Travel Guide: The Dunmore Resort and Harbour Island, Bahamas

We were so excited to return to one of our favorite resorts! The Dunmore Resort on Harbour Island, Bahamas. Pristine pink beaches, great food, wonderful people and exquisite accommodations – this is luxury travel at its best. Today I am detailing our trip we just returned from, how to get there and what you should do to explore Harbour Island, Bahamas. This was our 4th visit to this charming island and resort. Get ready for tons of pictures and lots of travel information. And get your swimsuit ready… you’ll want to book this trip immediately!

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for more Harbour Island suggestions.

There’s a reason we keep returning to Harbour Island and The Dunmore Resort. With just 13 charming cottages, 5 residences and a tenured staff, this destination is something we look forward to year after year!

Harbour Island is a small 3.5 by 1.5 mile island located approximately 1.5 miles east of the northern coast of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. Travel to the Harbour Island is via North Eleuthera (ELH) airport followed by a 5 minute cab ride to the dock and a 10 minute smooth water taxi ride. It’s known for having one of the “Best Bahamas Beaches“ according to many travel magazines and is famous for its three and a half miles of hard packed picture perfect pink sand beach. The pictures I posted on my Instagram don’t even do it justice – it’s so gorgeous in person! The rich history of the island dates back as far as the 1700’s. You cannot help but be absorbed by the colorful architecture and beautiful makeup of the island. The people are absolutely delightful! I can see why. Life is good – at a much slower Bahamian pace.

Pete and I were there for 6 days/5 nights, which is exactly what we did the other times we have visited. Since its a connecting flight and a little boat ride to get there, we always give ourselves plenty time to enjoy this beautiful resort after a long day of travel. I will say that the island has a much more laid back feeling in the summer months. If you want to see the journey in pictures and video, be sure to click HERE  and HERE. Sometimes, video is a much better visual.

We had so much fun exploring the small island on a golf cart, eating at wonderful restaurants, and simply relaxing at the most glorious resort – The Dunmore. Our stay was perfect in every way! I am detailing everything below throughout the many pictures, so be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of this post for all the details about the island itself. Please note that The Dunmore Resort is closed from mid August to early November for hurricane season. We had beautiful weather daily with a high of around 75 degrees in February. That ocean breeze is absolutely glorious any time of year!

GETTING THERE: Here is how we routed on American Airlines. Dallas to Charlotte or Miami (non-stop) and then a connecting flight to North Eleuthera (ELH). The connecting flight is a regional jet so no worries about getting on a puddle jumper. Once you land in North Eleuthera, you will take a short taxi ride to the boat dock. Then it’s a quick 10 minute boat ferry over to Harbour Island. The Dunmore Resort can arrange the taxi and ferry for you or you can do it on your own. We opted to have The Dunmore resort arrange our round-trip transfers. A staff member meets you at the airport and escorts you on the cab ride and boat ride all the way to the Dunmore Resort. They help you with your luggage all the way and it goes directly to your room. This is an additional cost but well worth it, especially if this is your first time to the island.

STAY: The Dunmore Resort is luxury at its finest! Hats off to General Manager Omari for the amazing hospitality! We stayed in one of the partial ocean view Coconut Cottages and it was magnificent! Located on the first or second floor, the Coconut Cottages offer private entrances plus 190 additional square feet of oversized balconies/porches with partial ocean views, overlooking the 5 private residences. Each has a beautifully appointed master bedroom with an alcove that can be used as an additional guest room with two twin beds. It can be reserved on its own or in conjunction with the Garden View Cottage below (great option for families wanting to travel together). If you want a quick room tour, click HERE. We have also stayed at Hilltop Cottage, which is a two bedroom cottage with living room. This is perfect for families or would be fun for a girls trip.

I did get to tour one of the 5 private residences that are the ocean front houses on the property. Each house has a name and we ventured through SITTING PRETTY. Y’all, these homes are magnificent and are available to rent. It’s a perfect solution if you need a full house, want to entertain or have a large family. The houses sit close to the beach.

