For an easy nearby vacation spot I hopped a flight to Nassau in The Bahamas and a stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Only 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from downtown Nassau, Sandals Royal Bahamian is situated on a small footprint of land, but offers so much.

The resort is trimmed by soft powdery sand with a backdrop of bright shades of blue and turqouise of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. I couldn’t stop looking at, it is so mesmerizing.

I wish I would have stayed long enough to eat at all ten restaurants. But two of my favorite places were Gordon’s on the Pier for grilled seafood, and Tesoro, Venetian style Italian food with an amazing 20-foot antipasti bar I could have called my dinner and forgo an entree. So good!

Dining at Sandals Royal Bahamian

There are two food trucks as well. One offering specialty coffees, crepes, and other sweets. The other Bahamian fusion with conch fritters, pulled pork sandwiches, and other favorites.

Of course, what would an all-inclusive resort be without bars. Sandals Royal Bahamian features eight bars and cocktail lounges including beach and pool bars. In the style of a well-heeled restaurant or hotel bar, in Mr. B’s, I could order a Negroni, a Manhattan, and an original Gin Martini – favorites of mine.

Rooms at Sandals Royal Bahamian

Club Sandals rooms are definitely worth the higher price. The rooms are oversized with a four poster king size beds, a signature hallmark of the Sandals brand. There is a seating area with a sofa and twin chairs leading to a spacious balcony with two chairs and a table. The rooms in this category give access to a special check in area with coffee, snacks, and beverages. After a quick check in, I was escorted to my room, another benefit guests receive staying in this room type. And there is a dedicated concierge desk in the Sandals Club building to help with dinner reservations, and assistance during the stay.

The mini-bar and mini-fridge are well-stocked with local beer, juices, water soft drinks, full bottles of vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey. I also ordered from in-room dining twice. The delivery wait times were short for a resort of this size.

Pools and Beach at Sandals Royal Bahamian

I relaxed by the resort’s two very large pools, one for activities and one considered the quiet pool. Both pools have fantastic pool bars so you never have to leave the water to tame your thirst.

Cabanas on the beach provide shade and come with a beach butler who checks in with you to help you stay hydrated, keep your cooler stocked with refreshments all day, and make sure you don’t go hungry.

Another unique feature of Sandals Royal Bahamian is the penthouse location of the super-size fitness center. There are birds-eye views from here and the gym equipment is in great shape.

The water sports hut has snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and a dive center. Catamaran excursions leave from here as well.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Off-Shore Island

Another unique feature of this resort is Sandals Cay, an off-shore island  with its own fresh-water pool, hot tub, a restaurant and bar. The little island is wrapped by a bright white-sand beach you never want to leave.

The buildings around the property are a blend of Georgian colonial style and Bahamian style painted, in hues of blue, yellow, pastel green, and pink.

Instagrammable photos ops are around every corner. And beautifully lush gardens and gazebos make for memorable wedding ceremonies.

Sandals Royal Bahamian is for couples celebrating special moments, birthdays, anniversaries, of course honeymoons, and any reason to get away and be together.

John Werner

As a 45 year veteran of the travel industry and the President of MAST Travel Network since 2002, John’s career has included 14 years as a travel agency owner. He has served in various capacities on the Board of the Midwest Chapter of ASTA including Treasurer and Vice President. John has also held several positions on the Board of Directors for MAST including Vice Chairman and Board Chairman during the years he owned Travel Group International, a MAST member during the 1990s.