Island Escape: A Design Lover’s Trip to Harbour Island, Bahamas

If pink sand, stunning design, and dreamy hues or turquoise sound like your kind of paradise—add Harbour Island, Bahamas to your bucket list. My sister and I recently snuck away to the newly renovated Coral Sands Hotel, and let me just say: it was the tropical design escape I didn’t know I needed.

Yes, it was my first time away from my 18-month-old baby boy (cue all the mixed emotions). I missed him. I didn’t miss him. Motherhood, right? But with my sister by my side and no toddler to chase, we soaked in every glorious minute of this Bahamian getaway.

Where We Stayed: Coral Sands Hotel on the Pink Beach

We chose Coral Sands for a few irresistible reasons:

– A thoughtful and stylish renovation, completed with modern yet timeless details
– Interior design by the talented Krissy Melendez, bringing effortless sophistication to every corner
– A front-row seat to Harbour Island’s famous three-mile stretch of pink sand beach

Yes—pink. My favorite color. So naturally, this became our home away from home.

From the moment we arrived, Coral Sands felt like a living photograph—sun-drenched and cinematic, as if plucked from the pages of a Slim Aarons editorial. The ambiance is elegant without trying too hard, a blend of jet-set nostalgia and contemporary coastal design.

But it’s not just the beach that dazzles. The hotel interiors are gallery-wall dreams brought to life—art-lined corridors, curated vignettes, and bursts of Bahamian color in all the right places. It’s a place that speaks to design lovers, art collectors, and anyone craving beauty in the everyday.

The Vibe: Jet Set Without the Fuss

Harbour Island is a bit of a secret—well, a secret known by just enough people to make it cool without being crowded. It’s ritzy in that “old money, don’t brag about it” kind of way. You’ll find families who’ve vacationed here for generations, and restaurant staff who know their life stories. This place holds love stories, heartbreaks, and hidden island drama that you’ll only hear about if you’re in.

Spoiler: we weren’t "in".... but that didn’t stop us from being thoroughly entertained by the lore.

What We Did: Eat, Explore, Repeat

We rented a golf cart (no cars allowed here—another reason to love it) and explored every beach path and sandy trail we could find. We ate like queens—even though a hamburger will cost you $40. Yes, this island is not budget-friendly, but it’s not pretending to be. If you visit you'll most certainly stretch your credit card and then just try to enjoy the ride.

Why It’s a Gavalina Dream

From the gallery walls at Coral Sands to the vivid turquoise water and pink-tinged skies, this island was pure art inspiration. Everywhere we looked, there was color, composition, and charm.

If you love framed art, bold color palettes, and interiors that spark joy—this trip belongs on your Pinterest board (and maybe even your Gavalina wishlist).

Final Thoughts: Go for the Design, Stay for the Stories

Coral Sands and Harbour Island were more than a vacation. They were a visual reset. A reminder that color heals, design transforms, and every wall—whether in a hotel hallway or your own home—has a story to tell.

If you’re dreaming of sun, sand, and a little artful escapism, consider this your sign.

✨ Inspired by island hues?

Shop framed art prints and gallery wall bundles that bring the Bahamas to your walls—only at Gavalina.