Sandals Royal Bahamian Review: The Top All-Inclusive in Nassau, Bahamas?

By Jonathan | Updated on February 13, 2025

After a 55-Million Dollar Modernization, is it Still the Best?

Yes, and more! As rated by more than 13,000 guests on Trip Advisor and 1,500 of our own clients' experiences, Sandals Royal Bahamian is arguably the best luxury all-inclusive Bahamian resort in Nassau, Bahamas. Designed exclusively for couples, this resort is only 45 minutes from Miami and the closest Sandals resort to the United States.

Located along a beautiful white-sand beach overlooking a private island, it features modern accommodations with European charm and has recently been updated to the Sandals 2.0 design philosophy.

Here, you will have a world-class resort experience. From the private offshore island, complete with beach cabanas a swim-up bar, and Red Lane Spa. Sandals Royal Bahamian features five pools, its world-class spa, both on the mainland and on the private island, along with unlimited land and water activities, including snorkeling and PADI certified scuba diving.

This is not only a sophisticated resort with British colonial charm but a historical site with documents and photos in the main lobby detailing its heritage.

Key Takeaways

Adults-Only (18+), All-Inclusive: Designed for couples and great for a quick vacation from the United States.
Private Offshore Island: Includes a secluded island with a beach club, pool, and restaurant.
Specialty Dining & Premium Drinks: 13 restaurants serving international cuisine and 8 bars, including swim-up bars with unlimited top-shelf drinks.
Multiple Pools & Swim-up bars: Two main pools with swim-up bars and direct access to Cable Beach.
Water Sports & Entertainment: Complimentary snorkeling, PADI scuba diving, paddleboarding, and nightly entertainment.
Red Lane Spa: Both on the mainland and private island
Accommodations: Options include swim-up suites, beachfront rooms, and butler-level service.
Close to Nassau’s Attractions: Near downtown Nassau and Paradise Island.

At Rivage Travel, we've specialized in Sandals resorts for more than a decade and have visited all of their locations many times over. In 2024, we were honored by Sandals as their Top Travel Agency and recognized as one of their top seven travel advisors in the United States.

As a Sandals Chairman's Royal Club Diamond Elite travel expert, we're going to share our insider knowledge and destination tips to help you create the perfect travel experience while making sure you can take advantage of all the exclusive offers to maximize your savings.

For those looking at something close to home, Sandals Royal Bahamian is the perfect place to consider for your next vacation, honeymoon, or anniversary celebration.

Let's find out why!

Jump to Section

Recent Renovations

Sandals Royal Bahamian recently underwent a $55 million transformation, bringing many of the rooms up Adam Stewarts, Sandals 2.0 modernization philosophy.

Originally the Balmoral Club, this was a retreat for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and you can still find many of their photos across the property. As part of the resort upgrades, this renovation introduced two expansive outdoor pools and a brand-new Coconut Grove lounge area while increasing the dining options to 13 —including three new food trucks.

Arrival and First Impressions

Getting to the Sandals Resort, Nassau, Bahamas, is a pretty easy experience. After a quick flight from the United States, you'll pass through customs, where you will be greeted by a friendly Sandals representative who will take you to its private airport lounge.

While relaxing with a cold beverage, your bags are taken care of, and then you will take a quick 15-minute transfer in a comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle to the resort. Note. For those in an upper-tiered butler-level room category, this transfer will take place in a Rollys Royce transfer, so you arrive in style at one of the most stylish resorts in the Caribbean!

Upon arriving at the resort, the grandeur of the resort’s entrance comes over you as the elegant, British colonial-style facade and lush landscaping with towering palm trees welcome you to paradise.

The staff will greet you warmly, offering cool lemon-grass-scented towels and a refreshing cocktail, which is always the perfect way to start your stay.

For those in a Sandals Luxury-level room, you'll complete your check-in in the main Balmoral lobby. Those with Club-Sandals or Butler Service will be taken to the Club Sandals Lounge. Here, your concierge will walk you through all the amenities and activities available and then take you to your beautiful room!

