There are several new and updated features of Sandals Royal Bahamian that I wanted to update you on after our recent stay. The most exciting is the addition of Sandals signature Crystal Lagoon swim-up suites! But let's not get ahead of ourselves...

I LOVE flying in to Nassau, Bahamas. The view from the plane of all the little out islands of the Bahamas is just gorgeous. 

The Nassau airport is new and modern. Once you have claimed your bags and completed a short immigration process, you will easily find the brand new Sandals arrivals lounge in the airport.

A friendly face will greet you, take your bags, and let you know when your transfer to the resort is ready. This usually takes just a few minutes, and the ride to the resort is only about 10 minutes. But if you do have a few extra moments in the airport, you might enjoy seeing a familiar brand at the coffee shop. 

At the end of your stay, you will also be able to clear US customs in the Nassau airport before actually leaving the island. This can save tons of time and hassle once you arrive stateside. 

Nassau is extremely friendly for those who have not traveled as much or who simply prefer a more familiar culture. Don't get me wrong, the Bahamians have their own unique style and culture, but they do appreciate American brands and experiences more so than some of the other islands in the Caribbean. 

Now on to the resort. Did you want to be treated like a queen or a king for the week?

The plush thrones in one of the small wading pools are unique and cute. But they really are a snapshot of the playful, royal style of this resort. No one takes themselves too seriously here, but the service and the food is absolutely top notch. 

Just on the other side of this wading pool is one of my favorite places to hang out - one of the two swim-up pool bars on this resort. 

The Balmoral Tower has recently been totally refurbished. I've already shared some of the updates in a previous blog here. I specifically want to show you the walk-out rooms available on the first floor of the all new Balmoral Tower. 

The beach front walk out rooms have these romantic fire pits just steps from your private patio. The fire pits come alive after sunset and make a cozy gathering area to socialize to stargaze together. 

Around the corner of the building from the beach front walk-out rooms are the Zen Garden walk-out rooms. 

While these rooms do not have the view of the beach from their private patio, they do still have a private sitting area on the patio and a personal sunning area in the Zen garden. These will satisfy a more restrictive budget. 

This gorgeous, quiet end of the beach is just steps away from the Balmoral walk-out rooms as well. 

This is the quieter, less frequented end of the beach on this resort. How about a dinner by candle light or a couples massage at the end of this pier? 

Sandals Royal Bahamian never feels crowded. Here is a spot for sunning right in the middle of the beach on the main area of the resort. The water is always so blue in Nassau. This is also the perfect spot for a beach wedding with a gorgeous backdrop. 

Sandals Royal Bahamian now boasts an enormous penthouse fitness center with the absolute best view from an elliptical trainer that I've ever seen. 

On the opposite side of the resort from the Balmoral Tower sits the Windsor Block where many of the other guest rooms are located. The rooms of the Windsor Block have also been recently updated. Most notably, Sandals has added their signature Crystal Lagoon swim-up suites, which have previously been found at Sandals Negril, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Grande St. Lucian. 

These first floor suites feature private entrances to the Crystal Lagoon pool. On this resort, the Crystal Lagoon pool is fairy secluded from the rest of the resort. You will have lots of privacy in these tranquil suites. 

You will also experience the highest level of pampering when you stay in one of these luxurious honeymoon suites as they come with Sandals exclusive Personal Butler Service as well. How about champagne breakfast on your private patio overlooking the sparkling Crystal Lagoon pool followed by a refreshing swim to start the day?

The other rooms in the Windsor Block have also been recently updated to the highest standards. These more entry level rooms offer lots of space and plenty of extra amenities. 

To read more about Sandals Royal Bahamian including the private offshore island, check out this blog article. If you are planning a honeymoon, you may be interested in this article. Or if you are planning a destination wedding, check this out. If you are looking for a more exotic resort, this article on Sandals Emerald Bay might suit your taste. 

In any case, I hope you will request a no obligation complimentary vacation consultation with me. There is never any fee for my service. Your Sandals vacation will cost the same whether you book through me or any other method. So why not let me guide you through selecting the right resort and room for your preferences and budget? I will take care of ALL of the details from this point until you return from your trip. 

