Outstanding Stays: The Other Side, Bahamas – Evening Standard

The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends

Travel is off the cards, for now.

But when restrictions lift, and it's safe to do so, the longing fora trip away from our own postcodes will be strong. More importantly, there will be hundreds upon hundreds of hotels around the world, particularly independently-ownedboutiques, that will need your help.

They'll need you to check in, lie on their Egyptiancotton sheets and soak up their charm. That's why we've teamed up with Mr & Mrs Smith for a new weekly seriesthat takes a tantaslisingpeak inside some of the world's finest properties.

First up, creative editor Louis A. W. Sheridan heads to an off-grid, Bahamian beach escape.

(Louis A. W. Sheridan/Mr &Mrs Smith )

The Look

Clear blue water laps lazily against a white sand beach, where a row of palms bristle in the breeze; shadowy structures take shape through the fronds. These are The Other Sides tents, though this isnt camping as we know it. Here, on the Northern edge of Eleuthera, Robert Louis Stevenson has shacked up with Rita Konig, and the islands treasures take the shape of bright, breezy cocktail counters and a postcard-prepped pool.

The beachside tents pitch dark wood against light fabric while doing away with as many walls as possible to bring the ocean closer still. Further ashore, the hilltop shacks focus on framing the view with pared-back furnishings and a treetop terrace.

The Feel

From the moment you kick off your shoes and step off the jetty, The Other Side is intent on easing you into its languorous rhythm. Wander wherever you want, eat whenever you like, the only imperative is leisure. The owners dog (Snoop) is usually found patrolling the beach while a constant hum of chatter and laughter spills out from the kitchen.

(Louis A. W. Sheridan/Mr & Mrs Smith )

With just six rooms and a notable absence of neighbours, it can feel as though the whole island is your very own and theres an unwavering commitment to community and conservation its entirely solar-powered, and the menu chops and changes with whats cropping up in the kitchen garden.

The Experience

Plans are prone to going astray in the Bahamas and to-do lists falter as the slower pace takes hold. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, theres a smattering of local landmarks a few miles down the road, the most remarkable being Glass Window Bridge where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bight of Eleuthera, creating natures very own Rothko.

Half a mile further on youll find the Queens Bath, a cluster of hot tubs carved out of the cliffs by centuries of rolling waves. For a more gregarious outing, Harbour Island is a 10 minute skip from The Other Side by boat. This laid-back jewel in the jetset crown is revered for its aversion to all things flashy and a so-what? approach to fame head to Queen Conch for dinner and order the namesake.

(Louis A. W. Sheridan/Mr & Mrs Smith )

Insider info

The owners are local legends, having been at the helm of another boutique stay on Harbour Island for years. Hop in Bens boat as he zips back and forth between the two islands and make use of the golf-buggy thats waiting for you on Harbour Island.

(Louis A. W. Sheridan/Mr & Mrs Smith )

Getting There

Fly direct to Nassau from London Heathrow with British Airways. Then fly from Nassau to North Eleuthera with Pineapple Air. From there its a seven minute journey by boat.

mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/the-other-side

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Outstanding Stays: The Other Side, Bahamas - Evening Standard

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