Pink Sands & Perfect Stays: Harbour Island Escape

Part of Harbour Island’s magic is that the best days here feel beautifully unstructured—mornings spent grabbing smoothies in town, afternoons cruising pink-sand beaches by golf cart, and evenings hopping between charming restaurants and cocktail spots.

Coral Sands

Set directly on Harbour Island’s famous pink-sand beach, the hotel blends laid-back island living with polished, thoughtful design. The aesthetic feels fresh, coastal, and incredibly curated. This is the perfect option for travelers who want to truly enjoy every aspect of the property itself. With a beachfront pool, full restaurant, beach service, wellness offerings, beautifully styled rooms and cottages, and direct access to one of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches, it’s easy to spend entire days here without wanting to leave.

I especially loved how versatile the property feels. It works beautifully for romantic getaways, but it’s equally ideal for families traveling with children thanks to the spacious accommodations and relaxed atmosphere. It would also be fantastic for group celebrations or stylish bachelorette trips looking for an upscale but approachable island trip.

Bahama House

Bahama House offers a completely different, but equally chic experience. Intimate, stylish, and incredibly design-forward, it feels more like staying at the coolest private island home than a traditional hotel. Every corner feels intentionally decorated, with layered interiors and beautiful textures. While the property does not have a full restaurant, it more than makes up for it with an exceptional cocktail bar that quickly becomes a gathering place in the evenings. One of the standout touches is that all drinks are included for guests, which adds to the relaxed, house-party-meets-boutique-hotel feel that makes the property so unique.

Its location is also a huge advantage. Bahama House makes an ideal home base for exploring Harbour Island—close enough to walk into town for restaurants, shopping, beach clubs, and local exploring while still feeling tucked away and intimate.

This property is especially perfect for couples, friend groups, and bachelorette trips looking for something stylish, social, and a little more private-feeling.

A few personal favorites and must-dos

• Rent a golf cart immediately upon arrival. Exploring the island this way is half the fun and gives Harbour Island its signature laid-back glamour.

• Start the morning at Sweet Spot Café for healthy smoothies, açai bowls, cold-pressed juices, and light breakfasts. It’s easy and the kind of place you end up returning to daily.

• Spend an afternoon wandering Dunmore Town’s pastel streets and boutiques. Some favorite stops include Shine, Miss Mae’s, The Sugar Mill Trading Co, and India Hicks for resort wear, home pieces, and island-inspired finds.

• Have lunch at Sip Sip right on the beach—an iconic Harbour Island experience known for its relaxed atmosphere and lobster quesadillas.

• You must go to The Dunmore for lunch. They have excellent tropical dishes made with fresh seafood, and they make the best drinks of any hotel.

• For casual, traditional Bahamian cuisine, check out Queen Conch—it’s right on the water and they prepare a great cracked conch, conch fritters, and blackened mahi.

• Book a boat day. Whether it’s swimming with turtles, snorkeling, or hopping around Eleuthera, being out on the water is one of the best ways to experience the area.

Harbour Island overall is one of my favorite destinations for travelers wanting a Caribbean escape that feels elevated yet relaxed—luxurious without being flashy, and stylish without losing its charm.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Caribbean page.