I'm thrilled to introduce to you Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica - the newest resort in Jamaica. Many have previously known this resort as Sandals Ocho Rios, but with its recent 60 million dollar renovation, the transformation is on such a grand scale, the enhancements so impressive, the resort had to have a new name.

The Sand Lady's clients love this resort because it offers three distinctive vacation experiences: an oceanfront garden oasis called the Riviera Seaside, the hill-top Great House and Riviera Villas, and the hip new Ochi Beach Club.

Riviera Seaside

Sandals Grande Riviera is located on one of Jamaica’s most sought-after stretches of coastline.  Known as the Caribbean Riviera, the resort's endless alabaster beaches and crystal-clear waters host living coral reefs. A Grande Promenade stretching far over the sea allows you to stroll above the tide as soft ocean breezes calm the soul. Here, you may relax in diverse settings at seven sparkling pools and the resort’s best-kept secret: a hidden grotto pool tucked into the dense shade of a secluded garden.

Also on Riviera Seaside is Honeymoon beach. This is the most beautiful shoreline on the property. One day you will choose from the many water sports included in your stay and the next you will relax on the beach while you enjoy a tropical drink and the companionship of your loved one.

Great House and Riviera Villas

Tucked in the lush hillsides of Ocho Rios, the Great House and the Riviera Villa Suites with their 93 private and semi-private pools offer a unique blend of privileged seclusion and unparalleled luxury. Accommodations at the Great House feature a one-acre, zero-entry pool and swim-up pool bar. The serenity of relaxing in your private pool-side cabana is an experience not to be missed.

Enjoy a Great House suite with balcony overlooking the pool or relax beside your own private pool in one of the Riviera Villa Suites, hidden from the world, surrounded by trees and countless species of butterflies. Nothing could be more magical than a midnight swim, just the two of you with a chilled bottle of champagne and the scent of night-blooming jasmine all around you.

Ochi Beach Club

Whether you choose to stay in the Riviera Seaside accommodations, at the Great House or in the Riviera Villa suites, you will NOT want to miss the all new Ochi Beach Club. The most exclusive club in Ocho Rios is also the sexiest. Welcome to Sandals' Ochi Beach Club – a seaside world of chic sophistication. Sheer linen curtains waft gently in the sea breeze as you lie on the divan of your private cabana. Newly found friends gather to sip ice–cold dry martinis on the sun deck overlooking the sea. And when the sun goes down, "Ochi" burns even brighter. Enjoy a sensational dinner at the new Kimonos restaurant then dance to the pulsing rhythms of reggae performed by Jamaica's top performers.

Already Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort has been named one of the top hotels in the Caribbean by Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader's Choice Awards, and just recently TripAdvisor has awarded it a Certificate of Excellence. Contact Us today to plan your Caribbean vacation to one of Sandals all inclusive resorts built for romance.

Neal Green - along with his wife Susan - owns All Occasion Catering, Knoxville's premier catering service. Neal also serves on the International Caterers Association's Board of Directors.

We recently sent Neal and Susan to Sandals Royal Plantation to rest after a very busy holiday season and recharge before the hectic wedding season began. Here, we interview Chef Green to get his impressions of the resort and Sandals dining experience in Ocho Rios.

Sandals Royal Plantation is a small, boutique resort with only 74 suites. What did you think about the size of this resort?
Well, it may be small, but it is also a member of the prestigious Leading Small Hotels of the World® for a reason. For us, the size of this resort is absolutely perfect. The service was very personalized, and Sandals Personal Butler Service was wonderful and not to be missed! It could not have been better. Regarding the size of the resort, I was most impressed with the interaction I had with other executive-type guests. We made new friends, and really enjoyed getting to know some very interesting people.

What was your overall impression of Sandals dining experience?
It was great! The food was very good and diverse. It is important to remember where you are, though - especially at dinner time. Here, dinner is a two-and-a-half hour four or five-course gormet meal. Truely fine dining. Of course, if you're just not in the mood, there is always a grill option as well.

Where did you have your most memorable meal at Sandals Royal Plantation?
We had dinner at Le Papillon one night. It is a very elegant, French-inspired restaraunt. I had the filet of beef and my wife had the lobster tail. It was all very fresh, and I was impressed with the portion sizes as well. Later in our trip, I surprised Susan and had our butler arrange a private candle light dinner under the stars on the pier overlooking the ocean. The food during this dinner also came from Le Papillon, and it was very good as well.

[There are two Sandals resorts in the Ocho Rios area of Jamaica - Sandals Royal Plantation, where Neal and Susan stayed, and Sandals Grande Riviera. Guests of Sandals Royal Plantation have full access to all ammenities and activities at Sandals Grande Riviera. Transportation is also included. While there are four dining options at Sandals Royal Plantation, this program expands your dining options to include the 15 options at Sandals Grande Riviera as well.]