Sandals Emerald Bay is one of the newest, most exclusive and chic resorts in the Caribbean. This resort is located on an out island of the Bahamas called Great Exuma. 

The Exumas are considered to be the French Riviera of the Caribbean; their calm aquamarine bays and beautiful beaches rest just 130 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas. A mere 40 minutes by plane from South Florida, the 365 tiny islets and cays that comprise The Exumas feel as though they are a million miles away from anywhere. Deep within the pristine Bahamian Out Islands, their waters are revered the world over for their diving, fishing and yachting. 

Upon arrival at Georgetown International Airport, after exiting Customs and Immigration, just look for the Sandals Welcome Host. Your complimentary transfer to and from the resort is arranged by Sandals, so climb aboard your air-conditioned bus and enjoy a brief 10-minute ride to Sandals Emerald Bay. Once you arrive at the resort, you'll be greeted like all Sandals guests, with a glass of champagne, a cold towel and a warm smile.

Deep within the idyllic waters of the Exumas, Sandals Emerald Bay brings unprecedented luxury to the easy-going rhythms of the Bahamian Out Islands. Here, civilized pleasure coexists with exotic adventures amidst 500 tropical acres along a pristine, mile-long beach, which ensures you will feel as if you are the only ones there. Service reigns supreme, and Bahamian-style architecture of elegant villas and suites harmonize with nature. This resort boasts three impressive pools including a half-acre, zero-entry pool with dramatic fire pit in the middle. You may play championship golf on a Greg Norman-designed course, voted one of the Caribbean's Best by Travel & Leisure Golf or relax in the first-ever 16,000 sq. ft. Red Lane Dermalogica concept spa.

Resort Highlights:

• Resort sits on one mile of the Exumas best powdery white sand beaches with a panoramic view
• Room Service in all room categories
• 245 choices of luxurious accommodations in 26 categories
• Butler Service in 33 Seaside Villas and 36 One-Bedroom Suites
• 7 Restaurants plus Room Service and 6 Bars at this resort
• 150 slip deep water marina
• Freshly baked fruit-flavored bread from our Authentic Island-Style Stone Oven right on the resort
• Greg Norman designed 7001 yard, par 72 Championship golf course with 6 signature Oceanside holes
• Three fresh water pools including the Caribbean’s largest zero entry pool with a central fire pit
• Magnificent Red Lane Spa facility encompassing 16,000 sq. ft. with 16 relaxing treatment rooms
• State of the art fitness center
• Over 13,000 sq. ft. of covered banqueting and convention facilities.

Room Features:

Down duvets and pillows; personal pillow menu; flat screen televisions with cable connections; DVD players on request; electronic in-room safe; hairdryer; emergency overnight toiletry kit; lighted make-up/shaving mirror; luggage rack; individual temperature control; robes; iron and ironing board; smoke and heat detectors; night lights; two line speaker phones with data port and I-home deck with an alarm clock. All suites include double marble vanity sinks, glass enclosed shower and a deep soaking tub.

Sandals Exclusive Personal Butler Service:

Your wish is our command. With the uncompromising attention of a personal butler trained to the highest standards by the elite Guild of Professional English Butlers, you will be pampered throughout your stay in extraordinary ways. From unpacking and packing your luggage, attending to your wardrobe, serving a glorious breakfast on your terrace, and many more surprises, a Sandals Suite complete with your own personal butler, is the ultimate indulgence. More on Personal Butler Service here.

Emerald Reef Golf Club

“Built along a headland on the eastern shores of Great Exuma, the Emerald Reef course is the Caribbean's answer to Pebble Beach in California. In fact – and whisper it quietly – with six signature holes that hug the ocean, for sheer aesthetic appeal, this Bahamian course might even surpass it."

