Where is the best place for a tropical escape? You got that right, the Bahamas. Harbour Island in the Bahamas is quietly becoming the crown jewel of the Caribbean. A small island a few miles off of Eleuthera may only be 3.5-miles (5.6 km) long and a half-mile (0.8 km) wide (at its widest) with fewer than 2,000 residents, but it is jam-packed full of beautiful beaches, pastel-painted cottages with picket fences, quaint boutique hotels and restaurants that rival the best found in other culinary hot spots such as St. Barts and Anguilla. Harbour Island is a tropical oasis with miles and miles of seemingly endless pink sand beaches. Most people rent golf carts to get around the island. What Harbour Island is perhaps best known for, however, is its excellent restaurants and plethora of outdoor activities. The beaches are expansive and there are always plenty of chaise lounges to go around, unlike other island destinations. There are plenty of private boats that are available for charter should you want to go snorkelling, fishing or having a beach picnic on a small nearby island. So, go get your shorts and make the cameras ready, because you are in for a wild adventure! And to make that happens, stay at some of the best Vrbo accommodations on Harbour Island.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2023.
1. Beautiful home close to the beach (from USD 933)
This cottage is a charming three-bedroom two-bath beach cottage on a large property strewn with swaying coconut trees. Located close to the beach this property sits behind the dune, so while you can’t see the ocean from the house, you can hear it and feel the ocean’s breezes and are just a few steps away from the nearest beach. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas for 6 to 10 people. Parties are allowed! There is an outdoor shower, and a gas grill! So it will be the perfect spot for a barbecue!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The owners have impeccable taste and have really thought of everything you could want/need to have an awesome vacationwas easy to find in the clean modern kitchen and our dinners and game nights at the table were perfectTrish has everything you need for the beach at the house and the outdoor shower was perfect to get the sand off when you returnThe lush grounds made me feel like I was at a resort but with added privacy and the gorgeous front porchThe living room was so cozy and the couch was the perfect spot for an afternoon napCleanliness:
The location can't be beatIt was everything I remembered and moreThe shower was hot and strong a MUST post snorkelThe bathroom was clean and perfect to share with the adjoining bedroomHost:
She cooked a delicious dinner for us and even included homemade ice creamThe housekeeper was also great and always helpfulthe home itself is lovely and wonderfully designed and the owner is great to work with Trish is extremely helpful and responsiveAnastasia was so helpful and niceThe sound system allowed us to jam out while mixing up our rum punch which was a nice touch we all had a turn being DJRead more reviewsLocation:
but it's too good not to shareThe location is great with a very close walk to a quiet end of the beachThe house is in excellent condition beautifully decorated and in a quiet location just steps away from the beachThe house is the perfect combination of island charm and comfortDefinitely order the key lime pie from the pink house on the corner as you head in to town and A&A Island Treasures (a must stop) is a quick walk up from the house
2. Historic home with a heated pool (from USD 1000)
This four-bedroom apartment is perfect for all you party people out there. There is an abundance of outdoor living spaces for your modern conveniences, a private heated pool, an outdoor billiard table, lounge areas and not forgetting a breathtaking view of the hills and the sunsets. This is a perfect place for both quiet relaxation or full on entertainment with your families and pals.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Our daughters lived in the pool and the adults relaxed read and enjoyed cooking in the outdoor kitchenall Only complaint is the open air space and all the mosquitos(due to recent rains)Vic was very helpful in the months leading up to our stay and will answer any question you have in a timely mannerThe pictures of the home are a true version of the propertyThe outdoor living space was incredible to host family and friends dropping byCleanliness:
The house was very clean as wellThe home was decorated lovely and you feel the vacation vibes as soon as you walk in and see the pink island colorsHost:
They live nearby and were helpful with any issues that aroseVic and Jo are great and super quick to respond to any questions we hadClean and beautiful Hosts were super helpfulWe have been to Harbour Island many times and wanted our friends to experience itgreat gardens and outdoor space and incredibly attentive and graciousRead more reviewsLocation:
You can't ask for a better location Right in the middle of the island just 1 1/2 blocks from the public dockright in the middle of itThe Hatch is a great house and for entertainingbut we rented golf carts to make it a little bit easier to get to other parts of the island for dinnerThey loved it and loved the property
3. Luxurious accommodation near Pinks Sands Beach (from USD 1750)
If you like something so much more than your standard rental, this home is it. Located in the quiet Triana Shores neighbourhood of delightful Harbour Island, this luxurious five-bedroom home is only a stone’s throw away from the famous pink sands beach yet still convenient to the restaurants and nightlife of the island. The fully equipped kitchen and dining area that seats 10 are perfect for large parties and the lovely pool area also has a covered bar and large-screen TV for your outdoor enjoyment. The pictures online do not do justice to how beautiful this property is!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The home is lovely and the owners have truly thought of everything anyone would need to have a comfortable stayThe pictures online do not do justice to how beautiful this property isIt felt like a luxury homeHost:
Gordon was always happy to help with any question we had and our time in this wonderful home made for a fantastic vacationEveryone on the island was extremely welcomingSo many nice details throughout the whole homeThis was a top shelf experience all around The property is absolutely beautiful and I wouldn't change a thing about itI can't say enough about how wonderful Stonesthrow isRead more reviewsLocation:
