We couldn't be more excited for this resort transformation. Sandals Royal Bahamian has been a favorite resort of ours for many years, but despite our love for the property, we weren't in denial that it needed (and deserved) a much needed update. We knew what it could be given the right touches. We were thrilled to see that the time had finally come, when Sandals announced the resort would shut down and undergo a massive $55 million dollar renovation.
Sandals left nothing out when bringing this resort up-to-date with the new "Sandals style"-- saying goodbye to those old dark furnishings of Caribbean vacations past and gracing us with modern decor, light colors and new fixtures and furniture.
The butler suites tucked away in the "Island Village" are calling to us with the privacy of their plunge pools made for two.
Of course, the most anticipated suites are the brand new beachfront swim-up butler suites. These suites can be found in the East Bay building (formerly the Balmoral Tower).
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Photo by Sandals Resorts |
As you can see, your swim-up pool is just steps from the sand. In fact, the pool is infinity-edge so you will feel like you're right there on the sand while laying out in the pool or on your patio. These are the suites honeymoon dreams are made of.
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Photo by Sandals Resorts |
Who wouldn't want to wake up to this view every morning? We know we would!
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Photo by Sandals Resorts |
In fact, why leave your room at all for breakfast? The butler can deliver it right to you. Even by pool.
There are also brand new swim-up suites in the West Bay building (formerly the Windsor Building), which include swim-up suites options with beachfront, pool or garden views in both Club and Butler levels.
All guests staying in butler level suites on resort will be provided complimentary private transfers in Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz (depending on the room category booked).
Some of our personal favorite transformations has been the restaurants. Two additions the resort are Butch's Island Chop House (formerly where The Crystal Room was) with it's adjacent bar.
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Butch's Chop House
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And Soy Sushi (located next to Kimono's).
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Soy Sushi - Photo by Sandals Resorts
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Several of the older restaurants were updated and name changes were included in that update but the type of cuisine has stayed the same.
Former Restaurant -----> Now Renamed
French: Baccarat-----> La Plume
Italian: Casanova -----> Tesoro
Seafood: Schooners -----> Aralia House
Caribbean: Spices -----> Kanoo*
Beach/Pool Grill: Royal Cafe -----> Calico Cafe
British Pub: Cricketer’s -----> Queen's Pearl
*To note, Kanoo (short for "Junkanoo") will serve a "Brasserie 30"style à la carte lunch menu for quick service under 30 minutes.
Restaurants that are staying the same in name and cuisine are Gordon's On The Pier and Kimonos (the Japanese hibachi steakhouse).
And while Bella Napoli Pizzeria is no longer there, in its place are three brand new food trucks -- Coco Queen (Bahamian), Bahama Mamma Mia (Italian), and Sweets ‘N’ Tings (sweets and coffee) -- all a first for
Sandals Royal Bahamian and the
Sandals Resorts chain.
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Photo by Sandals Resort |
All of the food trucks will be located on the brand new "Coconut Grove" which takes the place of the former bar and theater and now is filled in with soft sand, comfy loungers under the shade of looming palm trees. There will also be a brand new Mr. B's Bar with signature cocktails served on the sand overlooking the ocean where rumor has it that guests can sit on swings instead of stools. This area is open from 11am-11pm and includes live music and entertainment through the day and into the night.
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Rendering by Sandals Resorts |
As for the private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay (formerly Coco Cay), the pool bar and restaurant have been updated. There has been an addition of an infinity-edge jacuzzi and ocean swings to enhance the romance. The only way to get there is by the resort boat shuttle, now perfectly named "Love Runner".
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Photo by Sandals Resorts |
The best part about this resort is the close proximity to the USA. With just a 40 minute flight from the Miami area or Orlando, this makes a perfect getaway destination without long travel time. Also something we love, that Nassau participates in US Customs and Immigration Pre-Clearance, which allows US travelers to clear customs and immigration in the Bahamas before arriving home, making it so you just have to get off the plane and go when you arrive to the airport in the US.
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Image by Sandals Resorts
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How Can You Book?
The best way to book is contacting a Sandals Resorts Preferred Specialist - the highest level specialist being Platinum. Our agency is proud to be this level, and even better yet, our owner is also a Sandals Chairman's Royal Club member, one of the highest accolades Sandals offers their top selling travel agent partners. However, if you prefer not to work with a top specialist, you can always book directly with Sandals. If our blog has helped you out but you wish to book direct with Sandals, please consider booking through our Sandals co-branded website so we get the credit for helping you.
NOTE: All information in this blog was collected at the time of publishing. Information above is always subject to change, per the resort.