When someone told me that the highest natural point in the Bahamas is only 63 meters above sea level, I chuckled. Seriously? That’s barely the height of a medium apartment building. But then I found myself standing on top of Mount Alvernia, on the quiet island of Cat Island, and I realized—it’s not about height. It’s about what you feel when you get there.
The Bahamas Are More Than Beaches and Swimming Pigs
Most tourists come to the Bahamas for the turquoise waters, white sands, and yes—those famous swimming pigs. But Cat Island, one of the lesser-visited islands, offers something else entirely. Stillness. Raw beauty. And a perspective that lifts you—not just physically, but mentally.
Mount Alvernia: Where Silence Begins and the World Fades Out
Mount Alvernia (originally called Como Hill) isn’t just the highest point in the Bahamas—it’s also a deeply spiritual spot. The hike to the top isn’t really a “hike” at all. It’s more like a slow, gentle walk through nature, along a quiet path surrounded by palms and birdsong.
What struck me right away? There are no gates. No ticket booths. No coconut vendors. Just a path you take on your own, at your own pace. And waiting at the top is something unexpected—a tiny stone monastery called The Hermitage, built in the 1930s by a monk named Father Jerome.
Tips: If you’re heading to the Bahamas, I highly recommend setting up a good VPN before you go. It keeps your connection secure on hotel or café WiFi, and lets you access your favorite content—like Netflix or local websites—just as if you were back home. Some VPNs even have servers nearby in the Caribbean, so your connection stays fast even on the beach. Personally, I swear by NordVPN—it’s simple, super fast, and reliably keeps everything private. Try NordVPN with 77% discount here….
Stone, Stillness, and a Piece of the Sky
The Hermitage is tiny. Like, really tiny. To step inside, you actually have to bend down. The walls are rough stone, there’s a simple cross, and a small arch for prayer. No golden altars, no stained glass. Just peace, breeze, and a view that makes your heart skip.
And that view… that’s why this humble “hill” became a spiritual summit. From here, you can see the entire sweep of Cat Island. The ocean stretches around you in all shades of blue. Between patches of palm trees are tiny houses, the occasional fishing boat… but mostly? Just space. Stillness. And sky.
I’ve Climbed Higher. But This Was Deeper.
I’ve hiked mountains before. The High Tatras. The Alps. I even once slept under Annapurna. But Mount Alvernia gave me something those big peaks didn’t—stillness. Not for my legs, but for my mind.
When I sat on a rock beside the monastery and looked down at the endless sea, time seemed to pause. No pressure to take the perfect photo, no need to rush. Just me, a stone underfoot, and a quiet voice in my head saying: This is exactly where you need to be.
So Who Was Father Jerome?
Behind this place is the story of John Cyril Hawes, better known as Father Jerome. A British architect, priest, and mystic who eventually made his way to the Bahamas. After a life of inner searching, he found solace here on Cat Island. He built this mountaintop retreat not to run from the world, but to listen more closely to what it had to say.
His final years were spent in simplicity, and his vision remains. Mount Alvernia is not just a hill. It’s a shift in pace. A step inward.
How to Get There – And When to Go
Cat Island isn’t on the mainstream tourist trail. The easiest way to get there is by a small local flight from Nassau—it takes about 45 minutes. For the more adventurous, there are boat services as well.
If you want peace and comfort, avoid the peak heat and humidity of July and August. Spring and early autumn are ideal—fewer visitors, gentler sun, and a calmer ocean.
What to Bring With You
- Good walking shoes or sandals (the path can be slippery)
- Plenty of water – there are no shops nearby
- A hat or cap – there’s no shade at the top
- And most importantly – time. Because there’s no point rushing here
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Height to Feel High
Mount Alvernia taught me something I wasn’t expecting. You don’t need to climb thousands of meters to feel like you’ve reached a peak. You don’t need thin air to breathe deeply. You just need a place that lets you be still.
For me, this was one of the most personal and grounding travel moments I’ve ever had. The strongest experiences aren’t always loud or dramatic.
Sometimes, they’re quiet, unassuming, and sitting just 63 meters above sea level.
