This article originally appears in the January/February 2020 issue of ESSENCE.
For Eudoxie Bridges, travel is about enjoying the pleasure of stillness, which is why the Bahamas is her favorite escape. The devoted wife, mother, and philanthropist stays busy. Most days she’s whipping up delicious African dishes for her husband, rapper and actor Ludacris; keeping up with her younger sister, Christella, 16, and her daughters, Karma, 18, and Cai, 6 (Ludacris’s children from previous relationships), and Cadence, 4; and, through her organization, Unspoken Angels, empowering young women who have survived abuse.
But when she wants to slow it down, you can find her rejuvenating her spirit in Eleuthera. “I love going there,” she says of the obscure small island. “I’ve been about six times.” Located just 60 miles east of Nassau and accessible via plane or ferry, Eleuthera is known for its sandy pink beaches and bohemian atmosphere. “I’m such a calm spirit, and this place puts my body in a complete state of ease,” Bridges says. “It nourishes me.”
I’m such a calm spirit, and this place puts my body in a complete state of ease. It nourishes me.”
Eudoxie Bridges
It’s no surprise Eleuthera is Bridges’s go-to. Its name is derived from the Greek word eleútheros, which means “liberated,” and it offers her the freedom to reset and create special memories with family and friends. “My husband and I were there for our anniversary,” she recalls, “and on the day we were to return, our flight got delayed so many times that by the fourth delay, we decided it was a sign from God that we should stay. We called his uncle, who is the pilot for our private jet, and asked him to fuel up, grab the family and bring them to us. We ended up spending the whole week and ringing in the new year there.”
From the turquoise waters to the iconic Preacher’s Cave, Eleuthera is full of wonders to explore. However, the one thing Bridges feels most defines the allure of the island won’t turn up in any travel guide: “I love the locals and how gentle everyone is. They are very welcoming and make you want to move there.” What could be better than that?
DESTINATION RELAXATION
Savor the laid-back vibes of Eleuthera
STAY: A luxurious sanctuary nestled between two white sand coves, The Cove, Eleuthera gives the feeling of being on your own private island. Book an oceanfront master suite for its stunning views and to indulge in the outdoor shower.
EAT: 1648-An Island Restaurant serves up yummy Bahamian seafood and tropical cocktails. Order the Eleutheran grouper with a side of fried plantains and a piña colada.
UNWIND: Spend the day sunbathing, sipping and kicking back at Twin Coves, the two beaches at the resort.
EXPERIENCE: Indulge in a funfilled day of riding in paddleboats, canoeing or catching waves with family and friends at Gaulding Cay Beach in Gregory Town.
VISIT bahamas.com/relief for ways to support victims affected by Hurricane Dorian.