It’s almost time for Harbour Island! I’m so excited to see you all! Time has flown by and I know some of you are already beginning to map out your time on the island and fill your suitcases (or at least your mind about what should go in the suitcases…) so here are some thoughts:
Packing
- swimsuits and sunscreen: it is super expensive on the island- there will be umbrellas for shade!
- flip flops/flats/sandals: the roads and paths make heels tricky, wedges usually work too though why not be comfy… even Hiedi has found some flat sandals 😉
- summery dresses, slacks, skirts, beachy clothes for evening: while Jennifer Aniston did sit across from me and Christine at The Landing one Valentine’s Day in boyfriend jeans and a wife-beater, she stuck out a bit. Restaurants for the evening tend to be more dressed up and put together. Not fancy, not ultra casual. In reality, anything goes on the island. The mosquitos can be a bit hungry at night so I tend to wear longer dresses to cover my legs though am bringing a few short ones too this time… indecisive.
- coverups, etc.: lunch is easy to walk down the beach and plop at a table barefoot with a t-shirt or caftan over your swimsuit
- exercise clothes: a run on the beach, tennis match on the court and a brand new gym at Coral Sands are available. Or you can follow Lang’s lead and swim the length of the shore until you’re arms tire.
Leisure Planning (Type A friends… we do enjoy a good plan for relax… ahhh.)
Bring books! Late afternoon reading as the sun fades brought us so much peacefulness when Seneca and I first snuggled into the island. It’s one of my favorite times of day. Lang and I continue that (often with a cocktail).
The hotel has beach towels and a wide array of sporting equipment. Cathy’s bringing her own snorkel gear if it fits in her suitcase so that’s an option if you want as well! There are beach chairs and staff that will help set it all up.
Any avid divers or snorkelers may want to book an excursion. Seneca and I (and my mom and brother and loads of others) have enjoyed trips through Valentine’s Dive Center. Nati’s husband Adam already booked his 3 days of diving! If that’s a must for you, feel free to reach out. If you’re PADI certified, they can look you up but if not please bring your card. Boyd and Dawn are great and also happen to be Lang’s neighbors in the cottage behind her house. http://www.valentinesdive.com/
Walking around the island, stopping for an iced coffee at Arthur’s Bakery– and an egg and cheese on cheddar jalapeño bread, add tomatoes, if you’re in the mood- is a wonderful time as well. Robert is the owner and his son, Tino, and daughter-in-law Gaby are good friends of mine. Their website has lots of other island hints too. Another newer favorite- with amazing açai bowls and real Starbucks is Cocoa Coffee House next to the pool at Valentine’s Marina. Their deck is another great spot for morning or afternoon pausing and sipping.
Close to the main government dock there are options for places to pop into for shopping like Dake’s Shoppe, The Sugar Mill , The Blue Rooster (Val’s fave that she’s planning a return to), Miss Mae’s, Dilly Dally and Shine. Not to be missed are all the straw shacks that sell fun, local wares (get your name woven into a straw clutch maybe??) Another favorite stroll would be to the Princess Street Gallery to soak up the artistic energy of the island with so many magical nooks in between- at least one lap around the Pigly Wigly will give you a smile as you stock up on any groceries. If you’re looking for a place for snacks or local produce, there are shops around including Captain Bob’s– organic and specialty items are there. Ask Lang, she knows all the places to frequent!
Massages, tours, golf cart rentals, etc. are available from the front desk as well so as soon as you arrive, you can inquire if you’re in the mood to explore. There’s a new Dermalogica spa that Cathy is investigating already. Here’s their link: http://dermalogicaskincentre.com/harbour-island-spa/
July 14-16, 2017 