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