Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
View prices for your travel dates
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Did you already book this hotel?
About
4.5
#1 of 1 hotels in Stocking Island
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
We are a rustic, out island resort, peaceful, very friendly, unpretentious, laid back and off the beaten track. Our accommodations are basic, no frills and what we lack in room appointments we make up with personalized and above friendly service. If you are looking for luxury, this is not the place for you. But if you are searching for a comfortable, private deserted Island Vibe-then you just found it! Our accommodations are basic, no frills, shabby chic and what we lack in room appointments we make up with personalized and above friendly service.Time has stood still on our Island in the Sun. Saint Francis Resort is located in a pristine location on Stocking Island. Enjoy miles of white sand beaches, diving and water sports, sailing, dining, and much more! A hidden jewel of the Bahamian Out Islands, located on amazing Stocking Island, a 10 minute boat ride from Georgetown on Great Exuma, the Bahamas. The resort includes 8 full service spacious ocean front Bungalows, a restaurant and bar as well as a marina and moorings. Daily jet service into George Town from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Nassau,Toronto and other Bahamian out islands. Slightly more than a mile off George Town's shore lies Stocking Island. The 4-mile-long island has only 10 inhabitants, lots of walking trails, a gorgeous white beach rich in seashells and popular with surfers on the ocean side, and plenty of good snorkeling sites.. Our all inclusive packages for families and couples are in demand.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Nestled in a serene location, Saint Francis Resort & Marina is celebrated for its stunning ocean vistas and natural surroundings. While the rooms offer dual ocean views and are maintained with commendable cleanliness, they are often described as basic and in need of an update.
Guests commend the professional service and cleanliness, though there are mentions of occasional slow service and a perceived decline in attentiveness. Moreover, the resort's value for money has been questioned by some travelers, citing high costs and unexpected charges.
Rooms
Basic
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Relaxing
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveller reviews and learn more about how the site works.
What a wonderful six nights we spent at the St Francis Resort on Stocking Island. As a family of four (Mum, Dad and two daughters 17/16) this was our first visit to Exuma and it definitely won’t be the last (🤞) . It is truly magical, beautiful, stunning and the most unique place on earth…If you go, you’ll know what I mean!!! The St Francis Resort isn’t trying to be “Sandals” (Thank God) and their narrative in the ABOUT section on their trip advisor page is a very honest description of what this place is all about. You feel as if you are on vacation in the Bahamas and not in any built up all-inclusive resort that you can find anywhere around the World. Is it expensive….yes….but you probably know this already on reading this. Is the experience worth it…MOST DEFINITELY YES! I believe that in 20/30/40 years time when my daughters are reminiscing at holidays that we took as a family, this will be No 1. It’s that simple. St Francis Resort - Are the staff pleasant…..Of course they are and much more….but what I love most is the pace at which things are done. It’s so relaxing….some call it “Bahamas time” but having lived there for a week I can totally understand why life can’t run at 100 mph. It’s hot! If anybody has any questions please ask, and I’ll reply with my honest opinion. For us St Francis worked perfectly and that’s all that matters (to us anyway 🤗) Thankyou Syd/Arthur/Jason and all the staff - Can’t wait to return.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from syd slome, Owner at Saint Francis Resort & Marina
Responded Aug 7, 2022
You are so welcome! and thank you so much-we can't wait for you to return. I will share your stunning review with the entire team!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you're in need of a relaxing few days away in a warm climate with a warm, friendly, laid back ambience, this is the place for you. It passed into new ownership as Covid struck which has delayed the intended refurbishment plan for the eight rooms. This is to be welcomed as the essential services are in need of modernisation (though the wifi is good) and a minor upgrade would transform the comfort of the bedrooms. The pontoon has been extended and houseboats are about to arrive so there will be a choice of accommodation going forwards. The staff are amongst the friendliest we have encountered in a holiday setting. Jason, the manager, is attentive and the owner, 'Mr Arthur' is delightful. Breakfast was substantial thanks to Donna Mae and we also ate extremely well at supper. The location is simply fabulous with a 4 mile long beach on one side and Elizabeth Harbour on the other. Kayaking allows easy access to the Chat 'n' Chill beach and facilities and viewing the fish around the Blue Hole. Boat trips to swim with and feed the turtles can also be arranged. A really special find.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from syd slome, Owner at Saint Francis Resort & Marina
Responded Mar 27, 2022
We appreciate your kind review of our resort. We enjoyed hosting you!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Lovely pick up transport arranged by Jason, first Patricia’s taxis from the airport and then Pat the boatman. You arrive at the bay side, beach almost disappearing with a few kayaks for use. Don't worry as there are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore! Great food, big portions, and chef Luke accommodated all our odd requests. You might struggle with menu variety if you are vegan/vegetarian, however I think St Francis would really try hard to please everyone. So nice chatting to Eden and Donna - she’s super knowledgable about growing local fruits and introduced us to genips grown in her garden. Akira kept us plied with lovely cocktails and good conversation.
