A Review of the Adult Only Luxury All-Inclusive Resort in the Bahamas
Are you looking for an adults only all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas? Then you need to consider the romantic Sandals Royal Bahamian for your next vacation. This resort is perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or couples’ vacation. Keep reading for my full review!
I first stayed here for my honeymoon in 2005 and was excited to stay here again in 2023- 18 years later! You might be thinking, “a resort that is over 18 years old- is it dated?” The answer is, no! Sandals Royal Bahamian was recently renovated and reimagined in 2021 so it feels like a brand-new resort in many ways!
As a travel agent who travel, I was excited to check out the renovations for myself!
Sandals Royal Bahamian is a true all-inclusive resort. All food, drinks, water & land activities and even tipping are ALL included! The Bahamas in general is not known for having many all-inclusive resorts. In fact, most resorts in the Bahamas are European Plan which means your food and drinks are not included. So, if you’re looking for all-inclusive luxury in the Bahamas, then this is the resort for you!
Where is Sandals Royal Bahamian?
Sandals Royal Bahamian is in located in Nassau, Bahamas on the famous Cable Beach. Just 15 minutes from Lyden Pindling International airport, this is the perfect resort for those wanting a Caribbean vacation close to the US.
Once you arrive at the airport, simply go through customs, and head to the Sandals lounge for your complimentary airport shuttle. Airport shuttles are included with your stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian and all Sandals resorts. If you book one of the butler suites, you will receive a private luxury transfer in a Rolls Royce, Mercedes or BMW. An awesome way to start your luxury vacation!
Private Island at Sandals Royal Bahamian
Instead of saving the best for last, I am going to start with my favorite part of Sandals Royal Bahamian- the included private island named Barefoot Cay! It is like having two resorts in one! This offshore island takes less than 5 minutes to reach by boat but feels like you are worlds away! The boat shuttle runs back and forth from the island to the resort all day from 9:30 am- 4:30 pm.
On the private island there are not one but TWO beautiful beaches! I am a beach lover and seek out beaches with crystal clear water and white sand. Sandals Royal Bahamian checks all those boxes with some of the most beautiful water and beaches in the Caribbean!
On the private Island you can relax in a private cabana, shaded hammock or at the offshore island pool. I was amazed at how many comfy cabanas were available and opted to lounge in one all day! If you like to snorkel the snorkeling on Barefoot Cay is amazing. We were able to see an array of brightly colored fish right off the private beach. All snorkeling equipment is included and free to use.
As if this island isn’t relaxing enough, there is also a spa here. My hubby and I enjoyed a tranquil outdoor couple’s massage by the water.
There is also a restaurant on the island called Aralia House serving up fresh seafood and local dishes. Take a break from the sun and dine “in” or order your food to go and enjoy it at your beach cabana.
PRO TIP: Order the Bahamian Jerk Chicken- it is delicious!
I promise you won’t go thirsty at Barefoot Cay because not only are there servers walking around taking orders, but there are also two bars! A main bar as well as an all-new swim up bar.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Rooms and Suites
At Sandals Royal Bahamian there are 404 rooms and 33 different room types. There are also three classes of room categories: Butler Elite, Club Level, and Sandals Luxury. With all these different room choices it is best to enlist a Sandals specialist like me to help you navigate all the different options!
BUTLER ELITE ROOMS
The Butler Elite Rooms are the most exclusive and luxurious of the categories. A pre-selected variety of snacks, premium liquors, and other touches are prepared by your personal butler before you even arrive.
Your butler can do many things to guarantee your vacation is perfect, such as ensure you get the best table at popular restaurants, reserve the best sun loungers and cabanas for you, set up a romantic bubble bath, arrange tours and other activities, unpack your things or serve you dinner on your private terrace.
Butler Elite guests also receive a private check-in, 24-hour room service, and rooms with the best views.
Fun Fact: Sandals Royal Bahamian has more Butler Elite category rooms than most Sandals resorts!
CLUB LEVEL
Club level rooms are perfect for guests wanting an elevated level of service without the butler price tag.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Club Level guests have access to Club Sandals Concierge services, to help reserve dinner reservations, book tours, and make your stay more comfortable by assisting with any special requests.
Club Level guests can also enjoy room service from 7 am to 10 pm. The in-room bars in the cub level rooms are stocked with gin, vodka, rum, wine, local beers, sodas, and juices.
SANDALS LUXURY
This room category is best for couples on a budget or for guests who plan to spend little time in the room and more of time around the resort.
Sandals Luxury rooms do not include room service and the in-room bar is only stocked with wine, local beer, juice, and soda (no liquors). These rooms usually have resort or garden views.
Sandals Royal Bahamian has some of the best swim out suites I have seen at any resort! Some of my favorite swim out rooms are the West Bay Oceanview Swim-up Butler Suites and the East Bay Beachfront Swim-up Butler Suites.
West Bay Oceanview Swim-up Butler Suites
These rooms have walkout patios with views of the ocean, direct access to the zero-entry swim-up pool, and a Tranquility Soaking Tub for Two; a master bedroom and separate living room; fully stocked bar; and walk-in shower. A personal butler is included with these suites.
East Bay Beachfront Swim-up Butler Suites
These rooms offer unobstructed views of the ocean, direct beach access, and a prime location along the zero-entry pool. There is a spacious patio with sun loungers in the water and a patio set. Inside you will find a king-size bed, 2 HD TVs, a bathroom with a bathtub/shower, and an in-room bar with premium liquor and of course, butler services.
