The Cove’s New Look

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BAR Architects & Interiors updates the Bahamas’ best-kept secret

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed at the entry pergola with refreshing drinks and idyllic views. Photo by Eric Laignel.

Nestled on the northern tip of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, The Cove is a very intimate, luxury destination that opened in 2013. Recently, the owners enlisted BAR Architects & Interiors to help reimagine the 40-acre, 22-room property. “We leaned into the boutique hotel’s picturesque setting for its extensive renovation—the resort is nestled between two private white sand coves, against a backdrop of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters,” says BAR associate principal Timothy Hepworth. “Inspired by the island’s pristine landscape and weathered driftwood, we designed the interiors in a relaxed-luxurious style, layering in the local palette to convey a sense of serenity. The new aesthetic maintains The Cove’s welcoming character while creating a seamless language between the interiors and island.”

This seating area in a suite features sofas from Skypad Furniture and ottomans by Palecek, overlooks crystalline waters and pulls in fresh breezes. Photo by Eric Laignel.
The guest suite dining area featuring a Windy Chien knot sculpture also showcases a chandelier from Arhaus, a table by Woodland Furniture and chairs by Palecek. Photo by Eric Laignel.
The guest villa’s private terrace overlooking a private plunge pool features couches by Manutti and a table from Teak Warehouse.
Photo by Eric Laignel.

Known for their extensive work in commercial and hospitality design, the team welcome working in such a dreamy, secluded escape. “The owners wanted us to transform the property as an exclusive luxury beachfront destination, offering guests a peaceful, private-beach experience,” he recalls. “We refreshed the property’s bungalow suites and villas, added four new bungalow suites and a two-bedroom villa, and transformed its signature restaurant, Freedom Restaurant and Sushi Bar.”

Another guest suite demonstrates how the architecture was preserved but the interiors were completely remodeled. This suite features a knot sculpture by Windy Chien, the sectional is by Skypad Furniture, the rug is by Nourison and the side chair is by Carl Hansen.
Photo by Eric Laignel.

While the villas and structures were built with quality, the property underwent a number of thoughtless renovations and was in critical need of an overhaul. “The interiors were dark and outdated, with mismatched furnishings and hurricane-damaged grounds,” says Hepworth. “We were tasked with reimagining the interiors with a fresh, breezy design apropos of the location. Now, all rooms now feature clean white, grooved-board walls and ceilings, limestone floors with oversized custom rugs, and occasional azure-blue accents.”

In a two-bedroom guest suite the team maximized the footprint and the views, by repositioning a dressing area behind the teak “bed wall.” Photo by Eric Laignel.
A Dedon swing offers respite on guest suite terrace. Photo by Eric Laignel.

The clients desired the rooms not just to feel more breezy but feel overwhelmed with indirect, natural light. “For the guest rooms, we made subtle floor plan adjustments that had a significant impact. For instance, we repositioned the new teak “bed wall” to enhance the view, with a more spacious dressing area placed behind it,” he says. “A grass-cloth headboard with sconces now separates the two areas, ensuring privacy, yet lots of daylight.”

The hotel Lounge (with a view to the Freedom Restaurant and Sushi Bar) holds chairs by Charter and a custom knot sculpture by Windy Chien. Photo by Eric Laignel.
Inside the Freedom Restaurant and Sushi Bar, the inviting lounge area, was completely redesigned with a sushi bar addition. The tables are by Woodland, the dining chairs are from Harbour and Minotti. Photo by Eric Laignel.

They were also tasked with renovating the existing Freedom Restaurant and Sushi Bar so that they echoed the light and airy feel of the villas. “At the center, is the sushi bar that allows for a curated selection in a casual setting atop a marbled waterfall island,” Hepworth notes. “Scalloped-back dining chairs, tulip cocktail tables, raffia-spooled stools and half-moon banquettes are adorned in shades of sandy taupe, pale blue and silvery gray. Teak wood tables, chairs, ceilings and sunscreens take on an elevated feel.”

Guests can enjoy tropical breezes at the resort’s infinity pool on lounge chairs by Kettal while under umbrellas by Tuuci.
Photo by Eric Laignel.

The new color palette, textural materials and furnishings—soft neutrals and pale teak, soothing stone accents, and natural fiber textiles—give the property an entirely new look that feels deeply connected to the locale which in itself feels like a private island. When asked how the owners and guest responded to the Cove’s update, the resort’s manager Sally Cooper says, ““The updated interiors integrate our core values into every space. There is a real sense of tranquility and calmness in the new design.”