I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to The Bahamas. I’ve worked, vacationed, had my destination wedding and my honeymoon there. I’ve visited more of the islands than most people, and at this point, it’s definitely my most-visited country. Why? The white sand beaches and pristine turquoise seas are an obvious draw, but there’s something else, too. The islands are quirky. The vibe, the history and the people are just special from bustling Nassau to the small islands with 100 residents – like Staniel Cay, home to my latest hotel crush: EMBRACE Resort.
While more than 700 islands might seem like an overwhelming number to choose from, there are really only 16 or so you need to know about. If you’re looking for a serene place to chill…an island so laid-back that celebrities hang here and no one bats an eyelash…a place with history, legendary parties and lovely service, then let me tell you about charming little Staniel Cay.
Staniel Cay is an idyllic island situated in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. The island is home to a variety of attractions, including the renowned swimming pigs, the Thunderball Grotto, and Compass Cay shark reserve. I have visited Staniel Cay multiple times, but my recent girls’ getaway to the EMBRACE Resort was hands-down the best visit yet.
I just went back to Staniel Cay with my friend Alex in Wanderland for the first time in years to check out EMBRACE Resort. This Bahamian-women-owned enterprise is a rarity indeed, especially in the hard scrabble Bahamas Out Islands. But these ladies are out here crushing it.
Alex and I were on island time the moment our tiny plane touched down on the airstrip. (Particularly because Alex’s shoe broke so she was barefoot from that moment forward. That’s just fine on Staniel Cay.)
Where is Staniel Cay and how do I get there?
Staniel Cay may be a little hard to get to, but it’s so worth it. It’s one of those rare island escapes that’s so remote, it’s like you’ve discovered a secret oasis all to yourself. Don’t let the fact that the only way to get there is by boat or charter plane (not my favorite but that’s life in the Bahamas). Once you arrive, the crystal-clear waters and welcoming locals make you forget that the tiny plane you took to get here was the size of your SUV.
This enchanting little island sits in the heart of the Exuma Cays’ 365-island archipelago, just 75 miles (120km) southeast of Nassau and 48 miles (77km) from Great Exuma, the largest of the Exuma islands. Note: Although Great Exuma is nearby and bears a similar name, it’s actually not easy to travel from GGT airport to Staniel Cay. I recommend flying into Nassau (NAS) instead and making your way to Staniel Cay via Titan Air in the domestic departures terminal.
Coming from Florida, the easiest way to get to Staniel Cay is from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport with Makers Air or Staniel Air. A round-trip ticket will cost you around $650.
Top Things to Do In Staniel Cay:
- Encounter rare Bahamian rock iguanas on a private beach
- Visit the World Famous Swimming Pigs
- Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay
- Snorkel in Thunderball Grotto
- Frolic on an endless sandbar
Book the World Famous Swimming Pigs Tour: from Staniel Cay | from Nassau
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Where to Stay in Staniel Cay: EMBRACE Resort
Unique hotels aren’t hard to find in The Bahamas. From island to island, there’s a hodge-podge of high-end, luxury, mega resorts; romantic all-inclusives and charming mom-and-pops. One of my favorite family-owned properties is also coincidentally in my favorite outpost in the islands – Staniel Cay.
EMBRACE Resort is an intimate resort located in the Exuma Cays, a chain of 365 ludicrously beautiful islands. The resort has just 12 villas, each uniquely designed, named and themed for a corresponding Bahamian island. There’s a swimming pool with clever tile details, a cozy courtyard, an onsite restaurant and gift shop with all local goodies.
Women With a Dream
Nikki and Natajia (two of the three Ns in 3Ns) are powerhouse local women business owners who had a dream – to bring a premium travel experience to visitors and to complement the natural beauty of the islands with their offerings. Their commitment to sustainability and sincere love for personalized service is what sets EMBRACE Resort apart from the crowd.
So, EMBRACE isn’t on the beach, which you’d think would be a big downside when visiting The Bahamas. But Staniel Cay is so small, it doesn’t take more than a few minutes by foot or golf cart to hit a beach once you leave the property. The boat dock to catch 3Ns tours is less than a 5-minute walk from the villas. The airport is even less. It’s definitely the most convenient and centrally located property on the whole island.
