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The Exumas: 3 suggestions for a luxurious Bahamas getaway

For those wanting a luxurious Caribbean getaway, the Exumas Cays in the Bahamas have it all. Known for having some of the clearest blue waters in the Caribbean, the islands feature everything from grand resorts to yacht clubs to opulent yet intimate boutique properties. To help you plan a luxury getaway to the Exumas, here are some suggestions. Sandals Emerald Bay Located on Great Exuma, Sandals Emerald Bay is one of the more luxurious of the brandÂ’s properties. Featuring 245 rooms across 500 acres, the hotel welcomes couples and guests 18 and over who can choose between 26 room categories and the option of having their own personal butler, all of whom have been certified by the elite Guild of Professional English Butlers. These doting helpers will get to know you so that they can pamper you with luxurious surprises like Champagne bubble baths as well as pack and unpack your luggage, attend to your wardrobe, book your tours, bring you a tropical cocktail to the beach and more. Sandals Emerald Cay Because Sandals Emerald Bay is the type of hotel most guests choose not to leave, they offer scenic trails; an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course with six holes being on the ocean (unusual for a golf course); outdoor games and activities like cooking classes, dance lessons and rum tasting courses; seven unique restaurants; a 16,000 square foot spa; nightly entertainment; island and cay tours; a sunken tennis court stadium; and three fresh water pools, one of which is the CaribbeanÂ’s largest zero entry pool with a central fire pit. ItÂ’s also worth noting Sandals Emerald Bay is truly an all-inclusive, with no supplements and all water sports included, including scuba diving and lessons. To truly indulge, opt to stay in their Royal Estate Two-Story One Bedroom Beachfront Suite, a two-story beachfront villa away from the main resort for complete privacy. Highlights of the room include a private pool and patio, marble tiled master bathroom with glass shower overlooking the ocean and two expansive balconies. During your stay, make sure to enjoy a treatment in their Red Lane Spa, which incorporates indigenous ingredients like Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and ortanique organges into their treatments. We recommend the “Wrapped in Romance” couples treatment, which includes an island sugar cane exfoliation, detoxifying wrap, 50-minute hot stone massage, and an indulgent bath with tasty “spa-mosas.” Staniel Cay Yacht Club Located on Staniel Cay, Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers a laid-back, island luxury experience. While the above-mentioned Sandals Emerald Bay provides a sophisticated and refined stay, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is more for the person who wants to feel completely at home. The property — which feels like its own little village — features 12 waterfront cottages, with their largest room being a Large Cottage that sleeps seven, as well as an 18-slip marina. Guest rooms feature air conditioning, private patios with tables and chairs, water views, stone-tiled rain showers, mini fridges, sumptuous bedding and a wet bar stocked with hot beverages and wine.   Swim in their on-site pool, enjoy a rum punch at the bar, snorkel the crystal waters, rent bikes, golf carts or kayaks, or take out your own personal boat (which comes with your cottage) and explore the surrounding cays. For a truly luxurious experience, opt to rent their 75′ Hatteras “Temptation” motor yacht and sail across the translucent waters of the Exumas. Guided sightseeing, boating, snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving and Exuma Land and Sea Park tours can also be arranged. Enjoy Bahamian dishes in their restaurant, with some of their dinner entrees including grilled lobster, Bahamian cracked conch, fresh catch of the day, a French-trimmed rack of lamb and fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. Free Wi-Fi is included in your stay. Augusta Bay For those wanting a luxurious stay on Great Exuma but want something more intimate than Sandals, Augusta Bay is the perfect choice. Residing directly on the beach, the property features a heated pool and complimentary in-house offerings like kayak rentals, snorkeling and continental breakfast, while sailing, island tours, private beach picnics, fishing trips, party boat excursions and car rentals are also options. Sixteen rooms offer a heavenly retreat with air conditioning, glass-enclosed rainshowers, beach and/or pool views, private patios and balconies, and, the true highlight, the most sumptuous linens youÂ’ve ever felt. While robes and towels wrap you in soft warmth, youÂ’ll fall asleep on a pillow top mattress wrapped in 400 thread-count linens and feather-down comforters that make you feel like youÂ’re wrapped in marshmallow clouds. Exumas   One big draw to the property is itÂ’s within walking distance to lively attractions like the local fish fry on Friday nights, live music and drinks at their lively waterfront restaurant and bar, and nightly entertainment at the neighboring Exuma Beach Resort, as well as less than a 10 minute drive from the capital of George Town. Free Wi-Fi is included in your stay.

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2 Comments

  1. I have been researching Bahama resorts and hotels in the Exuma’s chain of islands as well. These little chain of Bahamian islands are interesting to me because you can easily rent a boat and island hop around from one to the other. Two of my favorites that I have found and would be worth a look as well are Fowl Cay (a private island and resort) and Firefly at Hopetown.

  2. Exumas Cays in the Bahamas is a true escape. There are a lot of exciting things that you can do in Exuma Cays. You definitely want to spend a few days boating and floating. In your vacation; you would be more likely to see giant starfish, wild iguanas, dolphins, sharks, and many more. One of my top Caribbean destinations.

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