It’s not easy to talk about Sandals Royal Bahamian, the first-ever Sandals resort in the beautiful Bahamas - not because Sandals Royal Bahamian is lacking, but because the timing of your travel and the weather can significantly impact your overall experience.
You see, Royal Bahamian is the only Sandals resort with a private island, Barefoot Cay, offering two more beaches, a pool, and even a restaurant for romantic dinners in the middle of nowhere. The island is a wonderful, charming touch, but it closes in case of bad weather. So, for Royal Bahamian, the timing of your trip is probably more important than for any other Sandals resort.
Sandals Royal Bahamian also underwent a major renovation in 2022, costing about 55 million dollars. Yep, that’s a lot of money! New restaurants were introduced, and the rooms received several upgrades. This is a Sandals resort where you can find accommodations offering nothing but luxury, from semi-private swimming pools to Rolls-Royce transfers from the airport to the resort, and also exclusive private pools. Some rooms even come with a Mini Cooper just for you! Actually, let me rephrase that… *ahem*... a Mini Cooper that you can use to drive around Nassau during your stay. And let me tell you, there are tons of cool things to see in the Bahamas.
One great thing about this resort is how close it is to the United States. A flight from Miami to Nassau takes only one hour, and the resort is just 15 minutes away from the airport. Considering that some beach resorts can be about 2 hours away from the airport, it’s great that Royal Bahamian feels so close to home.
Of course, we need to talk a bit about Barefoot Cay, the signature feature of this resort. Barefoot Cay is a private island located just 0.5 miles from the main Royal Bahamian resort, with ferry transfers running all day to take guests back and forth. Don’t expect waterparks or any wild attractions, though. Barefoot Cay is all about giving you a moment to relax, with private beaches perfect for unwinding and catching a nice tan. There’s also a pool, smaller than the main ones at the resort but still charming. The island also offers snorkeling spots that are far better than those at the main resort.
It’s safe to say that if you’re going to Sandals Royal Bahamian, the private island is a major draw. It’s a beautiful spot with secluded beaches, and the change of scenery makes it feel like you have two resorts at your disposal. However, it’s important to note that Barefoot Cay may close occasionally, especially during bad weather. If you’re planning a trip to Royal Bahamian, it’s best to aim for the driest months, from November to April. The rainy season starts around May and continues through October, which could impact your experience since you’d be limited to the main resort.
When it comes to pricing, Sandals Royal Bahamian is a bit more expensive than the resorts in Jamaica. Starting rates are around $300 per guest, per night, and since we recommend traveling between November and April, you’ll likely pay a bit more than that. This is a beautiful resort, though fairly compact. The main beach is small, but with two additional beaches on Barefoot Cay, guests that love sunbathing won’t be disappointed. You’ll also find three main pools, including a lively “party” pool with music all day and a quieter one if you’re looking to relax. The pools are nice, but that’s about it.
There are also ten restaurants at Sandals Royal Bahamian, most of which are brand new to Sandals Resorts. The food, however, tends to receive mixed reviews online. Some of the best options include the Italian restaurant Tesoro and Soy Sushi Bar, a Sandals classic that’s widely praised. Some of the newer options are considered a bit of a letdown, though. On the bright side, there are a few food trucks scattered around the resort that get good reviews if you’re looking for a quick bite.
Do I recommend Sandals Royal Bahamian? Yes… if you can book a trip from November to April. Weather plays a big role at this resort, and if Barefoot Cay is closed, you’ll miss out on a significant part of the experience. The driest months are also perfect for exploring Nassau and trying so many fun activities, like… swimming with pigs. Yeah, you didn’t read that wrong. So, if you’re looking to try a new destination and experience Sandals’ first-ever private island, Royal Bahamian might be a great choice.
Reviews of Sandals Royal Bahamian
The Good
It’s close to home: …at least if you’re in the United States, that is. The Bahamas is only about an hour from Miami, and Sandals Royal Bahamian is just 15 minutes from the airport. This means that if you catch an 8:00am flight, you could be relaxing by the pool with a piña colada in hand by noon. The close proximity is great news for those who want to dive into the resort experience quickly and avoid long flights.
