Going from avid travelers to pretty much non existent over the last 28 months was really hard for me personally. Having a demanding job I typically use my “one” big trip a year to completely unplug and decompress. I am very much so “Type A” with a splash of laid back, so these trips tend to pull the laid back out which everyone in my life probably appreciates. 🙂
We were finally at the point where Blake and I both realized we needed a trip. We both went through our top must haves. They included, laid back, take the kids, good food, and easy to travel to. I follow a few travel bloggers on instagram and kept seeing Harbor Island pop up.
I started doing some research on best places to stay and the rest is history. I am going to share some of the things we learned along the way and recommendations we have on this beautiful island.
Where we stayed:
I personally love to stay in a hotel, but with kids it’s a lot harder during an extended stay. Having a kitchen is a game changer. We started looking in March, and properties were getting taken so quickly with other people trying to get away. We had to make a really quick decision in order to get a place for our dates in August.
We ended up choosing an old historic home in Dunmore Town on Harbor Island called Yellowbird. We chose it for several reasons that included:
- Pool: When going to the beach with young children, sometimes the ocean is too much so it’s great to have another option.
- Great Outdoor space for hanging out after the kids go to bed with an outdoor bar.
- Right in town, so you can walk to dinner/breakfast/lunch.
- Recently Redone, and such cute furnishings!
- Really close to the Government Dock, which is where the water taxi from the main island will drop you.
Runner Up Option: Pink Sand Resort Villas
- Beautiful “Serena & Lily” type furnishings
- Hotel Amenities, plus privacy of your own villa and pool
- On the ocean
These were just our top two but there are so many more affordable options available that you can’t go wrong if you stay in town or on the beach. Everything on the entire island is so close since the island itself is only 4 miles long.
How we got there:
If you live in the Southeast your 3 best options are Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami for direct flights to North Eleuthera Airport. It is the easiest way to get to the island and fastest. We flew from Charlotte and it was around two hours. I was a little overwhelmed initially with making sure we had all the right visas with covid, but overall it was incredibly easy.
- The week before you go make sure you review travel requirements to the Bahamas Here
- Download the Verifly App: SERIOUSLY do this, most people don’t and you can skip the long lines in the airport with attendants reviewing Visa’s because everything you need is stored in this app.
- Once we landed at North Eleuthera we took a taxi from the airport to the dock (all of 5 minutes): TIP don’t let them charge you more than $10. Ask them before they take you how much.
- Water Taxi: you will take this from the dock over to Harbor Island (5 Minutes, just across the bay): TIP this should be $5/PP: It’s a group taxi so you will need to wear your mask
- Taking a Covid Test before you fly home is super easy:
- If you stay in a hotel, they will do it for you there.
- You can book a concierge nurse service to come to your house
- They have several testing sites on the island, but we just went down by the government dock and got it done. Took 10 minutes, and we were good to go!
Booking a Golf Cart
You can’t go to Harbor Island and not book a golf cart. Everyone has one and it’s the only means of transportation. We booked with Major’s Golf Cart Rental because it was the most affordable option I found.
Tips:
- Ask them to leave the cart at the dock with your name on it: It will be up off the Dock on the main road
- They will come around and fill up your cart, so don’t worry about gas
- Remember you can get anywhere on the island on the cart
Places to Eat:
Welcome to the foodie island. Seriously had some great meals here, and my best meals were at more of the local places.
Fave Breakfast Spots:
- Arthur’s Bakery
- COCOA Coffee House
- Bahamas Coffee Roasters
Lunch Spots:
- Back Road Gal Grill: The cook here used to be at Sip Sip before it closed its’ doors. The Lobster quesadilla isn’t listed, but is available here. We picked up lunch and took it to the beach to eat for a picnic.
- Chicken Wings (Phenomenal)
- Cheeseburger
- Blue Bar Restaurant @ Pink Sands
- Dunmore Deli: Another great option to grab a picnic lunch for the beach
- Queen Conch: Right on the Water in town
*One thing to note Dunmore Hotel is obviously one that everyone wants to eat at, but they aren’t letting non hotel guests in right now due to Covid.
*Sip Sip is listed as a favorite spot for lunch, but unfortunately the owner decided to shut down and retire earlier this year.
Dinner Spots
- Angela Starfish Restaurant: Super low key, can order and sit outside (Lunch or dinner option)
- Ask for the dessert (they had keylime pie while we were there and it was so good)
- We had their Fish, Conch, and Fries: The fish and conch were so fresh and the batter was delicious
- The Boathouse:
- We had the Seafood Boat, and I have to say for the price you get a fabulous selection and the Lobster was so good.
- On the Water at the Harbor
- Acquapazza:
- Good food, but a little overpriced
- Amazing View
- Da Vine Wine Merchants & Sushi
- SO Good, make reservations as is a smaller space
- Loved the drinks and all the food was good!
I can’t say enough good things about the island and can’t wait to go back!
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