There is nothing quite like opening your hotel room door for the first time and seeing the sea staring back at you. Our first experience at Sandal’s Royal Bahamian started with our room overlooking the beach. After spending a few minutes marveling at the bluest water I had ever seen, I was excited to see everything else the resort had to offer.
A quick poke around the room left me impressed; a simple bit spacious room complete with king sized four poster bed, a large bathtub and shower, and a separate small sink so two could get ready at a time; I almost overlooked the stocked complimentary minibar in our room. Refilled every day with special requests fulfilled, it was an unexpected but lovely addition to the room. While we chose to not take advantage of a Butler suite during our stay, the ability to have an on-call guide, concierge, sommelier, and overall vacation guru at your beck and call offered to bring the pampering to the next level.
Determined to take full advantage of our stay, we immediately started checking out menus, reviewing excursions, and exploring all of the amenities the resort had to offer. With 10 incredible restaurants and 2 on-site food trucks, there was never a lack of options when we wanted to take a break for a snack or a meal. We started each morning with a fantastic breakfast, getting a chance to try both buffet-style offerings at Kanoo and a sit-down meal at La Plume.
The buffet at Kanoo was different every morning, and offered everything from cereal and pastries to an omelet station and a full hot bar. With the likes of Eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, spicy stewed chicken, bacon and eggs, and so much more, it was a quick and filling start to the day.
Kanoo- Breakfast and Lunch Buffet Daily
La Plume, the French-inspired restaurant on the property, was equally delightful. Their menu was more traditional breakfast fare with an elevated flair. Blueberry compote-topped pancakes and Grand Marnier crunchy French toast paired with Corned Beef Hash and Eggs Benedict was our order, but you would be hard pressed to find anything on the menu that wasn’t delicious.
La Plume- Breakfast and Dinner
Fueled and ready to explore, most days immediately found us on the sand wading into the ocean post breakfast. It’s hard to describe exactly how clear blue the water is in Nassau; we swam and snorkeled every day, scouring the beaches and rocks for all of the fish, crabs, rays, and all of the other colorful and plentiful sea life. Everywhere we turned there was a flash of color and a gorgeous visual that kept bringing us back, searching for more.
In addition to the pool and the resort beach, we spent two afternoons on the private island across from the resort. Just a quick boat ride from Gordon’s Over the Water, the phenomenal seafood restaurant built on a pier over the beach, we stepped onto a secluded island that really felt like we were in our own patch of paradise.
Private Island
Complete with a pool, swim-up bar, and the Aralia House restaurant all of the perks of the resort came with us to the island, but there was so much more to be found on it’s shores.
Red Lane Spa offered cabana massages overlooking the ocean, and there was enough sand and surf to keep everyone on the island busy. What was most notable was that it never felt crowded; every time we ventured out we were on a full ferry of passengers ready to enjoy their stay.
Within moments of disembarking, though, the crowds seemed to drift away and scatter to various points of the island. While there was always a small crowd at the pool or taking advantage of Aralia House’s Jerk Chicken and other fare, it was never overwhelming or felt busy. It truly felt like our own small private slice of the sea, and getting away from our fellow guests for a few hours to nap in the shade or splash in the shallows was easy.
More Dining… Oh, MY!
Once we returned from to the resort in the evening, our real work began: deciding where to have dinner. Fish and Chips at The Queen’s Pearl, an incredible selection of sushi and sashimi at Soy, Butch’s Steakhouse, La Plame, Italian American inspired Tesoro, the options kept going. There was something for everyone on each menu, and it was easy to substitute to ensure each diner was satisfied. The waitstaff and the Culinary Concierge also were fantastic when it came to any food allergies or issues, offering alternatives and changes to make sure each guest enjoyed their meal to the fullest. The two food trucks on offer, Sweets n Tings and Coco Queen, were my favorite snack locations. With Coco offering more traditional island options like fried conch and fish tacos, and Sweets making crepes to order (along with other cookies, confections and pastries) it was hard choosing just one offering. So I rarely did; I ordered multiple items just in case every time I stopped by!
