12/10/2025  Jomerglo

Where to Stay in Exuma: Resorts, Boutique Hotels, & Luxury Villas

Choosing where to stay in Exuma is one of the most important decisions of your trip. The island offers a wide range of accommodations—from prestigious all-inclusive resorts to private beachfront villas, charming boutique hotels, and eco-luxury hideaways on offshore cays. With its turquoise water, quiet beaches, and world-famous Exuma Cays, this destination attracts everyone from honeymooners and yacht travelers to families and long-stay visitors. But because Exuma is less commercial than Nassau, selecting the right location is crucial to getting the experience you want.

This comprehensive guide breaks down Exuma’s best places to stay, including top resorts like Sandals Emerald Bay, Grand Isle Resort, and Kahari Resort, as well as the island’s most desirable villa neighborhoods such as Tar Bay, Hooper’s Bay, February Point, and Emerald Bay. Whether you're looking for total privacy, luxury amenities, or simply a comfortable base for exploring the cays, you’ll find the perfect match here.

Understanding Exuma’s Accommodation Layout

Exuma is made up of three main areas where visitors stay:

1. Great Exuma

The main island, home to the airport, most restaurants, resorts, rental villas, and Georgetown.

2. Little Exuma

Connected by a bridge to Great Exuma, offering quiet beaches and boutique villas.

3. Stocking Island

Accessible by water taxi from Georgetown—a peaceful island with beach bars, boutique hotels, and eco-luxury stays.

Each area offers a different atmosphere, price point, and experience.

Best Resorts in Exuma

1. Sandals Emerald Bay (All-Inclusive Luxury Resort)

Sandals Emerald Bay is Exuma’s most famous resort: an adults-only, all-inclusive, oceanfront property offering a polished, worry-free experience. Set on a mile-long white-sand beach, it features:

  • 500-acre landscaped grounds

  • Greg Norman–designed oceanfront golf course

  • Multiple fine dining restaurants

  • Three freshwater pools (including a zero-entry pool)

  • Butler-level suites

  • Tennis courts and spa services

Best for: Honeymoons, couples, travelers who want luxury without planning.

2. Grand Isle Resort & Residences

Located next door to Sandals, Grand Isle offers spacious villa-style accommodations ideal for families, groups, and long-stay travelers. Highlights include:

  • One- to four-bedroom villas

  • Private balconies with ocean views

  • Infinity pool

  • Beach club access

  • Golf course next door

  • On-site fine dining

Unlike a hotel, every unit includes a full kitchen, making this a perfect option for travelers who value extra space and independence.

Best for: Families, groups, long stays, luxury seekers who prefer villas over resorts.

3. Kahari Resort (Stocking Island)

Kahari is one of Exuma’s most unique properties—an eco-luxury resort sitting on the quiet, pristine shores of Stocking Island. Accessible only by boat, it offers:

  • Waterfront bungalows

  • Elevated dining at The Beacon restaurant

  • Paddleboarding and kayaking

  • Quiet beaches with powder-white sand

  • A serene, boutique atmosphere

Kahari feels secluded yet remains close to Georgetown by water taxi.

Best for: Couples, serenity lovers, boutique hotel seekers.

4. Peace & Plenty Resort (Downtown Georgetown & Island Cottages)

Peace & Plenty offers two types of accommodations:

  • A waterfront hotel in Georgetown

  • Private island bungalows across the harbor

The main hotel gives you walkable access to restaurants and markets, while the island bungalows offer elevated views and a quiet, romantic setting.

Best for: Travelers who want a central location with easy access to Stocking Island.

Best Boutique Hotels in Exuma

Saint Francis Resort (Stocking Island)

A low-key, boutique-style resort offering beachfront access and newly renovated accommodations. It’s quiet, peaceful, and steps from some of the clearest water in Exuma.

Best for: Travelers who want simplicity, privacy, and natural beauty.

Hideaways Exuma (Palm Bay)

This beachfront boutique property offers cottages and villas with:

  • Kitchenettes

  • Beach access

  • A casual beachfront restaurant

  • A family-friendly atmosphere

It’s also centrally located, making it easy to reach Georgetown or take a water taxi to Stocking Island.

Best for: Budget-conscious couples and families.

Exuma Beach Resort (Hooper’s Bay Area)

A small, stylish hotel with:

  • Bright, modern rooms

  • A quiet beachfront

  • A convenient location near markets and restaurants

Hooper’s Bay, just a short walk away, is famous for sea turtles.

Best for: Travelers who want comfort near one of Exuma’s best wildlife beaches.

Best Luxury Villa Areas in Exuma

Villas are one of the fastest-growing accommodation categories in Exuma, especially for families, groups, and long-stay travelers seeking privacy. These properties range from beachfront estates to oceanview homes with private pools.

1. Tar Bay – The Premier Villa Strip

Tar Bay is Exuma’s most prestigious villa coastline. It features:

  • Long stretches of powder-soft beach

  • Deep turquoise water

  • High-end beachfront estates

  • Absolute privacy

Many celebrity and influencer photoshoot backdrops are taken here.

Best for: Luxury travelers, groups, private chefs, weddings.

2. Hooper’s Bay – Sea Turtle Haven

Located near markets and restaurants, Hooper’s Bay offers:

  • Calm, shallow water

  • Frequent sea turtle sightings

  • Mid-range to upscale villas

  • Easy access to Georgetown

Best for: Families, wildlife lovers.

3. February Point – Marina Community with Ocean Views

This gated neighborhood features luxury homes, pools, tennis courts, and a marina. It’s upscale but still close to Georgetown.

Best for: Groups, boaters, travelers wanting a secure neighborhood.

4. Emerald Bay Corridor

Located near Sandals and Grand Isle, this area offers:

  • Large oceanfront villas

  • Quiet beaches

  • Easy access to upscale dining

  • Proximity to golf and marina amenities

Best for: Golfers, luxury travelers, wedding groups.

Other Notable Villa Areas

Little Exuma (Tropic of Cancer Beach Region)

Quiet, scenic, and perfect for off-grid luxury.

Master Harbour / Hartswell

Great for boating access and kayaking in mangrove channels.

Jimmy Hill Beach Area

Underrated stretch of turquoise shoreline.

Which Area Should You Choose?

Best for Couples:

  • Kahari Resort

  • Sandals Emerald Bay

  • Tar Bay villas

  • Saint Francis Resort

Best for Families:

  • Grand Isle Resort

  • Hideaways Exuma

  • Hooper’s Bay villas

Best for Groups:

  • February Point

  • Tar Bay beachfront villas

  • Emerald Bay corridor homes

Best for Budget Travelers:

  • Hideaways Exuma

  • Peace & Plenty Hotel (mainland rooms)

Best for Total Privacy:

  • Tar Bay

  • Little Exuma villas

  • Kahari (Stocking Island)

Final Thoughts

Exuma offers one of the most diverse accommodation landscapes in the Bahamas—from world-class resorts and boutique beach hotels to private villas spread across some of the clearest water on earth. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury escape, a romantic getaway, or a family adventure, choosing the right area and property will shape the entire feel of your trip.

With this guide, travelers can confidently select lodging that fits their budget, style, and itinerary—while allowing for strong internal linking to Exuma tours, activities, and itineraries.