Island Connoisseur: India Hicks
I had the privilege to meet India for the first time earlier this year at her sprawling plantation-style home, Hibiscus Hill on Harbour Island. Being the Granddaughter of Lord Mountbatten, goddaughter of Prince Charles, one-time bridesmaid to Diana, and the daughter of the iconic 1960s and ’70s interior designer David Hicks, I was, well, surprised to find her immediately disarming. Perhaps it is because she welcomed me in a not much different state than I arrived – bronzed and barefoot – or perhaps it is simply because she is the epitome of island living; she exudes the warmth that many of us Bahamians are famous for and she undoubtedly shares an appreciation for the islands – having eschewed high society for life amongst pink sands and swaying palms.
India most notably lives up to what Ralph Lauren once wrote in the introduction to she and David’s book Island Life, “It strikes me that many people may dream of leaving high-profile lives in New York or London to go and live on a tropical island, but very few actually do it – or have the imagination and creativity to make it work.”
This statement alone deems her an Island Connoisseur in every way.
Here’s how to enter to win:
1. Leave a comment below saying which 1 of the 700 islands of The Bahamas best fits your Island Personality and why so OR if you still have yet to visit the Bahamas then tell me which island you want to experience and why! For some inspiration visit here.
I’ll announce the winner via email this Friday, May 11!
Related Links – in order of appearance:
Ride For Hope
India Hick’s Fine Jewelry
India Hick’s Crabtree & Evelyn Collection
Island Life by India Hicks + David Flint Wood
Also India + David have the following homes available for vacation rental:
+ The Guest House at Hibiscus Hill
+ The Cricket Pavilion at Hibiscus Hill
+ King’s Treat
+ Savannah House
Photo credits – from top to bottom:
Featured Photo: India Hicks. Credit: Brittan Goetz
Top Photo: Savannah House. Credit: Slim Aarons
India’s Tribe + Jenga + India’s Most Treasured + India’s Perfect Day. Credit: India Hicks
India Hick’s Fine Jewelry. Credit: India Hicks
India + I. Credit: The lovely Claire + instagram
Bottom Photo: Island Life. Credit: India Hicks
Join the conversation
I have to say all 700 fit my personality……..I know I know you have to choose one but the Bahamas is such a beautiful place to visit and live. Every island has its own secret something to make it so special but they ALL have amazing waters, beaches and people. I think for most -“Home is where your Heart is” …….. so Nassau it is for me. This has made me realise i need to go and see more of my country.
Great website Pritchard xoxox
Harbour Island,
it is naturally beautiful. It has that sand between your toes and wind in your hair, carefree attitude. Colorful and playful yet relaxed and serene.
The perfect place to get away.
The quintessential essence of The Bahamas is Rum Cay, The Exuma’s, Crooked and Rose Island. The simplicity,”go slow” and “buss-right-up” methodology is the fabric of our culture. On any given Sunday, one can observe and partake in the leisure of “liming” with locals, friends and observers, unless you have experienced the lifestyle of our beloved country, you will never understand why its “Better in The Bahamas!”
I must say “Nassau” because, regardless of where I live, it will always be home to me. My family, my heart and my dreams are there.
I must say, however, that I’d be willing to explore the other 699 islands…just to be sure.
Amazing stuff VP! Loving everything 700 is putting out and this feature is tops. My island personality is Shroud Cay, Exuma. Similarly to this land and sea national park I am serene, unassuming, cheerful and adventurous.
My favourite island(s) have to the untouched islands of the Exuma Chain. The joy of riding past the sun baked rocks along the Exuma crystal blue shallow banks brings a feeling of peace and humility. The last time we boated past the southern part of the Exuma Chain an Osprey took flight from her nest and soared next to our boat searching for her swimming meal…It was incredible! The raw nature of these islands, from the hidden blue holes, the thick twigged bushes to the white and blue gradient waters, brings me pure joy. 🙂
Great article Vanessa! As it relates to the island that I can best affiliate with my personality, I would definitely have to say New Providence. I haven’t yet managed to explore the entire “700 experience”, but New Providence being one of the few islands I have visited thus far, I can certainly see how it fits my island personality; ful of life yet very laid-back,embracing, and warm. Keep up the great work! You got my support.
Tash Johnson
Nice article, Vanessa. What an interesting person, with a passion for the islands that seems to outweigh so many of our own!
Eleuthera is absolutely my favourite of all the islands. I refer specifically to mainland Eleuthera, Governor’s Harbour specifically. The beaches are idyllic, the dining is spectacular, the houses are gorgeous and the fish fry every Friday is too much fun! Centrally located, you can drive north one day and south the next, perfect for my Gemini split personality 🙂
I would have to pick Normans Cay! There is so much to explore with all the small islands/beaches and plane wreck to dive at. I love the feeling when you are completely isolated from the troubles of the world and that’s where I feel the most at ease. There’s nothing better!!!
Great article V!!
It has to be Abaco !! So much diversity. From beautiful pristine beaches to clear blue water to Blue Holes, to Wild Horses……. so many reasons to LOVE Abaco !
I pick Harbour Island… because it’s low key and effortless but also chic and glam. I’d like to think of myself as half low maintenance tomboy and half fashionista, perfect for Briland’s easy going lifestyle and sensibility. LOVE her house and her style and her life, is anyone a better style guru than India Hicks?!!?!?
XOXO, Kate
Great interview and article. I particularly love India’s description of the seasons of the beach. I had never thought about it that way but it is so true.
Thank you! Love this site.
“Which 1 of the 700 islands of The Bahamas fits your Island Personality and why so”:
Vanessa,
I choose Eleuthera to be the island that fits my Island Personality because of it’s photographic beauty and because of the people from / who live there…..Eleutherans are by nature warm and welcoming.
Great site, great article!
Cheers,
Ana