There's a new way to stay in the Exumas, and it starts with a boat ride. Baymahni, a bungalow resort that just opened on Stocking Island, sits across Elizabeth Harbour from George Town on Great Exuma. Guests land at Exuma International Airport, take a taxi to the Exuma Yacht Club, then hop a complimentary resort water taxi to an island with no vehicles. From there, it's white sand, shallow turquoise water and a bungalow steps from both.
The property takes over the former Kahari site and mixes beach, beachside and lagoon-facing bungalows with a beach club, Bahamian restaurants and free access to kayaks, paddleboards and water bikes. Rooms lean into natural materials and locally made furnishings, and categories differ mainly in view and proximity to the sand — worth thinking about before booking.
One standout option is the Beach Bungalow with Extended Veranda: 370 square feet inside paired with a 301-square-foot veranda, so nearly half your living space is outdoors. It sleeps two adults in a king bed, plus kids aged 7 to 16 in a ladder-accessed loft with a full-size bed. Connecting bungalows are available for larger families.
The social hub is the Beach Club, set on a peninsula with a 180-degree sweep of water and an infinity pool, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. For dinner, The Beacon focuses on Bahamian cooking and runs Wednesday through Sunday with reservations required. The Daq Shaq handles the frozen daiquiri quota right on the beach, and in-room dining covers nights you'd rather not move.
Beyond the resort, Stocking Island itself offers snorkelling plus coastal and inland walking trails, and George Town stays within easy reach by boat. Boaters take note: the resort has dock space for vessels up to 65 feet, by reservation.
Why it matters: Exuma has plenty of high-profile resorts on Great Exuma itself, but staying across the harbour changes the rhythm of a trip — boats replace cars, the beach anchors each day and the crowds stay behind in town. Baymahni is a good fit for couples wanting a quiet, design-led hideaway and for families who can use those loft beds and verandas. Just plan around the logistics: you're committing to water taxis for anything off-island, so factor that into day trips and dinner reservations.
