Brent
Google
One of the best value resorts in Exuma. All around 4.5 stars. PROS: location - right in between the airport and Rolleville. Lots of gorgeous beaches near by. Close to the “better” restaurants around Grand Isle. In quotes because Exuma is not exactly foodie paradise lol. ICE COLD Air Conditioning!!! This is probably the best thing. Quiet after about 9pm each night. I got a pretty dang good sleep all 3 nights!
Overall vibe of the property - a combo of Tommy Bahama, Margaritaville, and Florida 30A Seaside beaches combined in one. Quaint property with still a moderate to higher end beachy feel.
For the most part very friendly workers as well as good communication from Cedric via WhatsApp leading up to and during the stay.
CONS: One of the office ladies wasn’t as friendly and gave off that lazy, unwelcoming, curt communication style all too common in Exuma. Basically making you feel like you’re a burden to them.
The food at Cocoplum is inconsistent. Lobster was beyond overcooked. I couldn’t even cut it with a steak knife. Dozens of dead flies in the window sill. Gross. They should do a few sweeps a day when no guests are in there to remove them from the sills and try to kill off any stragglers. Flies are a big issue dining outside anywhere on the island but for inside they should have better processes minimize them.
Excruciatingly slow service. I understand island time, but I was one of only two tables there and it took well over 30 minutes to get food after ordering. I’m not sure what they were doing back there in the kitchen.
Curtains don’t block out any light. I’d suggest getting black outs which will help keep heat out during the day and let people sleep in. Was very bright each morning by 7am.
They seem to have more sand fleas than other beaches and my ankles were bitten and itchy, even with oil and sprays. The beach had a lot of seaweed this recent stay in late August but other times I’ve been there for lunch and their beach has been way cleaner. I’d say they should groom it perhaps which might also help cut down on flies and sand fleas.
The toilet is separate from the shower/sink which is a bit inconvenient. Bath towels are rather chintzy. Tiny and thin like microfiber. Maybe larger and more luxurious towels. Wouldn’t cost much more but can make a big difference in the guest’s stay and add a classier feel.
The internet is spotty. At times at night it worked well but most of the day time I could not connect and had to burn through my phone’s roaming data plan. They’re apparently getting Starlink in the fall which will be a game changer for guests and staff. I liked how they had a Roku smart tv setup which had Netflix ready to go without having to log in. That was nice when winding down at night as long as the internet was working.
Upon arrival I’d recommend having 2 cold bottles of water in the fridge. I understand wanting to cut down on plastic waste but especially for travelers arriving on Sundays when virtually all grocery stores and markets are closed it was a bit pain finding water bottles anywhere.
Overall I say Paradise Bay is 4-4.5 stars and a nicer, somewhat reasonably priced (all things considered) property compared to other choices in Exuma. There are definitely more affordable places but they’re more bare bones. PB is no Grand Isle or Sandals but it’s a great compromise middle of the road value for quality. Thanks for having me and I’ll probably see you guys again next time.
