We chose Grand Isle Resort for our first trip to Exuma, expecting the convenience of a hotel—onsite dining, a gym, and some flexibility—but it fell short. The villa was spacious, though the promised “ocean view” was just a distant sliver. The gym was small with outdated equipment, but usable. Palapa, the poolside restaurant, offered bland, repetitive menus; conch fritters were doughy, and the Bahamian snapper was mostly bones and oddly deep-fried. The mahi sandwich was the only standout.
23° North was a birthday dinner disappointment. The steak was unevenly cut and inconsistently cooked, the grouper was just okay, and despite noting the occasion, we had to ask for a candle. Service throughout the resort was strong—unfortunately, the food didn’t match.
One major letdown was the resort’s rigid 11am checkout. Unlike most hotels, they refused any extension. Worse, “bag storage” meant leaving luggage in plain sight by the front desk—completely unsecured. For a resort, this felt surprisingly unaccommodating.
Also worth noting: the atmosphere leaned heavily family-oriented, with kids everywhere—not ideal for couples seeking a quieter stay.
Next time, we’ll choose one of the many oceanfront private villa rentals. At least expectations there are clearer—and often better met.