I read that you have made 23 trips here-here I assumed it was mostly T&C and Anguilla. So, maybe you can help compare the 3 islands?I would also like to know if there are 3bedroom condos, is April still too cool in the water and how is the food? Hope these are not too many questions. Looking for next April, will be the week leading to Easter with 2 teens. Thank you in advance for any help!

ttt

Started going to Exuma in 1970 and have been 23 times. Anguilla 20 and Provo will be 18 this May. Going to Exuma is like going back 20+ years in time although they have now built a Four Seasons there. It is your typical out island. remote and sparsely populated. We originally stayed at Out Island Inn which is now being renovated. Everything gutted except the stone walls for the rooms. It is supposed to reopen Dec 06 As Out Island Resort and Spa. The lsst 15 times we have stayed at Club Peace and Plenty which has been renovated and very nice. They don't have a beach but run a boat to Stocking island where they have a beach club. We like it there because you can wlak out the door and into "Town" and look around. Resorts on Exuma don't go to off season rates until after Regatta which is the last week in April. P&P also has the Beach Inn and a bonefish lodge. Beaches are comparable to Anguilla and Provo. You need a car to get around. Food--Not as good as Provo or Anguilla. Basically average. Only place you would find a resort with 3 bedrooms is Four Seasons and that would be a villa--Expensive !!!!!!. Frangipani on Anguilla has condos and two three bedroom suites. Most condo suites on Provo have two bedrooms with a sleep sofa for an extra person. Provo is the most developed of the three then Anguilla and then Exuma. Peace and Plenty has three suites that probably could accomodate four people but other than that you'd probably need two rooms. April is normally warm enough to go swimming but this year was the exception. We had two nor Easters back to back and it was cool. Of course we're from Florida so the water has to be really warm Went in the water once but that's not the main reason we go. having been so many times we have a lot of friends on Exuma so it is sort of a homecoming and renewing friendships. Am sure you have more questions so fire away. Exuma isn't for everybody but obviously we love it

Howard, we could be related. We will cross paths one day. Those are my top 3 favorite islands, for different reasons. I'm sure you know Terry Lewless, and Jay Jay the bonefisherman. I've only been to Exumas 1 time, but can't wait to go back, I already feel like I know people.
Beachluver, how about renting a house? Provo makes it easy, and I think there are houses on Exumas you can rent, but you do need to feel comfortable driving around. What makes Exumas fun is renting a boat and visiting a cay or 2 for the day. Pig Roasts on Sundays on Stocking Island are fun too. All 3 have spectacular beaches, decent food, (Anguilla has the best food) and not much else. Best snorkeling in Provo, teens might like it better there. Provo probably the most "kid" or teenager friendly, as you can rent jet skis, parasail, etc. Anguilla probably on average is the most expensive, Exumas probably on average the cheapest. 4 Seasons is beautiful, but on the other side of the island, so I don't think you get a real feel for Exumas there. As Howard said, the water was cooler than normal, because the East Coast was colder and damper than average.
You can't go wrong with any of the 3, gorgeous, gorgeous beaches.

Thanks Howard (and Blamona).
We just returned from Provo last week, and have been to Anguilla 3 times(love it). Was wondering how the 3 compared, but it sounds like the accomodations for us won't really be the ideal I was hoping for. The island does however sound like one just my husband and I would travel to! I am sure the cost at FS would prohibit it for the 4 of us. The Out Island Inn after renovation sounds like something to check into, I realy like "fresh" roomsIs this where you will return to? One more question, silly I know, but is there a lobster season here too? Missed our island lobster fix on Provo last week.
BTW, Checked rates at Frangi today for next year the week we will be going--3BR is $1270 plus tax. Not sure I want to go that high, and this one trip I really want a 3BR, it will be special occasions as a family. My best option for flights etc. looks like back to Grand Cayman, even tho we are going to the east end this July(wanted to try somewhere new). Oh well, thanks for the help. It does sound like a cool island, and I luv a great beach!! Carol

