40th Birthday Vacation

2. • With sapphire-blue water everywhere, The Exumas are an exotic
collection of dream destinations. Footprint-free beaches and ultra-
exclusive resorts and islands fit for celebrities make this tropical
paradise an absolute gem. Here, nature outnumbers man, coastlines
remain flawless and private homes play host to some of the world’s
most famous stars. The Exumas truly are the ultimate escape.
• The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands, beginning
just 35 miles southeast of Nassau.
• Being of a tropical clime, Great Exuma and indeed all the Bahamas
are subject to both rainy seasons and hurricane seasons. The Rainy
season on Great Exuma normally spans between May and October
but fear not, even the Tropical rain storms in the Bahamas are
relaxed, normally only making an appearance in the guise of brief
summer showers.
• Temperature is comfortably warm and rain fall is low in March.
Great Exuma, Bahamas

3. This is my all-time favorite resort. I don’t
recommend it to everyone because it is very laid
back. Although there is nightly entertainment
and live music it is definitely not a party resort.
The water on the island is the most beautiful I
have seen in the Caribbean. I loved the laid back
vibe of the island, from the airport to the locals,
so chill and friendly. The next three slides are my
stories from visiting the island, I’ve been twice.
Sorry it’s so long, I have a passion for this resort
and island!

4. We first spent a few days in Nassau, Bahamas where we had a great time
but were not too impressed with the beach. We flew on a little puddle hopper
airplane from Nassau to Georgetown, the capital of Great Exuma. Great Exuma is
an island chain the Bahamas. Upon arrival to the smallest airport I have ever seen,
our luggage was loaded on to a trailer behind a golf cart. It was then kind of a free
for all as everyone pulled their luggage off the trailer. No baggage claim at this
airport. We exited the airport and were met by a driver with a sign for out hotel,
Sandals Emerald Bay. We were taken in an SUV to the resort. On the way there we
got our first glimpse of the neon blue ocean and white sand beach, breathtaking.
We arrived at the resort and easily checked into our room. We stayed in a one
bedroom suite with two full bathrooms, a living room, dining area and large
bedroom. Our balcony had a view of the lush gardens and the ocean.
We then explored the grounds. The resort is located on a crescent shaped
beach with plenty of room to spread out and have your own private area and lots of
beach to walk. One of my favorite things throughout the resort was the butlers that
ride big tricycles with a place in the back to put food or drinks for guests. I just
thought is was funny to see someone in a tux and white gloves riding a tricycle!
The grounds are gorgeous with lush gardens, two big pools one quiet and one with
poolside activities. There is brick fireplace where they make fresh Bahamian bread,
smells so good. One day we rented a car to explore the island. We got a map from
a local who told us where all the best beaches were located. Good thing because a
lot of them are hidden. We visited several beaches where we were the only ones
there, not another person in sight. At one beach a local family was having a picnic
and the little girl played with us in the water for a long time. We stopped at a beach
club for lunch and had a great conversation with the owner and his wife. It was like
visiting someone's home.

5. He told us wind surfing is big on the island. We were out all day checking out
different beaches, looking for sand dollars and just exploring. We had dinner at a little
conch shack on the side of the road, best conch salad ever. You can rent a boat in
Georgetown and explore the cove area, unfortunately we did not have time for that
with all the beaches we visited.
Another day we went on an organized excursion. We were on a small speed
boat with about 10 other people. As we headed out our guide pointed out all the
islands owned by famous people. We went by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's island,
Johnson & Johnson's island, Penn and Teller's island and some other random really rich
people's islands. Eventually we pulled up to an island with nothing on it. Our guide
didn't say anything and I was wondering why we stopped. All the sudden a herd of pigs
came out the bushes and started swimming toward our boat. It was so crazy. We
jumped in and swam with them and fed them apples until they got bored with us.
Next we stopped at a small island with a yacht club. The Bahamas is huge for
yachters. We saw yachts with helicopters on them, with small speed boats on them
and all sorts of amazing things I didn't know people could own. We got off our little
speed boat at the yacht club and our guide showed us were we could jump in snorkel
with nursemaid sharks and stingrays. I was too scared but my husband did it and loved
it. There are a lot of small islands that have fisherman villages, I didn't know people
still lived like that, so isolated from the world.