Charles Starmer-Smith
Travel News Editor Telegraph Travel

Off-Resort Adventures

Fishing on the Exuma flats for huge bonefish... Cruising in and out of 150 islands and cays... Feeding wild iguanas and swimming pigs... Kayaking through a maze of mangroves in the Moriah Marine Park... Swimming with friendly sharks... There a something for everyone in and around Great Exuma, Bahamas

More on this Destination

Visa & Passport Requirements
All travelers will require a valid passport. Please check for any other necessary visa or documentation requirements.

Average Temperatures
Caribbean temperatures are warm year-round. Daytime average: 82°F, 28°C. Nighttime average: 72°F, 22°C.

Dress Code
Resort casual by day, resort elegant by night. So while the sun is up, your shorts, tank tops, swim suits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are the perfect attire. As the sun sets and you set out to enjoy the evening, proper attire is required (although elegant dress shorts are permitted in some restaurants).

Safe Deposit Boxes
Safe deposit boxes are included in every room. Guests with jewelry and/or cash are advised to store all valuables in safe deposit boxes as Sandals cannot be held responsible

WI-FI Coverage and Internet Access
Most public areas of this hotel, and all of the rooms, have Wi-Fi coverage for your convenience. Instant access to the Internet may be obtained by simply connecting to the network, and wi-fi is included with every room at this resort.

Scuba Diving
Top-of-the-line equipment for scuba diving is included for certified divers; however, you're welcome to bring your own. You must remember your diver certification cards to enjoy full diving privileges. If you have any contra-indications to diving you must have a doctor complete and sign the physician section on the medical questionnaire form before you will be allowed to dive at any of our resorts.

Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are strictly prohibited for all staff except personal Butlers & Spa Therapists. In the event you wish to tip your Butler or Spa Therapist, it will be greatly appreciated but under no circumstance will a tip be required or solicited.

Download a free eBrochure:

Sandals Royal Bahamian has been voted "Top Spa Resort" by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, and this resort is considereed to be the most elegant resort in the Bahamas. I've written in previous posts about its European grandeour and old world charm. But with Sandals, always expect more...

Only Sandals gives you two vacations in one: Included with your Sandals Royal Bahamian romantic getaway is an exotic escape to Sandals Cay romantic offshore island. In addition to all of the amenities and activities offered on the main resort, you won't want to miss what Sandals Cay adds to your honeymoon or romantic getaway:

Transportation

Sandals operates a private water taxi between the mainland and the offshore island. In less than 10 minutes, you will arrive on your private island to a boardwalk leading to a gorgeous expanse of alabaster sand. Or travel on your own by kayak or sailboat. 

Beaches

Yes, two. Each side of the island boasts a white sand beach, an amazing view and plenty of spots for two to enjoy the sun and eachother's company. The view from the front of the island - the arrival side - looks back to the main resort. The water between the island and the resort's main beach is relatively shallow and many shades of turquoise. Chaise lounge chairs dot the sand in pairs, and beach service delivers cocktails from the bar. The beach on the back side of the island offers calm, shallow water that is good for swimming or even and improptude snorkeling experience.

Fishing

You won't find this in any of the Sandals official publications, but don't worry. Sandals loves it when guests make their resorts a home away from home. The edges and ends of the island are rocky, and the water is shallow. The fishermen will know this is perfect for a little flyfishing. Flyfishing for bonefish in the Bahamas is considered some of the best flyfishing in the world. Now, I'm not saying that Sandals Cay is among the world's top flyfishing locations, but it is perfect for the laid-back, selfpaced fisherman just enjoying a relaxing vacation on the water. 

I took this picture of some guests flyfishing during our last trip.

Offshore Island Beach Club

A lively, social pool is surrounded by oversized round lounge chairs for two. Enjoy the carefree swim-up bar or float your cares away in the soothing spa bath. Order a refreshingly tropical cocktail from the swim-up bar where a smiling bartender will probably already know you by name. 

Red Lane Spa Beside the Shore

Red Lane^® Spa transforms European spa regimens with island flair. And Red Lane Escape takes these unique treatments to Sandals Cay and imbues them even more with the unique island style that sets Red Lane apart from every other spa in the world. Every massage table is positioned along a secluded section of beach so you'll also be soothed by the sound of melodious waves. Whether a heart rock massage on a sea raft or a salt scrub on the beach, a Red Lane Escape is the beginning of a very special path to renewal.

