Our Top Picks
- The Atmosphere: Perfectly captures 'barefoot luxury' with a zero-pretension, high-style ethos centered around the Slim Aarons aesthetic.
- The Stay: The newly renovated cottages are the gold standard for tropical chinoiserie and privacy on Briland.
- The Flavor: The Pink Mermaid’s Italian-Bahamian fusion, especially the Mar Y Tierra skillet, is a mandatory island experience.
Coral Sands Harbour Island is a premier luxury resort on the famous Pink Sand Beach, offering 41 units including 14 cottages and 12 inn rooms under the design direction of AJ Capital Partners. Known for its barefoot luxury philosophy, it blends a 1968 Old Hollywood legacy with modern Mediterranean-Bahamian fusion dining at the Pink Mermaid.
The Design Story: From Hollywood Legacy to Slim Aarons Aesthetic
Stepping onto the grounds of this resort feels like walking into a vintage postcard, one where the colors are more vivid and the air smells faintly of salt and jasmine. The story of this property began back in 1968, when it was founded by actor Brett King. In those early days, it was a playground for the Hollywood elite who sought a level of privacy that only the Bahamas Out Islands could provide. Recently, the resort has entered a new chapter through a thoughtful Coral Sands Harbour Island renovation and AJ Capital Partners redesign, which has breathed new life into the historic bones of the property.
Unlike many Caribbean resorts that lean heavily on a sterile, all-white palette, the new aesthetic here is a masterclass in tropical chinoiserie. The design team has chosen a palette that mirrors the landscape: seafoam green, soft corals, and deep botanical prints. It is a visual nod to the Slim Aarons aesthetic, capturing that mid-century sense of leisure where glamour feels effortless.
One of the most striking architectural features is found in the main dining area, where columns are encrusted with thousands of hand-placed shells. This tactile, organic detail connects the indoors with the three-mile-long stretch of coastline just steps away. Throughout the common areas, rattan furniture and oversized ceiling fans evoke a sense of heritage, ensuring that the luxury remains firmly rooted in the relaxed spirit of Briland.
Accommodations: Coral Sands Cottage vs Inn Rooms
When choosing your sanctuary at the resort, the primary decision lies in the Coral Sands cottage vs inn rooms debate. Both offer a refined retreat, but the experience of each is distinct. The 14 cottages are widely considered the gold standard for those seeking privacy. These stand-alone units feature spacious porches where you can enjoy your morning coffee while listening to the rhythmic pulse of the Atlantic. Inside, the decor leans into the high-style ethos of the renovation, featuring luxury bath products and bespoke furniture that feels both curated and comfortable.
The Inn rooms, located in the primary building, offer a different charm. These 12 units currently feature a seahorse-themed aesthetic with privatized balconied views that overlook the lush gardens or the ocean. While these rooms are slated for their own full renovations in 2025, they remain a favorite for guests who prefer being closer to the heart of the resort’s social life.
For those traveling in larger groups or seeking the ultimate residential experience, the resort offers several three-bedroom private residences. Villa Botanica and Sharon’s Home provide a level of seclusion that feels like owning a piece of the island. These homes are perfect for families, offering fully equipped kitchens and expansive living areas that serve as a private oasis within the larger resort grounds. Regardless of the room type, the Coral Sands Harbour Island cottage vs guest room differences highlight a commitment to varied guest needs, ensuring everyone from honeymooners to large families find their perfect fit.
Dining at Pink Mermaid: Mediterranean Fusion in Dunmore Town
Dining at the resort is an exploration of flavors that bridge the gap between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. The Pink Mermaid restaurant Harbour Island is the culinary crown jewel of the property. The dining room itself is a work of art, featuring those iconic shell-clad columns and a view that looks directly out over the turquoise waters. The menu is a sophisticated Italian-Bahamian fusion, where traditional Mediterranean techniques meet the freshest local ingredients.
The signature dishes and Italian menu at Pink Mermaid Harbour Island are a must-try for any visitor. The tagliatelle with conch and stone crab is a revelation, offering a local twist on a classic pasta dish. Another standout is the Mar Y Tierra skillet, a decadent combination of land and sea that perfectly encapsulates the resort's elevated yet approachable dining philosophy. For lunch, the vibe shifts to the open-air Beach Bar. Here, the dress code is non-existent—barefoot luxury and dress code at Coral Sands Harbour Island truly means you can come straight from the water.
