Travel Article

Island Hopping: Villas Plus

Grand Isle Resort, Great Exuma, Bahamas

By Richard Rys

Townhome digs at Grand Isle Resort. / Photo courtesy of the resort
All the privacy of a plush seaside villa, all the amenities of a top-flight resort: That’s the (trend-driven) idea behind Grand Isle Resort in Great Exuma (888-472-6310; grandislevillas.com). But given your oceanfront deck and the pillowy beach below, the simpler pleasures may be all you need.

Digs: Two- and three-bedroom townhomes top out at a cavernous 2,800 square feet and are fully loaded: a Sub-Zero fridge, plus plasma TV and surround sound in the living room. Each comes with a golf cart, perfect for cruising to grocery and spirits shops. High-season rental prices from $540 per night, with buy-in options starting at $735,000.

Scene: Families with kids, a few scattered honeymooners. Service is attentive without being overbearing.

Eat: For dinner, let one of the on-site chefs prepare and serve a three-course menu in your villa, for $150 per person.

Do: Kayaking and snorkeling in the bay are free. Sightseeing cruises also run daily. The best nightlife is just 200 yards up the beach, at the petite but lively Four Seasons casino.

Getting there: Most flights connect through Florida. Expect to pay $600.
Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, February 2007
 

Change text size
Print

Email

Write a comment
 
 

User comments

No users have posted comments on this article.

Post a comment

(* = required field.)
  • Please check to make sure that your referer is not blocked.


Subject line of your comment*
Your comments (200 words max)*
Email*
First name*
Last Name*
Enter the code shown below.
Visual CAPTCHA
This helps prevent automated form submissions.
Philadelphia It List

Escapes and Indulgences

Click Here to see special vacation deals for phillymag.com readers.
 
 

Philadelphia Wine Festival 2010

The Philadelphia Wine Festival is back for its 9th year! This premier tasting event boasts nearly 200 fine wineries from around the world. May 8. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.
 
 

Philly Cooks

Congratulations to the 2010 Philly Cooks! Winners. Click here to see who won Dish of the Year, the winning dishes, event photos and more...
 
 

Green House

Visit our virtual room-by-room green guide for energy-saving tips and ideas.