Stew Fish

Travel to Sandals Cay for a real taste of the Bahamas. Take in the vivid blue of the water and the symphony of ocean waves breaking on white sand just beyond the open walls of this authentic Caribbean restaurant. Satisfy your longing for the freshest seafood perfectly accompanied by a chilled, golden chardonnay. Stew Fish serves lighter lunch until 3:00pm, closes and then re-opens for elegant, romantic fine Caribbean dinner. Reservations are required for dinner, so be sure to make them as soon as you arrive on resort. 

Chic Nights

The evening doesn't end with dinner at Sandals Cay. After sunset, your private island transforms into a lively nighttime gathering place with tiki torches flickering across tented chaises and private beachside cabanas while blazing fire pits light up the starry night. 

Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon or 25th anniversary trip, a relaxing Caribbean spa getaway, or a lively couples retreat with friends, the Sandals Royal Bahamian two-in-one vacation is really an exciting way to experience the Bahamas. We would love to help you plan your romantic Caribbean vacation. There is never any charge for our services. Click below to learn more about how I can take care of all of the details for you. 

Or you may prefer to join one of our upcoming webinars to learn more about the Sandals All Inclusive Resorts. Click here to register for a free webinar. 

January 23-27, 2013
Sandals Emerald Bay
Great Exuma, Bahamas

You are invited to join Scott Wilson, P.G.A. Professional, for an extended weekend of golf and vacation. Come experience the most beautiful Greg Norman Championship Golf Course in the Caribbean and relax and recharge with friends.

All-inclusive golf packages start at $1,969* per couple and include:

4 nights accomodations
All meals on resort including white-glove dinner service
Unlimited drinks including premium brand liquors, beer and wine
Group rounds of golf
Water sports including scuba and snorkeling
Land sports including tennis and top-of-the-line fitness center
Transfers to and from the airport
All taxes, fees, tips and gratuities

*airfare can be arranged

For more information, please Contact Us and let me know that you are interested in joining our golf group.

Click Here to download the flier.

In my previous post Sandals Royal Bahamian: Escape to Elegant Romance, I shared with you the elegance and carefree romance that Sandals Royal Bahamian offers. I also noted the construction project as a result of Hurricane Irene and how excited we were to see the posh, new amenities of the Balmoral Tower.

Well, it is official. The Balmoral Tower is complete. And the result is astounding. With $17.5 million in renovations, Sandals Royal Bahamian has unveiled a refined Balmoral Tower with all new rooms, suites with oversized balconies, and a sophisticated lobby with marble floors and stylish chandeliers.

All accommodations in the Balmoral Tower feature new tile flooring, solid mahogany furnishings, 42" plasma TVs, new bathrooms with soaking tubs and his & her vanities, and chic soft furnishings in calming shades of aqua and beige.

Beachfront rooms also boast balconies with direct ocean views. The new Bahamian Beachfront Walkout Suites allow guests to step from their suite to their private patio featuring a firepit and lounge bed and then directly down to the beach!

If you're in the mood for a romantic caribbean vacation inspired by old world elegance and royal hospitality, Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas may be your ideal destination. Nassau also offers convenient access to several casinos and authentic Caribbean shopping.

For a full description of the dining options, activities, accomodations and the not-to-be-missed private island at this resort, please see Sandals Royal Bahamian: Escape to Elegant Romance. Then, contact me to be among the first guests to stay at the all new Balmoral Tower.

Once our workshop at Sandals Royal Bahamian had concluded, Robbie pulled a few strings and we were lucky enough to get to stay a night at Sandals Emerald Bay - the more recently acquired of the two Sandals resorts in the Bahamas. This was a TREAT! Sandals Emerald Bay is an exclusive resort on a small island - Great Exuma. Unlike Nassau, there is very little development on the island other than Sandals Emerald Bay. In fact, there are no stoplights on Great Exuma.