With amenities like luxury linens by Downtown Company Luxury Bedding, Molton Brown bath products, bottled water, snacks and a Nespresso machine in your room, a rainy day wouldn’t be terrible. We woke every morning to a rooster crowing as chickens roam free on the island. They are sort of like the unofficial pet of Harbour Island. Be sure to check out the logo for The Dunmore.

The Dunmore Resort also has a wonderful restaurant, pool, pristine pink beach, tennis court and pickle ball courts as well as a lovely Clubhouse. The privacy and charm of this property is what will draw you in. The boutique hotel would be completely full at 100 guests if every space (including the residences) were occupied. It’s quiet, relaxing and tranquil. There is never a rush to get to the beach or pool to secure a spot. No worries, they’ve got that all worked out. And it’s what will keep you coming back!

DO: The staff at the Dunmore will be happy to arrange any excursions for you. You can go scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, horseback riding on the beach, sailing or charter a private boat for your adventure. The resort will also arrange a massage even though there is not an official spa onsite. You can even take a boat to visit the pigs on Spanish Wells island. They swim out to you in the ocean while you stand there feeding them. While we initially were going to do that so that I could get the picture for Instagram, we decided not to. Ultimately, we chose to relax on the pink sand beach as much as we could. It’s where Pete and I truly unwind.

TRANSPORTATION: OK, this was the most fun part of the trip. The mode of transportation on Harbour Island is the golf cart. We had the Dunmore arrange for our rental. This is how you get to other restaurants and shops. Technically, you could walk to those spots, but riding in a golf cart was way more fun! Plus, it provides a nice, open-air breeze as your ride to your destination.

WHERE TO EAT: We had breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Dunmore restaurant and all three meals were delicious! If you want to venture out, there are plenty of options. For such a small island, there were endless places to eat and drink. I want to thank my dear friends Leslie A. and Tricia B. for all the wonderful recommendations. We highly recommend The Landing for breakfast and grab a casual lunch at Dunmore Deli (or get sandwiches to go). In fact, we went to both locations twice during our stay! I am also enclosing Leslie’s list in case you want to venture out more (scroll to bottom).

Have the Ricotta Hotcakes with honeycomb butter and bananas at The Landing for breakfast. This is always our first breakfast when we are on Harbour Island and we make a point to have a second breakfast at The Landing before we depart. I dream about this yumminess!

WHAT TO WEAR: The Bahamas are laid back and Harbour Island is no exception. By the way, I had on 50 SPF sunscreen the entire time, especially while laying out at the beach. Additionally, I always wear a large hat to keep the sun off my face. If you are wondering why I look so tan, it’s because I spray tan before I travel. Mine always lasts a week and I ask for a darker color when I am heading to a beach destination. The sun is intense so be sure to plan accordingly.

Would we go again? ABSOLUTELY! We highly recommend it and can’t wait to get back. Click HERE to book your stay.

xoxo – Tanya

P.S. Click HERE for everything I packed and wore on this trip. And this is what I wore the last time we were there.

photo: Pete Foster

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The Dunmore Resort

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The beautiful Clubhouse makes you feel right at home.

The pristine pink beach is gorgeous year-round. It looks this gorgeous every time we’re there. This photo was taken with my iPhone. No filter needed.

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The Dunmore Resort pool is a relaxing oasis. The covered cabana features a small workout facility, a private area for massages and a sitting area complete with backgammon table. The Dunmore Resort has also just built a larger, open air workout center which includes infrared sauna, Peloton, workout weights and outdoor showers. Equally fun, The Dunmore Resort has two Pickleball courts as well as a tennis court. They have added a food truck for easy grab and go items including coffee, breakfast, smoothies and sandwiches.

