FRENCH LEAVE RESORT JOINS AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Escape from life’s daily hustle and bustle to French Leave Resort, situated on 270 acres along the quiet Bahamian island of Eleuthera. Guests can enjoy the privacy of the tranquil island while overlooking one of the most beautiful pink-sand beaches and picturesque harbors in the world, Cupid’s Cay.
History
Named after the British expression, meaning to escape without notice, the phrase “French Leave” perfectly depicts both the resort’s essence of escape and the art of a graceful exit. In 1938, Count Alfred de Marigny visited the Governor’s Harbour and stated, “the first time I laid eyes on this land, I knew I would buy it”. Soon after, the Count purchased the land space and named the property French Leave. A short five years later, Marigny epitomized the expression by making his own “French Leave” when he was accused of murdering his famous father-in-law, Sir Harry Oakes. Flash forward a few decades to the 1960s, where the resort brought in famed visitors like Lady Bird Johnson and Jacques Cousteau. In December 2013, the property was purchased by Lance Shaner and Eddie Lauth, and officially opened in December 2014.
With several years of hospitality operations and hotel development experience, Shaner Hotels brought to life French Leave Resort, the newest property to join Marriott’s Autograph Collection in the Caribbean. Shaner Hotel Group is one of the foremost owner-operator companies in the hospitality industry with more than 50 hotel properties owned and managed across the U.S., Italy and the Bahamas. New properties are constantly evaluated as the Shaner Hotel Group continues a conservative, yet opportunistic approach to growth.
About French Leave Eleuthera
French Leave Resort embraces a classic, yet comfortable, Caribbean-inspired atmosphere. French Leave Resort is so well regarded for what is not. There are no casinos, no cruise ships, no constant turnstile of flights carrying thousands of tourists. The location boasts beautiful un-crowded pink sand beaches, azure blue waters, friendly people, and great local dining and shopping experiences. Absent are the chain restaurants and tourist trap stores and the bright lights and crowds that follow. When night falls here, you can see more stars in an evening than one might see in a lifetime. This is for stargazers the “Dark Sky Paradise” and with perfect year round weather, the season is anytime.
French Leave Resort seeks to be a part of this incredible environment, not change it.
The resort is designed for very low density, the least possible environmental impact, traditional Bahamian architecture, and traditional Bahamian values. French Leave Resort remains today one of the Bahamas & Caribbean’s best kept secrets and is that special place, for all the right reasons.
The resort is scheduled to expand from four to 12 bungalows by December 2016 and it will grow to 20 cottages within the coming year. French Leave Eleuthera is home to one of the island’s best restaurants, 1648 An Island Restaurant.
About Eleuthera Island
Originating from the Greek word meaning freedom, Eleuthera’s 90 miles of unspoiled pink sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and antique settlements remain one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. A warm, sunny climate is typical year-round, with average temperatures in the low 60’s during the winter months and high 80’s during the summer. Known for its incomparable beaches, Eleuthera is one of the premier destinations in the Caribbean for offshore sport fishing, bonefishing, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, surfing and sailing.
About Autograph Collection
As part of its Autograph Collection launch on December 15, French Leave Resort will offer a myriad of new amenities and programs, including local artist exhibits, cooking classes, morning yoga and much more.
Autograph Collection Hotels is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels located in desirable destinations around the world. Exactly like nothing else, each destination has been thoughtfully selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is a unique array of properties that is nothing less than completely unique, and nothing short of collectively exceptional.
Launched in January of 2010, the Autograph Collection currently includes more than 95 passionately independent hotels in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, Australia, the Caribbean, and Latin America with further expansion planned worldwide
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