The document describes The Exumas, an archipelago in the Bahamas known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters. It discusses the climate and weather, noting rain from May to October but brief showers. It then provides details about the author's favorite resort, Sandals Emerald Bay on Great Exuma, praising the beautiful scenery and laidback atmosphere. Specific amenities at the resort like pools, beaches, restaurants and bars are outlined. Potential excursions around the Exumas like swimming with pigs and exploring uninhabited islands are also mentioned.

2.  With sapphire-blue water everywhere, The Exumas are an exotic
collection of dream destinations. Footprint-free beaches and
ultraexclusive resorts and islands fit for celebrities make this
tropical paradise an absolute gem. Here, nature outnumbers
man, coastlines remain flawless and private homes play host to
some of the world’s most famous stars. The Exumas truly are the
ultimate escape.
 The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands,
beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau.
 Being of a tropical clime, Great Exuma and indeed all the
Bahamas are subject to both rainy seasons and hurricane
seasons. The Rainy season on Great Exuma normally spans
between May and October but fear not, even the Tropical rain
storms in the Bahamas are relaxed, normally only making an
appearance in the guise of brief summer showers.
 Temperature is comfortably warm and rain fall is low in July.

3. This is my all-time favorite resort. I don’t
recommend it to everyone because it is very laid
back. Although there is nightly entertainment
and live music it is definitely not a party resort.
The water on the island is the most beautiful I
have seen in the Caribbean. I loved the laid back
vibe of the island, from the airport to the locals,
so chill and friendly. The next three slides are
my stories from visiting the island, I’ve been
twice. Sorry it’s so long, I have a passion for this
resort and island!

4. We first spent a few days in Nassau, Bahamas where we had a great
time but were not too impressed with the beach. We flew on a little puddle
hopper airplane from Nassau to Georgetown, the capital of Great Exuma. Great
Exuma is an island chain the Bahamas. Upon arrival to the smallest airport I
have ever seen, our luggage was loaded on to a trailer behind a golf cart. It
was then kind of a free for all as everyone pulled their luggage off the trailer.
No baggage claim at this airport. We exited the airport and were met by a
driver with a sign for out hotel, Sandals Emerald Bay. We were taken in an SUV
to the resort. On the way there we got our first glimpse of the neon blue ocean
and white sand beach, breathtaking. We arrived at the resort and easily
checked into our room. We stayed in a one bedroom suite with two full
bathrooms, a living room, dining area and large bedroom. Our balcony had a
view of the lush gardens and the ocean.
We then explored the grounds. The resort is located on a crescent
shaped beach with plenty of room to spread out and have your own private
area and lots of beach to walk. One of my favorite things throughout the resort
was the butlers that ride big tricycles with a place in the back to put food or
drinks for guests. I just thought is was funny to see someone in a tux and
white gloves riding a tricycle! The grounds are gorgeous with lush gardens, two
big pools one quiet and one with poolside activities. There is brick fireplace
where they make fresh Bahamian bread, smells so good. One day we rented a
car to explore the island. We got a map from a local who told us where all the
best beaches were located. Good thing because a lot of them are hidden. We
visited several beaches where we were the only ones there, not another person
in sight. At one beach a local family was having a picnic and the little girl
played with us in the water for a long time. We stopped at a beach club for
lunch and had a great conversation with the owner and his wife. It was like
visiting someone's home.

5. He told us wind surfing is big on the island. We were out all day
checking out different beaches, looking for sand dollars and just exploring.
We had dinner at a little conch shack on the side of the road, best conch
salad ever. You can rent a boat in Georgetown and explore the cove area,
unfortunately we did not have time for that with all the beaches we visited.
Another day we went on an organized excursion. We were on a small
speed boat with about 10 other people. As we headed out our guide pointed
out all the islands owned by famous people. We went by Tim McGraw and
Faith Hill's island, Johnson & Johnson's island, Penn and Teller's island and
some other random really rich people's islands. Eventually we pulled up to
an island with nothing on it. Our guide didn't say anything and I was
wondering why we stopped. All the sudden a herd of pigs came out the
bushes and started swimming toward our boat. It was so crazy. We jumped
in and swam with them and fed them apples until they got bored with us.
Next we stopped at a small island with a yacht club. The Bahamas is
huge for yachters. We saw yachts with helicopters on them, with small speed
boats on them and all sorts of amazing things I didn't know people could
own. We got off our little speed boat at the yacht club and our guide showed
us were we could jump in snorkel with nursemaid sharks and stingrays. I
was too scared but my husband did and it loved it. We got back on the boat
and went to another small island were we had lunch at a little yacht club.
There are a lot of small islands that have fisherman villages, I didn't know
people still lived like that, so isolated from the world.

