Two Boho Bahamian Retreats Poe Peeps Adore

In the Pink

Harbour Island is one of those quick getaways (particularly for the East Coast set) that’s ideal for many reasons, the primary one being that there’s nowhere to go unless it’s to the gorgeous beach with its famed pink sand. The life of the island revolves around the ocean: playing in it, eating by it, drinking by it, fishing in it—and there’s a sizable social scene, too. There are a few fancy resorts that dot the shoreline, but we love the storied Ocean View Club, a tiny spot where all the rooms are designed individually and to great effect. It also has a small and mighty restaurant, where you’ll find significantly better fare than at many of the other spots on the island (though it’s teeming with great places to eat). The charming proprietors, Ben Simmons and Charlie Phelan (a dead ringer for Naomi Watts), bring a romance of their own to the place. (Theirs is a great love story.)

One of our clients, T.A. from N.Y., recently returned from The Ocean View Club and reports:

“It’s like your best friend’s beach house. The rooms, each unique in size and character, are all spectacular. They open for reservations only six months in advance and are often totally booked. Lots of high rollers from stars to artists vacation here. Their dining experience is wonderful—between six of us we ordered one of everything on the menu and all was SO yummy. The chef is really great. The Property overlooks a pink sand beach—breathtaking! They planned golf cart rental, fishing, snorkeling, dinner reservations, etc. for us and made it all so easy!”

Yet another ringing endorsement of this favorite haunt. But, wait, there’s more . . .

Heaven Tent

Much to the delight of their fans, the couple behind The Ocean View have quietly opened a spot just across the way in Eleuthera. The Other Side has a decidedly different feel—it’s luxuriously nomadic, a bit wilder, and blessedly unplugged, making it perfect for those who truly want to disconnect. The design, which centers around communal and private sleeping tents, hardwood floors, and four-poster beds, and sundecks, recalls Out of Africa. It’s the kind of place where you can fall asleep to the sound of the water lapping in the distance. When not napping or lazing poolside, there’s plenty to do, including morning yoga, paddle boarding, discovering swimming holes, or even tending to the on-site vegetable garden. It takes glamping to stratospheric heights. The eco-conscious will be pleased to know that all power comes from the sun.

The hotel is surrounded by beaches and palm trees in the quieter corner of Eleuthera, but if you want to track down the action, set sail for Harbour Island, a short-speedboat ride away.

There’s a communal table to encourage sociable evenings, but if you’d prefer dinner in your tent or on the beach, just put the request in.

Dress code: Footloose (no, really, you can go shoeless) and fancy free.