TRAVEL | ESCAPE TO HARBOUR ISLAND

TRAVEL | ESCAPE TO HARBOUR ISLAND

Just three miles long, Harbour Island is a tiny Bahamian oasis with a big heart. World-renowned for its stretch of blushing beach, as pink as the inside of a conch shell, this quaint ‘seaside village’ island strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and adventure. Think candy-coloured cottages, golf carts buzzing through bougainvillaea-draped lanes and endless hours to explore both town and shore.

Words by Georgia Austin.

TOUR… Dunmore Town by cart. Your ride? A golf cart from Ross Cart Rental. Drift down storybook lanes lined with hibiscus pinks and mint façades, showcasing the Island’s classic New England style architecture. Pop into art galleries, sip a coffee at Cocoa Coffee House, or stop for a photo op at the Lone Tree – a striking sculptural piece of driftwood that stands alone on Girls Bank.
MUST DO: Leave no turn unturned – every corner of Harbour Island

SHOP… Home to many high-end boutiques brimming with unique trinkets, stop by The Sugar Mill – started by India Hicks – for clothing, jewellery and collectables, or browse souvenirs at Miss Mae’s, the Blue Rooster or Dilly Dally.
MUST DO: Commission a custom straw hat or basket from Miss Alice at A&A Hidden Treasures.

STAY… King Surf Shack is your barefoot-luxe base camp for days of pink-sand wandering and nights of rooftop revelry. This retro-style surf shack comes
complete with a private lap pool, crow’s nest with ocean views and a remodelled 1973 VW food truck as your outdoor kitchen.
MUST DO: Relax! When the sun goes down, your feet go up – enjoy watching your favourite movies on the pool deck with the laser projector.

BEACH… The famous three-mile stretch of Pink Sand Beach runs the entire length of the eastern edge of the island. Beyond strolling along the shoreline, try surfing lessons on gentle waves or saddle up for horse-riding at sunset.
MUST DO: Golden hour at the beach. Think pink as the world dissolves into rosy hues.

EAT… Da Vine - Sushi and wine pairings curated by taste-makers at Nobu. Book a table and feast on a masterpiece, with some of the finest, most flavourful sushi displayed like artwork.
MUST DO: Order the ‘Lord Dunmore’ – Cooked local lobster sushi.

DRINK… Stop at Sweet Spot Cafe for exotic drinks. Cocktail lovers try a Coral Heat – vodka, grapefruit juice, black pepper, lime and sugar, while beer-drinkers indulge in a bottle of local Kalik – available only in the Bahamas.
MUST DO: Order a Goombay Smash, a Bahamian pineapple and rum-based cocktail created on Green Turtle Cay.

TRY… On the Bay Side of the island sits Queen Conch, a rickety little restaurant framed by piles of empty conch shells. At this tiny, locally-loved lunch spot, you’ll find some of the most delicious fresh conch on the island.
MUST DO: Order the conch salad – you won’t regret it!

SEA… Charter a boat with Spanish Wells Fish Charters and skim over turquoise waves to hidden coves. Beneath the waves, turtles abound. Swim with these majestic wild creatures, always keeping a respectful distance. There are options for all kinds of boating if sailing or sport fishing is more your speed.
MUST DO: Stop by Piggley Wiggley grocery store and fill your cooler with drinks and snacks for your day exploring the seas.

BOOGIE… Elbow Room is the island’s social heartbeat, with harbour views, DJ beats and flowing cocktails. For family-friendly fun enjoy live music at Ramora Bay Resort where curious kids can watch fishermen clean their catch on the dock.
MUST DO: When restaurants close but you’re not ready to head home stop by Gusty’s Bar. With a sandy floor and a throwbacks playlist that hasn’t changed for seventeen years this stop is full o’ feel-good Friday-night fun.

PLAY… From paddleboard rentals from Valentine’s Resort to windsurfing lessons and guided kayaking tours, there’s a wide array of ways to play the day away in this billionaire’s backyard.
MUST DO: Stop by the marina to spot wild manatees cruising by and offer them fresh water from the marina’s hose pipes.