There are two types of people in this world: those who light up at the words “destination wedding” (hi, it’s me), and those who immediately start calculating how many vacation days they’ll lose. So when my cousin announced she was tying the knot in the Bahamas, I was already mentally packing my suitcase.
Now, I’ve been to the Bahamas before – the Atlantis, Baha Mar, the whole resort circuit (don’t worry, I’ve got thoughts and I’ll share in a future post). But this time, we were heading somewhere totally new to me: Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Honestly? I hadn’t even heard of either before. Naturally, that only made me more intrigued; I’m drawn to the places that don’t show up on everyone’s itinerary.
How to Get Around on Harbour and Eleuthera Island
Eleuthera and Harbour Island are just a stone’s throw apart from one another. We flew into Eleuthera and took a scenic five-minute boat ride over to Harbour Island. Given how close the two islands are, traveling between them is easy and hassle-free. If you’re planning to island-hop, ask your hotel to help coordinate a boat transfer.
Once on Harbour Island, getting around is part of the fun. Taxis exist, but they’re few and far between (and not exactly budget-friendly). At the bride’s suggestion, we rented a golf cart for the weekend and never looked back. It’s the go-to mode of transportation here, and you’ll see them zipping around everywhere. Most hotels can help arrange a rental ahead of time, and I’d recommend doing so, especially during peak season.
Where to Stay on Eleuthera and Harbour Island
Quick note before we dive in: I didn’t stay at any of the luxury hotels I’m about to mention. Since we were traveling with family, we opted for a more budget-friendly option, Valentines Resort. It did the job, but my only gripe is that Valentines is not beachfront – the hotel’s tucked away on the marina side of Harbour Island. So if you’re dreaming of that toes-in-the-sand, ocean-at-your-doorstep kind of stay, the spots below are worth a look.
Harbour Island Hotels
Ocean View Club
The Ocean View Club on Harbour Island isn’t your typical luxury resort, and that’s exactly its charm. Perched on the iconic Pink Sands Beach, this family-run hideaway has welcomed guests for over 50 years with a blend of laid-back elegance and soulful character. The rooms are a quirky mix: some old, some new, all steps from the sea. Expect air conditioning, Nespresso machines, and semi-reliable Wi-Fi, but the real luxury is the proximity to the ocean and the pink sand beach.
The Dunmore
I didn’t get a chance to explore The Dunmore (no one from the wedding stayed here), but it consistently pops up as one of Harbour Island’s top resorts. Perched just steps from the iconic Pink Sand Beach, The Dunmore is known for its island hospitality, picture-perfect pool, and high-end accommodations. If you’re looking for a modern, beach-adjacent escape, this one’s definitely worth a spot on your shortlist.
Eleuthera Hotels
The Other Side
If you’re looking to truly unplug, but still want your toes in the sand and a glass of something chilled in hand, check out The Other Side. This off-the-grid, solar-powered escape is just across the bay from Harbour Island and feels like your own private corner of paradise. Think minimal, luxe, wellness-forward, and dare I say, Gweneth Paltrow approved.
Things to Do on Harbour Island and Eleuthera Island
Pink Sand Beach
Harbour Island’s claim to fame is its stunning Pink Sand Beach – a three-mile stretch of soft, rose-colored sand along the Atlantic. It’s often ranked among the best beaches in the Bahamas, and even earned a spot on The Travel Channel’s “World’s Best Beaches” list. Once you see it, it’s easy to understand why.
Visit Whichever Island You’re Not Staying On
If you’re staying at The Other Side on Eleuthera, boat over to Harbour Island for a day trip – Pink Sand Beach is absolutely worth seeing in person. Or if you’re based on Harbour Island, flip the script: cruise over to The Other Side for lunch and a stroll around the dreamy, design-forward grounds. You honestly can’t go wrong either way, both islands are stunning and well worth exploring.
Breakfast at Blue Bar
On our flight to Eleuthera, my dad found himself seated next to a pilot who frequents both islands (a serendipitous seatmate, if you ask me). Naturally, he used the opportunity to get the inside scoop on what not to miss. One of the pilot’s top recs? Breakfast at Blue Bar, part of the iconic Pink Sands Resort on Harbour Island.
Our meal lived up to the hype, fresh and paired with a front row view of the beach’s famously blush-hued sand. It’s not a daily ritual kind of spot unless you’re ready to splurge, but it’s worth visiting at least once during your stay.
Get a Kalik at Gusty’s
This no-frills beach bar sits right on the sand, where the vibe is breezy and the Kalik is always cold. It’s the kind of spot you stumble into after a day in the sun and end up staying longer than planned. Come for the view, stay for the crowd, and don’t be surprised if you leave with sandy feet and a new story or two.
Cocoa Coffee House
Luckily for us, Cocoa Coffee House was just a 2-minute stroll from our room, tucked right beside the Valentine’s Resort grounds. Harbour Island doesn’t have many grab-and-go breakfast spots, so this became our go-to for a quick iced coffee and a pastry on the move. Most mornings we opted for a slower, sit-down start, but when we wanted something quick, Cocoa’s delivered.
Dinner at Rock House
Rock House is one of the more popular and upscale dinner reservations available on Harbour Island. I’d describe the menu as Bahamian with a twist; you can expect to find items such as conch cakes, blackened grouper, pasta with prawns, and other coastal favorites. The cocktails were some of the best we came across as well (with the exception of Miss V’s – more on that below).
Bonus: Rock House has a reputation for celebrity sightings. We caught a glimpse of a C-list Bravo alum with a brief appearance on Southern Charm.
Get a Painkiller at Miss V’s
Miss V’s might be my favorite spot on Harbour Island. It’s the kind of beach bar you daydream about: relaxed, unpretentious, with friendly staff and a Painkiller that could ruin all others for you. A fellow wedding guest tipped us off about the drink, so we gave it a shot—and within minutes, half the wedding party followed suit. Tropical and refreshing, it tastes like vacation in a cup, just strong enough to make you forget what time it is.
Da Vine Sushi
Da Vine Sushi is one of the tougher reservations to land on Harbour Island, but by some stroke of luck, we managed to walk in just after they opened for the evening. While the sushi didn’t exactly blow me away, the ocean breeze on the porch and an ice-cold martini more than made up for it.
Shoot Some Hoops at the Vic Hum Club
We popped into the Vic Hum Club one night to catch the NBA Finals and, to our surprise, discovered a small basketball court located at the back of the bar. According to local lore (and one unverified Google search), Sports Illustrated even wrote a piece about the place years ago. With its laid-back vibe and local energy, Vic Hum is a solid stop for basketball fans, ping-pong players, and anyone looking for something a little off-script.
Until next time, Harbour & Eleuthera Island