The first day of a Harbour Island vacation sets the tone for everything that follows. The temptation is to plan it down to the minute, but the island has a way of slowing you down whether you like it or not. Here is how we like to spend day one: unhurried, a little sandy, and with nothing on the schedule that can’t be moved.
Morning: Coffee and the Pink Sand
Start slowly. Make coffee, step outside and let your ears adjust to the quiet. When you’re ready, head to Pink Sands Beach, the nearly three-mile stretch of blush-colored sand along the island’s Atlantic side. Early morning is the best time to see it: the light is soft, the sand is cool, and you’ll often have long stretches to yourself.
The pink comes from foraminifera, tiny marine organisms with rosy shells that wash ashore and mix with the white sand. Look closely near the waterline, where the color is richest.
Midday: A Golf Cart Tour of Dunmore Town
Golf carts are the way to get around Briland, and your first spin through Dunmore Town is a highlight in itself. Wander the narrow lanes lined with pastel cottages, white picket fences and bougainvillea spilling over the walls. Stop at the shops along Bay Street, peek into the galleries, and visit St. John’s Anglican Church, one of the oldest churches in the Bahamas.
When you get hungry, follow your nose. Lunch on the island leans fresh and local, and conch in almost any form is a must on day one.
The best plan for day one is the one you’re happy to abandon.
Afternoon: Do Absolutely Nothing
This is the part of the day guests tell us they remember most. Go back to the house, slip into the pool, read a few pages and doze off in the shade. If your home includes a beach setup, our team will have chairs and umbrellas waiting, so all you have to do is show up with a book.
Evening: Sunset on the Harbour Side
The island’s two shores offer two different moods. The Atlantic side is for sunrise and long beach walks; the harbour side, facing Eleuthera, is where the sun goes down. Find a spot along the water in town, order something cold, and watch the sky turn gold and pink over the boats.
For dinner on your first night, many guests love having a private chef cook at the house: no reservations, no driving, just a long table and a slow evening. Our concierge team can arrange it before you arrive.
Our Tip
Don’t overbook day one. Travel to Harbour Island involves a flight, a short drive and a water taxi, so give yourself permission to land, settle in and let the island set the pace. There is plenty of time for snorkeling trips and island hopping later in the week.
Ready to plan your stay? Check availability across our homes, or tell our concierge what you have in mind.