6. On the way back we stopped at another island
and when we pulled up these huge iguanas came out
of the bushes. We fed them and snorkeled a little. It
was a full day trip but so beautiful to see all those
little islands and enjoy the clear blue water.
The resort was amazing, the food was great and
service is first class. It is a very laid back island and
resort. The resort does have live entertainment every
night but it is definitely not a party resort. The island
is not touristy at all, Sandals is the only all-inclusive
resort on the island. Most of the others are condos or
private vacation houses. I hope you enjoy the
presentation. I promise none of my photos are photo
shopped!

7.  5 Star Resort
 Couples-Only
 All-Inclusive
 Unfolding like a grand estate, this premiere island resort
provides unforgettable, Luxury Included® beach vacations
ideal for golf-lovers, spa-enthusiasts and couples looking
to tie the knot. Fronting a pristine stretch of mile-long
white-sand beach, guests of the resort are treated to a
variety of seven gourmet restaurants, a full-service Red
Lane® Spa, romantic wedding and honeymoon services, an
18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf
course, a full-service marina and sensational, beachfront
guestrooms and suites featuring 24-hour room service
and plush décor. From white-glove dining to barefoot
elegance, this lavish hideaway is an oasis of comforts and
the ideal location for your next beach vacation in the
tropics.

10.  Three pools including a pool that encompasses more
than half an acre, plus has a whirlpool, swim-up pool
bar, and unique fire-pit seating area in the center.
Misting columns and luxurious cabanas equipped
with wireless Internet access flank the pool. Butlers
provide poolside service, including spritzers, fresh
towels with cucumber slices, and cool sorbet to
refresh and replenish.
 1-mile long stretch of beach
 Comprehensive array of watersports including
kayaks, daily snorkeling trips, windsurfing, aqua
cycles, hobie cat sailing, and free scuba diving for
certified divers.
 George Norman designed golf course next to resort.
 Nightly entertainment

13.  Emerald Reef Golf Course
◦ The longest course in the Caribbean,
winding through seaside dunes along a
stunning peninsula, this Greg Norman-
designed, 18-hole, par 72 championship
course is consistently regarded as one of the
best in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure
Golf.

15.  Barefoot by the Sea - Sample the local specialty including conch salad and fritters.
Guests may enjoy outdoor dining with their feet in the sand. Open for lunch and
dinner.
 The Drunken Duck Pub- A traditional British Pub gives sports enthusiasts a piece of
London in the heart of the Caribbean, serving traditional British food, from Bangers &
Mash and Fish & Chips to Shepherd's pie. Open for lunch, dinner and late night.
 Dino's Pizzeria - Offers hand-tossed gourmet pizza baked crisp in a Woodstone oven
during the day and a delightful menu of casual Italian comfort foods at night. Open
for lunch and limited nights for dinner.
 Il Cielo - Fine Italian cuisine served in an elegant restaurant. Reservations are
required for dinner. Open for breakfast and dinner.
 La Parisienne - Features a Progressive French menu and white glove service. Dine
indoors or outside on the terrace surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Reservations
are required. Open for dinner only.
 Bahama Bay - Offers a comprehensive buffet breakfast featuring made-to-order
omelets and smoothies. At lunch, enjoy an impressive culinary variety that changes
every day. At night, the the chefs lay out a spectacular dinner buffet that changes
daily from Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican to the popular Caribbean Seafood
extravaganza. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
 Café de Paris - Features sinful pastries, crepes, coffees and dessert delights, all
created by the talented pastry chef.
 Guests can also partake in the British tradition of High Tea each afternoon, enjoying
the finest teas of Britain with delicate sandwiches European-inspired pastries.
 Room Service

