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You all know I love Sandals’ resorts, and there are so many great ones – they are all a little different. I finally got to head to Sandals Royal Bahamian, and I have to say I really loved this resort. The closest Sandals’ resort to the East Coast of the US, a private island for all to enjoy, and those beautiful Bahamian beaches. What more could you want for a luxury, adults-only getaway! Keep reading for my full Sandals Royal Bahamian Review.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Review
Sandals Royal Bahamian is great for guests that are beach lovers, or want a quick getaway from the East Coast. From New York, the flight to Nassau is under 3 hours and once you land, the resort is about a 15 minute ride.
When hubby and I traveled to Sandals Royal Bahamian, we arrived at the resort before noon. And with US pre-clearance in Nassau, when you land home, it’s like landing on a domestic flight, you are already cleared to enter the United States.
Sandals Royal Bahamian has one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen and the private island experience. We also loved the dining options and vibe at Sandals Royal Bahamian. It is one of the smaller Sandals’ so if you like huge resorts with tons of pools, restaurants and bars this might not be for you. In that case, maybe Sandals Ochi, Sandals Barbados/Royal Barbados or Sandals Grande Antigua might be better options for you.
Arriving to Sandals Royal Bahamian
When you arrive at the Nassau airport, grab your luggage and head to the Sandals arrivals lounge. Here you can get a drink and they will take your luggage and get you in the next shuttle to the resort
If you are booked in a butler suite, your package will include private transfers in a Rolls Royce. Its only about 15 minutes to the resort, but what a great way to arrive in style!
Rooms at Sandals Royal Bahamian
Sandals Royal Bahamian rooms are located in three distinct places – the West Bay Tower, East Bay Tower, and the Island Villas in the back of the resort.
On our recent visit, we stayed in a West Bay One Bedroom butler suite. These rooms were huge, well-appointed with a large balcony with some partial ocean views. The butlers could not do enough for us on our stay. They were amazing!
The West Bay Tower is home to the “highest” room category they offer at this resort – the One Bedroom Oceanview swim up suites with patio soaking tubs. These rooms have it all – the views, the swim up, the Sandals butler service and the tub!
West Bay Tower also has club level rooms that are swim ups, pool/garden, or ocean views.
The East Tower, closer to the wedding chapel also has a range of room options – the Beachfront Swim Up Suites are gorgeous, with amazing beach views, but you also have beachfront butler suites, beachfront club level rooms, club level pool side walkouts, but also the lead-in (aka cheapest) room categories.
Worth noting that the East Bay Premium Rooms do not have balconies and the views are not great – but they are the best priced room options and will get you on the resort if you are looking to ball on a budget.
If you are looking for something quiet and chill, or you want those amazing private villas, opt for something in the Island Village – this is the part of the resort in the back, behind the lobby and restaurants. No ocean views, but a beautiful option.
Back here you will find one bedroom villas with private plunge pools and balcony soaking tub. You have a separate bedroom with a sitting area little mini bar, couch and a nice bathroom with a huge stand-up shower. I loved touring these rooms! Perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway.
The Island Village also has some club level junior suites with outdoor tranquility soaking tubs, so there is really a room type at Sandals Royal Bahamian for every travel style and budget.
Check out my Ultimate Tour on youtube:
Dining at Sandals Royal Bahamian
Dinner restaurants at Sandals Royal Bahamian includes Tesoro for Italian, Kimonos for Hibachi, Soy for Sushi, Butches’, Laplume for French and Gordon’s on the pier. Only Butches and Kimonos need reservations.
There are à la carte restaurants for breakfast and lunch. The Ala carte breakfast was at La Plume and there is a breakfast buffet at the pub.
The à la carte lunch was at Tesoro’s.
There are also two food trucks, one for sweets, crêpes, and coffees and one for Island eats. Here you can find lots of conch dishes!
Aralia, on the private island, does serve an ala carte lunch.
Note that you can get pizzas to go from the Italian restaurant.
Worth mentioning when I visited, Kanoo – the buffet and Pan-Caribbean restaurant was closed for renovations, so I did not get to dine there, but be sure to check it out. Open for Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Things To do at Sandals Royal Bahamian
Sandals Royal Bahamian has two main pools. The one closer to the beach is a party vibe, and the one closer to La Plume is quiet and chill.
There is a third, very small pool in the very back of the resort, which would be a great place to relax with a book.
Around the resort there are multiple hot tubs, which is great in the winter months as the Bahamas can have cooler (60s) weather.
The beach here is the stand out – it’s so beautiful with crystal clear water.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Private Island
In my opinion, the best part of Sandals Royal Bahamian is the private island. The ferry runs to the private island a few times a day. There is a schedule on the dock. Its only about a 10-minute ride.
At Sandals Royal Bahamian’s private island, there is a pool with a bar, another bar, a restaurant, a spa, and lots of places to sit on either side the beach facing the resort or the beach facing the ocean.
All of the palapas are first come, first serve. It’s a great getaway that will have you feeling like a million bucks!
Unfortunately, If there’s a red flag, there’s no access to the private island for safety.So try to head over there on your first day or so, just in case the weather takes a turn.
Destination Weddings at Sandals Royal Bahamian
Sandals Royal Bahamian is going to be a great choice for a Sandals destination wedding. You have the largest overwater wedding chapel that Sandals offers, and also banquet seating for up to 540 guests, in the conference room.
If you are looking to get married on the beach, you can’t beat the options here. You can also have your reception on the private island – how amazing is that??
No one does weddings like Sandals, and this is a beautiful backdrop for starting your life together. If you are interested in a Sandals Destination wedding, but sure to fill THIS out to get started. I am a trained Sandals Wedding Specialist and crazy enough, don’t charge fees to plan destination weddings.
Tips for Sandals Royal Bahamian
I know you will love your stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian, but here are some tips to make your trip even more special:
See if you can find a quiet pool on the way back
They have Pickleball and tennis, with equipment provided
Check out the penthouse gym with amazing ocean views. Top floor of the East Bay building.
Nightly, there are shows, there is also a piano bar and a pub. The pub is open till 2 AM and also serves dinner and snacks
There is an Island routes desk on site and also an epic photo station
The Jet Ski rentals are not part of Sandals. Guests can partake in that at their own risk. But you can find them by the Aqua center.
Clam shells on the beach are first come first serve. If you want to rent a cabana you have to go to Club Sandals.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Review
Again, hubby and I had a great time at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Travel to and from the Bahamas is so easy and the beaches are just next level. We so enjoyed the private island and even though this is a small resort, there is plenty to do whether you are looking for a quiet spot to relax or a bit more of a vibe. We loved the martini bar in the evenings and all of the food options.
For you next quick couples getaway, let’s get you to Sandals Royal Bahamian. Be sure to reach out for all your Sandals’ Resorts booking needs. I know all the resorts and can help you find the perfect one!
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