Renowned for her bold take on style and design, India Hicks has quietly built a lifestyle brand from her base on Harbour Island in The Bahamas. As the daughter of legendary designer David Hicks, the former Ralph Lauren model combines English eccentricity with laid-back Caribbean culture, in her stylish modern home in the ocean.
Her latest book, An Entertaining Story, delves into the imaginative spin on entertaining, offering clever improvisations and fun ideas for table settings, with a sprinkling of recipes and family tales. We caught up with India on the highlights of Harbour Island.
First things first, when should we go?
Any time but September and October (they're the rainiest months with a threat of hurricanes). The rest of the year offers pink sands, turquoise waters, turtles, and dolphins.
Best place to stay?
Hibiscus Hill, Harbour Island. There's a variety of guest houses, from townhouses to beach houses, all with their own personality and charm.
The homeware shop to head for?
The Island Store in Lyford Cay offers traditional Caribbean home goodies with a huge splash of color, pattern, and panache. Browse batik quilts, pineapple lamps, pottery, linen napkins, and candles.
Restaurant with the best interior?
The Dunmore hotel restaurant is designed by the talented Amanda Lindroth, who understands the history of The Bahamas. The style, the architecture, and the climate are all imprinted on her work: lots of white canvas, upholstery, boldly colored peach stripes, rattan, and cane furniture.
See: 12 modern summer house ideas – how to create a serene escape in your own garden
Most interesting gallery?
Princess Street Gallery on Harbour Island showcases an extraordinary collection of tropical-inspired by The Bahamas. Peek at the pink sand, azure sea, sun-washed cottages, and at the gentle people that have been luring artists here for more than 100 years.
Best beaches for relaxing in the sun?
Lighthouse beach has endless miles of unspoiled soft rose sand and is considered to be one of the most magnificent beaches in The Bahamas. At this hidden gem, you can play in two bodies of water almost simultaneously, the Caribbean and the Atlantic.
Harbour Island in The Bahamas
Your favorite spot for a cocktail?
Sweet Spot Cafe on Harbour Island, run by two beautiful Bahamian sisters who offer exotic cocktails, such as their Coral Heat, a heady mix of vodka, grapefruit juice, black pepper, and lime sugar. It's actually a juice bar with healthy smoothies, organic snacks, and vegan desserts, which makes the cocktails even more thrilling!
See: This uber-modern beach house is a lesson in loft-style living
Don't leave without visiting?
Kamalame Cay family-run resort for a very private escape. It's found on the edge of the Andros Great Barrier Reef: a pretty breathtaking adventure.
Interview by Jacky Parker for Livingetc, June 2021.
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