The dining room features a beautifully decorated interior. There’s also a covered outdoor area where you will enjoy the ocean breeze. If you are an early riser, a self serve coffee and baked goods buffet is set up for your enjoyment in the bar area. It’s complimentary for Dunmore guests. We love this feature!

Private Residences: This is the kitchen of the SITTING PRETTY residence. If a full home is what you are looking for, The Dunmore Resort offers five beautifully decorated luxury oceanfront residences. This is a great option for a family vacation with extended family. Or a girls trip!

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Harbour Island, Bahamas

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Breakfast at The Landing was scrumptious. We highly recommend the Ricotta Pancakes topped with bananas and honeycomb butter. It was so good, we went there twice! Trust me, just go! You’ll thank me later.

For the best local shopping, go to A & A Hidden Treasures. I suggest going the first couple of days you get there. Alice will customize your bags for you and you can pick them up the next day. Follow her on Facebook or email her (strawbagsbyalice@hotmail.com). She will ship your order! How cute are these bags that I bought for me and my assistant Laura!

Pete and I loved exploring the island on our golf cart and stopping at various places. This spot is Bahamas Coffee Roasters and Bistro. The local guy that runs the place is from Canada and is so nice. Be sure to have cash on hand. He does not take credit cards.

All the restaurants, hotels and shops have these adorable signs. It reminded me of Carmel-by-the-Sea. 

Sunset on the opposite side of Harbour Island at Briland Club. In the distance you can see Eleuthera.

How cute is my travel photographer? I think I will keep him!

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Harbour Island recommendations

RESTAURANTS:

Dunmore Deli: In town; casual but nice patio for quick breakfast or lunch (can get sandwiches to-go for beach)

Bahamas Coffee Roaster: In town; good coffee

Arthur’s: Bakery in town; good breakfast sandwiches and pastries; also have sandwiches at lunch 

Queen Conch: On the bay side; roadside stand so very casual but known as best Conch salad in the Bahamas. Super casual!

Coral Sands The Pink Mermaid: The hotel and restaurants have just finished a major renovation and reopened. Beautiful and great restaurants! 

Valentines: On the bay side; casual lunch, happy hour, or dinner. We enjoyed a casual dinner and drinks here. Get the conch fritters!

Acquapazza: On the bay side; Italian food open for dinner and lunch; more casual than other dinner places but good food and lower prices than other dinner spots

The Landing: On the bay side; amazing breakfast; a little on the pricier side for dinner but great atmosphere and service. This is our first stop for breakfast! 

The Rock House: On the bay side; lunch and dinner. Good happy hour location for a goombay smash cocktail

Da Vine Wine and Sushi Bar: On the bay side; really good sushi (only served at dinner)

Ocean View Club: On the beach side; great dinner but can be hard to get a reservation 

Runaway Hill Inn: On the beach side. Great open air restaurant. We enjoyed dinner here.

Pink Sands Malcolm 51 – Delicious for dinner. Ask for a table outside.

BARS: 

Gusty’s: Definitely a hole in the wall but very fun. Watch out for young spring breakers depending on time of the year

Daddy D’s: A little more “upscale” than Gusty’s, but again could have lots of spring breakers depending on time of the year 

Valentines: Sometimes have live music at night; fun and casual 

The Landing: Small but great atmosphere 

Coral Sands Bar: Recently remodeled; good bartenders and beautiful bar!

Briland Club: New on the bay side overlooking the pier. We enjoyed cocktails outside.

SHOPS:

Blue Rooster: Women’s clothing and accessories. This is my absolute favorite shop on Harbour Island, The ladies are so nice!

A and A Hidden Treasures: Straw bags and other goodies. Can be customized.

Shine: Unique jewelry and some home goods and clothing; owner is really nice

Dilly Dally: Souvenir shop with good T-shirts and hats

Sugar Mill: Pretty upscale for the island but fun to look around 

Princess Street Gallery: Art gallery with some jewelry and other gifts

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