Sandals Royal Bahamian

The beach at Sandals Royal Bahamian is what I imagine when thinking of a Bahamas postcard.  And there it is, right in front of you!  The sand is pure white and feels like powder beneath your feet. 

It’s not too crowded, giving it a peaceful and private vibe. There are a lot of places to relax, whether it’s under a shady umbrella or on a comfy lounge chair.

The water just off the beach is somewhat protected by the piers and a rock barrier so it is very calm. Sometimes, you can even spot colorful fish swimming around you.

As mentioned above, one of the unique parts of this resort is the private island (Sandals Cay)  just a short boat ride away. This island has two beautiful white-sand beaches where you can unwind and enjoy the clear blue waters.

Here’s what you can expect for a day at the beach here: 

• Beach: A secluded white sand beach just steps away from the resort. Additionally, a private island featuring two pristine beaches.
• Water: The crystal clear waters are ideal for a swim. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely dip or do some snorkeling, the water is nice and warm.
• Watersports: Lots of watersports including windsurfing, kayaking, hobie cats, and snorkeling. The PADI-certified scuba diving program is a must-try.
• Lounging: There are plenty of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and private cabanas so you don’t need to worry about getting a spot or losing yours if you go for a swim. 
• Beach Service: Servers will attend to you so you never have to leave the sand!  There are also a couple of beach side bars you can go to, or try the Coco Queen food truck. 

There are 10 unique restaurants throughout Sandals Royal Bahamian offering delicious dishes from around the world. There are also two new food trucks to grab food on the go. 

Each restaurant has its own distinctive vibe so you’ll find the perfect setting for any craving or mood.  Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant options:

La Plume: La Plume is a boujee French restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. The magret de canard à l’orange (duck breast) was amazing. This restaurant is ideal for a quiet, elegant meal. Note that reservations and resort evening attire are required for dinner.

Kanoo: Kanoo specializes in Caribbean cuisine with a casual atmosphere. It has a fantastic breakfast buffet in the morning that starts at 7:30.  Located right by the pool, it is ideal to grab a bite for lunch too.  The jerk chicken was my go to here!

Soy: Soy is all about sushi meets the mediterranean. The seared tuna tataki is fresh caught and by far my favorite roll there. This restaurant is only available for dinner between 5:30 – 9:30, but it has a more casual vibe than some other options. 

Tesoro: Tesoro is for the Italian food lovers. The restaurant is quite large and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I definitely had more than one hand made pizza cooked in the stone oven! Aside from that, the pastas are another savory treat. 

Kimono’s: Kimono’s is a teppanyaki style restaurant like Benihana. It’s a fun time to gather around the center table and get to know some of the other resort guests. The shrimp and steak combo was my favorite.  Keep in mind you need to make reservations in advance for Kimono’s.

The Queen’s Pearl: The Queen’s Pearl serves traditional British pub fare. It is also open until 2:00 AM making it a great late night spot. If you want to grab some bar food, I recommend the fish and chips, which are crispy and delicious. 

Aralia House: Aralia House is located out on the private island.  It’s open from 11:00 – 4:00 for lunch and offers outstanding local seafood dishes. The fresh lobster tail is a standout item on the menu. Since it’s located right on the beach, you can hang out in a casual environment.

Butch’s Chop House: Open only for dinner, Butch’s offers top quality steak and seafood.  That said, I would highly recommend going with the surf and turf menu!  Filet mignon and lobster tail, you can’t go wrong.  Note that it is a little more formal setting, and you need to make reservations in advance. 

Calico Cafe: Calico is a beachside grill that is open for lunch.  I found myself going there a couple of times as it is right off the beach.  It’s a perfect location to get a burger or salad while still overlooking the beautiful sea. 

Gordon’s: Gordon’s serves grilled meat and seafood.  But the awesome location being right on the pier makes it an all around great time. Pro tip is to make a reservation for sunset and enjoy the views. Thank me later 🙂  You need to dress in more formal evening attire and make reservations, but it’s definitely worth it. 

I will say, regardless of which restaurant you choose, the common theme at all the restaurants is the staff’s attention to the details.  You can see the managers even making the rounds and ensuring everything is operating top notch. You can get a private candlelight dinner on the beach with butler service for the ultimate romantic experience.  

