Staniel Cay is a small island around 80 miles (128 kilometers) southeast of Nassau. Located in Exuma, a district of The Bahamas with 365 islands, Staniel Cay houses a small regional airport and is close to several incredible destinations like the Swimming Pigs of Big Major Cay. Given all it has to offer, it’s worth looking into some of the Staniel Cay places to stay.
Below we’ve compiled a list of four Staniel Cay lodging options. From Staniel Cay hotels to an entire private island, there’s more accommodation variety than you may realize. Why stay on Staniel Cay? Proximity to the Exuma Attractions that surround Staniel Cay!
Read on to learn about the different places to stay on Staniel Cay!
Staniel Cay Places to Stay: 4 Staniel Cay Hotels
1. Hattie Cay Private Island

Hattie Cay offers a secluded and luxurious getaway.
If you’re looking to truly get away, a private island is an investment you won’t regret. And if you’re looking for Staniel Cay places to stay, Hattie Cay is one of the top destinations to consider.
Located a short distance away from Staniel Cay, Hattie Cay is a private island in the heart of Exuma. Besides letting you enjoy Staniel Cay, staying at Hattie Cay also makes it easy to visit other Exuma attractions. The Swimming Pigs of Big Major Cay, the nurse sharks of Compass Cay, and the sandbars at Pipe Creek are some of the many sites you can easily tour on a morning or afternoon excursion from the island.

The accommodations are comfortable and thoughtful.
Home to three beautiful cottages, the island is an ideal destination for a group of friends or a family. In and around the island, you can find a beautiful beach, a sandbar, a coral reef, a dock, and spectacular views everywhere you look.
Powered by solar energy and sporting a reverse osmosis system for freshwater production, the island is a bastion of sustainability. Nevertheless, the eco-friendly Hattie Cay accommodations don’t compromise on comfort, with each cottage having top-tier amenities. Optional add-ons like chef service and guided excursions make it easy to make the most of your time at Hattie Cay and in Exuma, in general.
Given all it has to offer, travelers, particularly those looking for a secluded experience that allows them to unwind, will find Hattie Cay one of the best Staniel Cay places to stay.
2. Embrace Resort

Embrace Resort has a convenient location near the Staniel Cay Airport.
One of the Staniel Cay places to stay on the island proper is Embrace Resort. Home to a collection of quiet and comfortable villas, Embrace Resort embodies the energy of Staniel Cay Bahamas.
The resort’s story is one of perseverance. Its founder, Nicole (nicknamed Nikki), is a Bahamian who, for years, put aside money from other ventures like golf cart rentals. She gradually began to gather the materials needed to open the resort but faced regular setbacks from banks, who didn’t believe a hotel near the Staniel Cay Airport could be successful. Nevertheless, she refused to let her vision die, and today, Embrace Resort continues to be a Bahamian and woman-owned Staniel Cay resort – a testament to Nikki’s success.

The resort is home to seven villas.
Embrace Resort is home to seven Staniel Cay lodging options. Thoughtfully designed and paying homage to Bahamian history or other locations, each villa caters to a specific type of traveler. Exuma, for example, is one of the larger villas. With two bedrooms, it’s perfect for small groups of travelers or those hoping for lots of space. On the other hand, Ragged Island is smaller and ideal for couples. Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, a honeymoon, or just a much-needed vacation with your partner, you’ll be sure to appreciate the warm colors, plush bedding, and spacious Jacuzzi.
As is the case with the other places to stay on Staniel Cay, staying at Embrace Resort makes it easy to visit some of the nearby Exuma attractions. The resort offers a discount to visit the Swimming Pigs, encouraging guests to visit them and other top destinations.
3. Water Villas at Staniel Cay

The Lazy Bay villas offer a luxurious getaway.
Another Staniel Cay Bahamas villa option are the Water Villas at Staniel Cay. Some of the most luxurious and modern lodging options on the island, the Water Villas are conveniently near other Staniel Cay attractions, while also offering access to the surrounding area.
The Villas are three 1,400-square-foot two-bedroom two-bathroom homes. Situated alongside a lagoon, they offer great views of the water, as well as numerous boat and watercraft rental options.
Each of the villas can accommodate up to six travelers, making them fantastic options for a group of couples, friends, or a family. Amenities include king-sized beds, services like housekeeping and the option to hire a private chef, private decks with splash pools, and more. Likewise, the villas also have sleeper sofas, if they’re needed, a complimentary daily breakfast, and public lounge spaces.
If you’re looking to stay at one of the Water Villas but see that they’re full, the company also represents other Staniel Cay Bahamas properties worth checking out. For example, Casa Carisma is a sprawling 8,500 square-foot home, while Runaway is a beachfront home set on a secluded cove.
Whether you stay at the villas themselves or one of the company’s other nearby accommodations, you can count on a luxurious and comfortable stay.
4. Staniel Cay Yacht Club Bungalows

Many consider Staniel Cay and its yacht club The Gateway to Exuma.
Another one of the top Staniel Cay places to stay is the Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC). Home to a collection of bungalows, the accommodations are steps away from the local airport and marina, allowing you to make the most of Staniel Cay’s nickname, “The Gateway to Exuma.”
SCYC’s collection of colorful waterfront properties all come equipped with large porches with swings to enjoy the spectacular views. Inside the bungalows, you can find a range of amenities, including king-sized beds, full baths with rain showers, and coffee makers.
Like some of the other Staniel Cay places to stay, the different bungalows at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club will appeal to different traveler types. For example, most of the homes like Sea Grape, Sugar Apple, and Lavender are small and intimate, making them ideal for couples. Others like Yellow are still great for couples but have the space to accommodate a group of travelers or a small family.

The SCYC bungalows are unique and colorful.
In addition to housing you in waterfront comfort, SCYC also offers a range of add-ons that can further enhance your Bahamas vacation. To that end, if you’re hoping to regularly get out on the water, consider renting ocean kayaks, paddle boards, or a 17’ skiff. Likewise, travelers not wanting to worry about stocking up on groceries or eating out every day can purchase a package that includes three meals per day.
No matter your travel preferences, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club bungalows are another one of the best Staniel Cay hotels.
Staniel Cay Places to Stay: Find the Right Staniel Cay Resort
There are several great Staniel Cay places to stay, no matter your budget or travel expectations. Staying at any of the Staniel Cay lodging options mentioned above practically guarantees a beautiful stay and puts you in proximity to some of the top attractions in the country.
While booking a vacation at one of the different places to stay on Staniel Cay is never a bad idea, remember that you can also sightsee around Exuma on a day trip from Nassau. These tours let you see attractions like the Swimming Pigs without having to worry about lodging, transportation, or other logistics.
Book a Staniel Cay Bahamas day trip with us today!
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