Picolo recommends · Hotel in Exuma, Bahamas
Grand Isle Resort & Residences
A villa with its own kitchen and a balcony over Emerald Bay, where the pool runs right up to the sand of Great Exuma.
Morning on the balcony, the water below already turning that shallow Exuma turquoise. Each villa comes with a kitchen and a proper living room, so breakfast happens at your own pace rather than at a buffet.
Down by the beach a big pool sits right at the edge of the sand, and a golf course follows the shoreline next door. Few places on the island give a group this much room to spread out.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Grand Isle Resort & Residences
We picked Grand Isle for space. Families and friends travelling together get separate rooms, a kitchen and a balcony facing the sea, which makes a full week in the Exumas feel relaxed rather than cramped.
There is not much to eat within walking distance, so plan on a hire car or cooking in the villa. Couples after nightlife or a choice of restaurants on the doorstep will find it quiet.
What you get
- Villas with kitchen and living room
- Large pool at the edge of the beach
- Beach on Emerald Bay
- Golf course next door along the coast
- Hire car recommended for getting around
A day at Grand Isle Resort & Residences
- Morning
- Coffee on the balcony while the bay is still glassy.
- Midday
- A boat out to the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay.
- Afternoon
- A slow swim in the pool, steps from the sand.
- Evening
- Dinner cooked in the villa kitchen with the windows open to the sea.
Location
Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas
Open in MapsQuestions about Grand Isle Resort & Residences
Does Grand Isle Resort have villas with kitchens?
Yes. The villas have their own kitchen, a lounge and a sea-view balcony, which suits longer stays and groups who like to cook.
Do I need a car at Grand Isle Resort?
It helps. Restaurants are few and far between around Emerald Bay, so a hire car makes it much easier to eat out and explore Great Exuma.
Can I visit the swimming pigs from Grand Isle Resort?
Yes, boat trips to Big Major Cay run from Great Exuma. They fill up, so book the trip well before you travel.
Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
How Picolo chooses
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