Stay in GBI?

(Sorry so long – tysm for reading this and for the help!)

My husband and I (mid-40’s) are taking my Mom (68) and sister (40) to the Bahamas because they have never experienced the Caribbean (my husband and I love it so much and have been to several islands) and we want to do something special for them after losing my Dad (it would have been their 50th anniversary).

I picked Grand Bahama Island because we haven’t been there yet, it’s easy to get to (they’re skittish in planes), looks beautiful and should be plenty to do. I am nervous though since I’ve never been there. Is it the right island to choose?

We want some place where there’s plenty of nice dining, shopping and activities but also remote / natural environments. Some islands, we have found, can look rough in places so I want to avoid that. My husband and I are comfortable anywhere but my Mom will be nervous as she’s never left the country. We don’t mind renting a car, want a nice grocery store as we do some of our own cooking to save money, plan on renting an AirBNB or VRBO and love driving and exploring as well as the amazing beaches that makes the Caribbean magical. We loved Aruba but don’t want to go that far.

I was thinking Eleuthera or Exuma but they seem to be more for native lovers than driving/exploring/modern amenities (I’m sorry if I’m wrong). They’re not divers/snorkelers but love the beach. We will want a little relaxing in but mostly want to give them an amazing Caribbean experience that’s easy to get to and plenty to do. Do you think I chose well?