Harbour Island, a British-settled island filled with pink sandy beaches, colorful clusters of buildings, chatty Bahamians and friendly roosters, has long been a secret spot for the barefoot chic crowd who wanted to fall off the radar. Life on island always revolves around the ocean: playing in it, eating and drinking by it, fishing in it and is home to the famous residents and guests such as Elle MacPherson, DVF, Mick Jagger and India Hicks. These days, the tiny 3 mile island, navigated only by foot or golf cart is not on everyone’s radar for a reason… the two flights followed by a car ride and a boat ride to get here. With Coral Sands Hotel completing a much needed renovation, Marysia’s dreamy swimwear collab with The Dunmore and American Airlines adding more lift ( industry term for flights #nerds ) we packed our bags to check out all the buzz for ourselves. Of course, in true Mapps fashion, we brought back all the scoop. Here is our take on Harbour Island…..
STAY
The new look at Coral Sands
CORAL SANDS : The freshly renovated beachfront resort offers brightly colored spaces, two gourmet restaurants, a tennis court, pool and a gym.
THE DUNMORE: A members-only club turned chic, boutique beach-front hotel with colorful accessories, antiques, a glamorous pool and posh dining. Well behaved children only allowed.
NOTES: Reservations for both hotels are booked 6-9 months in advance and at The Dunmore, the owners save most of the rooms for their friends over holiday weeks. For extended stays we prefer renting a house and MAPPS has a list of vetted properties we love.
EAT & DRINK
ARTHUR’S BAKERY: Home to the island’s famous banana bread.
COCOA COFFEE HOUSE: Fresh juices, coffee and easy grab and go items such as avocado toast and homemade paninis.
DUNMORE CLUBHOUSE: The place to see and be seen each night. Start with cocktails in their 60s-era style dining room that showcases beautiful vintage photos of the Bahamas and then move to their breezy oceanfront patio for contemporary Mediterranean and live music.
LATITUDE 25 & BEACH BAR: If you cannot score a table at Sip Sip for lunch, grab one here and order their famous chicken sandwich.
QUEEN CONCH: A wooden shack on the bay with a mother-daughter duo that scoops out the conch and chops it up right in front of you. They serve it with sour oranges, hot chilli, fresh tomato, onion and green pepper…. an easy, breezy, no frills lunch.
SIP SIP: The term “sip sip” is local slang for gossip and an island institution. Since 2002, all roads lead their for lunch. Visitors flock in droves to dish on who, what, where over a menu that changes daily based on whats fresh. The lobster quesadilla was epic.
SUNSETS AT RAMORA BAY: the perfect spot to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails with a view. Don’t miss out on their famous “Frozen Goombay Smash” or the live music on Sundays.
THE LANDING: The red-painted walls, glowing candles and 800 bottle wine cellar make this Sunday brunch and dinner hotspot a draw for well-dressed couples and families. We highly recommend the lemon ricotta pancakes and the goat cheese ravioli.
THE ROCK HOUSE: A casual yet elegant dinner spot in the heart of town known for their boneless chicken, freshly caught lobster, red velvet cheesecake and fine wines.
SEE & DO
HORSEBACK RIDING: Sunset rides on pink sand beach. Look for Marty on the beach, cannot miss him or his animals.
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH: oldest church in the Bahamas.
THE SWIMMING PIGS: Book a 1/2 day private charter and head minutes away to swim with the pigs in Spanish Wells. Have your captain take you to check out the nearby sting rays, the turtles and starfish up at Whales Point, ending with a pit stop for drinks and lunch at The Sand Bar and Grill.
VALENTINE’S DIVE CENTER: daily dives, snorkel trips, deep sea fishing and private charters.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
MAPPS X CORAL SANDS: Special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and food and beverage credits.
GETTING HERE: After landing in Eleuthera, travelers take a ten minute car ride to the dock and then a five minute water taxi over to Harbour Island and pick up their golf cart rental. Only those truly committed end up here.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: November-May
IDEAL GUEST: One who prefers no frills luxury, wants to escape everything… zero itinerary other then sun, surf and cocktails. Perfect for families, or a long weekend weekend getaway for couples or friends.
P.S. The shopping here is pretty great. Don’t miss our favorite haunts:
A & A HIDDEN TREASURES: custom, colorfully embroidered, jute woven totes.
BLUE ROOSTER: Kaftans and rather preppy clothes.
DAKE’S: Men’s and women’s resort wear, home decor, linens and textiles. The handwoven place mats and handcrafted cutting boards were gorgeous.
THE SUGAR MILL: An eclectic mix of treasures from India Hick’s travels around the world.