Flying Private? Not Quite. But It Sure Felt Like It: 36 Hours in the Bahamas With Kids
How we skipped TSA, landed steps from the sand, and made a family trip feel like a luxury reset—without the jet-set price tag.
If you’re looking for a quick, seamless, and bougie on a budget weekend away with your kids, Eleuthera is calling.
We spent 36 hours in North Eleuthera with our boys, flying Tradewind out of Stuart, FL, and it was one of the easiest, most luxurious-feeling trips we’ve taken as a family—all without flying private (technically).
Here’s exactly how we did it—and why we’ll do it again.
The Flight: Stuart, FL → North Eleuthera
Operator: Tradewind Aviation
Aircraft: Pilatus PC-12
Flight time: ~1hr 15 minutes
Schedule: Thursday–Monday from Stuart, with new Fort Lauderdale + Nassau routes launching in December
We departed from the private FBO at Witham Field in Stuart, FL, and honestly, this part was half the magic.
There are no TSA lines, no crowded terminals, no fighting for outlets or snack lines. Just show your passport at check-in (no, you don’t even need to take your shoes off), grab a cold drink and a snack from the FBO lounge, and you’re on your way. Pam at the front desk even hung out with our boys by the windows to track and watch our plane land—total core memory unlocked.
The aircraft was a sleek Pilatus PC-12. It’s a single-engine, pressurized plane with leather seating, A/C, and a quick boarding process that makes it feel wildly elevated compared to flying commercial.
Our kids did ask where the TV screens were, so since there’s no inflight entertainment onboard, come prepared with iPads or activity book! Some of my favorites can be found here. But it’s such a short flight time, and the complimentary snacks and drinks on board (think sodas—hallelujah! for the mini Diet Cokes, juice, beer, chips and cookies) kept everyone happy.
On the return, you stop at the customs office in Stuart to clear U.S. re-entry before taxiing back to the FBO. It’s fast and painless—maybe 10 minutes total.
Overall, it felt like flying private without the price tag, and the Tradewind staff were genuinely wonderful: kind, patient, and so great with our kids.
Where to Stay: The Cove Eleuthera
Barefoot luxury meets boutique hotel perfection.
If you want a resort that’s truly feels off the radar but doesn’t sacrifice design or service, The Cove is it.
It’s a no-brainer. Set between two pristine, quiet beaches with powdery white sand and the clearest turquoise water, The Cove blends barefoot ease with high design. It feels like Mykonos-meets-the-Caribbean but with zero scene. Just good food, chic styling, and the kind of calm that’s hard to find anywhere—especially with kids.
I’d recommend booking a beachfront villa, which opens right onto the sand. No elevators. No hallways. Just steps to the ocean and plenty of space to unwind. The rooms are airy and minimal, with thoughtful touches that feel luxurious without being fussy.
What you’ll love:
- Beach service with ceviche + frozen daiquiris
- Complimentary paddleboards, bikes, and beach toys (no need to pre-book anything)
- A sushi bar on property (yes, in the Bahamas, and it’s good)
- Sunset hammocks + fire pits while the kids played nearby
- A resort layout that’s both walkable and safe for kids to roam
It’s elevated but still relaxed—exactly the vibe you want when you’re traveling as a family but still want it to feel like a vacation.
36-Hour Itinerary: What We Did
FRIDAY
- Morning departure from Stuart via Tradewind
- 15-minute drive to The Cove
- Beach walk + frozen drinks on arrival
- Dinner on property: grilled snapper, coconut cream pie, and barefoot kids playing tag on the lawn
SATURDAY
- Coffee on the patio + early morning shell hunt
- Short drive to Glass Window Bridge and Queen’s Bath—stunning and totally doable with kids
- Optional: Half-day boat charter to sandbars or snorkeling near Sapphire Blue Hole
- Poolside lunch (get the fish tacos)
- Afternoon paddle-boarding and reading while the boys played in the shallows
- Sushi dinner while the sun set over the cove
SUNDAY
- One last morning beach walk + easy breakfast
- Return flight with Tradewind (snacks, customs stop, and back at the car by early afternoon)
What to Know Before You Go
- Passport required—show it at the FBO before departure
- Customs is fast—cleared in Eleuthera on arrival and briefly in Stuart on return
- Snacks + drinks available at the FBO and onboard
- Pack light—swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for the Baths, and maybe a paperback or two
- Kid-friendly age sweet spot: Great for 5+, but toddlers could do it too
Bonus: Tradewind’s New Bahamas Routes
Starting this December, Tradewind is expanding its Bahamas flights with new routes from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to North Eleuthera and Marsh Harbour, and from Stuart (SUA) to Nassau (and you already know I’m obsessed with Baha Mar).
All flights depart from private terminals and use the same sleek Pilatus PC-12s with two pilots, cold drinks, and snacks onboard. Fares start at $229–$249 one-way, and routes run Thursday through Monday—perfect for long weekends or easy holiday escapes.
To learn more about Tradewind’s scheduled flights and booking your vacation, please visit our website. For questions regarding scheduled flights, contact our scheduled service team at scheduledservice@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922 option 1.