Exuma--Out Island Inn When we first stayed there in 1970 it was $150 for two including all meals and drinks. What a deal. Would I stay there when and if they reopen probably not. I know too much about the history of the place and the current owners which I won't discuss on line. Expect it will be pretty expensive. Good idea to keep Exuma on your to do list though. Club Peace and Plenty is really nice after the renovation. I would stay in a suite the next time. There are three and are themed--African, Bahamian and British Colonial. P&P has a diners cocktail party on Friday Night, managers party Monday night, Dance on Sat. Two Turtles has a BBque and dance Fri. Splash at The Palm Bay beach club has a buffet and dance on Sun. Three times a week P&P runs a shuttle to the Bonefish Lodge for dinner which is about the best place to eat on the island. There is a lobster season in the Bahamas too but I had lobster twice. Probably frozen. On provo did you check Fairways restaurant at the golf club. They have lobster night with lobster prepared six diferent ways. Probably frozen too but good. Have a friend on Exuma who recently completed a three bedroom house in Tar Bay. Saw it this last trip and it is lovely. They plan to selectively rent it. If you are interested e-mail me and i'll get more info. The Four Seasons is sort of out of place on Exuma. More like something you'd find in Nassau or Freeport. Not the real Out Islands accomodations. Met some people staying there and they said the next time they'd stay at P&P. Cab ride from FS to Georgetown is $70 round trip !!!. I liken the FS to taking the Taj Mahal and putting it in the middle of the desert. Three of us went there for lunch. Four drinks two salads and a sandwich--$110. Dinner menu is out of sight.

Re Anguilla--You might check out beach Court Villa--www.beachcourtvilla.com. It is at Shoal Bay Beach East. Haven't seen the inside but looks nice from the outside. Off to Provo 14-21 May. Can't wait

To Blamona--Knew a Jay Jay who was Doc Rolles (bartender at P&P) brother. He also bartended at P&P. May also be a bonefish guide. He was our taxi driver from airport to P&P

P.S.--A good historical novel about the settlement of Great Exuma is Wind From the Carolinas by Robert Wilder.

Hi Howard.
Thank you foruch a detailed report on Exuma, this will go on my wish list. I will print this info off and put in my travel folder. Have seen P&P online, can't remember if it is beachfront(important to us). FS problably not for us anyway, so thanks for the insight.
Regarding lobster on Provo-same story everywhere $10,000 fine for serving it in off season. After 4-5 days of hearing this from restaurants, workers, locals, we gave up. I did not call the golf course since it really seemed true.
In Anguilla my husband loves the lobster, and I really dig the crayfish
Villas all sound so lovely, but the kids have enjoyed roaming around where there are others-pool beach restaurants. Believe me, Beachfront condos(3bd) with pools and restaurant on premise or nearby,not too many! That is why I thought Frangi would be really good for the 4 of us, but like I said, ouch on the price.Then there is the problems of getting places on AA from good ole Saint Louie--was much easier before 911, now we are not a main hub. Tons of connections etc. BooHoo!! Well, thank you again, I keeep reading and researching for new and awesome beachy destinations! Carol

beachluver: P&P is not beach front, it is water harbour front, but they have a free water taxi to Stocking Island, with a food shack off the beach. It is still a pretty sitting, you just can't swim in front there. Stocking Island is SPECTACULAR, lots of exploring, all kinds of beaches and trails, even an airplane wreck on one of the beaches. P&P has a P&P beach resort, and while we were comfortable there, not really much of a beach there either! We spent all our time at Stocking, or hanging out P&P. We also rented a car 1 day and went to Tropic of Cancer beach, a stunner. Another day we rented a boat from Starfish, with a driver, and went to different cays, an unbealivable experience.
Howard: in my opinion, if you don't meet Doc, you haven't been to Exumas. (Sorry 4 Seasons people.) I do think 4 Seasons is spectacular there, but is isolated and not a real feel of the Exumas. Jay Jay was related to a worker at P&P Beach Inn, and was filming a bonefishing show for ESPN at the time. (Although probably everybody can be traced back to Doc somehow, haha)