Harbour Island’s Hidden Gems

As Curated by Voyager Voice, Wiggy Hindmarch founder Wiggy Kit

LA DOLCE VITA - AMALFI COAST - ITALY- VOYAGER CLUB

harbour island, bahamas

Harbour Island is more than a dream vacation destination - it is our home. We knew we wanted to find a corner of the world quite in complete contrast to our life in London. Having lived for many happy years in New England, I felt a yearning for that small-town coastal community and Harbour Island bore that quintessential New England style architecture and charm in their historic wooden clapboard cottages. Not only does it lay claim to having one of the most photographed stretches of pink sands beach in the world, it’s micro size of only 3 miles long by half a mile wide, where almost everyone traverses the island by golf cart and chickens have the run of the Island - it had the simple feel and the peace and quiet we were seeking. Harbour Island is filled with the most wonderful people - warm, friendly and joyful. The beauty of the island is staggering.

WHERE TO STAY...

My choice would always be to rent a private house as I love the privacy and relaxation away from others eyes that it affords. It can be incredibly hard to secure a house but Voyager Club has access to the best houses on the island. If you prefer a hotel then you cannot go wrong with either The Dunmore Hotel located directly on Pink Sands Beach with a strong Slim Aarons aesthetic and a small boutique vibe or one of two small boutique hotels under the umbrella of Ben and Charlie Simmons watchful eye; The OVC located on Pink Sands Beach or The Other Side - a luxury tented encampment complete with an overwater pool located just across the bay in North Eleuthera. You don’t have to worry - they will take you by boat back and forth across the bay so you can soak up the magic of Harbour Island as and when. For a more luxurious and pampered escape - The Dunmore Private Properties located next door to the hotel is managed by the hotel and hold prime position overlooking the beach.

WHERE TO EAT…

Lunches we often head to the only Vegan game in town - The Sweet Spot - if we are looking for a casual lunch we can eat at home by the pool and I don’t have to cook. Always delicious, always healthy and they make my favourite coconut iced smoothie. If we want to eat out we usually head to The Dunmore (try the fish tacos) or Sip Sip (the lobster quesadillas are a must) for lunch. Both overlook the beach and are very popular so get there early. You must experience a Conch Salad from Queen Conch on the bayside before you leave.

WHAT TO DO…

Of course, the majority of your day will revolve around water. Either on it or near it. Take a boat to one of the deserted beaches nearby and spend the day frolicking in splendid isolation and stay till sundown. There is a sandbar seemingly in the middle of the ocean nearby off Spanish Wells which is surreal. Many people choose to see the famous swimming pigs, but I have never been that keen. A morning walk first thing along the length of the beach, a game of Pickle Ball at dusk at The Dunmore Hotel (only available to guests) or time your visit to coincide with Junkanoo - a Bahamian street carnival to be experienced to be believed.

Wiggy Hindmarch, Pink Sands Leigh Webber

WHERE TO SHOP…

You can find my brand Wiggy Kit at the world-famous Sugar Mill - India Hicks’s beautifully curated boutique featuring brands she has acquired from her travels. Dakes Shoppe has a chicly cool handpicked collection of under the radar brands and a beautiful aesthetic. Run by a New York based Bahamian native who is the go to fixer/production aficionado for the numerous fashion shoots that come top the island - he stocks exquisite finds, clothing, and jewelry as well as accents for your home. Miss Mae’s has some unusual discoveries - often hand embroidered and with an artisanal flair. I often find something unusual and beautifully made when I visit. The island is in no way a shopping Mecca and so make sure you have packed with that in mind- Voyager Club’s #MyVacationStylist service can help! Make sure you bring all your essentials to the island and I would recommend bringing a spare pair of sunglasses just in case you lose a pair in the ocean!