6. On the way back we stopped at another island
and when we pulled up these huge iguanas came out
of the bushes. We fed them and snorkeled a little. It
was a full day trip but so beautiful to see all those
little islands and enjoy the clear blue water.
The resort was amazing, the food was great and
service is first class. It is a very laid back island and
resort. The resort does have live entertainment every
night but it is definitely not a party resort. The island
is not touristy at all, Sandals is the only all-inclusive
resort on the island. Most of the others are condos or
private vacation houses. I hope you enjoy the
presentation. I promise none of my photos are photo
shopped!

7. • 5 Star Resort
• Couples-Only
• All-Inclusive
• Unfolding like a grand estate, this premiere island resort provides
unforgettable, Luxury Included® beach vacations ideal for golf-
lovers, spa-enthusiasts and couples looking to tie the knot. Fronting
a pristine stretch of mile-long white-sand beach, guests of the
resort are treated to a variety of seven gourmet restaurants, a full-
service Red Lane® Spa, romantic wedding and honeymoon services,
an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, a full-
service marina and sensational, beachfront guestrooms and suites
featuring 24-hour room service and plush décor. From white-glove
dining to barefoot elegance, this lavish hideaway is an oasis of
comforts and the ideal location for your next beach vacation in the
tropics.
Sandals Emerald Bay

10. • Three pools including a pool that encompasses more than
half an acre, plus has a whirlpool, swim-up pool bar, and
unique fire-pit seating area in the center. Misting columns
and luxurious cabanas equipped with wireless Internet
access flank the pool. Butlers provide poolside service,
including spritzers, fresh towels with cucumber slices, and
cool sorbet to refresh and replenish.
• 1-mile long stretch of beach
• Comprehensive array of watersports including kayaks, daily
snorkeling trips, windsurfing, aqua cycles, hobie cat sailing,
and free scuba diving for certified divers.
• George Norman designed golf course next to resort.
• Nightly entertainment
Sandals Emerald Bay

13. • Emerald Reef Golf Course
– The longest course in the Caribbean, winding
through seaside dunes along a stunning peninsula,
this Greg Norman-designed, 18-hole, par 72
championship course is consistently regarded as one
of the best in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure Golf.
Sandals Emerald Bay

15. • Barefoot by the Sea - Sample the local specialty including conch salad and fritters. Guests may enjoy
outdoor dining with their feet in the sand. Open for lunch and dinner.
• The Drunken Duck Pub- A traditional British Pub gives sports enthusiasts a piece of London in the heart
of the Caribbean, serving traditional British food, from Bangers & Mash and Fish & Chips to Shepherd's
pie. Open for lunch, dinner and late night.
• Dino's Pizzeria - Offers hand-tossed gourmet pizza baked crisp in a Woodstone oven during the day and
a delightful menu of casual Italian comfort foods at night. Open for lunch and limited nights for dinner.
• Il Cielo - Fine Italian cuisine served in an elegant restaurant. Reservations are required for dinner. Open
for breakfast and dinner.
• La Parisienne - Features a Progressive French menu and white glove service. Dine indoors or outside on
the terrace surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Reservations are required. Open for dinner only.
• Bahama Bay - Offers a comprehensive buffet breakfast featuring made-to-order omelets and
smoothies. At lunch, enjoy an impressive culinary variety that changes every day. At night, the the chefs
lay out a spectacular dinner buffet that changes daily from Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican to the
popular Caribbean Seafood extravaganza. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Café de Paris - Features sinful pastries, crepes, coffees and dessert delights, all created by the talented
pastry chef.
• Guests can also partake in the British tradition of High Tea each afternoon, enjoying the finest teas of
Britain with delicate sandwiches European-inspired pastries.
• Room Service
Sandals Emerald Bay

19. • Swim-up Pool Bar - Guests can quench their thirst in the heat
of the day without ever having to leave the cool comfort of
the pool.
• Bahama Breeze Bar - This bar offers an excellent choice of
tropical beverages, mixed specialties, and, of course,
signature Bahama Breeze cocktail.
• Barefoot Bar - Located on the beach, guests can unwind and
enjoy the beautiful Caribbean weather while sipping on their
drink of choice.
• Vodka & Caviar Bar - Serving Ciroc, Roberto Cavalli, and
David Beckham's vodkas alongside the best Russian caviar.
• The Drunken Duck - Traditional British Pub serving both
imported and domestic ales.
• Beachside and poolside cocktail service
Sandals Emerald Bay

