Saint Francis Resort & Marina

Stocking Island is the setting: a slim strip of sand and scrub water taxi ride away from George Town, on the Great Exuma side of the harbour. No roads connect it to the mainland. Rooms are plain rather than plush: king and double bungalows with air conditioning, a bar fridge and walk-in showers, plus a scatter of houseboats moored dockside with a generator and a full-sized fridge. One bungalow keeps a partial view of both lagoon and ocean at once. The beach itself runs for two miles of white sand, and the water off it shifts through turquoise, teal and cobalt depending on the light. You can snorkel the reefs just offshore or paddle a kayak into Stocking Island's blue holes, a network of submerged caves cut into the limestone. Diving trips run most mornings from George Town, with snorkel charters and courses in the afternoon. The pace is unhurried by design: this is a small, informal resort built around the water rather than around it. Check-in details and meal plans vary by bungalow and season.