Harbour Island
© Photos from album of Lisa Anderson
If you flip through Elle, Vanity Fair, Robb Report, Vogue, or any other high-end magazine, you are bound to come across an article about Harbour Island. Harbour Island is one of the smallest, non-private islands in the Caribbean. They are famous for pink sand beaches and are the center of uncountable photo shoots. As a matter of fact, I don't think I've been to the island when they haven't been shooting for Glamour, Victoria's Secret, or a specific line of clothes. The water is crystal clear, the beaches wide and mass, and the weather is nice all year long. There are many islands you can boat to for a beach picnic or to relax in privacy, and fishing is great as well. Beaches are not crowded, and occasionally a horse or two will pass you by. And, for those wanting to marry on the island, there are many options for weddings as well as honeymoons.
Harbour Island is not for those who are looking for casinos, tons of nightlife, big spas, or motorized sports. It is a slow, relaxed, environment with well-traveled visitors. The mode of transportation is usually by golf cart, although most things are within walking distance. The dining on the island is fabulous, with many excellent five-star choices. Our favorite lunch spots are SipSip for lobster quesadillas and mango daquiris, as well as the Blue Bar at the Pink Sands. For dinner, see Toby at The Landing (great wine list and goat cheese ravioli with pine nuts and buerre blanc sauce) or email us for a more extensive list of dining options.
As for lodging, we will help you find the best place to suit your needs. There are houses to rent (for summer vacations or Christmas/New Year's gatherings) as well as top-notch, picture-perfect, bayside properties like Rock House (also the focus of many press articles) whose courtyard and entryway surround you with orchids. Coral Sands was also recently renovated and has pool and beach service for those looking for something a little more casual and/or to be directly on the beach and around more people.
Harbour Island is a little difficult to reach by commercial air if departing from a non-hub city, so be prepared to spend a day in travel, that is unless you plan to fly private. But — the trip is well worth the effort. Just ask anyone who's been to Gusty's (one of the few bars on the island) and they will tell you, "There's no place like Harbour Island."
Give us a call at 864.232.8880 or contact us online to discuss Harbour Island in more detail. After all, we can't give you all of our secret spots and recommendations online.
