| Promise not to tell? One of the best kept secrets of | | | | Ma Ruby's should not be missed. And there are |
| the Bahamas is Harbour Island. This romantic little | | | | more... Part of the pleasure of exploring the island is |
| island, known as "Briland" by its inhabitants, is a short | | | | checking out the restaurants. When compared to |
| hop from the States. A one hour flight from Florida | | | | other Bahamian islands, Harbour Island has one of the |
| to North Eleuthera followed by a brief cab and water | | | | best selections of restaurants -- all within close |
| taxi ride gets you to this Bahamas gem in a | | | | proximity to any place you stay.On the ocean side, |
| hurry.Harbour Island is less than 4 miles long and a 1/2 | | | | hotels include Pink Sands Hotel, Coral Sands Hotel and |
| mile wide. Its long wide beach is famous for its | | | | Dunmore Beach Club. On the bay side, it's The |
| hard-packed pale pink sand. The likes of Fodors and | | | | Landing Inn and the Rock House. On a budget? There |
| Conde Nast rate it as one of the "best Bahamas | | | | are other hotels to choose from. Visiting Harbour |
| beaches." The beach, combined with some great | | | | Island is not cheap, but if it was, then everybody |
| restaurants, hotels and vacation home rentals, makes | | | | would be there, right?Harbour Island's vacation home |
| Harbour Island a destination of choice amongst | | | | rentals and villas are numerous. Location and size |
| Bahamas enthusiasts. It's no surprise to find a few | | | | come at a price. If you desire "beachfront", the |
| "rich and famous" there -- they know they won't be | | | | better locations are usually on the north and south |
| hounded.Central to Harbour island is Dunmore Town. | | | | along the east coast. If you want to save a little, |
| This quaint and friendly community features old | | | | there are some nice rentals in Dunmore Town and |
| Victorian structures adorned with Bahama's colorful | | | | others located in the interior of the island. The beach |
| pastel paint schemes. No high rise hotels, fast food or | | | | is always minutes away.Look for home rentals on the |
| traffic jams on this island!Golf cart rentals are the | | | | internet offering more than a few photos so you |
| transportation of choice. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba | | | | know what to expect. A number of rentals are |
| diving, fishing, and just plain walking the beach are | | | | handled by rental or real estate agents who may not |
| some of the popular activities. To be sure, Harbour | | | | provide much in the way of details, descriptions, map |
| Island is not known for its shopping and night life nor | | | | locations or photos. Owners who care about |
| is there any gambling. If you seek large crowds, wild | | | | promoting their home rental typically have |
| parties or theme park rides, this is not your | | | | independent web sites and accept e-mail inquiries |
| destination.Harbour Island's weather is delightful; | | | | directly.The better house rentals on Harbour Island |
| especially during late Winter and Spring when there is | | | | are booked nearly a year in advance of prime |
| little chance of rain. Ocean breezes take any edge | | | | season. Those who want the best make early |
| off of moderately warm temperatures ranging from | | | | reservations -- many are repeat customers. You can |
| the 70s to 80s during the day and late 60s at night. | | | | also take a "standby" position on a number of rentals |
| Air conditioning during season is unnecessary -- ceiling | | | | in hopes someone cancels. Ask for referrals and |
| fans are adequate. Nothing beats falling asleep to the | | | | double check policies for deposits and refunds.If you |
| sounds of the ocean through an open window.Dining | | | | seek a memorable and relaxed Bahamas vacation |
| out is casual. The better restaurants include Pink | | | | coupled with sun, sea, great food and a romantic |
| Sands Hotel, Coral Sands, The Landing, Rock House, | | | | beachfront that will knock your eyes out, consider |
| Romora Bay Club and Harbour Lounge. For local fare, | | | | Harbour Island. See you on the beach! |