On one hand, the short 25-minute flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay in a small 18-seat aircraft can be quite anxiety-inducing. However, on the other hand, it amplifies my anticipation for the stay on this small island. As we approach our destination, the view below us unveils the intricate Exuma Island chain with its delicate coral reefs.
It’s not just the tiny islands that capture our attention; each of them seems to boast untouched, sandy beaches. The varying shades of blue in the ocean are also captivating. The sea’s color shifts from a cerulean blue to turquoise, sapphire, with intermittent sandbars that appear as if they were painted by an artist, blending the different shades of blue with specks of white and yellow. The Exuma plane touches down at a small airport, and everyone collects their luggage before heading to golf carts waiting to transport new arrivals to their respective resorts or hotels on Staniel Cay.
The Embrace Resort, where I stayed, offers a complimentary airport shuttle, although I couldn’t help but smile when I loaded my luggage onto a golf cart, only to remove it two minutes later. The resort is incredibly close to the airport, making airport transfers unnecessary, at least if you’re traveling as lightly as I did. Knowing that I would be taking a small plane for this trip, I packed only the essentials: a few bikinis, a couple of sundresses, a pair of shorts and a tank top, flip-flops, a small bottle of sunscreen, a few books, my underwater camera, my regular camera, and a sun hat. When you’re preparing to explore Staniel Cay, don’t plan too many activities – this little island paradise invites you to do nothing at all, except, of course, for visiting the famous swimming pigs, which I’ll describe in detail later.
Arriving in Paradise
The introduction of my stay at the resort is very concise: The resort consists of only seven villas, all built around a small pool. On one side of the pool, there’s a covered lounge area, and on the other side, there are sun loungers. Although the pool is small, it’s sufficient for a refreshing swim.
Seven Beautiful Villas
The seven villas come in various sizes and facilities. You can choose from:
- Honeymoon Villa with a king-size bed and a jacuzzi.
- Unique Cabin with one bedroom, a fridge, and a microwave.
- Unique Duplex Apartment with two bedrooms.
- Comfort Villa, a single-room apartment that can accommodate three people.
- Family Villa with two bedrooms and four single beds.
- Family Row Villa with three bedrooms.
- Feature Bungalow with one bedroom and concierge service.
Embrace Villa Resort
All villas are equipped with a flat-screen Fire TV, which means you can connect to most of your streaming services if you have an account. The Wi-Fi speed is fast enough for watching movies, and you can even follow your exercise routine through the Peloton app on the TV. In the two-bedroom villa, there’s a small fridge and a microwave (which I didn’t use, but the fridge is perfect for keeping drinks and fruits cool), and there’s also a coffee maker in the room. Coffee is provided, along with some tableware like bowls, cups, and cutlery. It’s delightful that each room has a cooler, which is great for ensuring you have cool drinks for your beach days.
Staniel Island Embrace Villa Resort
While I couldn’t cook inside the bungalow, during my stay, I had a glimpse inside a two-bedroom villa, which featured a fully equipped large kitchen. Besides the regular coffee maker, it also had a mocha pot for making espresso, a blender, and even baking utensils! The two-bedroom villa also comes with a separate living area with a sofa, cushions, a large-screen flat-panel TV, and a dining table with four chairs.
Concierge Service and Pig Beach Tours
The resort offers a concierge service that can arrange private tours and plane trips to other islands in the Exuma Cays. They also offer standard tours to popular attractions such as Pig Beach and Compass Island, where you can have the unique experience of swimming with nurse sharks.
One option is a tour exclusively to Pig Beach, priced at $59 per person. Alternatively, you can choose the full-day tour, which not only includes a visit to Pig Beach but also covers five additional stops: a stunning sandbar, a thrilling opportunity to swim with sharks, the chance to snorkel amidst beautiful fish in an underwater cave, snorkeling above a sunken plane wreck, a visit to Iguana Beach, and a satisfying lunch. This comprehensive tour also includes snacks.
The resort offers a variety of options for exploring the Exuma Islands and Pig Beach, including concierge services, standard tours, and private tours:
- Concierge Services: The resort provides concierge services to help you arrange private tours and plane trips to other islands in the Exuma chain. They tailor these experiences to your specific preferences and interests.
- Standard Tours to Pig Beach: The resort also offers standard tours to popular attractions like Pig Beach and Compass Island. At Pig Beach, you can have the unique experience of swimming with nurse sharks. These standard tours typically cover the costs of visiting Pig Beach.
