You’re walking through George Town, Great Exuma, and there’s this pink building that looks like it’s seen a thousand stories. Because it has. Honestly, if you’re looking for a shiny, gold-plated mega-resort with 500 rooms and robot bartenders, Club Peace and Plenty is going to confuse you. It’s not that kind of place. It’s a landmark. Since 1958, this spot has been the beating heart of the Exumas, and while other fancy hotels pop up and disappear, this one just stays. It’s comfortable. It’s a bit weathered in that "I’ve survived a few hurricanes" kind of way. It’s authentic.
Most people come to the Bahamas for the water—that neon, electric blue that looks fake in photos—but they stay at Peace and Plenty because it feels like a home base. You aren't just a room number here. You’re part of a legacy that includes everyone from British royalty to Hollywood actors who just wanted to hide for a week.
The Vibe at Peace and Plenty Resort
It’s small. Only 35 rooms. That’s basically nothing compared to the massive resorts in Nassau. But that’s the point. When you’re at the Peace and Plenty Resort, you’re steps away from the Elizabeth Harbour, and you’re right in the middle of George Town. You can walk to the straw market. You can walk to the grocery store. You can actually see how people live here, which is a rarity in modern travel where everything is gated and sanitized.
The architecture is classic colonial. Think white shutters, stone floors, and high ceilings. It’s simple. Some people might call it "dated," but those people are usually looking for a Marriott. The charm here is the history. The building was originally a sponge warehouse and then a family home before becoming a hotel. You can feel that weight when you sit in the bar. Oh, the bar. Let’s talk about that.
The Peace and Plenty bar is legendary. It’s paved with thousands of pennies. Why? Because decades ago, guests started glueing them there. Lanyard "Lannie" Rolle, a local legend who worked there for over 50 years, was the soul of the place. He’s gone now, but his influence—the idea of genuine Bahamian hospitality—is still baked into the walls. You don't just order a drink; you end up talking to a yacht captain who’s been sailing the Caribbean for thirty years or a local fisherman who knows exactly where the bonefish are biting today.
Room Choices and What to Expect
Don't expect marble bathtubs. Do expect a view that will make you forget your phone exists.
- Poolside Rooms: These are the standard. They face the courtyard and the pool. They’re fine, clean, and functional. But if you’re coming all this way, you should probably aim higher.
- Oceanfront Rooms: This is where the magic happens. You wake up, open the curtains, and the Atlantic is right there. The breeze is better. The sound of the water hitting the rocks is better. It’s just... better.
- The Cottages: If you want more privacy, they have these. They’re a bit more modern but still keep that laid-back island aesthetic.
The beds are soft. The AC works—which is a big deal in the Bahamas. But you aren’t spending time in the room. You’re out on the water.
Why the Beach Club Changes Everything
One of the biggest misconceptions about staying in George Town is that you’re "stuck" in town away from the best beaches. Not true. The Peace and Plenty Resort has a private Beach Club on Stocking Island. This is the game-changer.
You hop on the shuttle boat. It’s a quick 10-minute ride across the harbor. When you hop off, you’re on one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world. Stocking Island is where the "real" Exuma is. There are hiking trails that lead to the top of "the monument" for a 360-degree view, and there’s the Beach Club where you can get a Goombay Smash and some conch salad.
Most people don't realize that Elizabeth Harbour is actually a giant playground. You can rent a small Boston Whaler from Minn’s Water Sports (right down the street from the hotel) and captain your own boat. You don't need a license. You just need a sense of adventure. You can pull your boat right up to the Peace and Plenty dock or take it over to Chat ‘N’ Chill to feed the wild stingrays.
Eating at Peace and Plenty
The food is solid. It’s a mix of "American favorites" and "This was swimming in the ocean two hours ago."
- Conch Fritters: Get them. Every time.
- Bahamian Mac and Cheese: If you haven’t had island-style mac, you aren't living. It’s thick, spicy, and cut into squares. It’s a side dish, but it’s really a lifestyle choice.
- Fresh Grouper: Whether it’s blackened, grilled, or fried in a sandwich, it’s the gold standard here.