Barefoot Cay: Sandals Royal Bahamian has a private island located just 0.5 miles from the main resort, with ferry boats running all day to take guests there. Barefoot Cay is the main attraction at Royal Bahamian and an ideal spot to enjoy new beaches, a fresh pool, and even a restaurant. Without Barefoot Cay, this resort would be fairly average, but the private island adds a cool change of scenery with a peaceful, calming atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Plan your visit between November and April to avoid bad weather, as Barefoot Cay may close if it’s raining.
Recently Updated: Sandals Royal Bahamian received a major update in 2022, with new restaurants and rooms being introduced. These are several luxurious accommodations that offer private pools, semi-private pools, private car transfers from the airport and some Suites even lend you a Mini-Cooper so you can explore the land in Mr. Bean’s favorite car.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals Royal Bahamian is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package (although you can tip your butler if you are staying in a Butler Elite Suite). Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Sandals.
The Bad
It’s heavily influenced by the weather: Sandals Royal Bahamian, more than any other Sandals resort, is heavily influenced by weather conditions. If it starts to rain, there’s a good chance that the ferries to Barefoot Cay won’t be operational. It’s highly advisable to book your trip during the driest months - from November to April - to minimize the chances of rainfall. Without Barefoot Cay, the entire resort loses much of its charm.
Some additional problems: There are a few issues that should be noted, as they frequently come up in online reviews. One common concern is a water leakage problem that seems to affect many guests. For some reason, certain rooms have bathrooms that may leak or even run out of water on certain days. I’m not sure if this is still an ongoing issue, but some guests were still discussing it six months ago. The staff can also be a bit slow at times, with guests waiting a while to be seated in some restaurants. There’s also the drawback that if it starts to rain, it limits what you can do, as there aren’t many indoor activities at the resort, and the main beach can be rather disappointing.
How to get to Sandals Royal Bahamian?
Flying to Sandals Royal Bahamian
When you fly into the Bahamas, you will land at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). The Bahamas is located not far from the United States, and a flight from Miami to Nassau takes only about one hour.
There is a free transfer from the airport to the resort, and the entire trip takes only 10 to 15 minutes. So, in theory, you can wake up in Miami at 8:00 AM and be swimming in the Bahamas by noon!
Transportation Options to Sandals Royal Bahamian
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Sandals kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You'll board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
Where is Sandals Royal Bahamian?
Sandals Royal Bahamian is located almost 8 miles away from LPIA. That means that you are going to take around 15 min from the airport to your final destination, where you are welcomed by the staff and then taken to your private room. If you're staying in a Sandals Cub room, you have access to a private check in and they even give you a bottle of champagne.
If you need a specific address, Sandals Royal Bahamian is located in W Bay St, Nassau, Bahamas.
Staying at Sandals Royal Bahamian
- Room Price Range: Room prices are above average for Sandals resorts. Starting rates begin at $300 per guest, per night for the most affordable rooms and can go up to $880 per guest, per night for the luxurious suites.
Sandals Royal Bahamian might be small and compact, but it offers a wide range of room options. Prices tend to vary, with the cheapest options starting at around $300 per guest, per night. Please keep in mind that these prices are for the month of October, which has the highest chances of rain. We recommend traveling to the Bahamas from November to April to enjoy the dry season and Barefoot Cay, as room rates tend to be higher during this period.
Rooms are separated into three distinct levels: Luxury, Club Sandals and Butler Elite. Luxury is actually the budget option, while Club Sandals tends to bring more upscale rooms and a few additional perks to guests, like a private check-in, a private lounge and a mini-bar with more items. The Butler Elite rooms offer guests their own private butler, who can make reservations for couples, bring meals to their rooms, and assist them in various ways during their stay.
Every room includes free airport transfers to the resort and complimentary Wi-Fi, and most of them are relatively new, having been updated in the past few years. Sandals Royal Bahamian has a lot of cool offerings for guests, especially those staying in Butler Elite Suites. Each Butler Suite comes with a private car transfer, which may not be particularly necessary since the ride from the airport to the hotel only takes about 15 minutes, but it’s a nice touch nonetheless. Many Butler Elite Suites also feature swim-up or private pools, and some even offer the opportunity to drive a Mini Cooper and explore Nassau at your own pace.