Sandals Emerald Bay's most notable features are a Greg Norman golf course, an untouched 2 mile stretch of beach, and the most impeccable service I have ever experienced.



The 18 hole Emerald Reef Golf Course boasts some of the most amazing views in the Caribbean - especially from a tee box. This is a well-kept par 72 Championship course designed by Greg Norman. The western end of the island is a long peninsula that curves in just a bit to form Emerald Bay. As you play through the first part of the back nine holes, you travel out to the tip of the island on the back side of the peninsula. Here, the waves crash against the rocks below, and you may catch a glimpse of the yachts in the 150-slip deepwater marina. As you play through the last few holes of the course, you will come around to the bay side, and you are greeted with a breath-taking panoramic view of the resort.



Sandals Emerald Bay also offers 6 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts including a sunken stadium court. The tennis pro usually offers a complimentary tennis lesson to guests and is available to help coordinate matches. The magnificent Red Lane Spa facility includes separate men's and women's locker rooms and relaxation rooms, 16 peaceful treatment rooms and a state of the art fitness center. Yoga, aquacize and personal training sessions are available through the fitness center.

But you need not be a golfer or play tennis to find your perfect getaway at Emerald Bay. The resort's 2 miles of powdery white sand beach and the Bahama's signature turquoise water is any beach-lover's paradise. I highly recommend a room in one of the Beachfront Villas, which are painted to match the brilliant color of the bay. This is the true Emerald Bay experience. The rooms on the ground floor of the villas each have patios which step right off in to the sand. The beach here is so long, staying in the villas feels as if you have your own private beach. The rooms on the 2nd floor of the villas have balconies with gorgeous ocean views as well. My recommendation is the Prime Minister Honeymoon Beachfront Walkout Suite. These are on the first floor of the villas and each has a private hammock, which is perfect for stargazing. Because this island has no city and very little ambient light, the stars are bright and fill the night sky. This is a very special vacation.



The suites at Sandals Emerald Bay each have double marble vanities, glass enclosed walk-in showers, deep soaking tubs, and espresso machines. Some even have walk-in closets. The hotel facilities are new and fresh and beautifully designed. There are two pools on the property - a quiet one just past the zen garden and reflecting pool - and a more lively one - the Caribbean's largest zero entry pool at one-half acre. This pool is a destination in itself. It has a large swim-up bar, integrated hot-tub, and an elevated fire pit. Both pools are surrounded by pairs of cushioned chaise lounge chairs, some with umbrellas and others under draped cabanas. The larger pool even has ratton-style couches just in the water with over-stuffed cushions and pillows so you can sit with your toes in the water and admire the view of the ocean and the sky from the pool. If you are looking for a getaway to lounge by the pool and read a good book, spend time reconnecting with your loved one, or take a nap in the shade, this resort does it better than you can imagine.



The culinary experience at Sandals Emerald Bay is unrivaled in the Caribbean. Whether you crave an evening of sophisticated conversation and fine dining, the barefoot elegance of oceanside dining, a refined afternoon tea, or a lively night at an authentic English pub, seven unique restaurants offer a cuisine and atmosphere to suit every mood. During our stay, we had a lovely, quiet breakfast at Bahama Bay, a casual dining setting that offers buffet dining experience three meals a day with nightly themed dinners. We enjoyed a Caribbean-style seafood lunch with our toes in the sand at Barefoot by the Sea, one of Sandal's signature restaurants. Sitting at picnic tables under thatched roofs on the beach with cloth napkins, we enjoyed delicious conch fritters and grouper sliders. When we arrived on resort, our butler secured an 8:00pm dinner reservation at Il Cielo, the Italian restaurant requiring reservations, on our behalf. So, in the early evening, we stopped at the Drunken Duck, the resort's English Pub, for hot wings and beer. I would not usually order hot wings in the Caribbean, but we had heard these were exceptional, and we were NOT disappointed. When we walked through the doors of the Drunken Duck, it was as if we had been transported to the UK. This pub is authentic from the British manager to the Guinness on tap and New Castle in the bottle. Once we'd had our snack, and enjoyed the sunset from the couches in the pool while we finished our drinks, we headed to our suite to get ready for dinner.