19.  Swim-up Pool Bar - Guests can quench their thirst in
the heat of the day without ever having to leave the
cool comfort of the pool.
 Bahama Breeze Bar - This bar offers an excellent
choice of tropical beverages, mixed specialties, and, of
course, signature Bahama Breeze cocktail.
 Barefoot Bar - Located on the beach, guests can
unwind and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean weather
while sipping on their drink of choice.
 Vodka & Caviar Bar - Serving Ciroc, Roberto Cavalli,
and David Beckham's vodkas alongside the best
Russian caviar.
 The Drunken Duck - Traditional British Pub serving
both imported and domestic ales.
 Beachside and poolside cocktail service

21. Beach House Honeymoon Oceanview Jr.
Suite Club Level Room
 With mesmerizing views of the turquoise blue sea, each
oversized junior suite is a model of Bahamian luxury,
awash in muted tones and fine textures. Floor-to-ceiling
windows framed by plantation shutters infuse the suite
with natural light and magnificent views of the outdoors.
Natural stone floors are accented by custom area rugs
and handcrafted mahogany furnishings with a few British
Colonial flourishes. Located on the second floor, just a
short walk from the beach, these accommodations open
to a furnished, private balcony with views of the sea,
lush, tropical gardens and resort grounds. Guests in
these accommodations are afforded the elite services of
Club Sandals, concierge service for the 21st century.
 Room View: Direct Ocean View
 Club Level includes private check-in and club lounge. Full
size bottles or liquor and wine in the mini-bar.

25. Located in these buildings.

26. May 30th-June 4th
 Beach House Honeymoon Oceanview Jr.Suite
Club Level
◦ $4,807
 $175 spa or tour credit is included
 Deposit $400
 Final payment due April 15th, payment plans available
 All sales and specials on the Sandals website are
included in this price.
 Price includes flights, all-inclusive resort, transfer
between airport and resort, tips and taxes.
 Price is subject to change at any time without notice
until deposit is paid

27.  American Airlines
 5/20
◦ Depart AUS 6:20 am, 1 hour 10 minute layover in
Miami, arrive Great Exuma 12:40 pm
 6/4
◦ Depart Great Exuma 1:25 pm, 6 hour 45 minute
layover in Miami, arrive AUS 11:20 pm
*These are the only flights available without
overnight layovers.

28.  Excursions are available for an additional cost
 Excursions can be booked anytime prior to
departure or at the resort.

29.  007 Thunderball Luxury Tour
◦ Welcome aboard the Exzooma, a 35ft Sea Rocket that can
travel over extremely shallow water. In intimate groups,
you will embark on your journey from the sleepy
settlement of Barreterre. From here you will cruise by
celebrity homes, see large iguanas in their natural habitat,
stop to incredible beaches while your knowledgeable crew
entertain you. Take snorkeling to a new level with an
Amazing guided tour in the canyons and caves of the
infamous Thunderball Grotto. Play with the "swimming
pigs" and jump into azure blue waters while you swim with
friendly sharks at the exclusive Compass Cay. Finish the
day with the world's best "home-made rum cake" on a
perfect two-mile-long sandbar in the middle of nowhere.
Snacks, beverages, beers and lunch a the Staniel Cay Yacht
Club are included. See everything the Exumas have to
offer on this adventurous excursion.

30.  Eco Harbour Tour Adventure
◦ Basque in the Bahamian sun while keeping your eyes glued
to the water, for you never know what ocean animals will
swim by to say hello. Fish, turtles and stingrays are just the
start on this leisurely tour. Small groups of no more than 8
depart from the beautiful development of February Point
aboard a pristinley kept 26 ft Twin Vee power cat with a
true seafaring Captain. He will then take you on an
unhurried journey around the historic Elizabeth harbour. Be
Amazed as the captain guides the boat through the
beautiful narrow cuts and hundreds of shades of blue that
can be found in the Moriah Marine Park. Enjoy walking
ankle deep along a submerged sandbar, while you search
for sandollars and shells at your own pace before donning
snorkel gear, when you will then peer face to face with
colorful fish and reef life. Ask questions and listen to the
stories of life on these islands while enjoying the gentle
breeze. Finally, you take a last swim in the beautiful waters
of the Exumas at a white sand beach until it is time to
return to shore.

