This New Caribbean Hotel Looks Straight Out of a Slim Aarons Photograph
VERANDA
By: Jamie Milan
Harbour Island, or as the locals call it, "Briland" (just say "Harbour Island" a few times quickly and you'll get the moniker), is no stranger to hosting the wealthy jet set. Its tropical flora and fauna and iconic 3-mile-long pink sand beach have attracted tourists from all over the world for decades. That was the case for Hollywood actor and former fighter pilot Brett King, and his wife Sharon, who came to Harbour Island in the '60s, fell in love with the island, and... never left.
The couple created the Coral Sands Hotel in 1968, and its claim to fame was its lush landscape and cinematic views of the pink-hued beach. The property was recently acquired by Nashville-based real estate and hospitality firm AJ Capital Partners (known for its work on Graduate Hotels and Marine & Lawn), and the resort underwent a massive renovation. The now-renamed Coral Sands Inn & Cottages officially opened its doors in December 2024.
With 24 guest rooms, six bungalows, eight cottages, and three four-bedroom villas, Coral Sands Inn & Cottages blends well-appointed interiors with laid- back island charm. The property's restoration focuses sustainability and local craftsmanship, which becomes clear when you take a closer look at its design.
KrissyMelendez, head designer of Coral Sands Inn & Cottages, says the design team found vintage photos of Harbour Island from the time of Brett and Sharon King's ownership. She says the photos "captured a world where time seemed to stand still, and we wanted to bring that same feeling to life." She adds, "We leaned into design elements from the '60s and '70s—think: retro florals, charming trims, and a palette of pink and teal that feels like a vintage photograph come to life ... It's all about capturing that vintage wash, as if seen through the lens of an old film camera."