Matt Bahamas Option

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.

Great Exuma, Bahamas

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Sandals Emerald Bay

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

Sandals Emerald Bay

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.

Sandals Emerald Bay

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

Sandals Emerald Bay

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

Sandals Emerald Bay

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.

Sandals Emerald Bay

Located in these buildings.

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

Sandals Emerald Bay

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.

Flights

Excursions are available for an additional cost

Excursions can be booked anytime prior to departure or at the resort.

Great Exuma Excursions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. "

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.

Erin Peters(888) 831-4826

[email protected]

Great ExumaPictures from my trips

by E. Peters

Beachfront villa walkout rooms

Beachfront Villa Walkout Rooms