31.  Private Castaway Getaway
◦ Picture yourself sitting in a comfy beach chair, feet in the
white sand, sun high above, staring out at nothing but
blue waters and hearing nothing but the gentle sound of
waves hitting the shore. Hold in one hand the hand of
your lover, and in the other, a glass of incredible wine.
Imagine Paradise. Enjoy the entire day living the dream
on the castaway getaway. In the morning, your butler will
pack a delectable picnic basket, a bottle of wine, and a
cooler of drinks to take with you on your escape. You
will depart Great Exuma by boat and be carried to an
uninhabited island where the captain will set up beach
chairs, a colorful umbrella, and your picnic supplies
before snapping your photo and leaving you to your own
devices. As the sun starts to go down your captain
returns to bring you back to the luxury of Emerald Bay.

32.  Exuma Cays Ocean Safari
◦ Enjoy a fun filled, action packed excursion aboard a 35 ft
Custom designed PowerCat while you snorkel, beach
comb and experience all the beauty of the Exumas in
one tour. Your captain and first mate will entertain you
with excellent knowledge and first class service as you
cruise in and out of over 20 magnificent, little known
cays with several stops along the way. Take incredible
photos atop an island with 360 degree views of the
Exuma cays; Visit the endangered Bahamian rock Iguana
at an island which the original natives of the Bahamas
once called home. Circle past the million dollar privately
owned islands of celebrities, and speed across waters
only inches deep as Stingrays race across the bottom. No
journey into the cays is complete without feeding the
always hilarious Swimming Pigs, Swim through a lively
reef with magnificent colors while a nearby virgin
sandbar awaits your exploration.

33.  Stocking Island Snorkel & Starfish Experience
◦ This easy and relaxing tours takes you on a short
boat ride to the famous Stocking Island, in
Elizabeth Harbor. Here guests can beachcomb for
beautiful shells, swim in the warm aquamarine
waters of the Atlantic Ocean and search the waters
for Starfish. After swimming guests enjoy a short
hike up a hill high above Stocking Island. Atop the
‘Salt Beacon’ you can kiss the one you love
surrounded by 360 degree Ocean Views. On the
way back to the boat, contemplate life after visiting
the 3.5 billion year old Stromatolites – the oldest
living organisms on earth.

34.  Private Bahamas Bone Fishing Expedition
◦ Bone fishing in the sandy flats of Exuma is magical.
Depart from the resort with your ORVIS certified
guide, and after a brief lesson and safety
demonstration, cruise to the secret fishing spots of
lore. Beautiful vistas along these coastal areas set
the scene for saltwater anglers as the engines are
turned off and your guide gently manipulates the
boat silently through the waters by hand. Stand knee
deep in the shallow aquamarine waters and cast your
lines as you try to catch the “silver ghosts”. With a
maximum of two guests per boat, bone fishing is
perfect for the advanced fisherman. "

35.  Bahamian Light Tackle/Reef Fishing
◦ Your expert guide shares the secrets of when, where and how to
win a fishing showdown as you cruise to their hush-hush spots in
this glistening seascape. Stand Knee deep in crystal waters and
sandy flats and battle the stealthy silver ghost, grouper, barracuda
and more in this unforgettable shallow-water experience. Don’t
be distracted by the beautiful scenery or the big one might just
get away. The perfect outing if you’re new to the sport, or just
need a refresher. Just off the coast of Exuma you will find one of
the world’s most diverse and populated coral reef ecosystem. This
marine habitat provides a home for hundreds of thousands of fish
and other marine animals. You will find all kinds of unique fish
species in these waters. This is why so many people come to the
Bahamas to go fishing. Just a couple miles off the coast of the
island, you will find waters that are teeming with all sorts of
tropical fish. Our exclusive fishing trip takes up to six passengers
for a 4 Hour morning or afternoon fishing trip on the Island of
Exuma. If you love fishing and love to catch all kinds of unique
fish species, then this is the fishing destination for you. Feel the
exhilaration as you reel in Yellow Tails, Grouper and a multitude
of other local fish while trolling the crystalline waters of the
Bahamas. Give a traditional local fishing method a try; Bahamian
hand line fishing really draws you into the action. Captain Olie is
an expert at this native technique. All necessary equipment and
instruction are provided for to the Guests. Bone Fish Olie will
custom design your tour.

37. Great Exuma
Pictures from my trips
by E. Peters

42. Beachfront villa walkout rooms

45. Beachfront Villa
Walkout Rooms