Tesoro- Italian Dining
Soy- Sushi dinner only
Gordons Over the Water- Seafood dinner only
Le Plume- French Cusine Breakfast and Dinner *dinner is reservations only
Sweets n Tings and Coco Queen Food Trucks
In between meals, there was always something happening at the resort. Morning had group activities by one of the three pools, and there were activities and excursions throughout the day. Snorkeling and scuba diving was offered offsite, as well as an option to swim with the piggies on a nearby island. There was parasailing, jet ski rentals, and boat tours available offsite, or there was always the option of a chaise lounge by the pool or the beach with a cool drink while you soaked up the sun. Choice was the recurring theme that underlined our entire stay: there were always options to satisfy every type of traveler.
Red Lane Penthouse Gym
If you are concerned about keeping up with your fitness routine there is a state-of-the art penthouse gym overlooking the crystal-clear Bahimian waters! Who wouldn’t be motivated with a view like this? The gym is included in your stay and you can take advantage of the bottled water and equipment for your entire stay.
The large communal spaces were well kept up and well suited to their purpose; we saw several wedding parties take advantage of them during our stay. As a perk of booking, guests are able to plan and hold their wedding or recommitment ceremony for no cost at the resort, and there were multiple venues to choose from. A hidden veranda surrounded by greenery and decorated with island flair held one such event, and we watched several couples tie the knot on the beach at sunset.
Staff photographers were knowledgeable and engaged in capturing the moment for each couple, and spent time and considerable care making sure the memories were well documented. There was a sense that no detail was too small for the resort staff, who were lovely all around, to consider in making every stay memorable.
Resort Room Photos
While we were visiting the resort we were able to tour several rooms. All rooms and suites at Sandals are divided into three room categories: Sandals Luxury, Club Level, Butler Elite Level. In short, Sandals Luxury are Sandals’ entry-level rooms, Club Level rooms offer room service and Butler Elite suites come with personalized butler service.
The more private and luxurious Butler Elite suites are referred to as Love Nest Suites. Besides being more luxurious, expect Love Nest Suites to have the same amenities as the other Butler Elite suites.
Club Level
Club Level rooms are slightly more luxurious than Luxury Level rooms and come with free room service from 7 AM until 10 PM. This is one of the main reasons guests are willing to upgrade from a Luxury level suite. Sandals’ room service gives you the opportunity to order breakfast on bed, and to have lunch and dinner delivered to your suite. Ideal if you don’t feel like dressing yourself up for the restaurant, or when you want to have a romantic dinner on your balcony or patio.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Island Village Honeymoon Luxury Villas
Swim-up Suite
Our overall impression of the resort was very strong; from the moment we stepped on property we were surrounded by picturesque views, white columned buildings nestled perfectly against the backdrop of lush greenery and the ocean, and equal parts fun and excitement as well as quiet, contemplative areas. There were several pools that were full of travelers enjoying drinks and the sun, as well as hidden spots throughout the resort where a couple could get away for a quiet conversation or to watch the sunset in a covered veranda.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget that first view of the waves breaking on the beach below our balcony, the scent of the salt air, or the overwhelming sense of peace and calm that came with having every need seen to and every expectation surpassed. In fact, I plan on reminding myself at regular intervals. Our stay, though short, was reinvigorating and restful in a way that many longer getaways have not been. When Butch said that his idea of heaven was to live by the sea, he was speaking just a bit for all of us.
Are you ready to book yet? Take a look at what is included in your stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian:
EAT + DRINK
- Unlimited fine dining at 10 restaurants
- All-new Coconut Grove with 2 new food trucks
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks
- Unlimited premium liquors
- 8 bars, including 3 swim-up bars
- Stocked bar in every hotel room
- Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® Wines
PLAY
- All amenities on private offshore island
- PADI-Certified SCUBA diving and equipment
- Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks
- Snorkeling and equipment
- 7 pools and 5 whirlpools
- Tennis and land sports
- Penthouse state-of-the-art fitness center
- Day and night entertainment and live shows
NO WORRIES
- All tips, taxes and gratuities
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Private Rolls-Royce transfers for top-tier suites
- Water taxi to offshore island
- Wifi in hotel room and all common areas
- Free wedding for stays of 3 nights or longer
Contact us today to plan your trip to paradise!