Accommodation

Grand Isle Resort and Spa

The main full-service resort on Great Exuma, located at Emerald Bay roughly 15 minutes from George Town. Villa-style units with full kitchens, a pool, spa, and the closest thing to a resort experience in the Exumas. Popular with couples and families who want amenities but aren't doing a boating trip. Rates typically $400–700+/night for a villa.

Sandals Emerald Bay / Sandals Beaches Exuma

An adults-only all-inclusive resort at Emerald Bay. Originally opened in February 2010 and closed in August 2024. The property is undergoing a $100 million-plus redevelopment to convert to Beaches-branded family resort, a shift aligned with Royal Caribbean's acquisition of a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts International announced in 2026 (deal expected to close early 2027). The conversion will increase room occupancy capacity from 2 to 4.2 people per room, with multiple rooms converting to 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom family villas. Planned additions include a water park, pickleball and archery facilities, 10 new restaurant concepts, a 15,000 sq ft banqueting and events conference centre, and a Greg Norman golf course (already operational). During construction, the resort will create approximately 450 jobs; full operations will support 900+ positions. The project includes 100+ staff accommodations and 25 apprenticeships via partnership with L.N. Coakley High School. The most structured resort experience available in the Exumas when it reopens, though less suited to those seeking an authentic Exuma experience.

Bayman Hotel

A luxury island resort accessible by boat shuttle from Great Exuma. A 45-minute flight from Miami brings you to Great Exuma, followed by a 20-minute cab ride to the ferry dock in George Town. From there, a 1-mile boat shuttle carries you to the resort island; shuttles run at 9:0, 9:30, and 10:00 (and continue hourly or half-hourly). The resort provides access to nearby attractions including Coconut Club and a sandbar.

Rosewood Exuma

A $200 million ultra-luxury resort under development on Big Sampson Cay by Miami-based Yntegra Group in partnership with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. The Town Planning Committee granted preliminary support on March 25, 2026. The resort is planned to open in late 2028 and will feature 33 private bungalows across 124 acres of pink and white sand beaches. Amenities include a marina, beach club, wellness facilities, dining outlets, and an on-site farm. The property is designed as low‑density island development with native landscaping and renewable energy infrastructure, targeting LEED certification. The resort will feature the world's first floating helipad, a floating padel court made from recycled steel, and a 13-meter superyacht‑inspired tender. Dredging and marine works were scaled down in response to stakeholder feedback. Development faced a work halt in August 2026 with a court management hearing scheduled for August 26, 2026.

Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club

An eco‑resort on Big Sampson Cay, adjacent to the Rosewood Exuma development site. The property was the largest employer in the central Exumas before terminating 53 staff in May 2026 following a government cease‑and‑desist order, which affected 25–30 residents from the nearby Black Point community. The resort operates under permits from the Department of Environmental Planning & Protection, Forestry Unit, Docks Committee, Black Point District Council, and Ministry of Works, and continues operation with a scaled‑down development plan as of 2026.

Private Island Villas

The upper Exuma Cays have a number of ultra‑luxury private island properties available for exclusive rental. These are typically accessed by charter aircraft or private yacht and are priced accordingly, expect $5,000–$20,000+/night for a whole‑island or large villa experience.

Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina

A waterfront property offering full-service marina and cottage accommodation with views of Exuma Sound. Two-bedroom villas include full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and private outdoor areas. Beachfront bungalow suites are also available. Guest amenities include kayaks and paddleboards; the marina arranges offshore fishing, diving, snorkeling, and boat trips.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club

On Staniel Cay in the central cays, this is the essential stop for anyone exploring the Exuma Cays by boat. The resort has operated since 1956 and features brightly colored waterfront bungalows clustered around the marina and clubhouse, which serve as the social center with bar and dining. Comfortable (not luxurious) cottages, marina facilities, a good restaurant, and a bar. Proximity to the swimming pigs at Big Major's Spot, Thunderball Grotto, and Black Point settlement makes it the best-positioned base in the cays for accessing nearby snorkeling, sandbars, and attractions. Rates typically $200–350/night. Book well ahead, as it is small and fills up in season.

Chat N Chill (Stocking Island)

The famous beach bar on Stocking Island also rents a small number of simple cottages. Location directly on the beach is excellent; facilities are basic. More of a camp-meets-beach-bar experience than a hotel.

Vacation Rentals

A substantial supply of private homes and villas throughout Great Exuma are available on VRBO, Airbnb, and direct rental platforms. This is often the best value for families or groups, a full house with kitchen access for less than a resort room. Quality varies; read reviews carefully.

George Town Guesthouses

A handful of basic guesthouses and small inns in and around George Town offer the most affordable accommodation on the island. Expect simple rooms, limited amenities, but a good base for exploring the town area. Rates around $80–130/night.

Camping

Informal camping is sometimes possible on remote cays for boaters, but there are no established commercial campgrounds. Not a practical option for fly-in visitors.

Practical Notes

• Book early for the high season (December through April), particularly Staniel Cay Yacht Club, which has very limited inventory.
• Self-catering is highly practical in the Exumas; Grand Isle and vacation rentals with full kitchens can significantly reduce food costs.
• If you're based in George Town, you do NOT have convenient access to Staniel Cay and the upper cays. It requires a full-day boat excursion or charter flight. Consider whether George Town or Staniel Cay better fits your trip goals.
• Resort fees, taxes, and service charges add meaningfully to stated rates; budget an additional 15–25% on top of quoted room rates.