11 Huge Reasons Why Fowl Cay Resort Is A Dream Bahamas Vacation

Are you looking for a private island escape to one of the most beautiful places in all The Bahamas? Then you are in for a treat. You are going to learn all about Fowl Cay Resort in Exuma, Bahamas and find out 13 reasons why it’s one of the best places you’ll ever stay. So let’s dive in and indulge in the food, the water, the location, and the perks!

What’s in a name?

Back in the day, locals used to keep chickens on the island for food, thus the name Fowl Cay. The island became a vacation spot back in the 1950’s and as the private island changed owners a couple times, it started to become what it is today back in 2002 when the Stewart family bought it. If that name sounds familiar it should, Gordon “Butch” Stewart is also the founder and chairman for Sandals and Beaches Resorts. He’s a great guy whom I’ve met once when I was lucky enough to have dinner at his home with some friends.

Fowl Cay Resort Rates

Fowl Cay Resort isn’t just another pretty resort in The Bahamas. It’s first class, high-end luxury all the way. They offer 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas that are spread across the private island for the ultimate in privacy. Alas this luxury private island resort will cost you a little coin. The one-bedroom villa goes for $1,792 per night in the off season and they have a one week minimum stay. They say that’s because there’s just too much to see and do in the area, anything less and you won’t get the true feeling of the Exumas or Fowl Cay Resort.

But in true Sandals fashion, there’s a lot included in that price. At that price, you get a true all-inclusive package where everything is taken care of for you. From the food to the amenities. And when I say amenities, Fowl Cay Resort has a perk few other resorts anywhere can offer!

I’m sure you’ve heard of a golf cart or bike coming with your resort stay so you can get around, well at Fowl Cay Resort each villa comes with its very own boat. Yes, you get a boat! I’ll go more into that below as it’s one of our top reasons you should stay at this resort.

1. Location

The resort is located right in the middle of the Exuma island chain in The Bahamas. Home to some of the most beautiful water I’ve ever seen in my life. There are near endless activities that surround the island, but at the same time, giving you that private island experience. It’s close to an airport and only a short flight from Fort Lauderdale or Nassau.

2. You Get a Boat

As I mentioned, one of the biggest reasons to stay here is you will have access to your very own boat. Explore the endless beaches and sand bars of the Exumas in your 17 or 18 ft. center console powerboat with unlimited gas. This is included with each villa. So if you are renting multiple villas with friends or family, each group will have a boat to explore with.

Not familiar with boating or the surrounding waters, no problem. The staff will give you a thorough boat orientation to ensure you are comfortable driving the boat and they will give you charts to help you navigate and point out the area’s must-see sights. If driving the boat isn’t your thing, then they will have a knowledgable captain take you out so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

3. Close To The Swimming Pigs

One of those must-see sights is the famous swimming pigs of the Exumas. Located on the island of Big Majors, which is next to Fowl Cay Resort, these swimming pigs are the true originals. I know several other places have swimming pigs or pigs on a beach, but these are the guys that started it all.

Bring some veggies or fruit from the resort and park your boat just off the nearby beach. The pigs will hear you coming and either congregate on the beach or swim out to your boat.

4. Everything is Included

The luxury of all-inclusive is truly a wonderful thing. You won’t have to worry about paying for meals, drinks, rentals, anything. It’s pure indulgence if that’s what you are looking for. At Fowl Cay Resort all-inclusive price includes your fully stocked fridge and cupboards in your villa, to all the meals, premium alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at the Hill House and of course the boat with unlimited gas which I mentioned above. You’ll also be able to enjoy all water sports, game equipment and amenities. Here is a list of what’s included.

• Fully stocked fridge and cupboards in your villa
• Premium alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at the Hill House
• Golf cart to navigate on land
• Kayak and snorkel gear use
• Fresh water pool
• Personal powerboat with unlimited gas
• Sports, fishing, game equipment and amenities on the cay
• Housekeeping at each villa
• Gratuities
• WIFI Internet
• Fishing Gear

5. The Exuma Blue

There’s just something special about the water in the Exumas. It glows blue as if it’s plugged into electricity. I’ve never seen anything like it. The color changes from sparkling white, to aqua blue depending on the depth of the water. And because the Exumas are rich with tidal channels and flowing sand bars, the visual splendor is something you just won’t find anywhere else.

6. Close To Staniel Cay Yacht Club

Staniel Cay is the heart of activity in the central Exuma island chain. This island has the airport that you will likely fly in and out of during a stay on Fowl Cay Resort. It has a couple small restaurants, but it’s probably most well known because of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. This marina, restaurant, and resort is a popular spot known by many around the world.

If you are looking to get off your private island and mingle a little, then the Staniel Cay Yacht Club bar and restaurant is where to do that. The food is fantastic and there’s always activity there with boats coming and going. It’s only about a 4 minute boat ride to Staniel Cay from Fowl Cay Resort.