Room nice, clean and plenty of space, big bed and decent bathroom (shower head needs changing), fluffy towels and beach towels provided. All old style but was fine for the stay. We were in one of eight bungalow type rooms - super quiet except for sound of the ocean. Windy on Atlantic side (hence no umbrellas!) with beautiful walk along an empty beach. Walk to the monument for great views. The resort will supply you with a cooler, snacks and drinks if you need for excursions. Disappointing aspect was bad wifi in rooms 1&2 which needs to be fixed.
This is a really great place to stay if you want to explore the Exumas and experience a more personal Bahamian hospitality. I applaud the owners for what they are trying to do with making it a more eco friendly resort. It's definitely a place we look forward to coming back to.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from syd slome, Owner at Saint Francis Resort & Marina
Responded Oct 3, 2021
We appreciate your constructive feedback and will follow up accordingly. Jason and his team look forward to welcoming you both back again. Regards from our family to yours!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Upon our arrival we were greeted by one of the managers who showed us to our room. The view from our cabana was absolutely amazing and falling asleep to the sound of ocean was wonderful. However, there are many, many things this resort needs to improve on, starting with something simple as employees smiling. Many times as we would walk past by an employee or even the hotel owner who I believe stays at the resort, we were never greeted. Everyone working at the restaurant seem miserable. The service at the restaurant is SLOW. There is one chef and one server who also makes all the drinks. There are times what people from different resorts will come here to have lunch and depending on the party size you can end up waiting 2 hours for a meal which is exactly what happened to us. I spoke to someone about this and she said she related my concern to the manager but nobody ever came to us to apologize or simply just acknowledge this. The rooms, especially bathrooms need major updating. Our bathroom was not cleaned once during our stay and we had to ask for beach towels and regular towels every day because they were not stocked. The only thing the housekeeping did was make the bed, that's it. We did not have running water almost every day. I had to text the manager and then she sends someone to repair it, which can take an hour or longer. We lost power also every day and internet connection was non existenent until I finally said something our 2nd day there and they worked on that. However, that also is a hit and miss so I was roaming every time I had to call the resort manager to have them come out and take a look at the issue. Sand bugs, mosquitoes and flies are a huge problem here. It would have been greatly appreciated if hotel had baby oil as they said that helped with the sand flies because getting to the mainland and looking for one is a hassle. Or even if they just advised us to bring that (everyone at the hotel said baby oil helps with the sand flies). You can't enjoy your meal or be outside because we were covered with bites. The breakfast is a joke, eggs and bacon is what you get with a side of sugary awful pastries. Lunch and Dinner menu doesn't change and gets old. We don't mind paying the high price if we get the service we believe we should receive and have received from other resorts that we paid a fraction of the price in the past. So if you plan to stay at St.francis resort pack up baby oil, a ton of bug spray, $$$$$$ and patience and leave any expectations behind.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I cannot say enough amazing things about Saint Francis and its staff. The location is the perfect combination of a remote getaway but just a short kayak or boat ride to endless activities. My party did the all inclusive package and did not regret it. The food was delicious every night and the chef surprised us with different specials. Our villa was steps from the beach on the Atlantic side, where we usually had the ocean to ourselves. Just across the property, the bay bustled with boats. It takes only a few minutes to kayak across to the famous Chat N’ Chill where you can feed sting rays and socialize with both tourists and locals.
