“Good hotels are places where you dream of staying. Great hotels are places where you’d want to live,” says Island Records boss Chris Blackwell, who, with a string of hip Caribbean retreats to his name, now reigns as the king of cool in both the music and hotel business. “The individual character of each property reflects the magic of music, each with its own rhythm, its own beat,” adds Blackwell, whose Island Outpost portfolio of small, but perfectly formed, retreats includes the enchanting Pink Sands, on tiny Harbour Island, in the Bahamas.
This 20-acre beachside estate, so picture-perfect it looks like a film set, was originally designed by Biba founder Barbara Hulanicki and was restored by the record kingpin to comprise 25 exquisite pastel-coloured cottages. Guests can opt for a one- or two-bedroom cabaña set in lush tropical gardens filled with coconut palm, hibiscus, bougainvillaea, jasmine, and ground orchids. Or they can go for an ocean-view suite with a private pathway leading to the pink sand beach which, Blackwell claims, is “one of the most beautiful on the planet”.
A-list clients – and the hotel has played host to many, including Oscar winners Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon – will probably choose the deluxe, two-bedroom Bimini Cottage which has a private Jacuzzi on a large outside deck overlooking the Atlantic.
Although a significant proportion of guests hail from the music, film and fashion industries, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, rather than elitist. “Warm is always cool,” reasons Blackwell, who likes to involve the local community in each of his hotel projects – and also encourages his guests to check out the arts and music on offer in the local community.
As befitting a hotel owned by a laid-back music mogul, all Pink Sands’ extremely private accommodation comes complete with a CD and DVD player and an ample library of titles to choose from. Cuisine includes funky Caribbean fusion, served in the Garden Restaurant. And post-prandial activities range from reef and deep-sea fishing and scuba diving to romantic picnics and boat rentals. Guests can also use the three tennis courts, freshwater swimming pool, exercise studio or library.
Tune into Blackwell’s version of cool at www.islandoutpost.com.
