Three things guests love about... Sandals Royal Bahamian. A full review.


Sandals Royal Bahamian in a nutshell

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Accommodation Type: 5 star all-inclusive resort (adults-only).
Location: Nassau, the Bahamas.

Recommended airport: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Nassau.
Transfer time to resort: 15 minutes.


Best Sandals resort for:
Sandals Royal Bahamian is a lively resort that comes with a private offshore island. It's one of the best Sandals Resorts for scuba diving. The proximity to the U.S., makes this beach resort ideal for a tropical getaway.

Atmosphere: Sophisticated.
Restaurants: 10 restaurants.

See all Sandals Royal Bahamian deals here.


Overall review of Sandals Royal Bahamian

guests having fun on the royal bahamian

Elegant and exotic, the Sandals Royal Bahamian experience starts off on a good note even before you get to the resort itself. The Bahamas is paradise, and Sandals fits right in with its glamourous offerings for couples vacationing in that part of the world; from a private offshore island, to two sky-sized colonnaded pools and the award-winning Red Lane Spa. Of over 10,000 reviews, 78% (!) rate their stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very good’.

There are lots of things guests love about Sandals Royal Bahamian, and one of those is that it is a top choice for a holiday that includes lots of great scuba diving. It is also at the top of the list for many honeymooners with their sights set on the Caribbean. But there’s more; below you’ll find three things guests love most about Sandals Royal Bahamian.


Three things guests love about Sandals Royal Bahamian

Based on real customer reviews.

1. Guests love the private offshore island

aerial view of sandals royal bahamian private island

There aren’t many resorts in the world that can boast having a private offshore island, and this is part of the lure of Sandals Royal Bahamian. The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands, and Sandals has their very own named after the resort. On Sandals Cay, there are two secluded beaches, a Beach Club complete with a pool, whirlpool, swim-up bar, and a seafood house (Schooners restaurant). You can also expect to find some of the best snorkeling in the Bahamas, shaded hammocks, a spa, private cabanas, and a Zen garden! There’s even fire pit seating in the Zen garden, and overall the entire experience will blow you away. Boats leave from Sandals Royal Bahamian regularly to get to the private island, or you can get there on your own by kayak or sailboat.

2. Guests love the restaurants

couple enjoying dinner at the crystal room

All Sandals resorts offer world-class dining and five-star service. Crystal Room, a Mediterranean restaurant is a favorite for guests at Sandals Royal Bahamian. There’s stunning vintage Baccarat crystal chandelier that you won’t miss upon entry to this restaurant which is known for its superb seafood and great service. Menu items here are inspired by cuisine from all over the world; and you’ll find dishes like gyros, marinated roast loin of pork and lots of other varied options. The Royal Café is also a great option for lunch, especially if you want to dine somewhere super chill and eat something familiar while sipping on delicious cocktails. When the sun goes down, the Piano Bar and Crickets Pub pull a decent crowd.

Insider tip: The most popular restaurants at Sandals Royal Bahamian require a reservation. Make sure to make some dinner reservations on arrival, especially during peak season! For dress-codes and opening times, see: restaurants at Sandals Royal Bahamian.



3. Guests love the Windsor pool and its swim up bar

overview of windsor pool and swim up bar

A Caribbean resort vacation is hardly complete without amazing swimming pools to set the ambiance and to cool you off on a hot day. The Windsor Pool at Sandals Royal Bahamian is one of those spots where you can do just that. Often referred to as ‘the party pool’, there are activities going on in and out of the pool throughout the day, and there’s also an amazing swim-up bar. The Balmoral Pool is more laid back, quiet, and perfect if you want some time to yourself.

The Bahamas is a great starting point for a Caribbean vacation, and Sandals Royal Bahamian with posh accommodation like the River Pool Swim-Up Suites, the Windsor Honeymoon Hideaway Swim Up Crystal Lagoon Butler Suite and other amazing options, is the perfect complement.

Looking for a good deal? See all Sandals Royal Bahamian deals here.


Popular tours and excursion at Sandals Royal Bahamian

Island Buggy Adventure.

group of friends having fun at the island buggy adventure

Get ready for the ultimate island adventure in an off-road buggy! You'll start your day at Cable Beach, where you will be given a brief orientation before getting on the road with your skilled guide! The first stop will be Fort Charlotte, where you'll be able to step out and explore the historic castle and grounds. Then it's a short journey to The Caves, a series of large limestone caverns sculpted centuries ago by the power of the waves. After that it's lunch time at the popular Aquafire restaurant for a snack and refreshments. It's another quick commute to your final stop, Clifton Heritage Park, the Bahamas's largest historic and ecological park. Then it's back in the buggy for the final ride back to Cable Beach!

Insider tip: Sandals Royal Bahamian repeat guests often recommend to spend at least one (half) day outside of the resort to explore the island. Make sure to book tours and excursions before arrival to ensure availability.



Reggae Catamaran Cruise & Beach Break.

"sol-mate" catamaran cruising through bahamian waters

Cruise along the gorgeous turquoise waters of Nassau's coastline aboard the state-of-the-art "Sol-Mate" catamaran. Once you depart the dock and receive our safety briefing, your journey begins as we make our way to the Nassau harbor. As we cruise through the harbor you'll get to see a number of historical landmarks, celebrity homes, large yachts and the Nassau Cruise Port.

Next, we will make our way over to one of Nassau's best snorkeling spots just off Athol's Island; take the plunge as you snorkel a reef teeming with exotic marine life. Afterwards the bar opens up for you to indulge in delectable appetizers and unlimited exotic cocktails while enjoying the best panoramic views you'll ever set your eyes on.

Our final stop will be at an outer island where you can swim or relax on the beach before heading back on board. On our way back the music turns up; experience this 'club on water', we will party to the latest international beats from the onboard DJ before returning to dock.


Nassau SUB Adventure.

guest enjoying the sub while swimming with exotic fish around her

Experience a unique and exciting underwater journey like no other. The SUB is comparable to an underwater motorbike with a big bubble filled with a constant flow of air. Your head will be dry and your body will be wet. During your submarine adventure you will come face-to-face with brilliantly hued fish, gorgeous coral reefs and other exotic marine life. A SUB adventure combines the best of snorkeling and scuba diving all in one thrilling and memorable tour.

Expert tip: Still not sure which Sandals resort is right for you? Read ‘Which Sandals resort is best for you? The ultimate guide’ and find out!



Recent Sandals Royal Bahamian Awards

Awards Sandals Royal Bahamian won in the past 5 years alone, not counting the awards that were won by Sandals Resorts as a chain:

  • American Academy of Hospitality Sciences: Five Star Diamond Award 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.
  • World Travel Awards: The Bahamas Best Resort Spa 2017.
  • Condé Nast Traveler's Annual Readers’ Choice 2016: Top Resort in the Atlantic.
  • World Travel Awards: Bahamas’ Leading Spa Resort 2014, 2015, 2016.
  • World Travel Awards: World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2014, 2015, 2016.
  • World Travel Awards: Caribbean’s Leading Conference Hotel 2014.
  • MLT Vacations Quality Assurance Awards 2014.
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Awards 2014: Silver Award – Conference Resort.

Guests love Sandals Royal Bahamian! Select a room and book online, or call us at +1 888-726-3257.



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Kylie Morrow

About Kylie Morrow

Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean.