THE BAHAMAS’ MOST ELEGANT RESORT
WITH ITS OWN OFFSHORE ISLAND

Adults-only resort, all- inclusive with 5-star Global Gourmet dining

A blend of European Sophistication with an exotic offshore Island adventure. 
12 World-class restaurants & 8 bars, 2 all new food trucks. 

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. Walkout Suites and Swim-up 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, accommodations 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.

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. 

[Each Sandals Resort offers multiple restaurants, fine dining and dine anytime options. The Sandals Resorts brand includes more than 35 different signature restaurants offering Italian cuisine, British pub food, varied Asian selections, fine French cuisine, and authentic Caribbean fare as well as seaside dining. And it is all included in your Sandals vacation package. This is the fifth installment in a seven-part blog series. Find links to the rest of the series at the bottom of this entry.]

French cuisine has evolved extensively over centuries. The national cuisine started forming in the Middle Ages to the influence of the work of skilled chefs and various social and political movements. Over the years the styles of French cuisine have been given different names, and have been modified by various master chefs. The national cuisine developed primarily in the city of Paris with the chefs to French royalty, but eventually it spread throughout the country and was even exported overseas. At Sandals and Beaches Resorts, you'll find some of the finest French dishes in the Western hemisphere. 

Sandals Signature French Restaraunts

Presented below is a couple of the Sandals Resorts signature French restaraunts and a few examples from the menus of each:

Le Papillon (Sandals Royal Plantation, Jamaica) Feel as if you've wandered into one of Paris' most elegant restaurants. Le Papillon's French-inspired Caribbean cuisine, which mingles the finest of Europe and the incredibly fresh local produce of Jamaica with the classical techniques and venerable traditions of France's finest establishments, takes you on a truly unforgettable culinary tour around the world. 

Les Hors D'Oeuvre

"Bonbons" de foie gras, poire au porto
"Candy" Foie gras, pears in porto

Crabe cake et purée de patates douces, mesclun de salade à l'huile pimentée
Crab cake and mashed sweet potatoes, mesclun salad with chilli oil

Cassolette d’escargots de Bourgogne
Casserole Burgundy snails

Soupe glacée avocat-citron vert, tartare tomates, gambas et piment d'Espelette
Chilled soup avocado-lime, tomato tartare, shrimp and Espelette pepper

Les Poissons

Dos de Red Snapper laque au Miel, Polenta aux aux agrumes et Gingembre Frais
Red Snapper back glazed with honey, Polenta with citrus and fresh Ginger

Homard grillé et chutney de tomates aux fruits exotiques, Legumes du Marche
Grilled lobster and tomato chutney with exotic fruits, Vegetable from the Market

Les Viandes

Carré d'agneau en croûte d'herbes
Herb crusted lamb rack

Pièce de Filet boeuf au beurre d'avocat, salsa de mangue et tomates
Piece of tenderloin beef to butter with avocado, mango salsa and tomatoes

Baccarat (Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau, Bahamas) Named after the famous French Crystal manufacturer who created the elegantly curved windowpanes throughout its interior, Baccarat merges the delightful clinking of fine crystal with elegant Art Nouveau decor. Candle lights dance on tables set in stunning bay windows while white-gloved waiters serve award winning French cusine, all overlooking the moonlit pool. 

Hors d’Oeuvres - Appetizers

Mille Feuilles de Légumes – Vegetables
Grilled Mushrooms, Creamed Spinach and Pumpkin Mousseline Layered in Puff Pastry, Tomato Orange Coulis

Cocktail aux Fruits de Mer - Seafood
Chilled Marinated Seafood in Season

Les Soupes – Soups

Bisque de Coquillages et Crustacés - Seafood Bisque
Lobster, Clams and Mussels Slowly Simmered in Tomato Cream Infused with Brandy

Consomme “Celestine”
Light Chicken Broth Garnished with Carrot and Crêpe “Julienne”

Les Plats Principaux – Entrées

Margret de Canard a l’Orange – Duck
Duck Breast, Orange Grand Marnier Sauce and Vegetable Julienne

Poisson du Jour – The Catch of the Day
Filet of Fish en Papillote with Mangoes, Steamed Potatoes, Market Vegetables and Creole Salsa

Les Desserts

Crêpe Suzette
Thin French Pancake filled with fresh fruit compote, topped with sweet orange sauce

Crème Brûlée pour les deux
A Traditional Crème Brûlée to share with your loved one

Also worth mentioning is Sandals signature Parisian-style patisserie, Cafe de Paris (Sandals Whitehouse, Sandals Grande Antigua and Sandals Emerald Bay) featuring sinful pastries, crepes, coffees and dessert. After all, everyone works up a sweet tooth sooner or later.

