Great Exuma, Bahamas
Grand Isle Resort And Residences
Oceanfront villa enclave
Oceanfront villa enclave
Private villas step down toward Emerald Bay, giving stays the rhythm of a quiet residential coastal neighborhood.
What it’s good at
Notable
Dedicated golf carts connect two infinity pools, beachside dining, and Emerald Bay sands.
Listed
Spacious multi-bedroom West Indies villas feature marble baths and professional Sub-Zero kitchens.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On Emerald Bay Beach, surrounded by golf fairways and twenty minutes north of George Town.
1 of 5
The rooms
Deep private terraces look across the water or greens, with multi-room layouts that scale up to four-bedroom penthouses.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Submerged daybeds border the oceanfront infinity pool at the beach club, and a second heated pool sits beside the palapa.
The spa and gym
SeaStar Spa uses Elemis products for marine scrubs and wraps, and the fitness room overlooks Emerald Bay.
Bar
Sandy Toes
This open-air timber shack serves jerk meats and cocktails directly on the sand of Emerald Bay.
Restaurant
Palapa
The poolside pavilion sits under a thatched roof, serving Bahamian seafood and rum drinks from breakfast through dinner.
Restaurant
The Grill House at 23° North
The oceanfront dining room sits under exposed timber beams, serving daily catches and steaks beside an open-air terrace.
How it began
Canadian investor Peter Nicholson acquired the distressed villas out of receivership in 2012, creating a privately owned condominium resort.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.