Most people come to Exuma in large groups. Maybe you have done that before and now you want to come back with a small group, or just the two of you.
These are the best-rated small homes on the island. And this is not guesswork: we pulled the top-rated homes with two bedrooms or fewer on AirDNA and picked our favourites.
1. Southside Cottage
Southside Cottage is a small home about ten minutes' drive from George Town, with outstanding views. It has its own private beach, sandy and walkable with crystal-clear water, and they provide a two-person kayak and a paddle board you will definitely use. The room has panoramic views, and the sun sets on this side of the island, so an excellent sunset is guaranteed.
The decor is beachy and warm, white throughout, which makes it pleasant to look at. Some houses on this island go heavy on colour, PINK in particular, my god. This one keeps it cool and simple.
It is better than it looks in the photos. Here is one of their guest reviews:
Such a beautiful home in a private location. We ended up staying at the house more than expected because the view was hard to beat. There is a 2 person kayak, a paddle board, chairs and an umbrella available for use and the balcony was our favorite spot when we weren't in the water. The bugs get annoying in the evenings but there are views from every room. Tip: if you would like to sleep in, bring an eye mask because the home has tons of natural light. Tammy, Seron and Gail were all wonderful.
The host says that if you are lucky you will spot octopus, nurse sharks and a little duck family. The kitchen is small but has everything two people need for simple cooking. The view is the whole point here. You do need a car for this one.
2. Honeycomb Cottage at Staniel Cay
Amenity-wise this home has what you need for a comfortable stay, but that is not why you come. It is a small one bed, one bath place for a couple. The point is the location: right on Staniel Cay. Yes, that cay. Walking distance from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and everything else on Staniel.
Since you are already there, it is a good moment to rent a boat, and they have a 15 ft Boston Whaler available. This is not the best listing on amenities, but it is reliable, the location is unbeatable, and it has 61 five-star reviews.
3. Overwater Bungalow at George Town
To me, this is the best home to stay at in Exuma. It is the closest you will get to sleeping over the water without the longer and far more expensive trip to the Maldives. Modern coastal white decor, 360 degree water views, stairs that drop you straight into swimming water, and the complex's private beach right next door. The deck has two loungers for sitting with the view, or for a massage.
The owners clearly chose a bigger bedroom over a bigger kitchen, so you get a cooktop, pots and pans for simple meals and an ice maker rather than a full kitchen. The listing has over 100 reviews, almost all five stars, and one of the most repeated comments is how comfortable the bed is.
It books up fast. Occupancy runs high year-round and the calendar tends to fill months ahead, so if you want it, do not deliberate.
You can book the bungalow directly on our website.
Which one should you pick?
Want a private beach and a car? Southside Cottage.
Want to wake up on Staniel Cay and skip the boat commute? Honeycomb.
Want the view you came to Exuma for, from the bed? The overwater bungalow.
Once you have booked, here is what to do while you are here and what to know before you land.