Luxury Private Island Escape in the Exumas: An Unforgettable Stay at Fowl Cay
The Exumas, a chain of 365 breathtaking islands in the Bahamas, offer a paradise filled with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. We always wanted to explore the Exumas and decided to splurge on the ultimate in all-inclusive stay at Fowl Cay Resort and it was nothing short of extraordinary!
Located near Staniel Cay, this all-inclusive luxury private island escape in the Exumas provided everything we could possibly want for a perfect family getaway. Join us as we take you through all you need to know about maximizing your stay at this amazing resort.
About Fowl Cay Resort
Nestled in the heart of the Exumas, Fowl Cay Resort is a 50-acre private island paradise offering a truly all-inclusive luxury experience.
Unlike most of the resorts you find throughout the Bahamas, Fowl Cay only offers six villas on the entire island! The villas accommodate from two up to a maximum of six guest, keeping the feel of the resort intimate and secluded.
As the ultimate luxury private island escape in the Exumas, Fowl Cay also provides each villa access to their own personal powerboat with unlimited fuel to explore the surrounding islands.
The resort is known for its exclusivity, personalized service, and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a top destination for seasoned travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
With amenities like the Hill House Restaurant, private beaches, and a range of land and water activities, Fowl Cay offers the perfect balance of indulgence and exploration.
The Birdcage: A Perfect Home Away from Home
To achieve a true luxury private island escape in the Exumas, we chose to stay at The Birdcage, a spacious and beautifully appointed villa that easily accommodated the five of us.
The villa is situated at the eastern-most portion of Fowl Car and featured expansive views of the turquoise waters and surrounding cays. The split-level design of Bird Cage offered two bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, and plenty of room for everyone to relax.
It was also the only villa to provide a freshwater, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of swimming in salt water.
Every morning, fresh pastries and fruit were delivered in our villa by the resort staff. The fully stocked kitchen made making breakfast a breeze while the stunning view of the surrounding cays added the perfect ambiance to start of each day.
Afternoons and evenings were equally indulgent. After a full day of adventure, we would head to Hill House Restaurant, where the resort’s expert chefs prepared exquisite dishes that changed daily. Fresh seafood, Bahamian flavors, and perfectly paired wines or cocktails made every meal a highlight.
Exploring our Luxury Private Island Escape in the Exumas by Power Boat
One of the most incredible perks of staying at Fowl Cay is the private 17 or 18-foot power boat provided to each villa. Every morning, our boat was gassed up and ready for us to embark on new adventures.
The staff also packed a cooler with a picnic lunch, drinks, and snacks (based on our food and drink preferences), ensuring we could maximize our time exploring the nearby islands.
Here’s a glimpse at some of the unforgettable places we visited:
Staniel Cay: The main hub in the area, Staniel Cay offered a charming marina and local shops. We explored the island’s beaches and mingled with the locals.
Thunderball Grotto: Named after the James Bond film that was shot here, Thunderball Grotto is a surreal underwater cave filled with colorful marine life. Snorkeling here felt like entering another world.
The Aquarium: This snorkeling spot featured vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. The visibility was astounding, making it a favorite stop for our whole family.
Compass Cay: We had an exhilarating experience swimming with the resident nurse sharks at Compass Cay. These gentle creatures glided peacefully around us, providing a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Pig Beach: One of the most famous attractions in the Exumas, Pig Beach on Big Major Cay is home to the friendly swimming pigs. The kids loved feeding and interacting with these playful animals.
Little Pipe Sand Bank: A secluded sandbank surrounded by crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and capturing Instagram-worthy photos.
Explored various wrecks: The Exumas offer some of the best snorkeling along wrecks that we’ve ever seen! From O’Briens plane wreck to the wreck off Staniel, there is always something interesting to see. But be careful, the currents can be quite strong especially at O’Briens so make sure you understand the conditions before you jump into the water!
