Paradise Bay Bahamas — Hotel in Exuma

One of the best value resorts in Exuma. All around 4.5 stars. PROS: location - right in between the airport and Rolleville. Lots of gorgeous beaches near by. Close to the “better” restaurants around Grand Isle. In quotes because Exuma is not exactly foodie paradise lol. ICE COLD Air Conditioning!!! This is probably the best thing. Quiet after about 9pm each night. I got a pretty dang good sleep all 3 nights!

Overall vibe of the property - a combo of Tommy Bahama, Margaritaville, and Florida 30A Seaside beaches combined in one. Quaint property with still a moderate to higher end beachy feel.

For the most part very friendly workers as well as good communication from Cedric via WhatsApp leading up to and during the stay.

CONS: One of the office ladies wasn’t as friendly and gave off that lazy, unwelcoming, curt communication style all too common in Exuma. Basically making you feel like you’re a burden to them.

The food at Cocoplum is inconsistent. Lobster was beyond overcooked. I couldn’t even cut it with a steak knife. Dozens of dead flies in the window sill. Gross. They should do a few sweeps a day when no guests are in there to remove them from the sills and try to kill off any stragglers. Flies are a big issue dining outside anywhere on the island but for inside they should have better processes minimize them.

Excruciatingly slow service. I understand island time, but I was one of only two tables there and it took well over 30 minutes to get food after ordering. I’m not sure what they were doing back there in the kitchen.

Curtains don’t block out any light. I’d suggest getting black outs which will help keep heat out during the day and let people sleep in. Was very bright each morning by 7am.

They seem to have more sand fleas than other beaches and my ankles were bitten and itchy, even with oil and sprays. The beach had a lot of seaweed this recent stay in late August but other times I’ve been there for lunch and their beach has been way cleaner. I’d say they should groom it perhaps which might also help cut down on flies and sand fleas.

The toilet is separate from the shower/sink which is a bit inconvenient. Bath towels are rather chintzy. Tiny and thin like microfiber. Maybe larger and more luxurious towels. Wouldn’t cost much more but can make a big difference in the guest’s stay and add a classier feel.

The internet is spotty. At times at night it worked well but most of the day time I could not connect and had to burn through my phone’s roaming data plan. They’re apparently getting Starlink in the fall which will be a game changer for guests and staff. I liked how they had a Roku smart tv setup which had Netflix ready to go without having to log in. That was nice when winding down at night as long as the internet was working.

Upon arrival I’d recommend having 2 cold bottles of water in the fridge. I understand wanting to cut down on plastic waste but especially for travelers arriving on Sundays when virtually all grocery stores and markets are closed it was a bit pain finding water bottles anywhere.

Overall I say Paradise Bay is 4-4.5 stars and a nicer, somewhat reasonably priced (all things considered) property compared to other choices in Exuma. There are definitely more affordable places but they’re more bare bones. PB is no Grand Isle or Sandals but it’s a great compromise middle of the road value for quality. Thanks for having me and I’ll probably see you guys...

My wife and I stayed here for four days in the Abaco room. It's not really a clear ocean view but you can see it from your door. The door wasn't fit to the frame but it was a door. The bungalow style accomodation wasn't put together with the best craftsmanship. Foot prints on the ceiling. Could mean a guest is able to walk on the ceiling or while being constructed they were walked in and it was never cleaned. The bed was old and I felt every spring every night. I would bet salary there were bed bugs. It was reported. Housekeeping is average at best. We lost water and electric while there. No accommodations were provided to guests. The pool is very murky but who needs it when beach access it ten steps. The place is owned by the French. There will be alot of French people there. They are rude to guests and the staff. The on site restaurant is good but way overpriced. I hope the Bahamians that coom and service this establishment get together to start their own thing doing what they do here. They know the ins and outs, why not? Go across the street for breakfast and to the ice cream shop for lunch. Nice people. Big D's is the spot. Everything there is great. Very personable owner. If you do the swimming pigs tour. Do the full day tour. Bring snorkel gear and sunscreen. Also bring a towel and water socks. For Chester Cooper assistant prime minister Exuma to be from Exuma is shameful. He needs to do more for this family island. Not much to do outside of mentioned. Exuma doesn't have much good food. If you want good food, head to Nassau and eat kings catering. Exumians can't cook. The place you will stop at on the swimming pigs tour is good food. T.C. was a great point of contact. Buy plenty bug spray. Mosquito feast. Lastly a rental car is a must. It may be a little beat up and a model you've never heard of but you will need a rental car. Get the earliest flight out when you are leaving. The airport is a spectacle and the waiting room or bar is like walking into a hysteria of confusion. The food there also isn't a true representation of good Bahamian food. Do not get anything snapper there to eat. The fish are like minnows. The johnny cake is dough unfinished. The souse is rubber and dirty souse water. No potatoes or chicken. The police drink in the bar. Exuma airport is pre- historic. I would rather be stuck in JFK INTERNATIONAL. The airport is so Sanford and Son that it tries to charge you for Wi-Fi. Weird picture of a creepy looking man over the bar where you will wait for your flight delay. No need to stay in Exuma for more than 2 days. Land is cheap. The tourists and international money will...

We stayed in a one bedroom villa on the beach and it was super cute and spacious! Our door faced the ocean so we had a great view of the bay from our bed. Has A/C and a small fridge. Everything was clean and updated. The housekeeper, Kenrice, was SUPER friendly and came every day. Office staff was also friendly and helpful. It was very convenient to have the onsite restaurant 2 steps away. We ate there for breakfast and dinner a few times. Breakfast buffet is a good deal ($15) but very basic. Not too exciting; eggs are fake. Its nice because if you get sick of it, there are other nearby restaurants to eat at. Eva's Bakery is right across the street and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and their breakfast sandwiches are really good! (again, fake eggs but still good) Houseman on the Bay is just south of Paradise Bay and has seating on a dock right by the beautiful ocean. Also, you can get ice cream cones from Lighthouse Cafe just north of Paradise Bay. The beach Paradise Bay sits on is beautiful! They provide paddle boards for free to use. They also have kayaks but I'm not sure if they charge a fee to use those or not; we didnt use them. They have a swing on shore for fun pictures. They also have a beach bar onsite with seating, a fire pit, yard games, and live entertainment some nights. Paradise Bay is super close to Cocoplum beach (10 min north) and Jimmy Hill beach (the BLUEST water- looks like blue gaterade!) Definitely rent a car so you can explore and go into town (Georgetown is about 1/2 hour south) There is lots to do and see on this island!! Overall, VERY happy with our stay here. Highly recommend!

CONS: There is no kitchen, it only has a small fridge so if you wanted to cook any meals, you would not be able to. The bed was very hard. I even prefer firm beds but this one was almost too firm for me. No cushioning at all- needs...