21. Sandals Emerald Bay
• Beach House Ocean View Grand Luxe Club Level Room
– With a stunning view of the ocean, these oversized retreats
offer a natural, luxurious ambience just steps from the sea.
Elegant mahogany furnishings and natural stone floors offer a
fresh take on a classic Bahamian style, with floor-to-ceiling
sliding glass doors and plantation shutters that showcase the
magnificent landscape outside. Located on the second and third
floors, just a short stroll away from the sparkling Emerald Bay
Beach, each room opens to a furnished, private balcony with
views of the lush, tropical gardens and resort property. Guests in
these rooms enjoy private membership to Club Sandals,
concierge service for the 21st century.
– Includes mini-bar with water, juice, soda and beer and full-sized
bottle of liquor and wine.
– Room View: Direct Ocean View

25. Located in these buildings.

26. Beachfront Walkout Butler Junior Villa Suite
• Echoing the sophistication of a colonial manor, each
oversized villa suite is its own beachfront hideaway,
where you can walkout directly into the extraordinary
landscape and stroll to the beach. Natural stone floors
feature custom area rugs that accent handcrafted
mahogany furnishings and British Colonial touches.
You'll experience true pampering with a butler who will
attend to your every need, in a suite that opens to a
furnished, private terrace adjacent to the silky white
sand beach of Emerald Bay.
• Room View: Direct Ocean View
Sandals Emerald Bay

30. Located in these beachfront
buildings

31. • The services of your personal butler is that special touch that makes your
honeymoon more than just a vacation, it turns it into the vacation of your life.
• Butler Services
– Unpack your luggage
– Provide a private orientation of the property
– Press your first two suits complimentary
– Provide you with a cell phone so you can keep in contact with each other throughout your stay
• Make all dinner reservations, tour bookings, on property activities and spa treatments for you
• Serve you your favorite drinks while you lounge on the beach or pool
• Serve you lunch on the beach or on the pool
• Liaise with housekeeping re servicing of your suite
• Ensure that your suite is kept in perfect condition and arranged the way you like during your stay
• Expedite all room service orders for you
• Arrange a perfect romantic dinner for two in the privacy of your suite on or your patio. Unlike our
competitors, our butler level guests can order from any resort restaurant menu for dining in their
room or suite
• Shine/clean your shoes for dinner
• Tend to your wardrobe
• Collect and return all laundry for you
Sandals Emerald Bay

32. • Butler Services
– Bring you amenities before dinner
– Escort you to dinner where they have reserved a
beautifully decorated table at the restaurant of your
choice – with preferential seating
– Ensure your suite is turned down and your room has
all it needs for the night
– Arrange transportation back to the airport
– Provide you with information regarding check out
– Assist you in folding your clothes for packing
– Retain all your preferences for future visits
Sandals Emerald Bay

33. • Your butler is available anytime and makes your stay special by
getting to know you and anticipate your needs.
• If you like to sleep in your butler will reserve chairs on the beach or
by the pool.
• If you are feeling very relaxed by the pool and don’t want to get up
and go to a restaurant for lunch you can order from any restaurant
menu and your butler will bring your meal to you.
• If you where gone on an excursion all day and don’t feel like
dressing up for dinner you can order dinner from any restaurant
and your butler will set up the meal for you in your room or on your
balcony/terrace.
• You butler will make sure your favorite drinks are stocked in your
mini-bar.
• If you would like to arrange a romantic surprise for your spouse
your butler will help you make all of the arrangements.
Sandals Emerald Bay

