Harbour Island Bahamas Hotels - Where to Stay on Harbour Island

Harbour Island, northwest of Eleuthera Island, is well-known for its pink sand beaches, its Insta-friendly "Lone Tree," swimming pigs, golf cart transportation, and the stylish set that flock there when the going gets tough so the tough get going—straight out of NYC in the winter.

So what has made this charming beach town with its cotton candy-colored homes the spot that has long-attracted fashion's elite like designers Diane von Furstenberg and interiors guru India Hicks? We're sure those aqua waters hold many secrets, but luckily people who love Harbour Island are willing to spill why—and where to go when you get there.

Coral Sands

But first, how do you get there? There are no direct flights. The best route is to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Florida and then take a smaller plane to Harbour Island. Once you land, it's a quick taxi ride to a short boat ride to paradise.

A cottage at Coral Sands

And where to stay? Coral Sands, founded in the late '60s, has that perfectly tropical boutique hotel feel, courtesy of a recent extensive renovation that gave new life to this 39-room gem located on the beach—complete with new cottages, a revamp of two restaurants— Latitude 25, a lovely fine dining experience, and the Beach Bar for laid-back fare and cocktails on the water—a clothing boutique, and a 55-foot infinity pool. Its pink and green aesthetic has that preppy-chic thing down, just waiting to be Instagram-ed. It's the ideal home-base on the island, but where else to explore on this 3.5 mile wide destination? BAZAAR.com asked some repeat visitors what draws them to this happy isle and what their hot spots are...

Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves, founder of swimwear brand Marysia

Why Harbour Island?

The pink sand and relaxed vibe.

What are your favorite spots for lunch, dinner and/or shopping?

I love The Sweet Spot for the healthy option. Sip Sip for a fun lunch atmosphere and the Dunmore for dinner. I also only shop at the Dunmore whom I did a special collection for!

Rebecca Cohen, founder of LoveShackFancy

Why Harbour Island?

Harbour Island is magic. It’s a tiny little Bahamian island with the friendliest people and the most pristine pink sand beaches. My girls can run wild and stay on the beach from morning until sunset—you drive golf carts all around and it’s just the most laid back environment . If you want to dress up for dinner you can do a gorgeous evening at the Dunmore or The Landing. I love how family oriented the island is and how the same people return year after year .

What are your favorite spots for lunch, dinner and/or shopping?

My favorite is Junkanoo during Christmas time—it’s a huge festival where everyone dances and sings together on the streets, the energy is toxic.

The little hat store for local woven baskets and hats is my favorite shop. The Landing for an amazing breakfast and dinner on the patio. The Dunmore for lunch and dinner .... and the Sand Bar for sunset.

Danielle Snyder, co-founder of Dannijo

Why Harbour Island?

It's one of my favorite places to visit. My family and I have been going there for years; I love that it's a tiny island with a lot of soul, which makes for an intimate and memorable experience. I'm also getting married on Harbour Island this spring.

What are your favorite spots for lunch, dinner and/or shopping?

My favorite spots are Sip Sip for lunch and the Bar at The Landing. The Bar at The Landing reminds me of a Bahamian version of Bar Hemingway in Paris.

What to Pack

Kerry Pieri is Harper's Bazaar's Digital Fashion/Features Director. Kerry oversees the fashion vertical for BAZAAR.com, including launching digital covers, styling celebrity features, and managing recurring features including Brand Watch and My Life in Three Looks. In addition, Kerry edits the “best of” each season, from shoes to bags, denim and coats, and is consistently looking for shifts in the fashion realm to lend a voice. Kerry formerly served as the Editorial Director of  StyleCaster.com and as a producer at Full Frontal Fashion. She lives in New York with her husband Steve, and baby girl Lila Sky.

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