Where to stay when you leave.

Harbour Island: Where Models Become Hoteliers

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  Site Where: Bay Street, Harbour Island, Bahamas

3/06/2006 at 11:26 AM
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A couple years back former Ralph Lauren model turned designer India Hicks and her partner David Flint Wood refurbished The Landing, a seven-room, colonial style hotel steps from the Govt. Boat Dock.  India was so excited about her new career as a Bahama design mamma she even wrote a book about it.  So what is her hotel like?

The seven rooms are split into two buildings built of limestone back in 1800.  The main building houses a restaurant, a large veranda overlooking the bay, and a library with reliable, free Internet access, via an old iMac (though the Landing Wifi network is available on-site and seemed stable).

The rooms are island chic--including four-post beds draped in Ralph Lauren sheets, waxed, wide planked dark wood floors, and simple, custom made local furniture.   All rooms have private baths and air conditioners, some also have ceiling fans and verandahs, while the rooms in the front of each building have harbor views.

The main building is definitely where the action is, which obviously could be a noise issue for the early-to-bed types staying in a room above the popular restaurant or the clubby bar.

The restaurant serves Australian fusion food and both tourists and Brilanders call this place the "best restaurant on the island".  In general, the island is expensive, so get ready to pay good money for a meal at The Landing--$40 for entrees seem to be the going rate.  What do you get for fourty bucks?  Freshly caught grouper seems to be a popular choice for those wanting to try native fare.  

The Upside:
This laid back comfortable hotel boasts friendly service and a great restaurant/bar.  The rooms are comfortable and the bay views are gorgeous.

The Downside:
It is a five minute uphill walk from the beach.  As far as we could tell, the Landing does not have any beach chairs on the pink sands beach, which means, if you want a chair, you have to pay the $10 "beach chair rental" fee on the beach.  Furthermore, there is no pool on the property.

The Crowd:
Brooks Brothers wearin' women, Caribbean yacht cruisers, southern gentlemen, and the all around well-to-do.

Bottom Line:
If being directly on the beach is not important to you, the rooms, waterfront views, and service should leave you happy.  If you don't stay here, try to have dinner here, or at the very least, get a drink at the bar, which is one of the most social hotel bars on the island.

Related Stories:
·   The Landing Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]
·   Harbour Island Coverage [Jaunted]

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