Choosing a vacation spot is often overwhelming. The world is filled with picturesque beaches and tropical paradises, all eager to attract snowbirds looking to escape the dark chill of Canadian winters. That sense of burden can infect a vacation before it even begins, and complications can increase exponentially when we look to vacation with other families—taking our communities away with us. The logistics of organizing the location and coordination of a multi-family vacation are ultimately time-consuming, and time on a vacation comes at a premium. You want water sports, beaches, luxury five- star dining, adventure, and golf on a world-class, Greg Norman-designed private course.
In this issue, we are giving you exclusive access to four luxury homes (which back onto Norman’s course) in a gated tropical paradise that are just waiting to entertain and host you and your friends (and their kids, and their kids, and their friends) this winter. You have the opportunity to be among the first guests to enjoy the decadence of the Bahamas in these peerless units. The Great Exuma, Georgetown, Emerald Bay region is everything the luxury traveller could ever want in a location, and the gated community that houses these villas provides the optimum accommodations.
Exuma is indisputably one of the planet’s most spectacular locales. A magical collection of over 365 islands right along the Tropic of Cancer, the crown jewel of the Bahamas promises utopic cays, fresh seafood, a culture unto itself, and the most beautiful sights and scenes a tropical paradise has to offer. Of course, the region is known for its infamous swimming pigs—non-indigenous guests just like you, who’ll swim up to boats to greet visitors as they make land.
This January, four brand-new villas will become available to rent, and trust us: They’ll be booked soon. Located in the Bahamas, these are massive new constructions that can house as many as twenty people with access to the region’s most beautiful beaches and tropical waters, not to mention the infamous Thunderball Grotto from James Bond lore. Add that to world-famous locations like Bitter Guana Cay, where an endangered species of Bahamian rock iguanas roam the beaches; Allen Cay, a cluster of three uninhabited reef-traced islands at the north end of the Exumas; Starfish Beach, where the singular echinoderms will gleefully pose for pictures; or Compass Cay, where you can swim with nurse sharks.
Exuma sells itself; it’s a postcard among postcards in one of the world’s most resplendent regions. But a trip is only as good as its accommodations, and these new homes are exceptional. The two-storey villas are straight out of a dream. Each features over 5,000 square feet of living space on pristine property with a pool. The first floors offer bright, spacious designs boasting restaurant-quality kitchens, dining rooms seating fourteen-plus, and multi-functional living rooms perfect for winding down with TV, video games, and respite after a long day of sun and fun. The first floor also has a beautiful master suite with a walk-in closet and full bath with his-and-hers sinks, perfect for accessibility for grandma and grandpa or some space for mum and dad.
The second floors promise six additional suites. Yes, you read that right: six! Each suite has its own full bathroom, while many feature walk-in closets as well. There’s also a TV/family room area on the second floor, which allows for a quiet escape. Each room is bright and spacious, with elegant designs and clean lines, and views of the enticement of the tropics.
The current Airbnb listing for the owner’s completed properties gives you a preview of what to expect. One recent guest wrote, “Everything as advertised in the pictures, but maybe better!” How is that possible? Look at the pictures. Another guest championed their hosts by claiming, “This is our eighth year in the Bahamas and by far the best place!” No matter the size of your group, the time of year of your visit, or if you’re looking for activity or a sedentary stay, you’ll be in the best of hands.
Once you’ve luxuriated in the villas’ magnificence, the Bahamas offer you paradisiacal experiences like no other place on earth. Simply put: the attractions are seemingly endless. Close by, you can experience Man-O-War Cay’s world-famous sand bar, where at low tide expansive, pristine sand bars are revealed. Just look out for the tidal changes so that you won’t have any challenges getting out! Looking for a taste of locality in a familiar and warm island setting? Stocking Island’s Chat and Chill is rated one of the top 20 restaurants in The Exumas by Trip Advisor, and named one of the “Ultimate Beach Bars” by Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine. The iconic hotspot was even featured by Martha Stewart in her “Destination & Dream Honeymoons” issue.
The region is a postcard. The locals are gracious and hospitable. The villas are absolute luxury personified. The amenities and attractions are bucket-list worthy. If you’re looking for an indulgent vacation, look no further. And if you’re looking for a community vacation, there’s nothing in the Bahamas like this offering. Pack your bags and book yesterday. Just watch out for the pigs as you come ashore.
