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Exuma embodies the “untouched Caribbean.” In this collection of more than 350 islands and cays, endless white sand beaches flow seamlessly into flat, turqoise Caribbean waters. The Exuma Cays are brimming with hidden coves, natural wonders, and off the beaten track wild attractions.
But a lot of the hotels seem a bit rustic, and you also want to be sure to avoid tourist traps and crows. How can you be sure you’re picking the right place to stay?
We’ve done the research for you. We love small unique hotels here at Mango Tree, and Exuma offers many of them for families – ranging from the ultra-luxe to the affordable and eco-conscious.
Simply put: You don’t need to stay at Sandals to have an amazing stay in Exuma! We’ve got much more charming options.
We’ve rounded up the best Exumas Bahamas resorts and villas to help you plan your ultimate Bahamas beach vacation. Avoid the crowds and tourist traps and spend a week at peace, with your toes in the sand. Feel like you have the Caribbean all to yourself, and the stressors of daily life will melt away.
Sounds magical, doesn’t it?
My Top Pick
Exuma Resorts for Families
My Top Pick
Exuma Villa for Families
- Stunning beachfront villa
- Private pool
- Three separate sleeping areas
- Loft for kids
- Beautiful design
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The Best Exumas Bahamas Resorts and Villas
Best Luxury All-Inclusive Exuma Bahamas Resort: Fowl Cay
Best 4-Star Exuma Beach Resort: Grand Isle Resort & Residence
Best Boutique Hotel in Exuma: Peace and Plenty
Best Resort Partnership: Spend a few days at Nassau’s The Island House, then let them whisk you away to their partner, Highbourne Cay, in the Exumas.
Best Villa for Groups: Exuma Outpost
Best Budget Option For Families: Hideaways at Palm Bay
Map of Exuma
Looking at a map can help you get oriented, and pick the right resort for your family.
This map of Exuma shows you where the Exuma Cays sit in the Bahamas, and maps the location of all the best Exuma Bahamas resorts and villas we recommend below.
Use this map to get the lay of your land in your search for the best resort in Exuma for you.
Best Resorts in Exuma Bahamas
If you’ve been here a while, you know we love boutique hotels here at Mango Tree.
The great news is: The Exuma Cays in the Bahamas is full of them!
While some travelers may choose to stay at Sandals Exuma (not really our vibe), this Bahamas outpost has a collection of smaller, boutique hotels and stunning villas that will delight parents and kids alike. So without further ado, let’s find yours.
Rating: 9.2 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Rokers Point, George Town, Exuma
Size: 78 villas
Best For: Families wanting to spread out in multiple bedrooms!
→ Check Availability
The 4-star Grand Isle Resort & Residences should be on your radar if you’re considering booking an Exuma Bahamas resort and want space to spread out in a traditional resort setting. Although the hotel does not currently offer all-inclusive packages, it has an all-inclusive vibe to it – with everything on-site that you need for a fulsome, memorable holiday.
This resort sits along the turquoise waters of Emerald Bay and lays claim to its own private white-sand beach, with a calm entryway and decent snorkeling on-site. The jewel of the property is the beach club, with a heated oceanside infinity pool your kids may never want to leave.
“Such a stunning property with spacious and well laid out villas.”
– Sarah from U.S. (Read more reviews)
Its 78 villas range from one- to three-bedrooms, space enough for families of all sizes, with kitchens and laundry in each unit. Some reviews suggest the rooms are a bit tired, but what they lack in decor they makeup for in space.
A golf course surrounds the property, and kids will love the golf carts that come with each villa for easy zipping around. The three restaurants offer a nice mix of dining options.
Grand Isle Resort is a 25 minute drive from the Exuma International Airport in Georgetown. Although the resort is on quiet, remote part of the island, there are plenty of activities to help while away the days. In addition to golf, the resort provides complimentary kayaks, floats, snorkel gear, and sand toys, and organizes more elaborate excursions too. All combined, these features make Grand Isle Resort Exuma one of the top exuma resorts for families.
Rating: 8.8 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐
Location: Georgetown, Exuma
Size: 35 rooms and cottages
Best For: Families or couples whose priority is a great beach and turqoise water.