Did you take advantage of Sandals Dine Around Ocho Rios program?
Yes, several times. We enjoyed meals at Kimono's Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant, Soy sushi bar, The Mariner's Beach Grill, and Dino's Pizzeria. We did not have a dissapointing meal. Our favorites at Sandals Grande Riviera were China Doll and Manor. China Doll is a very unique, exotic restaurant serving diner and decorated with rich silks in red and gold. The food here was amazing. Their menu offers five courses of selections from all over the Orient. I would recommend the potstikers and sesame crusted snapper filet. Manor is a gorgeous outdoor restaurant serving a la carte diner by the pool. This is a more laid back dinner with some suprisingly sumptious Caribbean entres. We thought that the Dine Around program was the "icing on the cake" for our stay at Sandals Royal Plantation. Although we had fabulous meals at our resort, I would highly recommend guests take advantage of what Sandals Grande Riviera has to offer as well. I am really impressed with the dining options Sandals offers in this area of Jamaica.

Well, I don't need to ask if you'll go back to Sandals Royal Plantation. We've already taken care of that and have you booked for 11 nights next year!
Yes, we're already looking forward to a longer stay this time and reconnecting with some of the friends we made during our stay this year.

What are the three words you would use to describe your dining experience?
Very well done.

[For more on Sandals Royal Plantation, see our recent blog on that resort]

Whether you are celebrating your Caribbean honeymoon, destination wedding, 25th wedding anniversary trip, or just a much needed Caribbean getaway with the one you love, a Sandals Love Nest Suite is the perfect location for reconnecting.

View from The Millionaire Suite with Private Pool and Whirlpool - Sandals La To - St. Lucia

Created in the true spirit of romance, Sandals Resorts Love Nest Suites are among some of the most lavish collection of suites in the world. The most innovative designs, exotic and private settings, luxurious bathrooms, and amenities like plush terry robes, hand-embroidered Egyptian cotton duvets, plasma TVs, and the service of a personal butler are just some of the details that make the Love Nest Suites so desirable.

10 of the 13 Sandals Resorts boast these exclusive villas and suites. Each of these resorts has a least three different signature Love Nest Suites to choose from. Here are a few of The Sand Lady's favorites.

Bay Roc Villas - Sandals Montego Bay - Jamaica

Prime Minister's Beachfront Suite at the Bay Roc Villas - Sandals Montego Bay

Set in beachfront cottages, these Love Nest Suites of the Bay Roc Villas feature gorgeous hand-carved mahogany furniture, French double doors, hand-painted frescos, marble walk-in showers and deliciously soft Egyptian cotton linens. The Prime Minister's Beachfront Suite is located on the second floor of the beach cottages at Bay Roc Estates. Set directly on the beach, these expansive suites feature a spacious living area and dining area.

These suites offer a luxurious, separate grand bedroom with mahogany furniture and king-size four-poster bed, a marble bathroom and an oversized private sundeck. You'll enjoy the services of a personal butler and VIP airport transfers in addition to two large screen plasma TVs, a stocked wet bar, and an iPod docking station. From your beachfront suite, you'll have access to some of the most beautiful and secluded stretches of the Montego Bay coastline.

The Crystal Lagoon - Sandals Negril

Beachfront One Bedroom Swim-Up Crystal Lagoon Suite with Private Lagoon Entrance - Sandals Negril

The Crystal Lagoon, set beautifully amongst the lush landscape and tropical vegetation of the resort, is the perfect retreat for guests who choose to let their worries melt away in the calming waters.

These magnificent one-bedroom suites with personal butler service are located on the first floor and offer zero-entry access to a sparkling pool. Suites include an expansive living room complete with 42" plasma TV, separate bedroom with 37" plasma TV, fine mahogany furnishings, tiled floors, whirlpool bath and walk-in shower. Large patios overlooking the sparkling pool and the ocean feature an outdoor dining area, as well as a love seat for the ultimate in relaxation under the warm Caribbean sun. The sunset view from your private patio is NOT to be missed!

Romeo & Juliet Honeymoon Sanctuary One Bedroom Butler Suite with Private Pool - Sandals Grande Riviera

This suite is a uniquely intimate retreat offering the ultimate in privacy. With entrance via its own walled courtyard, this exclusive 1200 sq. ft. suite comprises a luxurious bedroom at one end boasting a king-size four-poster bed, exquisite mahogany furniture and substantial en-suite bathroom with double vanity and sunken bath while at the other a stylish lounge with fully-equipped kitchenette. The vast courtyard itself provides the ultimate focal point with its very own Roman pool and hot tub overlooking stunning hand-drawn murals.

Millionaire Suite with Private Pool & Whirlpool - Sandals La Toc

Set on the highest peak of the resort, this Mediterranean-style suite offers a luxurious bedroom with mahogany furnishings, and a spacious living room with plush sofas, a 42" plasma television and a stocked bar. Opening the living room's plantation-style pocket doors reveals a private three-story sundeck with a private infinity pool and whirlpool, and grants unobstructed 180-degree view of the Caribbean Sea.

The bedroom features unique sliding glass walls that allow you incredible views and direct access to the pool and sundeck, plus a mahogany, king-size bed and a second 46" plasma TV. The marble bath features double vanities, a tub and a separate walk-in shower. This private escape comes complete with exclusive butler service, 24-hour room service and private car transfers to and from both airports.