The dining room has these huge windows overlooking the harbor. At breakfast, the sun hits the water and sparkles like diamonds. It’s the kind of place where breakfast takes two hours because you keep getting distracted by the view or a conversation with the person at the next table.
The Reality of Exuma Travel
Let’s be real for a second. The Exumas are expensive. Everything has to be shipped in by boat. A gallon of milk might cost you $10. A beer is $7 or $8. The Peace and Plenty Resort isn't a "budget" hotel, but it’s one of the more accessible ways to stay in Great Exuma without spending $1,500 a night at a luxury villa.
Travelers often complain about "island time." If you expect your food in 10 minutes, you’re going to be frustrated. If you expect the Wi-Fi to be lightning-fast during a thunderstorm, you’re going to be annoyed. But if you lean into it—if you realize that the slow pace is the whole reason you’re there—you’ll have the best time of your life.
George Town is small. You can see the whole thing in an hour. But it’s the gateway to the 365 cays that make up the Exumas. You’re perfectly positioned at Peace and Plenty to do the "Big Tour"—the one where you see the swimming pigs, the iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay, and the sharks at Compass Cay.
Hidden Gems and Expert Tips
If you’re staying at the resort, don't just stay at the resort. Walk out the front door. Turn left. Walk toward the bridge that leads to Little Exuma.
Stop at Shirley’s at the Fish Fry. It’s a collection of shacks on the beach about a mile from the hotel. This is where the locals eat. The snapper is incredible. The vibe is pure Bahamas.
Also, if you’re a history nerd, ask about the plantation ruins. The Exumas have a complex history involving Loyalists who fled the American Revolution. You can still see the remains of the cotton plantations if you know where to look. The staff at Peace and Plenty have been there forever; they know the spots that aren't on the TripAdvisor maps.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think they need a car. You probably don't, at least not for the whole trip. If you stay at Peace and Plenty Resort, you’re central. You can rent a car for one day to drive down to Little Exuma to see the Tropic of Cancer Beach (it’s famous, it’s gorgeous, and yes, the line really does run through it). The rest of the time? Use the water taxis. Use your feet.
Another mistake? Packing too much. You need a swimsuit, a linen shirt, some flip-flops, and maybe one "nice" outfit for dinner if you feel like it. The resort is casual. Even the fancy people here look like they just rolled off a sailboat.
Is Peace and Plenty Right for You?
Honestly, maybe not.
If you want a kids' club with organized activities and a water park, go to Atlantis in Nassau. If you want a butler who unpacks your bags, go to Sandals Emerald Bay up the road.
But if you want a place where the bartender knows your name by day two, where you can jump off the dock into crystal clear water, and where you feel like you’ve actually traveled somewhere instead of just being at a generic hotel... then yeah, this is it. It’s the "Old Bahamas." It’s the version of the islands that existed before the world got so loud.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Book Flights to GGT: That’s the airport code for George Town. Don't fly into Nassau thinking you can just "pop over" easily. It requires another flight on a smaller plane (like Bahamasair or Western Air).
- Bring Cash: While the resort takes cards, many local spots and boat captains prefer Bahamian dollars or USD (they are 1:1).
- Reserve Your Boat Early: If you want to rent a boat from Minn's to explore the cays on your own, book it weeks in advance. They sell out fast.
- Pack Bug Spray: The "no-see-ums" at dusk are no joke. They’re tiny, invisible, and they will eat you alive if there’s no breeze.
- Check the Ferry Schedule: The ferry to Stocking Island runs on a set schedule. Don't miss the last boat back or you’ll be swimming (just kidding, you’ll just have to pay a private boat a lot of money to ferry you).
Exuma is a special place. It’s rugged and beautiful and a little bit wild. Staying at a place like Peace and Plenty Resort keeps you grounded in that reality while giving you a soft place to land at the end of the day. It’s not perfect, but it’s exactly what it needs to be. Stop overthinking the itinerary. Get to George Town, grab a drink at the penny bar, and let the island figure out the rest for you.