Pro Tip: If you book a 7 night stay in a butler level suite, or diamond category or above, you will also get a $250 credit to use at a host of other restaurants located around Nassau so you can have even more variety.

There are 7 total pools, but the two main pools are the center of the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. Each pool offers a unique experience.

These two main pools both have a swim-up bar for quick access to drinks without leaving the pool and also a nearby whirlpool for a nice treat.  There is one sky sized pool on each side of the resort (east and west side).

There are also villa suites that will offer their own private pool for maximum intimacy.  Similarly, you can get swim up suites that have direct access to your room from the pool.  I personally liked the swim up suites in the East Bay more as they directly overlook the sea front. 

Lastly, out on the Barefoot Cay private island, there is a small pool and whirlpool for soaking in.

There’s a lot to do on or around Sandals Royal Bahamian.  You could safely spend your whole time there without leaving the property.  But if you want to experience some other activities, I’ll lay out some excursions to look forward to as well. 

Activities At The Resort

Staying active at Sandals Royal Bahamian is easy. I tried the PADI-certified scuba diving course and was able to see beautiful coral and fish.  Aside from that, there are plenty of less intensive options like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding for those who love being on the water. There are also two tennis courts to play on and even get classes from a certified instructor.

• Fitness Center: Open daily with a range of equipment.
• Tennis: Available day and night, with complimentary coaching.
• Water Sports: Ski, wakeboard, paddle board, scuba, snorkel, hobie cats, kayak
• Entertainment: Piano bar, game room, billiards, shuffleboard, bocce ball

Relaxation And Spa

For relaxation, you can go to the onsite Red Lane Spa. The spa offers various treatments, from massages to facials.

Besides traditional treatments, the spa includes unique experiences like couples massages and seaside cabanas. I would definitely recommend getting at least one treatment here whether a short massage or a facial to help the stress melt aways. 

• Spa Treatments: A variety of options such as massages, hot stone, aroma therapy, facials, and scrubs.
• Manicures and Pedicures: Expert beauty treatments for your nails.
• Himalayan Salt Stone Treatment: Full body warm himalayan salt stone massage. 

Off-Site Adventures

• Catamaran Cruises:  There are several different catamaran cruises you can choose from.  Taking a cruise out to Rose Island is quite popular. You can also get a more relaxed reggae cruise along the coast. Along the way you can go snorkeling off Athol Island. All of these boat cruises can be booked right at the Island Routes desk at the resort. 
• Swim With The Pigs: Book an powerboat adventure to Exuma island to swim with the pigs.  You will need to dedicate a full day to this trip, but you get an opportunity to see several other islands around the Bahamas.  Along with the pigs, you will get a chance to see rock iguanas, nurse sharks, and plenty more. 
• Nassau Straw Market: Located just 15 minutes away, the Nassau Straw Market shines as a go-to spot for unique Bahamian crafts. I love exploring the various handcrafted souvenirs, from woven baskets to colorful jewelry. Haggling is part of the fun, and you can find great deals on local art.
• Pirates of Nassau Museum:  Bring the Pirates Of The Caribbean to life! (yes, they were a real thing) A short 10-minute drive brings you to the Pirates of Nassau Museum. This interactive museum makes history come alive with replicas of pirate ships and fascinating exhibits. Admission is $14 for adults and $7 for children. 
• Cable Beach: Cable Beach is just a 5-minute drive and is perfect for a lazy day by the sea. The beach offers crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand. There are water sports available, and it’s wonderful for a simple, relaxing experience. No admission fee is needed; just bring your towel and sunscreen.  There are a lot of local restaurants and vendors here to get some cool souvenirs. 
• Graycliff Chocolate Factory: This charming factory is only 10 minutes away and costs around $10 for a tour. I enjoy seeing how chocolate is made from bean to bar. The best part is the delicious tasting at the end, where you get to sample a variety of handcrafted chocolates.

There are 33 room categories that cater to everyone’s preferences and budgets.  In all, Sandals Royal Bahamian has 404 luxurious suites spread out across the property.