Golf Cart Rentals
There are very few vehicles on Staniel Cay, so renting a car is really not necessary. (I’m not even sure if it’s possible!) I highly recommend a golf cart to explore the island. You certainly could walk everywhere, but it’s nice to have a little zip to get around. The resort offers golf carts for rent, and it’s the perfect way to explore the island without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s eco-friendly!
3Ns Concierge Service
One of the standout features of EMBRACE Resort is the exceptional concierge service. The staff is friendly, helpful, and always willing to go above and beyond to make your stay comfortable and memorable. They assist with everything from tour bookings to airport pickups, ensuring that your vacation is hassle-free.
Dining on Staniel Cay
Small islands like Staniel Cay come with many benefits, like privacy and simplicity. But, the downside is you don’t always have a lot of choice when it comes to shopping, dining, etc.
For example, Staniel Cay only has two restaurants that are consistently open. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club and the Flyin’ Pig Restaurant, onsite at EMBRACE. There are a few others, but they’re on island time and may or may not be open when you visit. The best thing to do is ask around and plan ahead. (This also goes for grocery stores and tour operators. Do not assume something will be open during your visit!)
Fortunately both offer plenty of options from pizza to upscale fine dining at SCYC and family friendly fare like paninis, wraps, chicken wings and lobster pasta at The Flyin’ Pig. I very much – perhaps, too much – enjoyed the pineapple coconut French toast for breakfast, followed closely by the chicken and waffles.
Heads up, coffee drinkers! If you’re a latte or cappuccino drinker, or you just can’t live without that morning boost, Flying Pig is basically THE island Starbucks. You will not find better coffee anywhere else.
Villas at EMBRACE
Alex and I stayed in the two bedroom, two story Exuma villa. I loved the ample porch space with seating, the full kitchen and the view looking down over the pool. I loved that we could cook meals in if we wanted, although I’m not usually one to do that if there are other more delicious local options. It was nice to have a refrigerator for drinks and snacks!
EMBRACE Resort offers rates that start at $450 per night depending on time of year and choice of villa. There are several packages available, and depending on the dates and the number of days you plan to stay, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.
But no matter which villa you choose, the accommodations are comfortable and homey. Additionally, you can book various tours from the resort’s tour desk, including snorkeling tours and swimming with nurse sharks.
TO BOOK: The best way to book is to reach out directly 242-524-7447 or [email protected].
Check rates and availability here.
Women’s Day at EMBRACE
EMBRACE certainly embraces its female founders so I love this promotion they’re offering in 2024 in celebration of Women’s Day on March 8.
Want to plan a girls getaway or bachelorette trip to Staniel Cay? You can rent the entire resort for $2,999+ tax for up to 20 people including breakfast. For duos, you can get 15% off a room using promo code LADIES15.*
*Book until March 31, 2024, for travel up until December 31, 2024. Black out dates: March 28–31, 2024; July 4–7, 2024, December 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025.
When to Visit Staniel Cay, Bahamas
The best time to visit The Bahamas is from December to April. It’s warm but not too hot and usually sunny and gorgeous. High season attracts a lot of travelers and occupancy is limited on Staniel Cay, so booking a stay in advance is highly recommended.
While many travelers stress about booking during hurricane season (June 1 – November 30), it’s also a great time to save on rates. As a frequent visitor to the Bahamas and native Floridian, I wouldn’t hesitate to visit outside of peak season. Just be sure to have travel insurance in case of inclement weather.
EMBRACE Resort on Staniel Cay is the perfect vacation destination for travelers seeking a serenity, amenities and barefoot luxury. From renting a golf cart to exploring the nearby islands, your visit will be full of unforgettable memories. If you’re searching for that one perfect island getaway, make sure Staniel Cay and EMBRACE Resort are at the top of your list.
If you are planning a vacation to the Exuma Cays – and after all this, you definitely are, right?! – definitely check out EMBRACE Resort and tell Natajia I sent you!