This girls trip guide to Great Exuma shares my personal itinerary and planning tips that made our getaway feel effortless, connected, and fun. It also serves as inspiration for travelers dreaming of a curated, elevated girls trip.
Planning a girls trip that feels seamless, elevated, and full of connection is truly an art— and Great Exuma in the Bahamas is a fantastic destination for it. Soft white beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, easy logistics, relaxed luxury, and plenty of room for adventure make it a dream backdrop for a group of women who want to unwind, laugh, and feel taken care of.
Below you’ll find an itinerary my girlfriends and I followed for our trip to Great Exuma (with a few changes for the things we should have done differently), along with my go-to planning tips for creating an unforgettable luxury girls getaway anywhere in the world. If you’re dreaming of hosting your own girls trip, or want someone to design it for you, this guide is a perfect place to start.
Girls Trip Tips
1. Ease into Night One
Book dinner at your resort for the first night. After a full day of travel, nobody wants to hop back in a car. Choose an earlier reservation, you’ll be surprised how quickly everyone is ready for cozy pajamas and a real night’s sleep.
2. Pre-Plan Dinners, But Keep Flexibility
Make dinner reservations for your remaining nights and schedule them for about 30 minutes later than you think you’ll need. You know ladies are always running late 😉 If you’re staying 4+ nights, keep one night open to give flexibility. Structure + flexibility = the perfect group balance.
3. Create Moments for Connection
Silly games make for fun connection moments. Have each woman write down three things the group doesn’t know about her. One night, host a pajama party and draw the slips from a bowl, then guess who each one belongs to. It’s guaranteed laughter and surprisingly sweet moments.
4. Plan One Group Activity Every Other Day
This keeps the trip filled with fun without overwhelming anyone. For the free-days, if some want to be adventurous and others prefer the spa or a beach day, splitting up is totally fine.
5. Choose a Villa or Suite (Everyone Gets Their Own Bed!)
Book one large villa or suite if possible. Those moments getting ready together, recapping the day, or sneaking in one more late-night chat? That’s where the magic happens! Just make sure each woman has her own bed for maximum comfort.
6. Start a Group WhatsApp Chat Early
Launch the group chat at least a month before the trip. It builds excitement, helps coordinate details, and ensures everyone is set up on WhatsApp before arriving internationally.
Why Choose Great Exuma for a Girls Trip?
Great Exuma is the definition of barefoot luxury. You get incredible beaches, warm hospitality, and iconic ocean experiences. It’s easy to get around, the airport is tiny in the best possible way, and the vibe is relaxed but still upscale enough for a Caribbean chic dress-up night.
Girls Trip Itinerary in Great Exuma, Bahamas
Day 1: Arrival + Beach Time
Arrive at Georgetown Airport (GGT) in the afternoon. It’s a small, simple airport, and rental cars are right across the street, so it’s super easy to navigate.
Check into your accommodations. We stayed at Grand Isle Resort in two ocean-view penthouse villas, and it was perfect for a girlfriend’s getaway. The units have a full kitchen, so if anyone enjoys cooking you can pick up food at the local grocery store on the way in.
Head down to the beach and grab a cocktail from the nearest beach bar. Let everyone settle into vacation mode with a relaxed afternoon by the water.
Dinner on property— 23 North was our pick, and the risotto is absolutely worth ordering.
Day 2: Georgetown + Stocking Island
Start with a slow group breakfast together at a resort restaurant and a stroll or golf cart ride around the resort. This will start the pace of the trip off nicely.
Mid-morning, drive into Georgetown to explore. Don’t miss a stop at the Exuma sign for a photo op. Visit the local market where you can buy souvenirs and local artisan goods. For the ladies that want something unique, you can request a custom purse—they’ll design it in your colors and deliver it to your resort within 24–48 hours.
Take the water taxi for a 5-10 minute ride over to Stocking Island. It’s very casual, and full of personality. Expect a barefoot dock captain with blue hair—it’s part of the experience.
Hang out on the island for the afternoon. Feed the stingrays (bring cash for ray-food!), enjoy the stunning beach with shallow turquoise water, and grab lunch or drinks at Chat ’n Chill, the island’s easygoing beach shack and bar.
Head back on the last water taxi (around 4:30–5pm). For dinner, either go casual or enjoy a relaxed early night in with the group.
Day 3: Swimming Pigs + Boat Day
Wake up early for the sunrise and a hearty breakfast. (If you get seasick, take a non-drowsy Dramamine.)
Head to the dock for your half-day boat excursion. We used AquaQuest Escapes and our captain was fantastic! You’ll visit:
- The famous swimming pigs
- Snorkel stops
- Iguana Island
- The blow hole
- Sea turtles
Your captain will likely have snacks and drinks onboard—try the Kalik mango beer for a true Bahamian beverage. We wished we could bring them back with us! So tasty and not too sweet.
After several hours in the sun, head back for showers and some downtime. Schedule late dinner reservations tonight; naps might happen.
Day 4: Explore or Rest
For the explorers: spend the day driving Exuma discovering the beautiful beaches.
For the relaxers: enjoy a full day by the pool or ocean.
This was our “dressy night,” so we made it a bit more special with outfits and dinner reservations.
Day 5: Departure Day
Fuel up with a solid breakfast and pack up. Returning the rental car is simple, and the airport again is super tiny, so arriving two hours before your flight is more than enough.
Planning a Luxury Girls Trip to the Bahamas (or Anywhere)?
If you’re dreaming of hosting a girls getaway, whether it’s the Bahamas, Mexico, or somewhere domestic, I’d love to help design it. My specialty is crafting elevated group trips that blend relaxation, adventure, and connection so you can simply show up and enjoy.
When you’re ready to plan your own luxury girls trip, I’m here to take care of every detail.
📩 Start Your Custom Trip Inquiry Here
FAQs
1. What makes Great Exuma a great destination for a luxury girls trip?
Great Exuma offers a blend of relaxed luxury, stunning beaches, easy logistics, and iconic experiences like the swimming pigs—making it an ideal backdrop for a group of women who want both connection and adventure.
2. How many days do you need for a girls trip to Great Exuma?
Four to five nights is the sweet spot, giving you time for a boat day, a trip to Stocking Island, some exploring, and plenty of downtime to relax together.
3. Is it better to stay in a villa or multiple hotel rooms for a girls trip?
A villa or multi-bedroom suite creates more connection and convenience. You get shared common areas, easier group logistics, and that fun “getting ready together” energy while still giving everyone their own bed.
4. Do you need to rent a car in Great Exuma?
Yes, having a rental car makes exploring the island much easier, from quick trips into Georgetown to visiting beaches and catching the water taxi to Stocking Island.
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