At the Beach Bar, the focus is on casual indulgence. You can sip on tropical tiki cocktails or a cold Kalik beer while sharing a plate of Kalik-battered conch fritters. The atmosphere is social and vibrant, a contrast to the more intimate evening dining at the Pink Mermaid. The resort also places a high priority on dietary inclusivity, ensuring that gluten-free and vegan options are woven seamlessly into the menus, so every guest can enjoy the island's bounty.
Logistics: North Eleuthera to Harbour Island Travel Guide
Getting to this secluded paradise requires a bit of island-hopping, but the journey is part of the charm. Most travelers begin their journey by flying into North Eleuthera Airport (ELH). This small but busy hub connects the Bahamas Out Islands to major cities in the US and beyond. Upon arrival, the transition from the airport to the resort is a well-oiled machine.
The typical North Eleuthera to Coral Sands Harbour Island transportation guide involves three distinct steps:
- The Taxi: After clearing customs, a short 5-minute land taxi ride takes you to the boat dock.
- The Water Taxi: From the dock, you board a water taxi for a 15-minute ride across the stunning aquamarine water to the Government Dock in Dunmore Town.
- The Final Leg: Once you arrive at the dock on Harbour Island, the resort is just a 10-minute drive away. Most guests choose to rent a golf cart, which is the primary mode of transportation on the island.
Harbour Island itself is intimate, measuring approximately 3.25 miles in length and half a mile in width, with a local population of fewer than 2,000 residents. The resort’s proximity to Dunmore Town makes it easy to explore the local boutiques and historic sites while still feeling like you are worlds away from the bustle.
Island Adventures: From Pink Sands to Swimming with Pigs
The heart of the resort experience is undoubtedly the beach. The property sits on a stretch of coastline world-famous for its rosy-hued sand, a phenomenon caused by microscopic Foraminifera organisms. This pink sand provides a soft, cool surface for long walks or simply lounging under the Bahamian sun. For those who want to be active, the hotel offers complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, allowing you to explore the calm, clear waters at your own pace.
Beyond the beach, the resort features on-site pickleball courts and a stunning pool area that maintains the signature Slim Aarons aesthetic. For families, Coral Sands Harbour Island activities for kids and babysitting services ensure that parents can enjoy a romantic dinner at the Pink Mermaid while the little ones are well-cared for.
If you wish to venture further afield, the hotel concierge can arrange a variety of excursions. One of the most popular experiences is swimming with pigs and sea turtle excursions from Coral Sands. These trips take you to nearby Eleuthera, where you can interact with the island's most famous swimming residents in their natural habitat. Whether you are snorkeling through coral reefs or wandering the charming streets of Dunmore Town, the adventures here are as varied as they are memorable.
FAQ
Is Coral Sands on the pink sand beach?
Yes, the resort is situated directly on the world-famous Pink Sand Beach of Harbour Island. This three-mile stretch of coastline is renowned for its unique rosy hue and soft texture, providing guests with immediate access to one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Bahamas.
How do you get to Coral Sands on Harbour Island?
Travelers fly into North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), followed by a short taxi ride to the boat dock. From there, a 15-minute water taxi brings you to the dock at Dunmore Town. Once on the island, the resort is a short 10-minute golf cart or taxi ride away.
Are children allowed at Coral Sands?
Yes, the resort is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages. To support parents, the hotel offers specialized Coral Sands Harbour Island activities for kids and babysitting services, allowing for a balanced family vacation where everyone has time to relax.
What dining options are available at Coral Sands Resort?
Guests can enjoy two primary dining venues. The Pink Mermaid offers an upscale Italian-Bahamian fusion menu for dinner, while the open-air Beach Bar provides casual lunch options and tropical tiki cocktails with a view of the ocean.
How far is Coral Sands from North Eleuthera Airport?
The total travel time from North Eleuthera Airport to the resort is typically around 30 to 45 minutes, including the land taxi, the water taxi across the harbor, and the final short drive through Dunmore Town to the resort entrance.
