The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Eleuthera and Harbour Island, Bahamas Now
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Getting to The Bahamas couldn’t be easier. Harbour Island is a quaint, seaside town with storied New England-style architecture. Eleuthera is a sprawling stretch of wild beauty. All that separates them is ferry across sky blue waters that only takes minutes. Make no mistake; you visit one, you’ll want to visit the other. These are the top five reasons why the Bahamas should be on your bucket list.
Source: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
1. THE SHOPPING
Shopping on Harbour Island in the Bahamas is simply spectacular. For an island that is less than three miles long and half a mile wide; it’s truly shocking to see just how many boutiques there are. Dunmore street in downtown Dunmore Town on Harbour Island, offers an exquisite shopping district for all.
Source: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
With over 20 stores to shop at the options of where to start your excursions begins within minutes of your arrival. No matter what your shopping needs are on the island, whether it’s bringing home a bottle of Harbour Island Pink Sand from the beach, an engraved conch shell as a gift, or looking to fill your palate with the finest Bahamas Resort restaurants in town; Harbour Island in the Bahamas simply offers everything you’ll need.
2. THE ART
An extraordinarily broad and sophisticated collection of tropical art inspired by Harbour Island and its nearby islands of The Bahamas can be found at Princess Street Gallery—in the heart of historic Dunmore Town one block up from the harbour.
If you have never visited Harbour Island, browsing the stunning collection at Princess Street Gallery will give you a peek at the pink sand, azure sea, sun-washed victorian cottages, and gentle people that have been drawing artists here for more than 100 years. And for those of you who have been here, you will be a for a treat for the eyes.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
Savor delicious cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in paradise. Situated in the Main House, the Rock House Restaurant is renowned for its exquisite fare and exceptional wine list. For your artisanal, handcrafted cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Goombay Smash—concocted with dark rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters.
Rock House Restaurant in Harbour Island, Bahamas
For dinner, request a table with sunset views across the bay, the beautifully appointed Chef’s Table, or a romantic poolside setting for two. Signature dishes include Grilled Octopus served with Agrodolce dressing, Bahamian Lobster Tail with roasted fingerling potatoes, spring vegetables and beurre blanc, as well as Pan-Seared Blackened Grouper with saffron and mushroom risotto and cajan creme.
Take the time to indulge your sweet tooth and enjoy one of many decadent desserts such as Rum Cake with housemade vanilla ice cream. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
Did you know Eleuthera grows some of the sweetest pineapples in the world? So sweet, in fact, they call them “sugarloaf.” Early summer is harvest time, and the annual Pineapple Fest held in June, is one sweet occasion. It’s believed that The Bahamas was the first country to produce pineapples on a commercial scale. Pineapples were grown from the early 1700's, but were not exported on a large scale until 1844. Everywhere you go on Eleuthera you are reminded of the pineapple, because of the many tasty desserts made from this delicious fruit.
Source: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Known as the “Pineapple Princess” of the Bahamas, Lady Di’s Pineapple Farm continues keeping this tradition alive within her daily routine and encourages all young farmers in Eleuthera to preserve the pineapple that is indigenous to this island and to keep planting. If you visit when pineapples are in season, you will get a taste while on the farm and agree with many others that her pineapples are the sweetest on the island. For a tour of her famed pineapple farm, click here.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Stroll down any picturesque street in Dunmore Town, Harbour Island or Spanish Wells and the quaint New England-style architecture is impossible to miss. These islands attracted many Loyalists settlers in the late 1700s, and their influence is still felt today through the brightly colored townhomes.
Spanish Wells was used as a safe landing spot for the transferring of acquired riches from the New World to the Old World of the 17th Century. The colonialism is ever present in the architecture of Spanish Wells. Walking through town, you will feel as if you have just been transported to a New England fishing village. The resemblance is absolutely astounding.
WHERE TO STAY IN ELEUTHERA & HARBOUR ISLAND, BAHAMAS
Like a friendly island local, the legendary Rock House Harbour Island is known and loved by all who visit. Poised along historic Bay Street on Harbour Island’s sunset side in the heart of Dunmore Town, this newly renovated hotel is inspired by the island's rich history and classic 18th century New England-style architecture. Paired with the sincere warmth of their staff that never fails to make you feel like family, this is more than an island escape—it’s a welcome home. When it’s time to stick your toes in the sand, the smiling beach attendants will be waiting to spoil you with umbrellas, chairs, towels, and your favorite cocktail.
Enjoy luxurious island living in one of their ten individually decorated guest rooms and suites—each offering authentic charm and modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and complimentary wi-fi. Wind down each evening at the relaxing al fresco martini bar with a selection of signature drinks including their famous Goombay Smash, namesake martinis, and exceptional wine list. Rock House Harbour Island has been a vibrant and colorful feature of Dunmore Town since the early 1940s and for good reason.
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