For example, we stayed in an East Bay Beachfront Swim Up Suite, but here are the different room levels to choose from:

Luxury Level Rooms:  The Sandals Luxury Level rooms are entry level rooms with amenities such as a king-size bed, smart TV, and in-room refrigerator. These rooms are still very nice rooms with great views, but without additional amenities like butler service or private pools.

Club Level Rooms: Club Sandals Level rooms include the Luxury Level offerings with added 24 hour concierge services. These rooms come with a fully stocked bar with premium liquors and access to the Club Sandals Lounge. All of these will also have great views of the Caribbean.

Butler Level Suites: If you want to spring for the ultimate luxury experience, Butler Level suites have a personal butler to tend to your every need. These include premium Swup Up Suites and Private Villas with their own private pools.  A unique feature at The Royal Bahamian is you also get luxury transfers in a Rolls Royce!

Sandals Royal Bahamian has so much to offer that it’s hard to keep track of it all.  Considering all of the included amenities, it was definitely worth it to us. 

Let’s unpack everything that is included: 

• Luxury Accommodations: The rooms and suites strike a fine balance of elegance and comfort. Even the Luxury Level rooms stand out as being quite nice for “entry level”.   
• Rolls Royce Transfers: For the butler level suites, you will get a private transfer in a Rolls Royce to and from the airport. 
• Unlimited Dining And Drinks: With 10 gourmet dining options and 8 bars, all-inclusive is taken to the next level. You choose which restaurant you want for every meal. 
• Water Sports: The range of included water sports is extremely large. Options include PADI certified scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more!
• Land Sports:  Enjoy tennis and tennis training from a certified instructor.  There is also beach volleyball, table tennis, shuffleboard, pool tables, and bocce ball. 
• Entertainment: There is always music and festivities going on somewhere it seems.  We really enjoyed Beach party night and the silent disco.  Also check out the Piano bar for some laughs!
• Service: The team is clearly dedicated to providing a friendly and attentive service.  If you go with the butler service, you can request anything you want at any time of day!
• Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from the airport are included.
• In-Room Wine and Spirits: A selection of premium wines and spirits are stocked right in your room.
• Private Island Adventure: The beauty of the private island beach is just a short boat transfer away from your luxurious accommodation. Enjoy a totally separate private island experience. 
• Fitness Center: There is a really nice and modern fitness center here.  You can do classes or have a trainer, but I am always too busy on the beach and with the other activities. 
• No Tipping Policy: Last but not least, no tipping is allowed! Indulge in whatever you want without the need for extra gratuities.  This creates a laid back atmosphere, but more importantly, you wont get any extra fees or charges at checkout.

Needless to say, I really felt like the all-inclusive experience was well worth the money! There are also amenities that are offered, but not included.  These are things like the on-site Red Lane spa, beach cabanas, butler candlelight dinners, and local tours.  

Sandals Royal Bahamian is in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. It’s strategically located on the northern shore of the island, known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters.

The resort is about a 15-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport, making it easy to access after a flight. 

Being close to both the airport and downtown Nassau adds to the convenience. The vibrant local culture, shopping spots, and historical sites are just a short trip away. This makes it a great destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Sandals Royal Bahamian is in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. It’s strategically located on the northern shore of the island, known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters.

The resort is about a 15-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport, making it easy to access after a flight. 

Being close to both the airport and downtown Nassau adds to the convenience. The vibrant local culture, shopping spots, and historical sites are just a short trip away. This makes it a great destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Is Sandals Royal Bahamian adults only?

Yes, Sandals Royal Bahamian is adults only.  It is best suited for adult couples looking to enjoy a romantic getaway.  That said, it is not limited to only couples.  You can go with friends or by yourself as well! 

How close is Sandals Royal Bahamian to the nearest airport?

The Sandals Royal Bahamian is located just 5 miles away from the Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), which is a 10 minute drive. Included with the stay are free airport transfers both ways.  If you book a Butler level room, you will get luxury transfers in a Rolls Royce!

When is the best time to visit Sandals Royal Bahamian?

The best time to visit Sandals Royal Bahamian is from December to April when the temperature is pleasant, there is plenty of sun, and little precipitation. However, for the best pricing, you can visit during low season from May to July.  There is potentially a little more precipitation, but the showers are short lived.