→ Check Availability
Named by Caribbean Journal as one of the Coolest Caribbean Hotels in 2022, Peace and Plenty offers two resorts in one.
First, just 15 minutes from the airport, you’ll find a classic oceanfront hotel, walking distance from Georgetown’s shops, restaurants, and markets. The main hotel has several two-bedroom suites that would be great for families who want easy access to all Georgetown has to offer. This is not a luxury Exuma resort, and service may be a bit rough around the edges, but it’s hard to beat the location, beach, and views.
“This property is truly peaceful and location is excellent. We really enjoyed the shuttle across to the sister resort for beach days.“
– Carol from U.S. (Read more reviews)
For a more remote experience, book a cottage at the resort’s second half: a collection of one- and two-bedroom beach cottages that sit 4-minutes across the bay on Stocking Island.
Long and narrow, Stocking Island offers an expansive stretch of secluded, white sandy beach. The sand gives way to a unique underwater world with coral reefs just off-shore.
Whatever side of this Exuma resort you choose, you’ll have easy access to watersports, a private beach club and bar, and an oceanside restaurant. This is also a perfect launchpad to Elizabeth Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and a boater’s dream.
Location: Highbourne Cay, Private Island, Exuma
Size: 12 waterfront bungalows
Best For: Families wanting to combine Nassau with a few days of luxury away from it all.
→ View Website
→ Plan This Trip with Mango Tree
Want a really unique experience in an exclusive, highly sought-after location? Miles away Georgetown, spend a few days at Highbourne Cay, an incredible Exuma Bahamas resort, with a handful of luxury cottages.
Literally in the middle of nowhere, Highbourne Cay can only be reached by private seaplane or boat, and rates aren’t listed online. So how in the world do you get there?
The hotel has a partnership with our favorite Nassau Hotel, The Island House. For a completely bespoke, boutique Bahamas holiday, spend a few days at The Island House, and then let them whisk you away to Highbourne Cay. Cottages are available with two, three, and four bedrooms.
“We stayed at Highbourne Cay Marina for 3 nights, wished we could have stayed forever.”
– Brooke from U.S. (Read more reviews)
Highbourne Cay is an H-shaped cay that stretches for 3 miles, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas (8 of them!). This intimate island is filled with natural wonders, powdery white sand, and turquoise waters.
The hotel’s website paints a perfect picture of what to expect here its “What To Do” Page:
“Nothing. Go for a walk. Explore the coast line. Read a book. Go for a swim. Check out the stromatolites. Go fishing. Clean your fish. Take a nap. Go birding. Stargaze at night. Watch the sunrise on East Beach. Watch the sunset from the Marina. Visit Kids Playground. . . . Nothing.”
Your stay will come with housekeeping, a complementary golf cart for exploring the cay, internet and streaming services, and all the luxuries of a fully-stocked villa.
Rating: 8.8 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Stocking Island, Exuma
Size: 12 waterfront bungalows
Best For: Families or couples wanting a remote but comfortable bungalow steps from the beach.
→ Check Availability
Peace and Plenty has a sister property on Stocking Island. Formerly known as Lumina Point Resort, 4-star eco-luxury Kahari Resort offers a true escape.
Kaharai’s main attraction is its stylish beachfront bungalows perched along the sandy shoreline of this magical island. Wake up in your comfortable, deluxe bedding to the sound of calm waves outside your door, and stumble just a few steps for beachfront coffee.
For families, Kahari offers two bedroom bungalows – with cozy loft spaces big kids will love.
“The property was beautiful and the views from the rooms were amazing.”
– Brooke from U.S. (Read more reviews)
Powered by renewable energy sources, Kahari focuses on family and sustainable tourism; this resort is all about connecting with the marine world and each other. You’ll be surrounded by remote beaches, sandy points, and quiet hiking trails on Stocking Island. The resort also arranges snorkeling excursions in Kahari Reef, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
Note that recent reviews in 2023 suggest pretty spotty customer service, and mosquitos. Go into your stay here with eyes wide open. Kahari is for those wanting a truly remote island stay, with the pros and cons that come along with that.
