Luxury Hotels in Exuma, Bahamas: A Detailed Guide

The Exumas, an archipelago of 365 islands in the Bahamas, is known for its stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. It’s no wonder that this paradise attracts visitors from around the globe, many of whom seek the finest luxury accommodations to enhance their experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore some of the most luxurious hotels in Exuma, each offering unique amenities, exceptional service, and unparalleled views.

1. Grand Isle Resort & Spa

Location: Great Exuma
Overview: Grand Isle Resort & Spa is a premier destination for travelers seeking luxury in the heart of Exuma. This resort offers 78 spacious villas, each designed to provide a home-away-from-home experience with full kitchens, large living spaces, and private balconies or patios.

Accommodations: The villas range from one to four bedrooms, catering to couples, families, and larger groups. Each villa is elegantly decorated with Caribbean-inspired decor, and the views from the windows and balconies are simply breathtaking.

Amenities: Grand Isle Resort & Spa boasts an infinity pool overlooking Emerald Bay, a full-service spa, and several dining options, including the highly acclaimed Palapa Grill. Guests can enjoy a range of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and even golf at the nearby Greg Norman-designed golf course.

Unique Features: One of the highlights of staying at Grand Isle is the access to the resort’s private beach, which offers a serene and exclusive environment. The resort also offers yacht charters, allowing guests to explore the Exumas in style.

2. Fowl Cay Resort

Location: Fowl Cay, Exuma
Overview: Fowl Cay Resort is an all-inclusive private island resort offering an unmatched level of privacy and luxury. The resort features just six spacious villas, ensuring a highly personalized experience for each guest.

Accommodations: Each villa at Fowl Cay Resort is equipped with its own boat, allowing guests to explore the surrounding cays and beaches at their leisure. The villas are elegantly furnished, with spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and large outdoor patios with stunning views of the ocean.

Amenities: The all-inclusive package includes all meals, drinks, and activities, ensuring that guests can fully relax and enjoy their stay. Activities range from snorkeling and diving to fishing and kayaking. The resort also offers guided excursions to nearby attractions such as the famous Pig Beach.

Unique Features: The exclusivity of Fowl Cay Resort is what sets it apart from other luxury accommodations in Exuma. With only six villas and a maximum of 28 guests at a time, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking a secluded and intimate experience.

3. Sandals Emerald Bay

Location: Great Exuma
Overview: Sandals Emerald Bay is a sprawling adults-only, all-inclusive resort that epitomizes luxury in the Bahamas. Known for its pristine beaches and world-class amenities, this resort is a favorite among couples and honeymooners.

Accommodations: The resort offers a wide range of room categories, from luxurious beachfront suites to private villas with personal butler service. Each room is designed with elegance and comfort in mind, featuring king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and private terraces or balconies with ocean views.

Amenities: Sandals Emerald Bay boasts an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman, three pools, including a half-acre, zero-entry pool with a dramatic fire pit in the middle, and 11 gourmet dining options. The Red Lane® Spa offers a variety of treatments, and water sports are available for guests who want to explore the vibrant marine life of the Exumas.

Unique Features: One of the standout features of Sandals Emerald Bay is its extensive range of dining options, which includes everything from French cuisine at La Parisienne to fresh seafood at Barefoot by the Sea. The resort’s private marina also allows guests to arrive by yacht.

4. Peace & Plenty Resort

Location: George Town, Great Exuma
Overview: Peace & Plenty Resort offers a unique blend of history, charm, and luxury. Established in 1958, this boutique resort has been a beloved destination for travelers seeking an authentic Bahamian experience with all the comforts of modern luxury.

Accommodations: The resort features 32 rooms and suites, each offering views of either the ocean or the resort’s tropical gardens. Rooms are decorated in a classic island style, with wicker furnishings, bright colors, and local artwork.

Amenities: Peace & Plenty Resort offers a range of amenities, including a beach club on Stocking Island, a freshwater pool, and a marina. The resort’s restaurant serves up traditional Bahamian cuisine, and the bar is a popular spot for both guests and locals to gather.

Unique Features: The resort’s rich history and connection to the local community make it a standout option for those looking to immerse themselves in Bahamian culture. The Peace & Plenty Beach Club on Stocking Island is a must-visit, offering a secluded beach experience just a short boat ride away from the main resort.

5. Kahari Resort

Location: Stocking Island, Exuma
Overview: Kahari Resort is a boutique resort located on Stocking Island, offering a perfect escape for those looking to disconnect and unwind. The resort’s focus on sustainability and its integration with the natural surroundings make it a unique choice for eco-conscious travelers.

Accommodations: The resort features 12 bungalows, each designed to blend seamlessly with the island’s natural landscape. The bungalows are spacious and offer stunning views of the ocean or the surrounding gardens. Inside, guests will find comfortable furnishings, modern amenities, and private decks.

Amenities: Kahari Resort offers a range of activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. The resort’s restaurant, The Beacon, serves farm-to-table cuisine with ingredients sourced from the island and the surrounding waters. There is also a wellness center offering yoga and massage therapies.

Unique Features: The emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship is what sets Kahari Resort apart. The resort is powered by solar energy, and efforts are made to minimize waste and protect the surrounding ecosystem. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy luxury while also being mindful of their environmental impact.

6. Embrace Resort

Location: Staniel Cay, Exuma
Overview: Embrace Resort is a small, family-owned resort located on Staniel Cay, offering a personalized and intimate experience. The resort’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the many attractions of the Exumas, including the famous swimming pigs.

Accommodations: The resort offers seven villas, each uniquely designed and named after one of the Bahamian islands. The villas are equipped with modern amenities, including full kitchens, air conditioning, and private patios.

Amenities: Embrace Resort offers a range of amenities, including a spa, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving Bahamian cuisine. The resort also offers a variety of excursions, including trips to Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto, and other popular attractions.

Unique Features: The small size of Embrace Resort allows for a highly personalized experience. The staff are known for their warm hospitality and are eager to help guests make the most of their stay. The resort’s location on Staniel Cay also makes it a great choice for those looking to explore the Exumas by boat.

7. Turquoise Cay Boutique Hotel

Location: Great Exuma
Overview: Turquoise Cay Boutique Hotel is an intimate, adults-only boutique hotel located on the northern shore of Great Exuma. This hotel offers a blend of modern luxury and Bahamian charm, making it a popular choice for couples and honeymooners.

Accommodations: The hotel features just six rooms, each uniquely decorated with contemporary furnishings and vibrant colors. The rooms offer stunning views of the ocean and are equipped with all the modern amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel.

Amenities: Turquoise Cay offers a range of amenities, including an infinity pool, a private beach, and a gourmet restaurant serving international cuisine with a Bahamian twist. The hotel also offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.

Unique Features: The small size of the hotel allows for a highly personalized experience, with staff going out of their way to ensure that guests have everything they need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The hotel’s location on the northern shore of Great Exuma provides easy access to some of the island’s best beaches and attractions.

Conclusion

The Exumas offers an array of luxury accommodations, each with its unique charm and features. Whether you're looking for an all-inclusive resort, a private island experience, or a boutique hotel with personalized service, Exuma has something to offer every type of traveler. From the pristine beaches to the world-class amenities, staying at one of these luxury hotels in Exuma is sure to be an unforgettable experience.