Jonathan was amazing in helping us plan our wedding-honeymoon! We had the best time and he made sure we got the exact room and club level we wanted. He made everything very easy and we would definitely contact him for future trips!!

Map of Sandals Royal Bahamian

Sandals Royal Bahamian Beachfront Butler Room

Key Features of the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort

Sandals Royal Bahamian is a true royal gem with a longstanding regal heritage. It's not only one of the most beautiful Bahamas hotels but it's also one of the highest-rated Sandals resorts by travelers.

Here are its key features:

Accommodations: 404 rooms across 33 room categories featuring Butler Level Suites, Club Level Rooms, Oceanview Villas, and more.
Dining: 13 specialty restaurants, including La Plume (French cuisine) and Butch's Island Chop House (steak & seafood).
Private Island: Sandals Barefoot Cay features a private beach, Aralia House restaurant, and Red Lane Spa services. Note: While this is a private island for Sandals, one-third of the island belongs to another resort. While this could be a little confusing, it's important to know that there is plenty of space to wander and be alone.
Water Sports: Certified scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and Hobie sailing.
Pools & Bars: Sky-sized pools, hot tubs, swim-up bars, and beachfront lounges.
Exclusive Experiences: Beach volleyball, table tennis, spa treatments, and fine dining.
Business Center and Meeting Rooms: Available for groups or large celebrations.
Shuttle Service: Complimentary transportation to and from the airport and all excursions booked through our preferred partner, Island Routes.
Free Parking: Available for those who want to rent a car during their stay.

What makes Sandals Royal Bahamian our 8th choice for the Top Sandals Resort?

With the closure of Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma, which is scheduled to become a Beaches family resort, Sandals Royal Bahamian is now the only Sandals resort in the Bahamas.
The specialty dining restaurants are great, and there is something for everyone. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet and dinner at the Italian restaurant is not one to miss.
The staff are genuinely friendly and will go out of their way to put a smile on your face.
There are two large pools. One pool is the active pool with a lot of music and lots of activities. The other pool on the Balmoral side is quiet and great for relaxing.
The ocean can be quite cool during the winter months of January - April.
The beach is not large, but it is beautiful with calm waters and very swimmable.
We love the offshore island and the Red Lane® Spa that’s attached to it. This island has an abundance of private areas to relax and is not overcrowded. The beach is beautiful and has hammocks in the water where you can unwind and maybe even have a turtle.
Nightly entertainment is not lacking, and you’ll want to enjoy a nightcap at the Balmoral Bar or Cricketers Pub.
The Red Lane Spa is quiet and relaxing. We highly recommend having your experience on the Private Island.
The diving is good here, and for an extra expense, you can opt for an exclusive shark diving experience.
The view from the gym on the top floor is amazing.
WiFi is free to all guests but can be a bit spotty at times.
Room service is quick, and the menu is worth exploring.
When at or near capacity, the resort can be busy, and finding loungers with shade is at a premium, so having a butler would address this during the busy season.
If you want to snorkel on the Private Island, you’ll need to bring your own snorkeling gear.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Room Categories

Sandals Royal Bahamian features over 400 rooms in 33 different room categories.

From beachfront suites to private villas with personalized butler service, you can choose from swim-up suites and oceanview penthouses, all designed with modern furnishings.

Here is a breakdown of each room category:

Island Village from $499.00 per person, per night - Inspired by Bahamian charm, these rooms are located near the back entrance of the resort and feature private pools with butler service and 24-hour room service.
Beachfront Swim-up Suites from $815.00 per person, per night – These newly updated Butler level accommodations give you Direct access to the shared lagoon pool with ocean views.
Pool Swim-up Suites from $766.00 per person, per night – These Club Sandals rooms have been updated to the latest design standards and provide a tranquil escape.
Villa Suites from $499.00 per person, per night – These spacious butler accommodations feature private patios and private plunge pools in the Island Village One Bedroom Butler Villa Suite.

