We chose Grand Isle Resort for our first trip to Exuma, expecting the convenience of a hotelโonsite dining, a gym, and some flexibilityโbut it fell short. The villa was spacious, though the promised โocean viewโ 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 The gym was small with outdated equipment, but usable.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.
23ยฐ 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 strongโunfortunately, the food didnโt match.
One major letdown was the resortโs rigid 11am checkout. Unlike most hotels, they refused any extension. Worse, โbag storageโ meant leaving luggage in plain sight by the front deskโcompletely unsecured. For a resort, this felt surprisingly unaccommodating.
Also worth noting: the atmosphere leaned heavily family-oriented, with kids everywhereโnot ideal for couples seeking a quieter stay.
Next time, weโll choose one of the many oceanfront private villa rentals. At least expectations there are clearerโand often better met.