We stayed at Grand Isle for a week in June. The hotel is magnificent and we were extremely happy with our choice. We had a two bedroom villa overlooking the golf course and beach. The villa was gorgeous, first class all the way. Two balcony's, one off the living area and one off the dining area, very large, as well as a patio off the master bedroom. Impecably decorated, clean, just perfect in everyway. Each villa comes with it's own golf cart, making it easy to get around. We were able to take it to the marina, stores and the Four Seasons, was really a great perk. Pool area is very nice and the beach is beautiful. Full service bar and restaurant. Isn't any service on the beach, but pool/bar is only steps away. Service is excellent and staff couldn't have been more attentive.Would highly recommend Grand Isle.

Just got back from 10 nights at the Grand Isle Villas. Very, very nice. We have an infant daughter and it was VERY convenient to have an entire villa. Villa are very nice, in great repair and has everything you need. 3-person Kohler bathtub was FABU! Don't go if you like a lot of activities or night life there is little, thank goodness. Yes it can be windy too but not bothersome and kept things cool and bug free.

The pool area is great we were almost alone most days so we never felt that we were bothering anyone with our baby. There is enough room that we could "take over" a fairly large area and not bother other guests, something almost impossible elsewhere. Also no scrambling for chaises, etc. Wish they had pool service. They have a bar, servers, but they just don't come to you, you have to go to them and then they will bring it to you. Very island "efficient"? Beach is very nice as well. Lots of good shells, crystal clear water and perfect sand.

Breakfast is a good deal at the one resturant , lunch was pretty good burgers, sandwhiches and salads, but the dinners were only ok. We had steak and lamb chps one night delivered to our villa which was a nice feature but another night the seafood was disappointing. We also saw a large dead mouse right on the steps of the restaurant our first night and the staff saw it but made no move to get rid of it. Heck, it's an island so you're going to have critters. It would have been nice if they reacted faster but? Overall the staff was very nice and friendly but could use some better service training as the have at the 4 Seasons. BTW, that's the only noticable better thing at that facility. For basically the same $ I would never choose the 4S over GIV. The villa blows them away as does the pool area. No contest.

The best meal we had was the local steamed grouper at Wahoos. Very flavorable. Hope you like grouper because it's everywhere. The Italian restaurant at the Four Seasons was also good (but don't go thinking it will be the highlight of your life) it was very good for hotel dining. Also depended on who you got for a waiter. The osso bucco pasta was very good as were the soups. Must go to Coco Plum for lunch and to spend the afternoon. Great beach bar right out of a Corona ad. Nice owners, good drinks and GREAT shelling. Sand dollars everywhere. It's not 5 minutes away more like 15 but still very, very worth doing. Be prepared that all food on the island is very expensive $30 and up per entree with most things alla carte. Every meal except breakfast will be $100 and up for two without a lot of drinks. Worth it to shop at the local market. They had good selection of things, even a lot of gourmet items and a lot of baby stuff even swim diapers. Best for breakfast, lunch and snacks. I think buying fish from the restaurant supplier is a great idea. Wish we had thought of that.

Only down side to our experience was our last night they did work on the water lines and we had unusable water overnight which was hard with a baby. They don't have overnight maintenence. So just be ready to be in the island spirit and go with the flow and you will enjoy. Don't expect 5-star service and elegance and you'll do fine. BTW, you don't need closed toe shoes, etc at the Four Seasons even though I guess that's what they prefer. We would return. Glad to answer any questions.

My girlfriend & I recently stayed at Grand Isle Villas (May 27) for a full week. The villas are spectacular and roomy. The best feature of all was the view from the upstairs balcony, overlooking the golf course and looking down on Emerald Bay. Great kitchen--we cooked fish twice. Having your own washer & dryer is KEY! You can pack light and wash anything at your own convenience without going anywhere. Concierges were all very nice and helpful. Some things took awhile, like getting towels replaced or extra coffee supplies. They made up for those however, by calling me when the fish supplier for the restaurant came by--I had asked about finding some fresh fish to cook earlier in the day. That was great!

Having your own golf cart makes a huge difference. We were able to get to the Four Seasons in minutes. We visited their restaurants, spa, and golf course at least twice each. The spa ranks up there with others I've visited in Hawaii and Scottsdale. Be sure and visit the bar at the Four Seasons; it's got a great feel to it. Get a pizza while you're there, too.

The golf course at the Four Seasons is in immaculate condition. The stretch of holes that runs around the peninsula is reminiscent of Torrey Pines or Pebble Beach--bring plenty of balls.

Overall, we had a great time doing nothing--just rest and relaxation. We'd recommend Grand Isle for couples or families that like to "hang out" and take it easy. There is really no night life except a small casino. There are few dining options--be prepared to eat at the Four Seasons or cook some basics on your own. Either way, stay at Grand Isle and play at the Four Seasons!

I have wanted to visit Great Exuma for a long time and was torn between staying at the Four Seasons or Grand Isle Villas - boy did I choose wisely.

If you are looking for peace and quite, friendly staff and the ultimate in accommodations Grand Isle Villas is the spot. We stayed in a 3 bedroom oceanfront villa with an unbelieveable view of Emerald Bay. We are a family of six (2 Adults - 4 kids ages 9, 12, 14 & 15) and had more than enough room to stretch out and relax. There is a small store near the resort and so we bought some food for breakfast each morning. For lunch we ate at the Palappa right by the pool - great service great food. Dinners were a bit of a struggle as Emerald Bay is a distant from Georgetown. Having said that, we did go to Big D's two nights and had dinner at the Palappa - both were good, though pale in comparison to the dining options on the island of Anguilla.

We rented the Grand Isle Boat and Captain for a 1/2 day and had a great time. Captain Coakley and his 1st mate did such a wonderful job showing us Exuma from the water. Perhaps our favorite was Sand Dollar Beach - water color like you have never seen before - guaranteed!

To end, we had dinner 1 night at the four seasons - what a disappointment. We felt like we were processed! Typical festive music, watered down drinks, food that all tasted the same and poor service. Even my kids noticed. If you are going to Great Exuma - make the right pick - Grand Isle Villas.