Grand Isle Resort & Residences

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 The gym was small with outdated equipment, but usable.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.

It is an amazing place; people here are incredible. I have been in several islands, and you can feel here very nice, everybody is very kind, polite, educated, it is a great place to come if you like beech holidays.

Very beautiful! The only thing lacking was the service at the Palapa restaurant. It was so slow I thought they may be getting the food off site? Most of the waitresses had no sense of urgency at all. Even with that restaurant being below par, we would still come back and just be prepared with more groceries. It was very relaxing.

Grand Isle is beautiful! Stunning! The views, the people, the resort! Absolutely amazing!

Perfect stay! Wonderful staff, amazing food, service was the best

This resort is beautiful. It has everything you want for a relaxing and luxurious vacation! The restaurants on site are excellent, especially 23. The people that work there are friendly, and the condos are gorgeous. I already want to go back.

We loved everything about the property

Very well appointed large suites with terraces and fully equipped kitchens. Gorgeous mile-long beach with turqoise waters. Friendly staff. Good fitness room 24/7. The Greg Norman golf course which had been advertised was unfortunately closed!!! Will reopen when owners of neighbouring Sandals hotel will have renovated property, a few years down the road? Only weakness is Palapa (main) restaurant, with limited menu and insufficient choices for breakfast, including tiny choice of fruit, yoghurt and cereals and no possibility of ordering eggs separately. 23° restaurant is good and relatively high end but only open for dinner a few days per week. I would advise renting a car to be able to move around large island, drive to town to shop (about 15 kms) and eat out for variety. A day boat trip to the extraordinary beaches of Stocking Island is a must! Overall, a great vacation.