Rating: 8.1 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐
Location: Georgetown, Bahamas
Size: 40 Villas and Cottages
Best For: Families looking for a casual 3-star option in a top location
→ Check Rates and Availability
Our first three boutique hotel recommendations fall squarely into the luxury category. But if you’re seeking a laid-back and homey vibe for your Bahamas family vacation, Hideaways at Palm Bay may be the Exuma resort for you. This affordable, 3-star hotel has a ton to offer families.
First, families can choose between the more intimate one- or two-bedroom cottages, or the larger one- to three- bedroom villas. The rooms are casual, come with kitchenettes, and are just steps from the beach.
“The location was great, this is where I stay whenever I come to Exuma. The staff are friendly, rooms very nice.”
– Sarah from Bahamas (Read more reviews)
Hideaways is perched along a white sand beach but offers easy access to Exuma’s best shopping and entertainment. The resort provides a free shuttle into Georgetown. It’s a great place to enjoy some privacy, without being too remote.
The hopping Splash! Beach Bar will provide tons of entertainment for the whole family. Pool tables, board games, and frequent live music meets beachfront vibes and delicious cocktails–something for everyone!
Hideaways also provided complementary water toys for the kids, access to kids’ TV networks, puzzles and other screen-free entertainment for your downtime.
Rating: 9.3 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐
Location: Roker’s Point, Exuma, Bahamas
Size: 13 Cottages and Villas
Best For: Families or couples wanting space and a kitchen, but also an on-site restaurant
→Check Rates and Availability
Want a taste of authentic Bahamian culture without any distractions? Paradise Bay might be the Bahamas Exuma resort for your family.
This 3-star beach hotel is a cross between a self-catering stay and a small hotel. The property has an on-site restaurant and helps to arrange excursions and boat rides. But beyond that, you’ll be left to yourself to enjoy the stunning white-sand beach.
“We love Paradise Bay because it is a real get away. Every day on the beautiful beach was like having your own private beach. Very relaxing. The bar opens most days and is only steps away.”
– Leslie from U.S. (Read more reviews)
The hotel offers just 13 cottages and villas, with one or two bedrooms, all with full kitchens. The decor exudes laidback island vibes. Your kids will love the colorful pastel blue and yellow cottages nestled among the palm trees.
Disconnect from your phone and head out on a snorkeling, kite-surfing or catamaran tour. For on land activities, you’ll also be within walking distance of golf courses, eateries, and marinas.
Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Fowl Cay, Bahamas
Size: 6 Villas
Best For: Couples or families who like boats and want ultimate luxury
→ View Website
→ Plan This Trip with Mango Tree
There is one true all-inclusive resort in Exuma for families and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime-luxury-stay kind of place.
Fowl Cay Resort is a 5-star award-winning Exuma all-inclusive resort on an exclusive private island that offers an extravagant all-inclusive package. The 11-villa hotel has such a unique vibe for an all-inclusive; it may surprise you to hear it’s actually owned by Sandals. (It surprised us.)
“Spectacular visit. Accommodations are perfect and everything was thought of. . . . Well worth every penny.”
– A.Barbee from U.S. (Read more reviews)
What do you get when you stay at Fowl Cay? An ultra all-inclusive experience:
- A fully-stocked oceanfront villa
- Your own 17-18 foot power boat with unlimited fuel
- Unlimited food and drinks
- Breakfast delivered each day to your villa
- Lunch and dinner in-villa, or at the on-site Hill House restaurant
- Complementary use of professional fishing gear
- Hobie Cats, kayaks, and paddle boards
- Access to exclusive beaches that can only be reached by boat
This luxury all-inclusive Exuma resort also offers boating and snorkeling excursions along their private cay. If you want a taste of that million-dollar lifestyle, this is the place to be.
Rating: 9.2 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐
Location: Stocking Island, Bahamas
Size: 8 Rooms
Best For: Families comfortable with basic accomodations but who value warm service and a stunning beach
→Check Availability
Saint Francis Resort is a laid-back and unpretentious hotel on the enchanting Stocking Island.
