Harbour Island has been on my wishlist for the longest time, and when we spontaneously booked a trip, I knew it was going to be special—but I didn’t expect to fall in love with it as much as I did. It’s hands down my favorite Bahamian island, and I’m already plotting my return. It’s the absolute cutest! Think golf carts zipping around pastel-colored cottages, the friendliest mix of locals and visitors, dreamy interiors at every turn, incredible food and drinks, and the softest pink sand beaches. It’s almost unreal—exactly what you want a tropical getaway to be.

And to top it all off, we had some fun celebrity run-ins with Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, and Eric Church, who happened to be staying at our hotel.

Beyond the beauty and charm, I also have to say that I felt completely comfortable and safe the entire time. It was the least stressful and most welcoming tropical vacation I’ve ever taken outside the U.S. It’s also super family-friendly, and I can’t wait to bring our kids one day. Here’s the full rundown on everything you need to know if you’re planning a trip!

Where to Stay

We stayed at Coral Sands, and to say I was obsessed with their renovations would be an understatement. Every single detail was absolute perfection, and the whole resort is a designer’s dream—you’re soaking up inspiration at every turn. The energy was also just right. They nailed the ambiance, from the perfect playlists at every meal to the most inviting spaces.

Breakfast (continental breakfast included) was a daily treat, lunch at the beach restaurant was too good not to repeat, and dinner was a full-on experience—do not skip dessert!

While I’m completely biased after our stay, I truly don’t think you can go wrong here. If you’re traveling with family, renting a house might be a good option, but for couples or smaller groups, I’d recommend Coral Sands, The Dunmore, Pink Sands, or The Ocean View Club. All of these are an easy golf cart ride away from one another, so you can hop around effortlessly.

Before Traveling

Reserve a golf cart in advance. Trust me on this—Google some rental spots and book ahead. Make sure you get a good one because the island is hillier than you’d expect!
Make dinner reservations. Better safe than sorry! I did this one month in advance. I’ll share where we ate below.
Book a boat day with Tyman Charters. Worth every single penny. It was an amazing, personalized experience I’d do again in a heartbeat.

Getting There

We flew through Atlanta into Eleuthera, took a quick 5-minute cab ride to the dock, then hopped on a quick ferry to Harbour Island. The cab is $10 cash per person, as is the ferry, so bring at least $20 in cash per person for the transfer. (We didn’t use an ATM, but I heard there are withdrawal limits.) For some reason, I expected travel to be complicated, but it was honestly the easiest process ever.

Day 1

Arrived and had a late lunch at Coral Sands. Favorite bites:
- Pomegranate margarita (blended with jalapeño)
- Fish tacos
- Nashville chicken sandwich (unreal!)
- Greek salad with shrimp
Walked the beach and got settled at the hotel.
Dinner at The Ocean View Club—highly recommend going early for cocktails. The vibe is amazing, the food was incredible, and they even have backgammon if you’re into that.

Day 2

Quick breakfast before a boat day with Tyman Charters (Pro tip: Buy beer the night before—it’s pricey and not always easy to find in the morning!)
Our captain, Kayson, is a local from Spanish Wells, and he made sure we had the best time.
Highlights:
- Water swings off Spanish Wells (giant stingrays included!)
- Swimming with the pigs
- Lobster sliders on the water (made by Kayson’s mother-in-law!)
- Dolphin sightings, swimming with turtles, and finding starfish
Back to Coral Sands for a late lunch.
Dinner at The Dunmore—such a special spot. Have a drink here before dinner!

Day 3

Started at Coral Sands’ open-air gym, sauna, and cold plunge.
Golf carted around, popping into shops. (Favorites: The Dunmore!)
Favorite food & drink stops:
- Cocoa Coffee House (coffee, matcha, smoothies)
- Briland Club Bar (cocktails + yacht views)
Another celeb sighting—Michael Jordan & Derek Jeter at our hotel!
Dinner at Da Vine Sushi & Wine Bar—so, so good!
Nightcap & dancing at Gusty’s, a sand-floor nightclub.

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel, then poolside lounging.
Lunch at The Dunmore—blended cocktails + tuna poke bowl = perfection.
Chilled at the Coral Sands beach bar for the afternoon (and spotted Eric Church!)
Pre-dinner cocktails at The Landings—wish we had one more night for a full meal here!
Final dinner at Coral Sands, a perfect way to end the trip.

Traveling Home

Give yourself 2.5–3 hours at the airport. It’s tiny, and their check-in process is… unique. We arrived 2 hours early and barely made our flight. If that makes you anxious, plan accordingly!

If you’re traveling with kids, bring something to keep them entertained—there’s a lot of waiting around.

Final Thoughts

Harbour Island truly lived up to the hype and then some. If you’ve been considering a trip, take this as your sign to go. From the people to the scenery to the incredible food, it was everything a tropical escape should be—and more. I already can’t wait to go back!

If you go, feel free to reach out with questions! So excited for you! xx

Harbour Island