Author: emilydeliddo

My feet first stepped onto pink sands in 2005 with Seneca on our girls’ getaway in late July… we strongly disliked the 2 days spent at Atlantis before Harbour Island and it was as if we had already known these sands and water and people before once we arrived and stepped onto the back porch at Coral Sands. We looked at each other and just knew this was exactly what we had wanted. All because my brother had recommended it to us from his time there… so it all goes back to Sam.

A few months later, my friend Kristy returned with me while I provided professional development to teachers on HI and Eleuthera through EEO (Exceptional Education Outreach)- and when I met Lang!– Since then I have been blessed to come to the island with so many friends and spend even more time with ones that are there often- Lang, Jane, Pam, Silma, Ken, Gaby, Jono, Kareem, Jenny, Giorgia, Jackie… the list goes on.

I asked some friends and family to share their thoughts (and golf cart adventures appeared more than I thought they would!);

Cannnnnnnooootttt wait!!!!! 

Mom

On my first visit I felt like I was being brought into the circles of Sam and Emily who have had important links and relationships to this beautiful place and its people. I was being guided through a place that my children wanted me to see and that they had gotten to be so intimate with. That still makes me smile. Nice find Sam!

I loved being able to walk in the pink sand and swim in the blue water, retreat to the

palm lined shore, walk through the trees to Sip Sip for some fresh juice, then back to the sand and water. I also liked the island vibe of Briland’s citizens when we got take out barbecue from the man who cooks in his garage. I also love walking down the streets without a care for traffic while admiring the architecture of the shuttered Caribbean colored cottages.

I don’t think I needed to prepare any more than I did for my Harbour Island visit. It seems like everything goes and everyone is welcome. I’d call it friendly, quiet, full of light and lovely people. I told Barb Chenot, when she asked if it was a fancy place, that it was relaxed and classy… just like her.
*I hope you can let newcomers know that one need not feel pressure to be fancy!!!

 

Sam says,

Get lost in a golf cart, explore and talk to people.

Cut the hot sauce with as much fresh lime juice as you want, but eat the hot sauce!

Valerie

Loved dancing on the sandy floor at Gusty’s on our late night escapades (I think

Christine

Every time I think about our trip I smile!  A few things that stand out – the initial boat ride to the beautiful island, delicious cocktails every night, fresh fish, continuous and easy laughter for days! 

I loved being able to walk everywhere or take those awesome golf carts.  Our walk down the beach to see all of the fancy houses.  Getting our chairs set up for us on the beach and just relaxing and reading for hours. 

I wish I had known to stay longer!  

Amanda

A thought that makes me smile:    Riding golf carts everywhere and just standing in the turquoise waters with the sun on our faces!

One part (or place or activity) I loved about the island:    

Being with Emily, reading books on the beach, pink sand and beautiful ocean.

Something I wish I had known before I arrived the first time:   The water taxi took longer than I thought…it could be bumpy! 😉

Before boarding, make sure the airline gives you the Bahamas Immigration paperwork. American Airlines leaves it on the counter at the gate (it’s long and white) and I believe Silver does too. Fill it out on the plane! The smaller jets that are flown over mean even if you have carry-on baggage, you will have to check the suitcases at the gate in FLL or MIA. There’s some overhead storage and under your seat on both Silver and AmericanEagle flights.

Your plane will land at the teensy North Eleuthera International Airport. The ground crew will wheel over stairs and if you gate-checked your bag it will be at the bottom of the steps on the tarmac.

You will cross about 15 yards to the ‘Immigration and Customs’ door (the beige/yellow path). They will stamp your passport and you pass through- they may or may not check your luggage. If you checked a bag, you will go back out onto the tarmac through the next door to your right where they will buggy over the suitcases. Grab yours and head back out onto the curb. If you had carried on, head outside!

On the curb you will find a collection of sweet taxi drivers ready to whisk you to “The Dock” or “Three Island Dock”… tell them you’re going to Harbour Island and they’ll take care of you! If there is more than one person it is $5 cash to the dock (for a 3-5 minute drive). Then they will guide you to a powerboat/water taxi. They will assume you are going to the Government Dock and that’s exactly where you want to be (others may head to Valentine’s dock). This will cost another $5 per person.  Once you’re off the boat and on the dock, there should be taxis there to take you to Coral Sands. I’m not sure how much that is but should take less than 5 minutes to arrive. 

For currency, US dollars work fine on Harbour Island! You may get cash back in a mix of Bahamian dollars and US dollars. Don’t worry about changing money! I usually bring some cash in USD and then take out some cash at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) ATM behind Valentine’s once I’m there as the exchange isn’t so bad. Credit cards are widely accepted though I have found AmEx is only taken at certain places- Visa and MasterCard are a give-in. 

Tipping: I usually tip the boat and taxi drivers a dollar, but it’s not necessary. On the island ALMOST EVERY RESTAURANT INCLUDES GRATUITY IN THE BILL. Double check as I have left a double tip once or twice. It is normal to tip 15-20% though not sure if that’s the norm- that’s a good Lang question.

          See you on the beach! 

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/

Lang reminded me that anyone flying from Ft. Lauderdale (or wanting another option) to NORTH ELEUTHERA (ELH) can try Aztec Airways: http://www.aztecairways.com/book-now/  

The planes leave from FLL’s Executive Airport which is SUCH an easy alternative, basically feels like flying private. The legs look to be $249 each way. Make sure you do NOT buy tickets to Governor’s Harbour!

Let me know if you want more info~

Accommodations

• Coral Sands Hotel  http://www.coralsands.com

This is where I will be staying! A favorite. Recent renovations are gorgeous and it is located right on the pink sands.

My friends at Coral Sands are offering us 20% off all room rates for 3 nights or more (they will offer 15% off 2 night stays)

Silma, the owner, suggests we choose the new buildings which are the ocean view rooms, ocean view suites in the main building, and the new ones will be completed at the end of January, the Garden view suites.   You won’t find pictures of them yet on the website as they are just building them now. Silma added, “If anyone wants to splurge, of course, I would recommend our ocean front cottages. Now we have 5 one bedrooms and 2 two bedrooms.”

To secure rooms, sweet Silma says;

“Make sure you let your friends know that they have to book directly with the hotel in order to get the discount.   They can book by calling the hotel and mentioning your name at 561-228-1432,” or email Silma directly at either: silmasherman@me.com or silma@coralsands.com

Coral Sands has another birthday party at the hotel the same weekend so if you want to stay there, I encourage you to let Silma know that you are planning or hoping to do it sooner rather than later. You don’t need to leave a deposit for 30 days, I believe!

There are other options on the island including:

• Pink Sands

Right next to Coral Sands Resort on the pink sands and originally developed by Chris Blackwell of Island Records- it recently went through a big renovation and is all private cottages. John Kerry’s preferred place to rest his head on Briland.

• The Dunmore 

South of Coral Sands, The Dunmore went through an extensive rebranding of sorts and is a beautiful hotel with a great restaurant (particularly for breakfast and lunch).

• Valentine’s

On the bay side of the island and close to the marina, these are more like condos with a full kitchen and multiple bedroom options.

• Rent a private home

VRBO  Harbour Island with Vacation Rentals by Owner or ask for suggestions