Grand Isle Resort, for villa chic

On the sleepy island of Great Exuma, this village-like resort exudes barefoot luxury. Elegant-but-unstuffy villas peep from behind tall coconut palms, overlooking a sweep of pristine sand. There are larger properties for multi-generational gatherings, or romantic beach houses-for-two, but all have natural stone floors, sink-into beds, breezy, colonial-style decor and well-stocked kitchens (handy if you have kids in tow). Guests can pootle about the resort on golf carts; winding paths lead down to a sleek infinity pool, Seastar spa (try a fragrant frangipani wrap) and three restaurants serving everything from lobster to jerk chicken.