A getaway doesn’t have to be a whole week to be great. Sometimes planning a four or five-day getaway can be refreshing and easier to fit into a busy schedule! That is, of course, if you’re heading to a location that allows for a direct flight and your resort is a short ride from the airport. Luckily, many options fit the bill.
Back in November, I made such plans and visited Nassau, Bahamas, which was fantastic! I booked three nights at the recently renovated Sandals Royal Bahamian to check out the upgraded resort and offshore island. The quick flight from Toronto to Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau was three hours, gate-to-gate, to be exact. We essentially left Toronto at breakfast and arrived in the Bahamas for lunch!
I’ve never seen water so crystal clear as in the Bahamas – and when you’re flying in, it’s an incredible sight. The airport is lovely and easy to maneuver – once you clear customs, you head straight for the Sandals lounge, where they’ll escort you to your complimentary transfer. A short 15-minute ride later, you’re at Royal Bahamian’s gates. It’s located along a commercial stretch, overlooking the ocean on the island’s north end. You’ll be in awe of the luxe feel when you pull up to the stunning Sandals namesake water feature.
The property had been renovated during the COVID-19 pandemic… What a time to do it! Sandals 2.0 is shining through with its modern amenities and elevated food options.
What does that mean exactly? Food trucks, new upscale dining concepts and décor that features pastel tones of pink and turquoise. The property was very Instagramable (#IYKYK) and there were many “royal” touches.
Accommodations
The resort is sectioned into three areas: East Bay, West Bay and the Royal Village (a charming cluster of two-story stand-alone villas). With various suites – from swim-ups to penthouses – there is something for every preference.
The rooms were very simple – probably the most simple of any Sandals that I’ve been to. For me, it didn’t bother me as we rarely spend time there. I did appreciate the layout of my particular room though, with a spacious bedroom area, bathroom and bar area.
Connect with Pink Palm Travel if you’re considering booking at this resort, as you’ll want insight on your room booking (Want a quiet spot? A lively area? An ocean view or oceanfront?). It’s not a large resort; it has a small footprint for Sandals but has many high-end dining options.
Food & Drink
My husband and I found the food spectacular – one of the best Sandals Resorts we’ve had the pleasure to dine at. The 10 dining options on the resort are always included. You can choose from French, Mediterranean, Italian, Pan-Caribbean, teppanyaki, seafood, sushi, pub fare, and food trucks – it’s all delicious.
Our favourite was Butch’s Island Chop House. We both agreed that our steaks were the best we’d had at a restaurant. Tesoro’s, the Italian restaurant, had the best antipasto bar we’ve ever tried.
We loved to stop by the Piano Bar every night before dinner. Philip, the bartender, was a highlight! His specialty was espresso and chocolate martinis…it was hard to stop at just one!
Entertainment
Sandals Royal Bahamian has a variety of day and night entertainment that caters to a younger audience. Music was primarily top 40; the all-new Coconut Grove beachfront area was incredible for nighttime entertainment, and the bar was divine! When you go – try the Dragon in a Coconut, a refreshing fruity drink with rum.
Be sure to check out the fantastic offshore island. Boat shuttles to the island (which features its own restaurant, pool, swim-up bar, multiple beaches and a spa) begin at 10 a.m. sharp—being the first on the shuttle pays off so you can grab a cabana (all included) for the day. The watersports team will also accommodate you on the island – so if you feel like jet skiing or any other water sports – it’s all included!
Back at the main resort, there are many lovely places to connect… think hot tubs, swim-up bars and intimate fireplaces. The resort’s Signature Red Lane Spa was small but private. For a Sandals Resort, you can expect a more active nightlife – there’s even a mini dance club – Dancing Queen!
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