Luxury
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
An adults-only all-inclusive resort also at Emerald Bay, part of the Sandals chain. The most structured resort experience available in the Exumas, with full meals, drinks, and water sports included. Not the place for an authentic Exuma experience, but a reliable all-inclusive option for couples who want that format.
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 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00 (and continue hourly or half-hourly). The resort provides access to nearby attractions including Coconut Club and a sandbar.
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.
Mid-Range
Staniel Cay Yacht Club
On Staniel Cay in the central cays, this is the essential stop for anyone exploring the Exuma Cays by boat. 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. 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.
Budget
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.