This is not a luxury resort but if you’re looking for basic accomodations with a family-friendly charm, this is a solid choice. Saint Francis Resort has garnered glowing reviews, particularly when it comes to visiting with children. The resort’s warm and welcoming staff go above and beyond to cater to the needs of children, ensuring a memorable stay, and making this one of the best exuma resorts for a low-key vacation.
“St. Francis is a special place. My kids, husband and I have all said this is our favorite place to stay. The island is beautiful and the stretches of beach on the ocean side are virtually untouched.”
– Theresa from U.S. (Read more reviews)
Beyond the beach, you’ll find lots of kid-friendly distractions available, from toys to paddle boards to snorkeling and magic shows. You might even be lucky enough to snag a cooking lesson for your little ones from the property managers.
With its stunning location and family-oriented amenities, Saint Francis Resort offers families a great mix of relaxation and adventure.
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Exuma, Bahamas
Size: 8 Rooms
Best For: Families with older kids who want to go straight from room to turqoise water
→ View Website
→ Plan This Trip with Mango Tree
If the swimming pigs of the Bahamas are on your Caribbean bucket list, then Staniel Cay Yacht Club should be on your radar. Staniel Cay is a sought after resort in Exuma, with bungalows on water’s edge.
Guest reviews for Staniel Cay Yacht Club overwhelmingly rave about the exceptional service, stunning location, and memorable activities.
Add on delicious food and comfortable accommodation, and what more do you need?
“Don’t go expecting a resort vibe. It’s an explorers trip but me and my kids absolutely love it. You’ll feel like family and want to keep going back.”
– Goodwan from U.S. (Read more reviews)
The suites and villas offer families plenty of space to spread out. Beacuse the rooms are right on the edge of the Bahamas stunning turqoise water, the trip to this particular Exumas Bahamas resort is best reserved for older kids who are comfortable swimmers.
Rating: 4.9 / 5.0
Location: Exuma, Bahamas
Size: 6-Bedroom Villa (Separable)
Best For: Multi-generational families and groups who want an exquisite villa stay
→ Book Now
If you’re traveling as a multi-generational family, or with friends, a villa may be your best bet in the Exuma Cays. The Exuma Outpost is one of the best. If you take one look at the comfortable lounge furniture, stylishly designed outdoor spaces, and private beach, you’ll be packing your bags.
This 4000+ square foot villa has three units that are all connected and, together, can sleep up to 12 guests. But all three bedrooms can with private bathrooms and decks, giving everyone their own space.
“One of those vacations you aren’t quite ready to leave.”
– Kasey H. from U.S. (Read more reviews)
You’ll have access to a pool deck with plenty of shade — critical with kids or grandparents! — and be steps from the turqoise water the Bahamas is known for. If you’re looking for great Exuma resorts for a big group, we encourage you to open your search to villas like the Outpost as well.
11. Sugar Beach Villa (Exuma)
Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Location: William’s Town, Bahamas
Size: 5 Builidngs
Best For: Large families or groups who want a private chef
→Check Availability
More of a compound than a villa, Sugar Beach is the ultimate Bahamas estate for an exceptional family or friend reunion.
Picture it: 6 bedrooms in 5 separate buildings; a private gym; 1000 feet of private tropical beach; a pool; a jacuzzi big enough to fit 12 people, and a separate dining cottage that can be manned by a private chef!
“This was perfect for our group. Plenty of room for us to be together in the main house for time together but plenty of room for us to spread out and have our own downtime as well.”
– Jannifer S. from U.S. (Read more reviews)
Guest reviews constantly highlight that the property manager, Kim, goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a wonderful stay. Add on the stunning ocean views and coffee while watching the sunrise, and you can feel yourself decompress.
Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Location: Moore Hill, Bahamas
Size: 4 Bedroom Villa
Best For: Groups of friends who like to cook, with kids old enough to kayak
→Check Availability
If a gorgeous view tops your vacation withlist, you’ll find it at Yumey Sands Villa. Guests constantly rave about the ocean views from the private pool deck.
This four-bedroom house has lots of bunk bed sleeping spaces, perfect for groups of friends with lots of kids. The kitchen is the perfect communal gathering place.