- Pig Beach Special: If your primary interest is visiting Pig Beach, you can opt for the dedicated Pig Beach special, priced at $59 per person.
- Full-Day Excursions: For a more comprehensive exploration of the region, you can choose full-day excursions. These all-encompassing tours not only include a visit to Pig Beach but also take you to additional sites. These sites may include stunning sandbars, thrilling opportunities to swim with sharks, snorkeling in underwater caves with beautiful fish, exploring sunken plane wrecks, visits to iguana beaches, and a satisfying lunch. Snacks are also included. The standard cost for these full-day tours is usually $250 per person, but resort guests can enjoy a 30% discount, reducing the cost to $175 per person.
- Personalized Pig Beach Private Tours: For guests seeking a more personalized experience, the resort can craft Pig Beach private tours based on your specific interests. This means they can tailor the experience to your unique desires and requirements.For those who prefer a more personalized experience, the resort can tailor a private tour to Pig Beach to match your specific interests. Staniel Island Pig Beach Tour
The resort provides a range of options for travelers to explore Pig Beach and other islands in the Exuma chain. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, you can find a travel package that suits your preferences.
Golf Cart Rentals
Embrace Resort also offers the convenience of golf cart rentals, priced at $59 per day. However, guests at the resort can take advantage of a 30% discount on this service. If you’d rather not be out and about in the sweltering midday heat but still want to explore the island’s diverse landscapes or simply head to the yacht club for a meal, renting a golf cart is a wise choice. If you don’t mind the heat and enjoy strolling, or if you prefer not to venture too far from the resort, you can comfortably explore without needing to rent a golf cart. It’s a brief walk of under 30 minutes from the resort to my favorite beach on the island’s northern tip, Pirate Beach. Embrace Resort Golf Cart
Highlight: Exceptional Customer Service and Warm Hospitality
Throughout my stay, I received exceptional care and prompt assistance whenever I required anything (like that one stormy night when the power went out), thanks to being able to easily communicate via text. Manager Natajia and her assistant Dexi were always on hand, eager to lend their support. They willingly shared insights about the island, pointed out places to find vegetarian options, and, as mentioned earlier, were capable of booking tours to Pig Beach and other nearby attractions.
The intimate nature of the resort, due to its small size, sets it apart from large, impersonal resorts where nobody knows each other’s names. At Embrace Resort, departing guests will feel like they’ve made new friends in the Bahamas. You’ll depart with a sense of having gained insider knowledge about the island, a deeper understanding of life on Staniel Island, and a newfound appreciation for the inspiring woman who independently conceived and constructed this resort, without the backing of major banks or investors.
Areas for Improvement
Hot Water:My sole critique of Embrace Resort is that the water in the showers never becomes adequately hot. While I can tolerate lukewarm showers for a few days, washing one’s hair with cold water is less than ideal. It would be advisable for the resort to consider the installation of water heaters to ensure hot water availability for showers.
Discover the Splendors of Embrace Staniel Island Resort in the Bahamas：
Nestled in the heart of the stunning Staniel Island in the Bahamas, Embrace Staniel Island Resort offers an enchanting tropical escape like no other. Situated along the picturesque B&G Highway, our resort is a haven for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and the unparalleled beauty of the Caribbean.
Facilities Beyond Compare: At Embrace Staniel Island Resort, we go above and beyond to ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. Dive into a world of pure bliss at our pristine swimming pool. Stay cool and comfortable in our air-conditioned villas, ensuring that the tropical heat won’t be a bother. We keep you connected with complimentary wireless internet, and our in-room televisions feature streaming services, ensuring that your entertainment needs are met. Our complimentary airport shuttle makes your journey stress-free, and our dedicated tour desk is at your service to help you explore the wonders of Staniel Island. Golf enthusiasts can roam the island in style with our golf cart rentals, and our concierge team is always ready to assist. To enhance your stay, our two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas come with fully-equipped kitchens, giving you the freedom to savor home-cooked meals in paradise.
Pricing for Every Budget: At Embrace Staniel Island Resort, we understand that travelers have different needs and budgets. Our one-bedroom villas offer a cozy retreat, starting at just $219 per night, a perfect choice for couples and solo adventurers. For more spacious accommodations ideal for families and small groups, our two-bedroom villas are available, starting at $438 per night, ensuring you have ample space to relax and unwind. If you’re looking for a lavish and expansive sanctuary for larger groups or extended stays, our three-bedroom villas start at $589 per night, offering luxury and comfort that exceeds expectations. Whichever villa you choose, your stay with us promises to be a tropical dream come true, making memories that will last a lifetime.