34. • Examples of what a Sandals Butler can do for you:
– There was a guest who requested to have breakfast on their balcony each
morning. On the last day before their departure the butler located a ladder,
climbed up to their balcony (on the third floor) and laid breakfast out. Then
called the guest and asked them to open their balcony door. They were
speechless when the saw the butler on the balcony with breakfast elegantly
arranged for them.
– A guest went sailing every day, they always brought Red Stripe out with them.
Knowing that they would be out of beers soon the butler got the rescue boat
and bought an additional cooler of beers for them while they were still sailing.
– A guest had booked a candlelight dinner, however the weather did not permit
them to dine on the beach. The guest was quite disappointed about this and
wondered what they will do. The butler booked a spa treatment and they
went to the spa. While they were at the spa the butler re-arranged their suite,
elegantly arranged the table, got some bags and covered them with sand. The
butler also had some glow in the dark stars and hung them from the ceiling,
played a CD with ocean sounds and placed palm trees around the table. When
the guest returned from the spa they could not believe that they were
standing in their room. They had a wonderful evening dining in the privacy of
their suite with the feeling they were right on the beach.
Sandals Emerald Bay

35. March 14th-19th
• Beach House Ocean View Grand Luxe Club Level
Room- $4,918
• $150 spa or credit is included
• Deposit $400
• Final payment due January 29th , payment plans available
• All sales and specials on the Sandals website are included in
this price.
• Price includes flights from DFW, all-inclusive resort, transfer
between airport and resort, tips and taxes.
• Price is subject to change at any time without notice until
deposit is paid
Sandals Emerald Bay

36. Sandals Emerald Bay
• Beachfront Walkout Butler Junior Villa Suite-
$7,010
• $150 spa or credit is included
• Deposit $400
• Final payment due January 29th , payment plans available
• All sales and specials on the Sandals website are included in
this price.
• Price includes flights from DFW, all-inclusive resort, transfer
between airport and resort, tips and taxes.
• Price is subject to change at any time without notice until
deposit is paid

37. • American Airlines
• 4/16
– Depart DFW 7:10 am, 3 hour layover in Miami,
arrive Great Exuma 3:28
• 4/19
– Depart Great Exuma 1:25 pm,, 3 hour layover in
Miami, arrive DFW 8:49 pm
Flights

38. • Excursions are available for an additional cost
• Excursions can be booked anytime prior to
departure or at the resort.
Great Exuma Excursions

39. • 007 Thunderball Luxury Tour
– Welcome aboard the Exzooma, a 35ft Sea Rocket that can
travel over extremely shallow water. In intimate groups, you
will embark on your journey from the sleepy settlement of
Barreterre. From here you will cruise by celebrity homes, see
large iguanas in their natural habitat, stop to incredible
beaches while your knowledgeable crew entertain you. Take
snorkeling to a new level with an Amazing guided tour in the
canyons and caves of the infamous Thunderball Grotto. Play
with the "swimming pigs" and jump into azure blue waters
while you swim with friendly sharks at the exclusive
Compass Cay. Finish the day with the world's best "home-
made rum cake" on a perfect two-mile-long sandbar in the
middle of nowhere. Snacks, beverages, beers and lunch a
the Staniel Cay Yacht Club are included. See everything the
Exumas have to offer on this adventurous excursion.

40. • Eco Harbour Tour Adventure
– Basque in the Bahamian sun while keeping your eyes glued to
the water, for you never know what ocean animals will swim by
to say hello. Fish, turtles and stingrays are just the start on this
leisurely tour. Small groups of no more than 8 depart from the
beautiful development of February Point aboard a pristinley
kept 26 ft Twin Vee power cat with a true seafaring Captain. He
will then take you on an unhurried journey around the historic
Elizabeth harbour. Be Amazed as the captain guides the boat
through the beautiful narrow cuts and hundreds of shades of
blue that can be found in the Moriah Marine Park. Enjoy walking
ankle deep along a submerged sandbar, while you search for
sandollars and shells at your own pace before donning snorkel
gear, when you will then peer face to face with colorful fish and
reef life. Ask questions and listen to the stories of life on these
islands while enjoying the gentle breeze. Finally, you take a last
swim in the beautiful waters of the Exumas at a white sand
beach until it is time to return to shore.