Navigating the Exumas by Boat
To get the most of your luxury private island escape in the Exumas, you should really explore the area by boat. However, navigating the Exumas can seem daunting at first.
Rest assured that Fowl Cay Resort provides a thorough boat orientation before you set off on your adventures!
A seasoned staff member takes you out and shows the key landmarks, how to read the provided nautical charts, as well as goes over essential safety protocols. Each boat also goes out with a weatherproof radio to stay in contact with the resort.
Tips for Navigation:
Pay attention to shallow areas and sandbanks, which can appear suddenly in the Exumas’ clear waters. When in doubt – GO SLOW!
Use the landmarks and GPS coordinates provided by the resort to stay on course. Orient yourself to things like radio towers and windmills which are easy to spot from a distance to help get your bearings on where you are and where to head next.
Bring extra sunscreen, towels, hats and UV tops as the boat’s bimini top offers limited protection from the sun.
Luxury Private Island Escape in the Exumas – Getting to Fowl Cay Resort
We opted for a chartered flight from Ft. Lauderdale directly to Staniel Cay. Several companies offer flights to Staniel Cay from Florida, Nassau, or Georgetown. Once we arrived at Staniel Cay, a Fowl Cay staff member met us and transported us by boat to the resort.
Customs and Immigration: Upon arrival in the Bahamas, you’ll need to clear customs and immigration. Ensure you have a valid passport and any necessary travel documents. Since Staniel Cay does not have a customs or immigration post, we had a quick stop over in Andros on the way in and out of the Bahamas to clear customs and immigration.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The Exumas enjoy warm, tropical weather year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s (Fahrenheit). The best time to visit is between November and April when the weather is dry and pleasant.
During the summer months, temperatures rise slightly, and there’s a greater chance of rain and hurricanes. However, summer still offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and exploring if you’re comfortable with occasional rain showers.
The average water temperature in the Exumas is a comfortable 78 degrees (Fahrenheit), meaning you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and frolicking around year round!
Prepping for Your Stay
Before your arrival, you are encouraged to contact Fowl Cay Resort to provide your preferences for food and beverages. They’ll do their best to stock your villa with your favorite breakfast items, snacks, soft drinks, juices, and premium alcohol.
Packing tip: Although the resort provides high-quality snorkeling gear, we always bring our own masks and snorkels for comfort and familiarity.
Luxury Private Island Escape in the Exumas FAQs
Q: How big is Fowl Cay?
Fowl Cay is a 50-acre private island with only six (6) villas, ensuring a serene and exclusive experience.
Q: Is there much to do on the island itself?
While the real adventure lies in exploring the surrounding Exuma islands, Fowl Cay offers plenty of activities, including tennis, kayaking, Hobie sailboats, paddle boards, wake boards, water skis, fishing gear, and all you need for relaxing on secluded beaches.
Q: Do I need to pack snorkeling gear?
The resort provides high-quality snorkeling equipment, but if you have a favorite mask, snorkel or fins, feel free to bring them if you have sufficient space in your suit case.
Q: Is the resort adult-only, or are kids allowed?
Fowl Cay is extremely family friendly! Our kids had an amazing time exploring the island and surrounding cays.
Q: How can I charter scuba or deep-sea fishing trips from Fowl Cay?
The resort staff can help arrange scuba diving excursions or deep-sea fishing charters with local guides. Just let them know your preferences, and they’ll take care of all the details.
Luxury Private Island Escape in the Exumas: Final Thoughts
Our stay at Fowl Cay Resort was an unforgettable luxury private island escape in the Exumas! The combination of exclusive accommodations, personalized service, and the freedom to explore the Exumas at our own pace made it a dream vacation for our entire family.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Fowl Cay offers a unique slice of paradise that’s hard to beat.
Ready to plan your own escape to Fowl Cay? Start dreaming now, and we’ll see you in the Exumas!
Be sure to check out our Destinations and Bahamas pages for even more travel ideas and content.
Related content: Paradise Uncovered, Exploring the Exuma Bahamas (podcast)
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