Specialty Dining Options at Sandals Royal Bahamian

Restaurants

La Plume – French fine dining.
Butch’s Island Chop House – Steaks and seafood.
Kimonos – Japanese teppanyaki.
Soy – Sushi bar.
Ristorante Casanova – Classic Italian flavors.
The Queen’s Pearl – British pub fare.
Tesoro – Pan-Caribbean dishes.
Aralia House – Seafood specialties on Sandals Barefoot Cay.
Coconut Grove – Outdoor dining with Bahamian cuisine, coffee, and sweets.

Bars and Lounges

Swim-up bars serving unlimited premium liquors such as Tito's Vodka, Jack Daniel's, The Glenlivet (12 year), Makers Mark and more.
Beachfront lounges with handcrafted cocktails made by expert mixologists.

Private Offshore Island: Sandals Barefoot Cay

A short shuttle boat ride away, this island retreat features:

Two secluded white-sand beaches.
A lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar.
Ocean overwater hammocks, private cabanas, and Red Lane Spa treatments.
The Aralia House seafood restaurant.

Private Offshore Island: Sandals Barefoot Cay

Things to Do at Sandals Royal Bahamian All-Inclusive Resort

Activities and Entertainment

Water Sports – Certified scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sailing.
Land Sports – Beach volleyball, table tennis, and a tennis court.
Pools and Whirlpools – Multiple outdoor pools, hot tubs, and an oceanfront infinity pool.

Wellness and Spa

Red Lane Spa – Luxurious spa treatments, hydrotherapy, and beauty salon services.
Fitness Center – State-of-the-art equipment and fitness classes.

Entertainment

Evening Shows – Live music, themed parties, and fire pits for a romantic ambiance.
Game Room & Business Center – Perfect for unwinding or staying connected.

Weddings and Honeymoons at Sandals Royal Bahamian Nassau

Sandals Royal Bahamian is great for vacations and anniversary celebrations but also shines as a destination for weddings. The resort offers customizable wedding packages, expert on-site planners, and secluded locations for an intimate experience. From small ceremonies to large celebrations, every detail will be thoughtfully handled and expertly carried out. Your guests will take in world-class dining, creating unforgettable memories with you.

Whether barefoot on the beach or in an oceanfront gazebo, the team working on your wedding at Sandals Royal Bahamian will make it a stress-free and enjoyable experience!

FAQs

What Happened to Sandals Royal Bahamian?

The resort underwent a $55 million renovation in 2022, adding new pools, upgraded rooms, and expanded specialty dining options.

Is Sandals Royal Bahamian Adults Only?

Yes, Sandals Royal Bahamian is an adults-only (18+), all-inclusive resort designed for couples.

What Airport is Sandals Royal Bahamian Near?

Lynden Pindling International Airport is the nearest airport, located about 6 miles away. Its easy to get into but even easier to leave as you will clear US customs in Nassau and not the United States.

Is There a Dress Code at Sandals Royal Bahamian?

Yes, resort casual attire is required during the day, while some fine dining restaurants have an evening dress code. Men: no open-toed sandals or tank tops

What is White Night at Sandals Resorts?

White Night is a themed event where guests dress in all white for a special evening of entertainment and socializing. This happens on a weekly basis on the chocolate night. Check the resort calendar upon arrival to confirm the date.

When Was Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort Last Renovated?

The resort was last renovated in 2022 with major upgrades to accommodations, dining, and amenities. While there are still some of the original room categories in the butler level room categories not yet updated - most have been recently updated to align with the Sandals 2.0 design philosophy.

Are Reservations Required for Dining?

Reservations are required for specialty restaurants such as Butch’s Island Chop House and Kimonos.

Is There a Map of the Resort?

Yes, guests can access the Sandals Royal Bahamian map upon check-in or online.

Does Sandals Royal Bahamian Offer Excursions?

Yes, guests can book excursions such as scuba diving with sharks, island tours to the Exumas, and sunset cruises.

Does Sandals Royal Bahamian Offer Airport Transfers?

Yes, complimentary roundtrip airport transfers are included, with Rolls-Royce service for Butler Level guests.

How Far is Sandals Royal Bahamian from the Airport?

Located on West Bay Street along Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas, Sandals Royal Bahamian is just a short 15-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport. The resort offers complimentary roundtrip airport transfers, including a Rolls-Royce option for Butler Level suite guests.