“Our family loved our stay so much that we booked the house for next year while we were still there!”
– Maria from U.S. (Read more reviews)
Yumey Sands Villa on a quiet part of the island, on a very long stretch of sandy beach. (Don’t worry, there’s a beach bar you can walk to!) But the owners have thought of this, and provide sand toys, paddle boards, kayaks, and board games to keep everyone entertained.
Top Reasons to Visit Exuma With Kids
You’ve learned all about the best resorts in the Exuma Cays — but you may still be wondering whether to bring the kids along.
When traveling with kids to the Bahamas, many parents head to Nassau – an easy access point with unlimited, curated family-friendly fun.
But those seeking to explore the more relaxed side of the Bahamas head to the Out Islands. And Exuma is a special kind of authentic family destination.
If you take your kids to one of the great Exuma resorts above, you may not find waterslides, but you’ll have access to:
Some of the clearest ocean water you’ll ever see
- Gentle and safe island geography for kids
- Calm, shallow waters and expansive, private beaches and sandbars
- Excellent conditions to teach your kids how to snorkel
- Flat water for kayaking and paddleboarding
- Unique wildlife, like iguanas and swimming pigs
- Quieter destination and less chaos, so you can slow down and reconnect
Perhaps the best part is, even though Exuma Bahamas is a classic Caribbean destination, it’s only an hour from Florida. These fantastic resorts in the Exumas are far more accessible than you might think!
(Scroll down for more details about the best ways to get to Exuma from Nassau or direct from Florida.)
Concerned there won’t be enough to do in this quiet part of the Bahamas? You’ll be surprised how much your kids can entertain themselves in a natural playground, with shallow calm beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife, and more.
Throw in some swimming pigs, boat excursions, and local markets, and your days at one of these Exuma Bahamas resort will fill up in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get to Exumas Bahamas?
Wondering how to get to The Exumas Bahamas? Even though these islands seem quite remote, they’re shockingly accessible. From the U.S. you can take a direct American Eagle flight from Miami to George Town Exuma International Airport (GGT). You can also fly direct on Delta Airlines from Atlanta and on American Airlines from Charlotte.
How to Get to Exuma from Nassau?
The easiest way to get to the Exumas from Nassau is by plane. Bahamasair flies twice daily from Nassau to Georgetown.
Is there a ferry from Nassau to Exuma?
There is a ferry from Nassau to Exuma, but it’s quite a journey. Bahamas Ferries runs an overnight ferry on Monday and Thursday nights but the journey takes roughly 15 hours. Plane is a much quicker and more comfortable way to make the trip.
Are there all inclusive resorts in Exuma Bahamas?
There’s only one true Exuma all-inclusive resort, the luxurious Fowl Cay Resort. But for an inclusive experience without a meal package, consider Grand Isle Resort & Residence, a beachfront resort with three restaurants on-site.
What is Exuma Bahamas Known For?
Exuma is known for the world-famous swimming pigs and its long stretches of powdery white, soft sandy beaches.
Is Exuma Bahamas Worth it?
The Exumas may seem far away, but the best Exuma resorts are actually quite accessible! With direct flights from several U.S cities – and from Nassau – the Exumas are an incredible, other worldly tropical destination that are totally worth the journey.
Travel Insurance For Your Exuma Family Trip
When you book travel with your kids – to the Bahamas or elsewhere – you should always make sure you have trip insurance in case things go wrong. You want to be sure you’re covered for trip delays or cancellation, medical costs, and lost luggage.
We suggest getting a quote from IMG global. The Travel SE plan will offer sufficient coverage for most family trips. And we like it for the Caribbean in particular because, on top of having comprehensive medical, cancellation, and luggage protection, the hurricane protection is better than most. If NOAA issues a hurricane warning or watch for your destination 24-72 hours before departure, trip cancellation benefits kick-in (read the fine print for all plan details, of course).
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Mango Tree Travel Planning Services
Wishing someone else would just handle the logistics for a change? We also offer bespoke Caribbean family travel planning services. Our specialty? Helping parents identify the best Caribbean island and hotel for a top-notch family trip. Let us take the something off your plate, and find the best Exuma resort for you.