The house and the people were amazing Better than imaginedThe fully furnished second floor terrace is a heavenly place to relax at any time of day A daily housekeeper keeps the house looking great and knows the island very wellCheryl is a great housekeeper and if catering is needed
4. Adorable cedar cottage near the dunes (from USD 449)
This lovely adorable cedar cottage is only a short walk over the dunes and past a row of gorgeous plantation-style estates from the Pink Sands Beach. If you love a private and exotic stay, this is it. Also, while the nearby restaurants are top-notch, the cottage has a full kitchen kit and a new propane grill for those who love to cook! This will definitely encourage you to go shop for fresh-caught fish or conch at the daily market. The house is nestled between four large banyan trees that provide shade and keep all the rooms cool. You are in for a treat!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
As shown in the photos included in the listingesp in one shower)The great room with large kitchen is the hub of activityThe three bedrooms are of good size though only the master and living area have ACThe house is great with everything you need: kitchen equipmentCleanliness:
The cottage is quiet cleanHowever it looks like the pics and it is cleanThe cottage is clean very well stocked and safe for curious babiesand we were delighted with the property Very reasonably pricedHost:
Melissa and her husband took care of any requests we had (more wineglassesHarbour Island is beautiful and the sand is actually pinkMichael greeted us the day we arrived and escorted us to our cottage One thing to know the cottage did not have chairs umbrella or snorkeling gearthe house manager answered all of our questionsWe rented bikes golf cart and a boat one day from Michael's and we were very happyRead more reviewsLocation:
There are lots of restaurants and take-out food places within a couple of blocksIt's an easy walk to groceries and restaurantsWe also enjoyed the Cheeseburger in Paradisebut also enough "night life"We also ate down on Bay Street near the docks several times Loved
5. Tropical paradise best for families (from USD 685)
Newly restored and renovated, it lies on a lush-green tropical property, filled with lime trees, papaya trees, and pomegranate trees, perfect for a nature-filled holiday extravaganza. The house is situated due east of Romora Bay Marina, beach-side, tucked in just behind the dune. The house adorns original, hand-made, hand-painted Cuban tiles, built in the ‘50s and renovated recently. This house also lies adjacent to another lovely cottage which you can rent separately or together as a four-bedroom and four-bath compound in total, perfectly intended for larger groups!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Not only has she anticipated pretty much every thing one might needThe decor is unbelievable and the landscaping pristineThe kitchen was well equippedIt has a split layout - one bedroom and bath on one side of the house and another separate one with living/dining space in betweenThe house is wonderfully equippedCleanliness:
The house was very clean and neatThe cottage was beautiful clean and welcoming Karina has decorated everything perfectly and it is so invitingThe outdoor patio spaces are so charming and everything is beautifully decoratedseriously gorgeous and exactly as pictured online House is extremely charming and cozy with any amenities you could need - I especially appreciated the full sized clothing steamerThe property managers (and owner Karina) were easily accessible and very accommodatingHost:
Karina and her team could not be more warm and helpfulKarina could not have been more helpful and availableKarina was very responsive to all our questions and assisted us in our transportation needsshe was available at all times to answer questions and give adviseumbrellas and kids sand toys availableRead more reviewsLocation:
The location is perfect - steps from the beach but a quick ride to anywhereTouchstone house is a whimsical cottage tucked away in a lush garden setting only steps from the beachbougainvillea and other exotic plants surrounding you everywhereIt's perfectly appointed and has the most fabulous location just a few steps from a stunning beachThey have a beautiful property which is just a step away from the gorgeous Pink Sands Beach
6. Beachfront property with a garden (from USD 1500)
This property has two beach-view bedrooms and one garden-view room. The house has its own private beach stairs and path for easy access to the Pink Sands Beach. Be soothed to sleep by the sound of waves breaking on the shore so keep the windows open at night! The view is breathtaking sitting on the couch and looking out the doors to the beach. You may also head to the nearby Acquapazza for dinner. Daily cleanup service is included so fret not about having to mess up the apartment.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The third bedroom is off the inland-side patioloved the place comfortable and in front of the beachWe enjoyed pleasant tropical breezes which eliminated the need for air conditioning although it was nice to have a/c options in the nicely appointed bedrooms andThe kitchen is lovely and well-equippedKeep the windows open at nightCleanliness:
Lovely and spacious Well locatedTwo bedrooms face the ocean with large living area in between opening both to ocean side and inland sideHost:
Wonderful beach house with a very attentive ownerAlso Rachel and Mark were very helpful with recommendations and checking on us throughout our stayWe were so happy with the beach chic homethe housekeeper was most efficient in her daily tasksWe cannot wait to return to Harbour Island and especially Kelly KrestRead more reviewsLocation:
The lower sundeck is just a wonderful additionKelly Krest is in the perfect location on the beachKelly Krest is the perfect beach housethe Dunmore Rock House QueenKelly Krest is located within it all and provides everything from daily maid service suggestions and immediate help if something is amiss
Pick the best on this island
The Harbour Island, with its innumerable activities and awe-inspiring vista, welcomes you to stay at some of its rental gems. Check out the list above and be a part of the precious island as long as you are here.
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What To Buy In The BahamasRyan Joshua -
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