent mile-long cave is host to breathtaking stalagmites and stalactites that glow by torchlight. Compared to the "quaint wilderness chapel" of Preachers Cave, the Hatchet Bay Cave is like "a magnificent Parisian cathedral." The Glass Window Bridge spans the turbulent waters between the Exuma Sound and the Atlantic. In 1965 a hurricane blew away the original natural bridge formation, however, it has since been replaced by a man-made structure. Despite that difference, the view of the deep blue waters and thundering surf is still a sight to behold. The painter Winslow Homer was deeply inspired by its beauty.

A guarded bridge accesses the beauty and tranquility of Windermere Island. This private and gated island is five miles long and home to one of the longest, widest pink sand beaches that run its entire length, which has made this a favorite get-away for the British Royal Family. In 1982, Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana spent a holiday there and it was here that a pregnant, bikini-clad Diana was photographed. Lord Mountbatten made it a regular stop on his vacation itinerary. Prince Edward proposed to Sophie here in 1999. Windermere is now closed but it is set to reopen later this year. To get a taste of royal Windermere cuisine at a commoner's price, head down the road to Sammy's Place. Sammy Culmer was the maitre' d at Windermere and has now opened a small restaurant featuring Bahamian and American Cuisine. With emphasis on local seafood, junkanoo punch and Bahamian beer, this is an experience not to be missed. You can almost feel like you are a part of the royal family for a while.

The cool laziness of Eleutheran life gives it an air of unbounded calm and grace. If you are looking for a beautiful, tranquil and private get-away for your honeymoon or for rest and relaxation, make Eleuthera your vacation destination.