Over the years, the Potlatch Club hotel in Eleuthera has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Originally established by wealthy New York socialites back in 1958, the property flourished as a boutique hotel that welcomed celebrity guests like Greta Garbo and Paul McCartney. However, under lax management, the hotel eventually fell into disrepair and was forced to shutter its doors in the 1980s.
The resurgence of the Potlatch Club can be credited, in part, to social media. High school friends Bruce Loshusan and Hans Febles, who had lost touch for several years, reconnected on social media. Febles, posting photos from the Berry Islands, inspired Loshusan to visit the Bahamas, where the two friends eventually embarked on a hotel venture that led them to Eleuthera. In 2016, they purchased the property, which was in dire need of attention.
Preserving History
During the renovation of the Potlatch Club, the owners were keen on preserving its historic integrity. Retaining original construction elements, such as the clubhouse with its black-and-white checkered floors and whitewashed arches, the team managed to breathe new life into the property while still honoring its past. Guestrooms now boast pink coral stone floors, designer furniture, and artwork that exude an upscale yet relaxed, beachy vibe.
Located in the secluded region of Eleuthera, the Potlatch Club stands out as a boutique hotel with a focus on intimacy and personalization. Offering a limited number of suites, cottages, and villas, the hotel aims to provide a private and exclusive experience for its guests. From private verandas to shoreline pavilions, each accommodation is designed to offer a unique and personalized stay.
“We wanted the hotel to be boutique, manageable, small, intimate, personal, and very private,” said Loshusan. With a strong emphasis on high-quality amenities, food and beverage offerings, and curated personalized services, the Potlatch Club is raising the bar for luxury hospitality in Eleuthera. The owners are dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience that exceeds guests’ expectations.
With its reopening slated for June 15, the Potlatch Club is gearing up to welcome guests with rates starting at $475 per night for a Garden View Room during the low season. Accessible via Governor’s Harbour Airport and North Eleuthera Airport, the hotel offers a tranquil retreat for travelers seeking a secluded and luxurious getaway in the Bahamas. Embracing its storied past while looking towards the future, the Potlatch Club is poised to become a beacon of elegance and sophistication in Eleuthera.