Hello,
Has anyone been to Great Exuma in the bahamas? I heard there was a new Four Seasons opening there at the end of the year, and I was reading a bit about the island. Anything you know would be appreciated...

I've been there several years ago. My wife and I really enjoyed the laid-back ambience of downtown George Town, which the Tropic of Cancer line runs through. We stayed at the Hotel Peace & Plenty Beach Inn, but ate dinners mostly at the downtown P&P. Although I personally frown upon huge corporations developing these islands, there is still much room to explore via rental car on Exuma. It all dependes on what you like when visiting the Bahamian outer islands. There are miles of deserted beaches left. I loved to walk around Stocking Island across George Town's Elizabeth Harbor was nice for hiking and snorkeling. I befriended "Doc" the famous bartender at the downtown P&P. Strolling under the Almond Tree at the square and buying products at the tiny straw market there was fun as well. Jessica Tandy lived there and enjoyed the laid-back ambience. So, too, did Jackie Onasis (sp.?). Also enjoyed strolling through the open-air market, since Great Exuma grows almost all the fruits and vegetables you eat there. If you don't mind cracked conch, warm banana bread baked from a home kitchen, coconut tarts fresh fish, peas & rice, Kahlik beer, guineps (gumball-sized fruit you squeeze out of a thorny skin, with a pink meat fruit inside), mixing with the locals in the gathering place at the Downtown P&P, stroll past chickens grazing in the Government Bldg. on the square (a wild pig was snoozing in the entrance to the education bldg.), and not finding much entertainment save bands that play at night in a few local taverns, than Exuma is for you. The Four Seasons, however, most likely has scheduled entertainment for those who need it; but, to gain a sense of a different culture and slowed down, "island time," pace of life, rent a car and spend most of the time island exploring away from the Four Seasons. Of course, it's all what you desire. Robert

Started going to Great Exuma in 1970 and have been there 20+ times. We first stayed at the Out Island Inn and when that closed switched to Club Peace and Plenty in Georgetown. Going to Exuma and many of the Bahama Family (Out) islands is like taking a step back in time. It is very laid back without the hustle and bustle of the modern day world. They still don't have a stop light on Exuma. The the sun comes up and goes down and the most exciting thing is what's for dinner. Great place to unwind. Most of the island "Action" revolves around Georgetown. There are a few bars and local restaurants. A couple of dances on the wekend. Two Turtles bar is a favorite gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Lots of yachtsmen and women as Elizabeth Harbor is one of the better protected harbors in the Bahamas. Robert did an excellent job of describing the island Hume Cronin and Jessica Tandy actually had a house on one of the cays off Exuma. Don't believe Jackie O had a house. Used to come to get a yacht and cruise the islands. In the later years it was Rupert Murdocks yacht. She was there just a few weks before she passed away. Was quite ill and flew out on a moring flight and we had a flight that afternoon. But I digress.
Four Seasons Emerald Bay has been in the construction phase for about the past six years. Started out as a Ritz Carlton. Lot of labor problems etc. The last I heard they are accepting reservations for after the first of 2004. Looks very expensive Anyway it is out in Ocean Bight near Steventon which is about 15-20 miles from Georgetown. Great Beach there. There is one and maybe two Greg Norman golf courses. There are about 6 to 8 large buildings about 4-5 stories tall. Besides the main resort they are also building condos which are for sale. Four Seasons will also have a Monte Carlo type gambling casino. The resort will have to be pretty much self supporting as there really isn't a town nearby or much infastructure. Don't know what they will offer as far as night life. If you're looking for lots of night life try Nassau or Freeport. If you want peace and quiet and a relaxing time try Exuma. If you want to experience the real Bahamas out islands stay in Gerogetown. A good historical/fictional novel about Exuma is Wind From the Carolinas by Robert Wilder. Excellent history of Exuma. Sorry to have rambled on. Every time I land on Exuma it's like I'm home again and feel like I never left.

Wow,
Thank you for your 2 great responses! I will check out that book!

Howard C.; across from the straw market, maybe a few footsteps down from the small square in George Town is an open-air bar/restaurant combo that served great pidgoen peas and rice with grouper in buffet style on a certain day each week. Very informal. I can't remember the place. Do you know the name of the place I'm referring to? I would like to return to Exuma and eat there. Robert

Believe you are refering to the Two Turtles. Sort of right across from the "Park" and next to the "Library". Two Turtles normally has a BBQue and dance on Fri night. Going out of town toward Little Exuma on the right there is a place called Cheaters which is local and new. Best cracked conch on the island. Believe they only serve it for dinner. At February Point (Old Flamingo Bay) there is a restaurant, Bistro, which is quite good. Nice Sunday Brunch. Out next to P&P Beach Inn and Coconut Cove there is a new resort, Palm Bay Beach Club which consists of small brightly colored Bahamian style houses. They have a restaurant but haven't had a chance to try it yet.

Howard; yes, Two Turtles was the place. Thanks for jogging my memory. I will return to that place; its got soul. Robert

Robert--More restaurant info--Don't know if you tried it but the Peace and Plenty Bonefish lodge is probably the best restaurant on Exuma. They run a shuttle down there for dinner four times a week from the Beach Inn stopping at Club P&P.

Also if you have a car drive out to Barre Terra and have lunch at Normans Fishermans Inn. It is basically a bar but at the highest point on Exuma and great views up the cays. Norman does very good cracked conch and I also had a nice lobster salad there. Good idea to call first and let them know you are coming and see what's on the lunch menu.