Luxury Escape: Coral Sands Enters Its Next Era on Harbour Island
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Just a quick flight from Miami to North Eleuthera, followed by a brief boat ride, lies one of the Caribbean’s most captivating boutique escapes. Perched on a bluff overlooking three miles of world-renowned, powder pink sands and mesmerizing turquoise waters, Coral Sands Inn & Cottages, on Harbour Island stands as a timeless haven of laid-back luxury. Sitting at the center of the island’s luxury hotel scene since the 1960s, the iconic eight-acre retreat originally founded by a Hollywood actor underwent a meticulous restoration, following its recent acquisition by Nashville-based real estate and hospitality firm AJ Capital Partners. Bougainvillea cascades along manicured garden paths, roaming roosters strut through the lush grounds, intricate hand-painted island murals adorn walls and ceilings, creating an atmosphere that strikes a perfect balance between unpretentious ease and refined elegance. Fresh off earning a coveted spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2026, the resort has elevated its guest experience while carefully preserving the property’s legendary, barefoot-luxe Bahamian soul.
Accommodations
Designed to feel like a private beach estate, the property’s 41 stylishly appointed guest rooms span garden suites, sea cottages, and standalone oceanfront residences set directly above the shore. The maximalist interiors lean heavily into hand-crafted regional details and art that honor the property's nearly 60-year legacy. Guests are welcomed by whimsical custom wallpapers capturing native Bahamian flora and fauna, complemented by warm woods and expansive bathrooms with playful cobalt blue tile showers and Ortigia Sicilia bath products. For families or larger parties traveling together, the standalone multi-bedroom Beach Homes offer expansive living areas, kitchens and private pools overlooking the coastline.
Dining
The Pink Mermaid, the resort’s flagship restaurant overlooking the pool and beach, pairs an elevated dining menu with a vibrant design footprint highlighted by pink and blue checkered floors, columns hand-clad in over 7,000 natural seashells, and bright murals of coral on the walls and ceilings. Guests can start with appetizers like fresh burrata and tuna crudo before moving on to crisp salads, artisan pizzas, and standout entrées like conch and stone crab scampi tagliatelle, finishing the meal with rum raisin bread pudding. For days spent lingering by the water, the resorts new open-air Beach Shack offers cocktails and quick bites like fresh fruit rum punch alongside conch fritters or fresh catch fish tacos. New poolside cabanas surrounding the iconic infinity edge pool (mosaic mermaid included) offer full-service food and beverage delivery for an effortless day in the sun.
To Do
The primary attraction is the famous pink sand beach, where guests can relax under fringed umbrellas and paddle into warm, crystal-clear waters. Complimentary padel boards, kayaks, and snorkel gear are available, and attentive staff can help set up beach chairs and offer seamless oceanside food service, complete with charming bespoke touches like polished conch shells that say ‘Reserved.’ A state-of-the-art open-air fitness facility designed to capture cross-breezes directly off the ocean features top-tier equipment plus a sauna and cold plunge, and there is a collection of insta-worthy pink-hued tennis, pickleball, padel and basketball courts, a putting green and indoor golf simulator. A brand-new spa is anticipated to open later this year.
For some off property exploration, you can rent a golf cart and drive in to Dunmore Town, while the concierge team is available to help plan unforgettable activities and outings across Harbour Island and beyond. Whether arranging seaplane excursions, horseback riding along the surf, private boat charters, guided snorkeling and fishing trips, swimming with sea turtles, or visits to the famous swimming pigs and starfish-studded sandbars, the team provides personalized recommendations and local insights to tailor every moment of the stay.
For more information, visit: coralsands.com.