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-   -   Pink sands or Kauai? (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/pink-sands-or-kauai-328511/)

bride2b Jun 17th, 2003 09:56 PM

Pink sands or Kauai?
 
Getting married in mid July and deciding between Kauai (Marriot on Poipu beach) and Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas (Dunmore Beach Club) and Petit St. Vincent. We are looking for secluded beaches,and most importantly a hotel that is walking distance from the beach and good food?

Is it a better time of year to be in Hawaii or the Bahamas for pleasant weather? Which place is easier to travel to from the west coast of the U.S.(less travel time and plane changes)? I want to hear the pros and cons of each location first before deciding.

I am open to suggestions of different locations and places to stay. Thank you in advance for any future advice

oconnorjd Jun 18th, 2003 07:39 AM

I have asked the same questions. Why is it so hard to get info on pink sands or dunmore beach in the bahamas?
We are looking to vacation over thanksgiving at the same resorts and having a problem getting more than one response. If you come up with any answers i would appreciate hearing them.
Thank You

Shari Jun 18th, 2003 12:39 PM

I did not get married at Pink Sands, but I did stay there. It is amazing! The food is impeccable. Trust me. I am picky and never pleased. The grounds are lovely. I can't imagien you going wrong.

wantsomesun Jun 18th, 2003 01:37 PM

Pink Sands is one of the top resorts in the Carribean and is on one of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world and it's still being discovered, which is why you won't see alot of other posts on the island.

Harbour Island is off the N. coast of Eleuthera which is a 15 minute flight from Nassau or a 2 hour fast ferry ride, and they are just about the same price so you fly over and ferry back or vice versa.

Dunsmore is a bit more laid back, fewer villas but just as nice.

There are several good restaurants on island and a little bit of shopping and the beach is one of the best in the world.

If you want seclusion, you can take a day long trip to a deserted island, not far off shore, and there are many little islands and cays to choose from.

The Bahamas from the West Coast will be a little further to travel to, but you could probably do a red eye to Miami, stay overnight and fly out first thing the next morning.

There are several beautiful old churches on island or you of course be married on the beach. Dunsmore also has a beautiful gazebo overlooking the water that would be a nice setting as well.

Having been to Hawaii twice, but to Honolulu both times I can't compare them for you.

You might try the website for Harbour Island www.briland.com for more info.

Hope this helps and if you need any other info please let me know.

gally Jun 19th, 2003 03:35 AM

Pink sands Hotel is fantastic-- we have been many places, and have lived in Europe-- service and food and the beach(!) is superb. Checked out Dunmore and while the property is a bit more worn-- it looks lovely as well. The beach is unbelievable-- would definately choose it over the Marriott in Poipu although that has much more going on in terms of things to see and do. It is far easier to get to Kauai from the west coast than to go to the Bahamas as you will probably need to fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale and take a puddle jumper or the ferry from Nassau. While we won't go back this year as we are bringing our 5 kids on holiday we will return--- if you are catholic the priest at the parish in Bahamas is Filipino and a lovely , spiritual man.

joan Jun 19th, 2003 06:32 AM

I have been to Eleuthera and Harbour Island, and recently took my first trip to Hawaii (Kauai and Maui). Love them all!

As others above have said, both places are beautiful...but getting to Kauai should be easy and cheaper for you than the Bahamas. Bahamas will be HOT HOT in July, no question about it - they really don't get the tradewinds like the rest of the Caribbean - more like Florida weather. Hawaii's water can be quite cool, so going there in the summer would be the best bet weather-wise for swimming and beaching. As you might know, the North Shore of Kauai is beautiful and calm in the summer. I would check out the Princeville Sheraton - absolutely beautiful. It is hillside though and you'll need to walk up and down for the beach. Or you can rent an oceanfront home in Hanalei and watch those beautiful waves. Another resort that gets highest marks is the Hyatt in Kauai.

That said, Pink Sands is definitely intimate and romantic...I did not stay there, but enjoyed the most wonderful meal, accompanied by a lovely island singer...and that pink sand is something you must see! Harbour Island is fun too - you get around by walking, biking, or golf carts. Just enough to do for a honeymooning couple!

Congrats!

Best Jun 19th, 2003 11:17 AM

You cannot compare Honolulu with Harbour Island. You might compare Nassau with Honolulu. And Hawaii has nicer spots than in the Bahamas. Get more informations on the Hawaii board!

rfirsty Jun 20th, 2003 07:49 AM

Stayed at Pink Sands about 5 yrs. ago -- outstanding. very quiet, romantic and lush...

al Jun 20th, 2003 07:56 AM

Go for Pink Sands.

travelchik Jun 23rd, 2003 12:32 PM

Just got back from Hawaii and have also stayed at the Pink Sands in Harbor Island. Hawaii will be a much easier trip for you from the West Coast. To get to Harbor Island you need to fly to Miami, and then take another connecting flight to Eleuthra. After that you take a short water taxi ride to Harbor Island. Alternatively you can catch a flight to Nassau in the Bahamas and take a ferry to Harbor Island. As you can see it will be a bit more complicated. That said, Harbor Island is beautiful and Pink Sands is located right on the beach. I do not know about Dunmore Beach club, other than Pink Sands is the hotel to stay at on Harbor Island. The beach is spectacular, and secluded. But yes in July it could be a bit warm. Pink Sands is a very small property and there is virtually no action on Harbor Island including no cars. Besides travel time you need to be more specific about what type of property and atmosphere you are looking for. Kauai and Harbor Island are completely different animals.


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