But what truly makes Saint Francis a special place is the people that run it. Jason, the manager, was so attentive to our needs and was filled with suggestions of things to do. He made sure boat rides, taxis, tours, rental cars, etc. were set up anytime we needed them. The restaurant staff made us feel like family and always chatted with us about our day. Pat, the boat captain took us to the best places to see and swim with sea turtles. I would recommend this place in a heartbeat and can’t wait to return.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from syd slome, Owner at Saint Francis Resort & Marina
Responded Sep 19, 2021
We are so very pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us. It was our honor and pleasure to host you. Please return soon! Regards from our family to yours!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Saint Francis was the best location we could have picked for our family vacation! We had 6 adults and 5 kids ages 11 to 17, and everyone had an amazing time. With only 8 rooms, we took up half the resort and truly felt like we were staying with friends or family the entire trip. The staff was friendly and we got to know them by the end of our 5 day stay. Anything we needed or wanted, they provided. The rooms were great, with a back patio looking out on the ocean and views of the Caribbean from the front. They were clean and well maintained, and set in a natural setting. No vehicles or roads, just nice sidewalks to get around the property. The food was excellent and the drinks were top shelf. They cheerfully accomodated all the kids' requests for "virgin" tropical drinks. The seafood was fresh and well prepared. Since we had a party of 11, we chose the all-inclusive package and would definitely do that again. We saw stingrays, black tip sharks, and dolphin right by the Marina! If you're looking for the natural beauty of the Bahamas, this is the place to go! It was one of the only all-inclusive resorts that allowed kids, and we are so happy we found it!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Service
Room Tip:All rooms are quiet and have amazing views!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from syd slome, Owner at Saint Francis Resort & Marina
Responded Jul 18, 2022
We really appreciate you taking the time to describe your visit with us-you are all welcome, anytime Regards from our family to yours Syd and crew
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our family of 9 (6 kids, plus grandma) just enjoyed the trip of a lifetime at the Saint Francis Resort in Stocking Island, Exuma! The hotel is situated on one of the most beautiful beaches on earth! Truly it should not be missed. Pictures do not do it justice; the clear water is something you must experience.
When relaxing with a book is not enough, there is plenty to keep you busy. Our kids had a blast using all of the resort’s beach toys, surf boards, and paddle boards. For adventures, check out the snorkeling at near by reefs or the blue hole. The resort will eagerly coordinate activities for you upon request.
All said, the BEST part of our stay was the incredible hospitality shown by the caretakers Jeb and Carmen. From Jeb’s magic shows to Carmen teaching the kids cooking in the kitchen, these guys are what made our trip to St. Francis so very, very memorable! There is no doubt that we will be back as long as they are there.
PS You will not go hungry while visiting. Chef Kiva prepares incredible local cuisine not to be missed. Yummy!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jeb Marshall, General Manager at Saint Francis Resort & Marina
Responded Jan 25, 2021
Charlotte, Thank you so very much for the kind words and for allowing us to enjoy your wonderful family. We look forward to seeing you soon! Carmen and Jeb
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The location is FANTASTIC. The beaches and the general location were perfect. Taking one of the free kayaks to Chat & Chill island was easy, and it was great just swimming close to the resort in the fantastic clear water. However, the food was average at best. We have read many reviews of people praising the food, but after we have experienced it ourselves, we are not convinced. Jason and the rest of the crew are very attentive and service minded, but the prices compared to the quality when it comes to food are not appropriate. We would recommend the resort, but the price is very high, and the costs for dining do not compare to the quality.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from syd slome, Owner at Saint Francis Resort & Marina
Responded Aug 7, 2022
Thank you so much-we enjoyed hosting you as much!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just back from a 4 night stay at Saint Francis. Overall, a fantastic stay. Beautiful, relaxing, great food and friendly people.
We were met at the airport by a taxi driver holding our name. She took us to the dock where we were met by the hotel's boat for a 5-minute ride to St Francis. All very easy and seamless.