Island Village One Bedroom Butler Villa Suites
If you are looking to splurge and indulge in the ultimate pampering, then you must check out the Island Village One Bedroom Butler Villa Suites. These suites are located on the ground floors within the serene Island Village. Each villa has an enclosed private patio with direct access to a private plunge pool. On the patio there is also a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two with privacy curtains and a bistro set. Inside there is a master bedroom with a king-size bed and HD Smart TV, a separate sitting area with an additional HD Smart TV and a fully stocked bar with premium liquors. The lavish bathroom has a dual control walk-in shower, backlit mirror, and a long-vessel sink. These suites also include personal butler service, private check-in, 24-hour in-room dining, and private luxury airport transfers.
ACTIVITIES at Sandals Royal Bahamian
There are two main pools at Sandals Royal Bahamian. One pool has more of a chill and quiet vibe and the other has more of a party vibe with a DJ and games and activities like water volleyball and dance contests!
At Sandals Royal Bahamian, you’ll also find complimentary watersports such as kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, sailing, water trikes, and Hobie Cats, as well as snorkeling and scuba diving.
Land activities include tennis, pickleball, pool tables, croquet, basketball, lawn chess, shuffleboard, ping pong, and beach volleyball. There is also a fitness center onsite which is located in the penthouse of the East Bay building providing amazing views as you work out!
Sandals Royal Bahamian Restaurants
Sandals Royal Bahamian has ten different restaurants to dine at, giving you a choice of delicious gourmet and casual dining options.
La Plume
An elegant French restaurant featuring dishes, such as Crevettes, Provençales, Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Cordon Bleu De Poulet.
Resort evening attire and dinner reservations are required.
Tesoro
Be transported to the Southern Italian countryside for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Resort casual no reservations required.
Kanoo
A celebration of all things Caribbean, Enjoy Pan-Caribbean dishes infused with colorful culture that brings passion to the evening and throughout the night. Serving breakfast and lunch.
Resort casual no reservations required.
Butch’s Island Chop House
Reserve a table at this upscale, contemporary restaurant for a romantic dinner serving up some of the best Surf ‘N’ Turf!
Resort evening attire and dinner reservations are required.
PRO TIP: Make sure you book your reservation immediately upon arrival because the wait list can be long for those not staying in a Butler Elite or Concierge Level category room.
Gordon’s on the Pier
This upscale eatery that takes grilled meat and seafood specialties to a new culinary level. Located at the tip of the resort's pier surrounded by azure blue waters, Gordon's offers panoramic ocean views from a romantic seaside setting.
Resort casual no reservations required.
Calico Café
Offering refreshing breezes and views of the calm waters, this seaside café is a popular, laidback lunch spot with Mediterranean-inspired décor.
Resort casual no reservations required.
Soy Sushi Bar
This pool-facing, sushi bar is a fan favorite offering exciting flavors and exotic sushi creations made to order. Although there are Soy Sushi Bars at other Sandals resorts, this one is considered the best.
Resort casual no reservations required.
Kimono’s
For a night of entertainment and delicious teppanyaki-style grilling, come to Kimono’s and watch your chef put on a show at your table.
PRO TIP: Make sure you book your reservation immediately upon arrival because the wait list can be long for those not staying in a Butler Elite or Concierge Level category room.
Resort casual reservations required.
Aralia House
Located on the private island at Sandals Royal Bahamian. This beachside restaurant features stunning ocean views and beach house appeal. Enjoy local Bahamian dishes, such as Island Jerk Chicken, Salmon and Conch Ceviche and the catch of the day.
Resort casual no reservations required.
The Queen’s Pearl
This British pub is a great place to relax with a pint or enjoy a night out after hours. Menu items include Cottage Pie, Fish & Chips, and Mozzarella Sticks.
Resort casual no reservations required.
Coco Queen
Located in the new Coconut Grove, swing by this food truck for a fish taco, some Bahamian Conch pulled pork sandwich.
Sweets N’ Tings
This food truck is open all day serving coffee and a delicious sweets like crepes.
PRO TIP: For an added romantic touch to your vacation, book a private dinner on the beach. (This is an added fee and can be arranged prior to your arrival by your Sandals Specialist.)
Sandals Royal Bahamian Nightlife
After a day of fun in the sun, relax at the all-new Coconut Grove lounge area for some nightly entertainment. Each night there is something going on to keep you entertained such as beach parties, theme nights, and live shows. Our favorite was the silent DJ party!
Sandals Royal Bahamian definitely has a vibrant atmosphere, so if you enjoy more of lively vibe, then this is a good Sandals resort for you.
Destination Weddings at Sandals Royal Bahamian
If you are dreaming of having a destination wedding on a beautiful beach then Sandals Royal Bahamian would be a perfect place to say, "I do!"
Planning a Sandals wedding is easy and stress free! Every couple will have a designated free wedding planner to help them with all the touches for their special day. Whether it is just you and your partner or all of your family and closets friends, Sandals can accommodate your group of any size. In fact, the more rooms you have the more free perks you get for your destination wedding!
Sandals (and Beaches resorts) offer a la carte destination wedding services because there isn't a one size fits all when it comes to wedding style. A destination wedding at Sandals Resorts means you get to design the wedding of your dreams that reflects you and your future spouse.
Did someone say a free wedding?
That's right! When you book a destination wedding at a Sandals or Beaches Resort, you get a free wedding with a stay of 3 or more paid nights in any room category. This includes a bridal bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, the wedding cake, a decorative centerpiece for the head table, and several other wedding elements.
There are several Sandals resorts in the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean but if you are looking for the closest to the US with awesome suites and gorgeous water then Sandals Royal Bahamian would be an excellent spot for your vacation. I loved my stay at Royal Bahamian and I know you will too!
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Megan, the owner or Paradise Travel in Parker, Colorado. I travel as often as I can to gain first hand knowledge to share with others so I can plan the best vacations possible. I'd love to be your travel agent! Thanks for stopping by!