41. • Private Castaway Getaway
– Picture yourself sitting in a comfy beach chair, feet in the
white sand, sun high above, staring out at nothing but blue
waters and hearing nothing but the gentle sound of waves
hitting the shore. Hold in one hand the hand of your lover,
and in the other, a glass of incredible wine. Imagine
Paradise. Enjoy the entire day living the dream on the
castaway getaway. In the morning, your butler will pack a
delectable picnic basket, a bottle of wine, and a cooler of
drinks to take with you on your escape. You will depart
Great Exuma by boat and be carried to an uninhabited
island where the captain will set up beach chairs, a colorful
umbrella, and your picnic supplies before snapping your
photo and leaving you to your own devices. As the sun
starts to go down your captain returns to bring you back to
the luxury of Emerald Bay.

42. • Exuma Cays Ocean Safari
– Enjoy a fun filled, action packed excursion aboard a 35 ft
Custom designed PowerCat while you snorkel, beach comb
and experience all the beauty of the Exumas in one tour.
Your captain and first mate will entertain you with
excellent knowledge and first class service as you cruise in
and out of over 20 magnificent, little known cays with
several stops along the way. Take incredible photos atop an
island with 360 degree views of the Exuma cays; Visit the
endangered Bahamian rock Iguana at an island which the
original natives of the Bahamas once called home. Circle
past the million dollar privately owned islands of
celebrities, and speed across waters only inches deep as
Stingrays race across the bottom. No journey into the cays
is complete without feeding the always hilarious
Swimming Pigs, Swim through a lively reef with
magnificent colors while a nearby virgin sandbar awaits
your exploration.

43. • Stocking Island Snorkel & Starfish Experience
– This easy and relaxing tours takes you on a short
boat ride to the famous Stocking Island, in
Elizabeth Harbor. Here guests can beachcomb for
beautiful shells, swim in the warm aquamarine
waters of the Atlantic Ocean and search the
waters for Starfish. After swimming guests enjoy a
short hike up a hill high above Stocking Island.
Atop the ‘Salt Beacon’ you can kiss the one you
love surrounded by 360 degree Ocean Views. On
the way back to the boat, contemplate life after
visiting the 3.5 billion year old Stromatolites – the
oldest living organisms on earth.

44. • Private Bahamas Bone Fishing Expedition
– Bone fishing in the sandy flats of Exuma is magical.
Depart from the resort with your ORVIS certified
guide, and after a brief lesson and safety
demonstration, cruise to the secret fishing spots of
lore. Beautiful vistas along these coastal areas set
the scene for saltwater anglers as the engines are
turned off and your guide gently manipulates the
boat silently through the waters by hand. Stand
knee deep in the shallow aquamarine waters and
cast your lines as you try to catch the “silver
ghosts”.

45. • Bahamian Light Tackle/Reef Fishing
– Your expert guide shares the secrets of when, where and how to win a
fishing showdown as you cruise to their hush-hush spots in this
glistening seascape. Stand Knee deep in crystal waters and sandy flats
and battle the stealthy silver ghost, grouper, barracuda and more in
this unforgettable shallow-water experience. Don’t be distracted by
the beautiful scenery or the big one might just get away. The perfect
outing if you’re new to the sport, or just need a refresher. Just off the
coast of Exuma you will find one of the world’s most diverse and
populated coral reef ecosystem. This marine habitat provides a home
for hundreds of thousands of fish and other marine animals. You will
find all kinds of unique fish species in these waters. This is why so
many people come to the Bahamas to go fishing. Just a couple miles
off the coast of the island, you will find waters that are teeming with
all sorts of tropical fish. Our exclusive fishing trip takes up to six
passengers for a 4 Hour morning or afternoon fishing trip on the Island
of Exuma. If you love fishing and love to catch all kinds of unique fish
species, then this is the fishing destination for you. Feel the
exhilaration as you reel in Yellow Tails, Grouper and a multitude of
other local fish while trolling the crystalline waters of the Bahamas.
Give a traditional local fishing method a try; Bahamian hand line
fishing really draws you into the action. Captain Olie is an expert at
this native technique. All necessary equipment and instruction are
provided for to the Guests. Bone Fish Olie will custom design your
tour.

46. Erin Peters
(888) 831-4826
erin@changeyourlatitudetravel.com

47. Great Exuma
Pictures from my trips
by E. Peters

52. Beachfront villa walkout rooms

55. Beachfront Villa
Walkout Rooms