We stayed in a bungalow overlooking the ocean. The island is very narrow here and it is only a 1-minute walk to the restaurant and marina, which is on the sheltered side of the island. The beach that the bungalows overlook can be quite rough and has a deserted beach, both of which we loved. The water and beach by the marina are very calm. The bungalows themselves were very simple, but had a refrigerator, coffee maker, air conditioner, comfortable bed and a fantastic view. Even though there were 4 bungalows (each with 2 rooms) it felt very private.
The food was very good. Fresh fish and lobster for me every night. We ate here almost every meal. If you want something off the menu, ask and they will try and accommodate you.
There is a fun bar/grill called Chat and Chill which you can reach by kayak or have the St Francis boat drop you off.
We mainly hiked the island, went to deserted beaches and relaxed at the resort.
If you are looking for an active night life, this is not the place for you. Dinner stops being served at 7pm and after that there is really nothing to do. There is no Spa here, no TV in the rooms. Island time is definitely in play here, nothing happens quickly.
One of the standouts here are the employees, who really felt like family after 5 days. Can't remember the last time I hugged workers when I left a hotel like I did here. Exceptionally friendly, helpful and nice people.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is our second trip to the St. Francis, the first was February 2020 right before Covid, the service at the resort has gone down significantly since then. We knew what to expect regarding the rooms, they are not luxurious, and they are not fancy, but they have one of the best locations I’ve ever seen in my life, with a fierce ocean, on one side, and the calm Caribbean on the other. You are so close to both oceans that you can walk to either within a few steps and see both from the front and back porch of your rooms, that’s the good. What has changed in the last three years is a total lack of focus on the guests. The kitchen was out of many things on the very modest menu for the entire time we were there, I understand maybe the first day or so, but then I would’ve expected provisions to be ordered. My family made up three of the eight guestrooms available, with only one other family in a fourth room, so one would assume our service would be first class. That was not the case. We waited long long periods of time for drinks, food, everything….furthermore; requests were met with an attitude of inconvenience. The absolute worst was the boat shuttle driver; Cha Cha…anytime we made a request to go somewhere he had attitude and tried to force us into his schedule for our events. For example, we wanted to go to chat and chill one day at 3 for early dinner, he said nope; he leaves at 4 so we needed to go earlier to accommodate. I tipped him early in the trip and he was still just terrible, never ever helped with our luggage getting on the boat and the worst was he sat all day in the restaurant listening to videos at top volume during our meals and management just let him. Lisa asked him once to turn it down and he ignored her and she allowed it. This place could be a hidden gem with a little polishing of their guest skills but having a crappy (but beautiful located) room, horrible food, crabby workers and being ridiculously overpriced is too many checks in the negative column for me. It’s too bad, I had already passed this place onto another family for a reunion that I have to rescind. One final comment, they also did misrepresent the prices, I bought under a special price, and the confirmation said ‘1 entree per meal, and drinks during set times’ but when I got there, they changed it to breakfast only despite the fact that I showed SYD the confirmation which clearly stated the above. I didn’t want to argue about it in front of my group, but expected him to take ownership of his mistake—nope.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:The rooms are super basic but internet was good, and AC works well. Bring lots and lots of bug...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not sure about the docking fee. I am sure they would be reasonable if any for guests paying for a room. 3 ways to get to Peace and Plenty. First of course the boat you will rent. Remember there are 2 Peace and Plenty. The one you want is on Stocking Island, the other is on the main island. You can take it through the back bay and park it. Option 2 is get to Chat N Chill via your boat or free kayaks they have for you at Saint Francis. Then from Chat N Chill just a 5 minute walk in waist high water along ocean front. Not hard and my kids enjoyed the adventure. 3rd way is about an hour hike 1 way but you get a good experience of the whole island. From Saint Francis go to oceanside and turn right. Walk about 15 minutes until see buoys tied in tree. Take that path and it takes you to the other side of the island. Then make a right and cross through Kahari property and you will be there.
There are more places to choose from in the Stocking Island area.
PRICE RANGE
C$303 - C$453 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
st francis hotel great exuma
LOCATION
CaribbeanBahamasOut IslandsGreat ExumaGeorge TownStocking Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
