Looking for an idyllic couples only destination and a Caribbean setting? Then the Bahamas are calling and you MUST go to Sandals Royal Bahamian. This gem of an adults only oasis blew me away with its romance, Old World charm, fab food and drinks, and diverse activities. This Bahama Mama was bowled over and can’t wait to go back!
I’ve always called the Caribbean my playground. It’s so easy to get to from the East Coast, and it has a special place in my heart having gotten engaged and married there. Between our destination wedding, honeymoon, and several trips back before having kids, you’d think my path would have crossed with a Sandals resort. Sadly the answer is NO-I had never been. A fact that needed rectifying for sure.
So while I was in the Bahamas on a cruise, I had to opportunity to hop over to the Sandals Royal Bahamian for the day. Boy, at the end of the day, I did NOT want to leave!
Thank you, Sandals for the complimentary day pass so I could see and explore Sandals Royal Bahamian.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
“Love is all you need.” With a catchphrase like that, couples know they are in store for a romantic, one of a kind experience. Sandals is known as THE romance brand in the Caribbean. For a gal who loves the Caribbean and romance, I was long overdue to check out this adults-only oasis.
Here are the major categories where Sandals really WOWED us and had me strategizing how to get back for a longer visit:
Sophisticated European vibe
Old World Charm and sophisticated elegance greets guests at Sandals Royal Bahamian. From the cherubs to regal lion statues, we were surrounded by fountains, columns, and gazebos that transported me to my memories of Europe. All in a tropical, warm, Caribbean setting-yes, please!
Offshore Island
I’d say that this is hands down my favorite element of the Sandals Royal Bahamian. It’s the only Nassau resort that has its own private island.
Let me tell you, there’s something sexy about being able to hop on a private ferry boat to Sandals Island to play, eat, and chill for the day.
Sandals Island has zen gardens, 2 secluded beaches, freshwater pool and swim up pool bar, Schooner’s restaurant featuring Caribbean seafood a la carte menu, and a wedding lounge and gazebo.
Need some siesta time? My favorite spots were the hammocks and Bali-inspired huts.
All the Watersports
I’m a huge watersports fan, so I appreciate it when all water activities are included and at my disposal. We’re talking Hobie Cats for sailing, kayaks, snorkeling, water trikes, surfing, PADI certified SCUBA, and paddleboards.
Red Lane Spa
Having experienced the Red Lane Spa at Beaches Turks and Caicos, I knew how special the Red Lane Spa experience can be. This resort boasts a main spa, day spa, and the offshore escape for spa treatments in the zen garden or on Sandals Island. What a treat it would be to enjoy a massage outdoors overlooking the ocean!
Pools, Pools, Pools
Count them: 7 pools at Sandals Royal Bahamian. One for every day of the week! Pools are a major place for socializing and relaxing.
Swim up pool bars are my guilty pleasure, combining cool breezes and cocktails. Nothing like swimming up to the bar to burn off some calories for that drink, then sipping while perched on a partially submerged bar stool. Or better yet, grab a float and sip and float!
From the bartenders’ specialty drinks to beer and wine, these bars offer whatever your heart’s desire.
10 restaurants PLUS Private Candlelight Dining and Room Service
Trying different types of cuisines is one of my favorite travel treats. So I was tickled pink that Sandals has 10 restaurants to choose from, ranging from the French-themed Baccarat to Bella Napoli pizzeria (a must have on the beach!)
Other offerings include Italian, Japanese Teppanyaki, Mediterranean, pan Caribbean, and British pub fare.
To up the romance quotient, private candlelight dining as a 4 course dinner with white glove waiter service, personalized menu, sparkling wine, and a long stemmed rose can be arranged for an additional fee.
Weddings and Vow Renewals
Having had a destination wedding over 20 years ago, I remember how much fun it was to plan our wedding. But boy, would I have loved to have one at Sandals! They call it bringing your wedding aisle to the islands, and with wedding planners with loads of experience to assist brides and grooms, it’s no wonder destination weddings have taken off in popularity.
My pal Didi is hatching a plan for her 30th anniversary getaway to Sandals Royal Bahamian. You go, girl! And I think she needs company, don’t you? I volunteer as tribute!
Butler service
Um, did I mention that Sandals has butler service? Whoa! I feel like Robin Leach from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous! It starts at arrival with airport transfers in a Rolls Royce or Mercedez-Benz. Yeah, let that part sink in.
Sandals has partnered with the Guild of Professional English Butlers in offering their butler service. Established in 1995, the Guild of Professional English Butlers was created to deliver the highest level of service in the world fit for royalty and celebrities.
Just a few things a butler can do for you while at Sandals:
- 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.
- Coordinate with housekeeping regarding the 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.
- Ensure your table is arranged in the restaurant of your choice for dinner.
- Arrange a perfect romantic dinner for two in the privacy of your suite or your patio.
- Shine/clean your shoes for dinner.
- Tend to your wardrobe.
- Collect and return all laundry for you.
Now where do I sign up? You had me at doing my laundry!
The Fabulous Accommodations
All rooms include a mahogany 4 poster king size bed, refrigerator, hair dryer, makeup mirror, private bath and shower, safe, iPod docking station, cable TV and iron with ironing board. What wowed me was some of the suites have a balcony tranquility soaking tub-now that’s a Calgon take me away moment in the making!
All-Inclusive
The best part? It’s all-inclusive, so it won’t bust the budget. That’s a HUGE deal to us when deciding on where to travel. Nothing can kill the romance and memories of a trip then having it follow us home with all these extra add-ons that we didn’t factor into our vacation.
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distherapy says
You can be our third wheel any day Miss Sherry!
Sherry Boswell says
Deal! I will gladly tag along. You need witnesses, right? 😉