In this seven-part blog series, we will take a look at several of the Sandals signature restaurants and their exemplary menus. Don't miss:

Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Italian Regional Cuisine
Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Olde Country British Pub
Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Unique Asian Fusion
Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Fine French Cuisine
Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Authentic Caribbean Fare and Seaside Dining (coming soon)
Client Review: Sandals Resorts Dining (coming soon)

Whether you are planning a Caribbean honeymoon, destination wedding, 25th wedding anniversary or you're just a beach-loving foodie, let me help you select the right Sandals resort for your vacation style. There is never any charge for my services. Click below to request your one-on-one vacation consultation or register to attend our next Sandals webinar.

 or Join a Webinar: 

[Each Sandals Resort offers multiple restaurants, fine dining and dine anytime options. The Sandals Resorts brand includes more than 35 different signature restaurants offering Italian cuisine, British pub food, varied Asian selections, fine French cuisine, and authentic Caribbean fare as well as seaside dining. And it is all included in your Sandals vacation package. This is the third installment in a seven-part blog series. Find links to the rest of the series at the bottom of this entry.]

Prepare to be charmed by the lively atmosphere and spirits of the Olde Country. Admire the authentic décor that makes up Sandals entertaining British pubs including bars with brass railing, carved ceilings and solid wood floors. Some of the watering holes were even brought piece-by-piece from the motherland. Known for tasty grub and good times, these taverns offer traditional pub fare including savory Shepherd's Pie and crispy Fish 'n Chips. Always lively, Wobbly Peacock, Cricketer's, Drunken Duck and Olde London Pub serve a diverse selection of premium brand drinks, imported beers and drafts.

Sandals Signature British Pubs:

Presented below is a couple of the Sandals Resorts signature British Pubs and a few examples from the menus of each: 

Olde London Pub (Sandals Grande St. Lucian, St. Lucia) pays homage to world famous British pubs. Down a pint of draft beer as you tuck into British gastro-pub fare. With traditional decor like antique mirrors, clipper-ship wall paper and carved bar with brass railings sent over, piece-by-piece, from an actual old London pub, you'll feel as if you've ventured across the Atlantic and entered into another reality completely. 

Starters

Seared Tuna Loin
Crab and coriander beignets, lime syrup, cantaloupe melon

Marinated Mini Beef Kebabs
Julienned romaine lettuce, sweet chili sauce

 Grilled Signatures

Earth & Turf
Grilled aged strip loin of beef, chips, red wine jus

The Londoner Burger
Prime beef patty, chargrilled, toasted bun, aged chaddar, with chips

Mains

Fish and Chips
Hand battered catch of the day, beer batter, tartar sauce, chips

Slow Cooked Duck Leg
Parsley-potato mash, braised red cabbage with balsamic and apples, thyme jus

Cottage Pie
Ground beef, begetables, with potato mash, oven baked

Sweets

Banoffee Pie
Caramelized banana pie, whipped cream

White Chocolate Cheesecake
with red berry puree

The Cricketer's Pub (Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau, Bahamas) Take a tour of England's finest pubs from the warmth of the Caribbean. Enjoy old favorites such as shepherd's pie, bangers and mash smothered in rich gravy, and other traditional pub food in a jovial British atmosphere. Tap your feet to the music as you enjoy a "sweet" and wash it all down with a pint or two late into the night. 

Starters

Cheesy Crisps
Potato Crisps with a Warm Blue Cheese Fondue

Pub Wings
Your choice of Hot or Dry and served with a Blue Cheese
Dip, Carrot and Celery sticks

Pub Favourites

Shepherd's Pie
Beef, Lamb & Vegetables topped with Mashed Potato & Cheddar Cheese

Bangers & Mash
Plump Sausages served with Mashed Potato & Homemade Gravy

Desserts

Apple Crumble
Served Warm with Vanilla Sauce

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Served warm with a Toffee Sauce

In this seven-part blog series, we will take a look at several of the Sandals signature restaurants and their exemplary menus. Don't miss:

Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Italian Regional Cuisine 
Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Olde Country British Pub
Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Unique Asian Fusion
Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Fine French Cuisine
Sandals Resorts Dining: Discover Authentic Caribbean Fare and Seaside Dining (coming soon)
Client Review: Sandals Resorts Dining (coming soon)

Whether you are planning a Caribbean honeymoon, destination wedding, 25th wedding anniversary or you're just a beach-loving foodie, let me help you select the right Sandals resort for your vacation style. There is never any charge for my services. Click below to request your one-on-one vacation consultation or register to attend our next Sandals webinar.

 or Join a Webinar: 

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. 

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!