We were early - 8:00pm dinner is a little late for these East TN girls - so we had a drink in the Il Cielo bar while we waited. The ceiling in this bar a restaurant is at least 20 feet high and painted the color of the Caribbean sky. (Il Cielo is Italian for the sky.) The bar in this lounge is tall and mahogany with a marble top. The lighting is sophisticated and modern. We could tell we were in for a treat. Of course, once the hostess at Il Cielo knew we were there, she offered to seat us immediately. Our waiter was a proper but friendly young Bahamian studying biochemistry at the university on the main island. (The adult literacy rate in the Bahamas is 95%. Impressive.) We enjoyed a five course meal complete with a pasta course of the most amazing risotto I have ever had. If you've ever had risotto (or if you've ever watched Hell's Kitchen), you know, it is hard to do right. And as the daughter of travel agents, I've had the privilege of dining in fine restaurants in many countries. I know, this is a lot of sentences to cover a pasta course, but I want you to understand, this was Fabulous! And after that build-up, the entrée course was no disappointment, either. The Snapper tempura I had was very good. Robbie had Sea Bass, which she used the adjective "succulent" to describe. (She also noted that she is pretty sure she has never used the term succulent to describe food before.) After the entrée course, we knew we were experiencing something remarkable, and we asked our waiter to send our compliments to the chef. A few minutes later the handsome, young Chef Francesco of Bologna appeared at our table to thank us for the compliment. This is an important point that sets the Sandals resorts apart from their peers. Their themed restaurants are authentic from the decor to the menu because they are run by master chefs originating from the theme country. And last, of course, an extravagant dessert course was served, and we were apologetic that we only had room for a taste.

Other restaurants at Sandals Emerald Bay include La Parisienne - the French fine dining restaurant requiring reservations, and Café de Paris (pronounced like the French), which serves espresso, pastries and hand-dipped ice cream or gelato. Dino's Pizzeria serves made-to-order pizzas from a wood-fired oven for lunch and dinner, and room service is available to all rooms any time.

There are so many details I'm leaving out here, but you really need to experience this resort for yourself. If you are a golfer, a beach-lover, or if you just appreciate great service, this resort is not to be missed!

Are you Planning a Honeymoon? Click below to download the Sandals Luxury Included Honeymoon eBrochure:

Robbie and I had the privilege of staying at the Sandals Royal Bahamian this weekend while we completed the Sandals WeddingMoon Specialist training workshop. We left this resort with a renewed sense of the elegance of the Bahamas. Of the Caribbean island nations, the Bahamian Islands are high on the scale of British influence. At Sandals Royal Bahamian, the elegance of royal hospitality is married with the carefree intimacy of the Caribbean, and the love affair is very Romantic.

As you'll remember, the Sandals portfolio is a line of luxury all-inclusive Caribbean resorts for couples and specializes in romance. As they say, at Sandals, love is all you need because everything else is included.

The Crystal Room is one of seven gourmet restaurants on Royal Bahamian and serves Elegant International cuisine. The crown jewel of the resort's dining facilities is a pure Baccarat crystal chandelier originally installed in The Crystal Room by the then Governor of The Bahamas, the Duke of Winsor. The Crystal Room is completed by a baby grande piano and impeccable wait staff. Baccarat Restaurant is just next door and serves French cuisine with white glove service. This very modern restaurant requires reservations (no additional charge), and it not to be missed! So make your reservations as quickly as possible after arriving on property. Or book a room with Sandal's Personal Butler Service, and your butler will make reservations on your behalf before you arrive. Ristorante Casanova is another gourmet dining option serving Northern Italian cuisine, and Kimono's Restaurant serves Teppanyaki-style Asian fare. Spices serves International cuisine three meals per day, Cafe Goombay serves Bahamian-style seafood, and Gordon's on the Pier is elegant a la carte dining exclusively for guests saying in Butler Suites. The resort also offers an outdoor grill-style restaurant, a stone-oven pizzeria serving made to order pizzas, and The Cricketer's Irish Pub. The resort's dining options are rounded out by 8 bars and cocktail lounges.



