Harbour Island

Introducing Harbour Island

This 3-mile speck has done such a great job touting itself as the chichi home of supermodel Elle MacPherson and style maven India Hicks that you’re vaguely disappointed when they fail to greet you at the dock with muffins and scented candles. In fact, glossies tout ‘Briland’s’ charming mix of rustic and chic to such a nauseating degree that it’s hard not to hate the place on sight – an inclination abetted by knowledge that Masters of the Universe are snapping up the island’s best parcels as quick as they can.

But ignoring these facts for a moment – as well as the island’s less-than-captivating golf carts, pain-in-the-ass roosters and snooty boutiques – the shimmering pink sand beach here does glow with a soul-replenishing beauty. One that’s frustratingly hard to hate. Another plus? Thrill-seeking kiteboarders, recently drawn to the island’s superb mix of shallows, wind and crowd-free beaches, have added a ‘Hey bro’ friendliness to the trendy mix. And divers continue to descend for pristine reefs and ancient wrecks.

In sum, supermodels, scented candles and land-grabbing moguls are the price one pays for gorgeous sand and surf. And according to local rumor, MacPherson has already left the building.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009