Ultra Grande Luxe Beachfront Rondoval Suite with Private Plunge Pool and Whirlpool - Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Each Rondoval Suite features a large interior living area with a sofa, occasional chair, desk, and a 50" flat screen television. The king bed sits at the center of the suite, and at the back of the suite lies an enormous bathroom with Roman tub, separate showers and two vanities.

Step outside from the shower onto your private pool deck and enjoy an outdoor shower, or slide into your private whirlpool or into your private plunge pool. In fact, you even have your own private hammock. For those discerning guests who are looking for a new and elegant experience... here it is!

These are just a few of the Love Nest Suites - the Caribbean's most magnificently romantic collection of villas and suites for two people in love. I can't wait to help you plan the most exotically romantic getaway you've always dreamed of. Contact Us today and we'll get started!

Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, invites Sandals Select Guests* to participate in The 6th Annual Chairman's Invitational Golf Tournament.

The tournament will take place at the beautiful Par 71, 18-hole Sandals Golf & Country Club championship course in Ocho Rios, Jamaica September 13-15, 2012. Participants will be treated to lunch on the course, a VIP Welcome Home Cocktail Party, and a chance to hold the winner’s title! This exciting, 2-day golf tournament is designed exclusively for our valued Sandals Select Guests and is sure to please with plenty of surprises, giveaways and gifts, an Awards Ceremony Dinner, and more!

Activities & Inclusions

2-Day Golf Tournament (days of play September 13 and 14)

Complimentary Usage of Golf Carts

Complimentary 5X7 Group Photograph

VIP Welcome Bag

Prize Giving and Awards Ceremony Dinner

A Chance of Winning 5 Complimentary Nights

FREE Nanny service for the kids if you stay at Beaches Boscobel (Up to 3 hours)

A variety of golf prizes and much, much MORE!

To book your stay at Sandals Grande Riviera, Sandals Royal Plantation or Beaches Boscobel and RSVP for the tournament, contact us today!

*Previous guests of a Sandals or Beaches resort are eligible for the Sandals Select Guest program and this golf tournament. If you have stayed at Sandals or Beaches and you aren't sure if you have joined the program, just contact us and The Sandals Lady will take care of the details for you!

It is time to share the big news... We've been planning a very special event for our East Tennessee friends!

Please join us at 6:30pm on Thursday, January 19 at the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Maryville for the biggest Caribbean night ever!

We have partnered with some of our favorite event-planning professionals in the Knoxville area to bring you a break from the winter cold. Come escape with us for a night to island paradise! Relax and enjoy the music of Carib Sounds, Knoxville's only steel drum band. Taste the culinary art of Knoxville's premier caterer, All Occasion Catering. Have a drink and take in the beauty of of the historic Capitol Theatre. Visit with one of Maryville's favorite photographers Mobley's Photography and Knoxville's leading wedding planning resourse The Pink Bride.

The Sandals Lady will treat you to a short presentation on the Sandals and Beaches resorts. Our co-sponsors will give away lots of door prizes. And then, one of our lucky travel friends will WIN a 3 night all inclusive Sandals vacation!

If you don't win your 2012 vacation, by attending the Caribbean night, you will receive a $250 resort spa credit when you book a qualifying Sandals or Beaches vacation within 14 days of the event.

We can't wait to see you there!

Click Here to buy your $5.00 ticket.

Sandals Resorts International rolled out the red carpet for its top travel agency partners from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, at its 10th annual Sandals Travel Agent Recognition (STAR) Awards Saturday night at the newly renovated Sandals Grande Riviera.The STAR Awards recognize travel agencies and individual travel agents who have excelled in sales and customer service.

The Sandals Lady was invited to the STAR awards for the 3rd consecutive year and received the honor of being named Best of the Best Sandals Agency.

Sandals Chairman, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart credited the success of his hotel chain, which also includes Beaches, Royal Plantation and Grand Pineapple, to the hard working travel partners. In his message to the travel partners, he said he was proud of the resorts, pointing out that they keep getting better and better.

"We have had the most amazing love affair with the travel agents throughout the world, North America, UK, Europe," he said. "Our love affair with the travel agents is 30 years old and going strong. We are grateful for all you do for us and all we have achieved together," Stewart said.

Stewart and Sandals prefer that travelers visiting the resorts book their package through a Sandals-trained travel agent. Sandals employees admit that the majority of complaints of travelers to the resorts stem from resort selection. Booking through a preferred Sandals or Beaches agency ensures that travelers will be assisted in selecting one of the 13 Sandals resorts or the 4 Beaches resorts by a highly trained, esperienced travel agent.

The Sandals Ladies have personally visited each of the resorts and we spend a few weeks each year on the properties to be sure that we have the most up-to-date information to help you select the perfect resort for your vacation.

We are honored to be named a Best of the Best Sandals Agency, and we thank our many fabulous clients who have made this award possible. We look forward to helping you plan your next unforgettable vacation!

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!