Coral Sands Hotel

Set on one of the Caribbean’s top beaches, the Coral Sands Hotel is a gorgeous boutique that caters to those looking to get some serious R&R. There is plenty to keep the most active guests busy during the day, but the vibe is mellow and relaxing, with ample outdoor spaces, lots of comfortable seating throughout, and a hushed atmosphere even around the beautiful infinity pool. Guest rooms and suites are housed in two main buildings, and the rest of the units are spread over spacious, lush grounds in stand-alone structures, some of which offer direct access to the beach. 

The property underwent extensive renovations in 2017-18, and it feels fresh and upscale. Most common spaces are housed in open pavilions painted white, with wooden ceilings and dark-wood floors that are paired with white furniture, sea-inspired accents, and untreated natural woods to create beach-chic, airy spaces full of light and character. The pool deck, which used to feature a rather lackluster kidney-shaped pool away from the beach, was also renovated in and is now one of the highlights of the property, with an infinity edge, palm trees all around it, lots of loungers, and sea views. Rates are high but rather decent for the area and amenities on offer. 

Coral Sands Hotel is located on a beautiful, sandy beach on the eastern side of Harbour Island, which is part of the Out Islands of the Bahamas. This palm-fringed stretch is considered by many to be one of the top beaches in the world, with fine sand, turquoise waters, and a quiet atmosphere. There isn’t much around the hotel save for a few restaurants, but the island is tiny and it takes about two minutes to get to the center of Dunmore Town by car. Getting to Harbour Island can be quite a trek. Most visitors fly to North Eleuthera Airport and then take the ferry to Harbour Island. Once there guests can take a taxi or a golf cart to get to the hotel. Visitors can also take the ferry from Nassau, but it is more expensive. 

The hotel offers a total of 38 rooms, including standard guest rooms, suites, and a number of stand-alone cottages and bungalows. Guest rooms are housed in the renovated Arawak Building along with a few suites, while the largest suites are set in the non-renovated Lucaya Building, which offers partial ocean views. Decor varies between renovated and non-renovated units, but the overall design is stylish and upscale, with an elegant beachy feel that ranges from traditional to chic. The newest units feature dark-wood furniture with ocean-inspired motifs such as sea horses and starfish, plus area rugs over walnut floors. Non-renovated units have a more classic feel, featuring dark-wood furniture with inlays and a more subdued palette of pink, yellow, and beige. Renovated bungalows are the star of the show, though, complete with wooden walls and floors, Scandinavian-style wooden furniture, and a soft palette that combines pink, gray, blue, and pops of red. Plantation shutters add lots of local charm. 

A range of great amenities includes mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, LCD TVs, and safes. King beds are topped with quality memory foam mattresses. Bathrooms are spacious and appealing, with either pebble accents and caramel-colored walls and floors, or sleek black-and-white tiles throughout. Standard units have big walk-in showers, while the rest of the room categories add separate soaking tubs. Some bathrooms have peek-a-boo shutters opening to the bedrooms. 

All but entry-level Standard Rooms feature outdoor spaces with patio furniture, and many units offer ocean views. Those labelled partial ocean view may have views of the beach obstructed by palm trees. Turndown service is provided in all room types. 

While the beach is definitely the highlight here, guests also rave about the beautiful infinity-edge pool. Surrounded by palm trees and loungers placed under umbrellas, it is a great spot for a quiet day in the sun and offers lovely ocean views. A small waterfall connects the family pool to a small, shallower area for children. There is food and drink service around the pools, but guests can also walk to the beach bar, which has a large wooden deck with ocean views, as well as shaded areas. The main restaurant opens for breakfast and dinner and also offers ocean views. Food is good, but the menu is rather basic, with salads, pizza, pasta, and just a handful of fish and meat options. A kids’ menu is also available. A solid continental breakfast is included in the room rate, but guests can also choose dishes from the menu at an extra cost. 

The gym is spacious and airy, with a good array of cardio and strength-training machines, and lots of natural light. The yoga studio was added in the 2017 renovations and offers serene garden views. Guests can also book the tennis court at no extra charge. The game room features a pool table and books, but there is no designated kids’ club. Water sports can be arranged at the front desk, along with bike rentals, babysitting services, and golf cart rentals. The hotel lacks a spa, but in-room massages can be booked.