7. Hill House Restaurant

If you rather stay put on your private island for a good meal, then the Hill House Restaurant is where you’ll want to settle. This is the resort’s restaurant where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared.

Don’t feel like going to the restaurant? Then the restaurant will come to you. You can choose to have breakfast brought to your private villa each day or have them pack a picnic lunch for you to take on the boat. Can you imagine pulling up to a sand bar and unpacking your prepared lunch under an umbrella while being surrounded by the most beautiful water on the planet? I would have to pinch myself to make sure it’s all real.

The menu at Hill House Restaurant consists mostly of seafood dishes and chef’s specials. The decor is casual and inviting with a fireplace and outdoor seating. I recommend sitting outside because the restaurant sits on the highest point of the island, giving you stunning views of the surrounding islands.

8. Pet The Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay

After the swimming pigs, the nurse sharks of Compass Cay are probably the most popular attraction in Exuma. Take your boat north and stop at Compass Cay Marina, this is where you’ll be able to see, pet, even swim with dozens of nurse sharks. That is, if you are brave enough. The marina has a special lowered dock that submerges during high tide, this is where the sharks will rest and you can pet them.

Here’s a little insider knowledge for you. On the north end of Compass Cay, you’ll find a lagoon that opens up on the lee side (west) of the island. Walk through the lagoon and at the end you’ll find a natural bubbly pool. This is where the waves crash through a narrow opening in the rocks creating a bubbly or jacuzzi effect.

9. Three Private Beaches on Fowl Cay Resort

There will be days when relaxation is the only thing on your agenda. For that, Fowl Cay Resort has three white sand beaches where you can earn your Ph.D. in relaxation. Each beach is different, giving guests either privacy or activities. The beach next to Hill House Restaurant will be the beach with water sports activities. The other two beaches are more private. The north beach is a long beautiful stretch of sand, while the private beach on the west end of the island is smaller and more remote.

10. Thunderball Grotto

The famous Thunderball Grotto is a natural cave or hallowed out island that got its name from a James Bond movie which had a couple scenes shot in it. Located right next to Staniel Cay, you’ll be able to snorkel into the cave or even jump through the hole in the roof if you’re a bit of a dare devil. There are underwater openings to the sea on both sides which let in blue light and lots of colorful fish. If you go, try to time it at the slack tide (peak high tide or peak low tide), there won’t be a  current through the cave and is a safer time to go.

11. The Exuma Land and Sea Park

To the north of Fowl Cay Resort there is a section of the Exumas that is a completely protected area of water and islands. Spanning over 100,000 acres of islands and ocean, the Exuma Land and Sea Park is a natural area where you can find blue holes, blow holes, coral reefs and estuaries. Established in 1958, it was the first land and sea park anywhere in the world. This no-take area is an important place that allows conch, grouper and lobster to thrive and replenish their numbers.

The park’s headquarters are on Warderick Wells Cay, a great place to visit during one of your boat days. There you’ll see a whale skeleton that they have assembled on the beach and a building that gives you information about the park’s wildlife and history.

On the opposite side of the beach from the headquarter’s building is a trail that takes you through a lagoon and up a hill. At the top of the hill you’ll hit a split in the trail. Go left and you’ll see a blow hole, go right and you’ll reach the highest point where boaters from all over have left signs and mementos. The views from up there are out of this world!

Here is a book about the Exuma Land and Sea Park if you’d like to learn more.

Those are our 11 reasons you should visit Fowl Cay Resort in The Bahamas! Now, let’s talk about how you get there.

How To Get To Fowl Cay Resort

While in my experience, the best places tend to be difficult to get to, Fowl Cay Resort isn’t too bad. It is going to require a flight on a relatively small plane and a boat ride though. You’ll want to fly into Staniel Cay Airport (TYM). There are scheduled and chartered flight options from both Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas. The Makers Air option will run between $600 and $700.

You could also arrive in style via seaplane. Crystal and I highly recommend Tropic Ocean Airways out of both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Their service, team, and planes are top notch.

Once on the ground on Staniel Cay, someone from the resort will be there to meet you and take care of your luggage. From there you’ll board the resort’s boat and take the short ride to Fowl Cay. This is all complementary and part of your all-inclusive experience.

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This really is a perfect luxury private island vacation. It’s the type of place the rich and famous seek out. While the price does reflect that unique experience, it will be something you’ll remember forever.

If you have any questions about Fowl Cay Resort or Exuma, let me know I’d be happy to help. Hit me up on Instagram at @CaribbeanCastaways and send us a direct message with your questions.

To help you prepare for your Bahamas vacation, here are a few recommended stories that will help you get to know Exuma even better.

• Caribbean Lobster – This will be on the menu a lot in the Bahamas!
• Exuma – A Thousand Shades of Blue
• The Goombay Smash – A popular drink in the Bahamas
• Exuma Cruising Guide
• Look the part in an Exuma sun shirt
• Exuma Wood Carved Depth Contour Map

Cheers and never stop exploring!

Ryan – RumShopRyan

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