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Four Seasons Resort, Great Exuma at Emerald Bay

COST: $$$$

<p>Before this luxurious property arrived in the laid-back Exumas in 2004, the only lodging options were modest mom-and-pop operations. And yes, there were some concerns that a sprawling resort with a Greg Norman golf course, a 60-slip marina, a 17-room spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 5,000-square-foot casino, and fine-dining restaurants would change the essential timbre of this necklace of tiny islands and cays. But even curmudgeonly old-schoolers may be swayed by the lovely island-style décor in the 183 rooms and suites (sophisticated antique repros, pineapple-and-palm-print fabrics, tile floors, rattan ceiling fans). And it's hard not to like the super-attentive staffers, who arrange everything from private snorkeling excursions to finding coloring books, bath toys, and baby shampoo for little ones.</p> <p><strong>Tip:</strong> To get a taste of real Exumas culture, visit during the last week of April, when the Family Island sailing regatta brings Bahamian boaters and their fans out to celebrate the races around Great Exuma's Elizabeth Harbour.</p> <p><strong>Room to Book:</strong> A ground-floor, beachfront room (no-brainer) gives you direct access to the fluffy white sand.</p>

AS FEATURED IN...

From Travel + Leisure , MAR 2007

If you and your clan were stranded on a not-quite deserted island... which would it be?...MORE>>

– Meg Lukens Noonan The Tropical 10: the Best Caribbean Resorts

From Food & Wine , JAN 2005

The opening of this 183-room resort is helping to raise the profile of the little-known Bahamian island of Great Exuma. Golfers are already calling the resort's 18-hole course one of the Caribbean's best. Designed by Greg Norman, it overlooks beautiful Emerald Bay....MORE>>

– David Kaufman Where To Go Next: The Caribbean | January 2005

From Travel + Leisure , MAR 2004

Until now, this remote Bahamian out island—known for its saltwater fishing, empty white beaches, and shallow bays that turn three shades of turquoise at sundown—barely registered on the chart. That's changing, but thankfully not much, with the opening of the 183-room Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay. Sure, there are Frette linens, pool butlers, and a satellite feed to catch your favorite prime-time show. But it's the lure of guiltless indolence (an indigenous spa, an open-air grill featuring...MORE>>

– T+L Reports: The Simple Life

Last updated March 2007