Great Exuma, Bahamas
Grand Isle Resort And Residences
Paradise Found
What it is
An all-villa resort on glass-clear Emerald Bay, with every luxe amenity you could ask for, including a pampering spa, infinity pool, thatch roofed restaurant, and endless watersports, plus access to a famous golf course.
What it isn't
Just for short-timers. If you want to live in Vacationland year-round, you can buy a villa here.
What we think
When a resort builds a $4 million dollar private beach club, they mean business. When it’s as gorgeous as 30,000-square-foot 23° North? It’s a lifestyle. The sleek, spa-like feel continues in each guest villa (and they’re all villas here). The “starter” option, one-bedroom Arawak Villas, are a whopping 1,250 square feet, with your own terrace, a kitchen that would satisfy Gordon Ramsay (yep, that’s a Sub-Zero refrigerator), separate living room and whirlpool spa bath. The Two Bedroom Panoramic Penthouse is true to its name with sweeping views from it’s teetering perch over the bay—the highest in the area (tweens can’t get enough of the surround-sound speaker system). To live like, say, Tiger Woods, who owns a place in the Bahamas, book the four bedroom Grand Penthouse, with 5,200 square feet of room to roam—plus a showstopping view of the Greg Norman-designed neighborhooding championship golf course from the balcony. Did we mention their concierge is happy to stock your kitchen with your fave foods before you arrive? Here, the celeb treatment is for everyone.
You're here because
Each villa has a washer/dryer, so you can still feel daisy-fresh after a week—or even a day—on the sand.
The Moment
After dropping the little ones at Hummingbird Hut—where they’ll have treasure hunts and boogie board fun galore—you beeline straight for the Seastar Spa for an island lime and ginger salt glow, and a coconut rub. Heaven is a place on earth, and it’s here.
Restaurants & Bars
Palapa Restaurant - Poolside dining offering dishes ranging from fresh seafood to barbecue
Sandy Toes - Beach bar and restaurant offering a variety of drinks and food from authentic jerk chicken, pork recipes to juicy burgers
The Grill House at 23° North - Celebrate the tastes and traditions of the Bahamas where fresh, local seafood is served alongside the ocean in our tropical outdoor setting
Location
On a pristine bend of Emerald Bay, just a 15 minute drive from Exuma International Airport.