While we were on resort, one building was undergoing "beautification," as the resort Sales Manager Cheddi put it. Hurricane Irene flooded part of one of the hotel facilities in Summer 2011, so Sandals has taken the opportunity to completely remodel this part of the resort. We are VERY excited about the amenities that the new rooms will have. Along with marble floors, his and her vanities with backlighting, and extended balconies, the ground floor rooms on the pool side will boast private fire pits! Yes, if you are staying in one of these rooms, resort staff will come around in the evening and start the fire on your patio, which I'm sure will be complimented by a cushioned love-seat under the stars. Talk about romantic...

The construction on this section is scheduled to be complete by the end of February 2012. And I'm sure the features we were told about are only a few of the exciting upgrades to this building. I often tell my clients that Sandals does luxury and romance with as much thought and attention to detail as Disney does fun and education. I will be encouraging my clients to be the first to stay in the new walkout suites with private fire pit.

[UPDATED: Construction on Balmoral Tower is now complete. See details of the rennovation here.]

This resort has many public areas where couples gather in the evening after dinner to chat and listen a local steel drum band or dance to the softer sounds of a jazz band. The most picturesque of these is the Beach Deck. This large, tiered wooden deck sits overlooking the resort's main beach and has large couches and beach-style arm chairs with overstuffed pillows all grouped around several fire pits and tiki torches. The sounds of the ocean, the bright stars, the sand under your feet, the fire, the music, the conversation is all intoxicating - a very authentic Caribbean experience.



The Sandals Ladies both agree that the private island here is the resort's most unique feature. One-half mile off the white sand beach of Sandals Royal Bahamian is Sandals Cay. The resort runs an hourly water shuttle to and from the island. On our ride over, the beauty of the turquoise water and the clear blue sky was breath-taking.



A member of the Sandals staff referred to Sandals Cay as "Summer camp for adults." And it is. When you first step off the ferry, you are greeted with rum punch and other iced beverages on the pier. As you walk up on to the island, you see spacious white sand beaches on either side of the pier with views of all the resorts that line the beaches of Nassau as well as any cruise ships that may be in port. Next, you will arrive at the pool with swim-up bar.



This quiet pool is surrounded by luxurious cushioned love-seats and is adjacent to the resort's seafood restaurant Cafe Goombay, which is open for lunch and dinner. Narrow pathways disappear in several directions from the pool and restaurant. As you walk along these quiet pathways, you come across many cozy little hideaways for couples including tree swings, hammocks hung between tall palm trees, and thached-roof cabanas with cushioned lounge chairs for two.



Each private spot is perfect to enjoy the day with gorgeous views of the sand, water and sky. From the backside of Sandals Cay, you may spend hours contemplating the horizon of bright blue sky and deep blue water that seems to go on forever. Should you choose to continue along the path that leads East, you approach the Zen Garden and Red Lane Spa. Here, the Sandals spa staff offer individual or couples spa services in one of four private cabanas with views of the ocean.



There is no need for sound machines in this spa. You will enjoy the sound of real waves crashing on the rocks as you experience complete relaxation.

Although they say there is always a party at The Cricketer's Irish Pub, this resort is probably not for those looking for lots of night life on resort. But it is for couples that enjoy plenty of time on the beach and/or by the pool. The resort has a quiet pool and a more lively pool, both of which are very impressive with swim up pool bars and heavy wooden deck chairs with stuffed cushions. This resort is perfect for couples that like to find a cozy little hideout and spend the day together. The food here is fabulous, and the staff is very friendly. This resort is also ideal for those that wish to gamble - there is gambling within walking distance - and shop. The large downtown shopping area of Nassau is a $1.25US bus fare away. The flight from Atlanta to Nassau takes less than 2 hours, and the drive to the resort from the airport is around 10 minutes. And that's just MOST of the features of this resort that I wanted to share...

Maybe Sandals Royal Bahamian will be your next great Escape to Elegant Romance!