Dining at Sandals Royal Bahamian
- Best restaurants: La Plume, Soy Sushi Bar, Tesoro, Butch’s Island Chop House.
There are a total of 10 restaurants at Sandals Royal Bahamian, which is a respectable number for a compact resort. One of the restaurants is even located on the private island, making it a great choice for a romantic evening with your partner.
Many of these restaurants are brand new, but I must admit that they can be a bit disappointing. I don’t think the food is bad, but it tends to be very average, a sentiment echoed by many guests online. With so many new dining options, it’s somewhat of a letdown that the food isn’t the standout feature of Sandals Royal Bahamian. Still, there are some great choices, like Soy Sushi Bar and Tesoro, and you can always head to Nassau to explore the local Bahamian cuisine.
Here is a list of the restaurants you can find at Sandals Royal Bahamian, alongside the type of food they offer:
- La Plume (French)
- Butch’s Island Chop House (Mediterranean)
- Tesoro (Italian)
- Kanoo (Pan-Caribbean)
- Kimonos (Japanese Teppanyaki)
- Soy Sushi Bar (Sushi)
- Gordon’s on the Pier (Seafood)
- Aralia House (Seafood)
- Calico Café (Snacks & Coffee)
- The Queen’s Pearl (British Pub)
At the time of this writing, three restaurants require an advance reservation: La Plume, Butch’s Island Chop House, and Kimonos. Be sure to book a spot as soon as you arrive at the resort, as reservations for dining can only be made upon arrival.
Not a single restaurant requires Resort Evening Attire, meaning you don’t need to dress up for any of them. Their dress code is Resort Casual, so shorts and a T-shirt are perfectly fine.
Activities at Sandals Royal Bahamian
There are some fun activities to enjoy at Sandals Royal Bahamian, and one of the best is heading to the private island of Barefoot Cay to dive. While the beach at the main resort isn’t particularly impressive, Barefoot Cay has two additional beaches and excellent spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.
You also have access to different land sports and the Red Lane Fitness Center, which is equipped with various machines to support your healthy lifestyle during your vacation. Uhhh, I’m not too familiar with what that means, so I can’t comment on it.
Here is a list of what you can find at Sandals Royal Bahamian for the absolutely amazing price of… free!
- Visiting Barefoot Cay
- Scuba Diving
- Kayaks
- Waterskiing
- Windsurfing
- Sailboats
- Tubing
- Snorkeling
- Glass Bottom Boats
- Land Sports (volleyball, tennis, table tennis,basketball…)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Spa
- Beach parties, Karaoke shows, Live shows, talent nights…
Sandals Royal Bahamian Weather Guide
Discussing the weather is very important for Sandals Royal Bahamian. As mentioned earlier, you should aim to visit this resort between November and April. The reason is simple: you want to enjoy the driest months of the year and minimize the chances of rain, as inclement weather can close Barefoot Cay and significantly impact your vacation. Without access to the private island, Sandals Royal Bahamian can feel quite lackluster, and poor weather affects this resort more than any other Sandals property.
As far as temperature goes, January is the chilliest month, with lows of 70°F and highs of 79°F, while August is the hottest month, with lows of 79°F and highs of 88°F. It’s never too cold or incredibly hot, so you shouldn’t worry too much about it when planning your travel. However, the hottest months tend to bring a lot of rain, which is the main reason to try to avoid months like August, September, and October.
The months with the highest rainfall are May, June, September, and October. The driest months are January, February, and March, which are also, as expected, the most expensive months to visit Sandals Royal Bahamian. Another reason to avoid visiting from June through October is that the official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Best Times to visit Sandals Royal Bahamian
Let’s answer this question head on: the best months to visit Sandals Royal Bahamian are from December to April. These are the driest months of the year, and you want to enjoy sunshine all day to have access to Barefoot Cay and everything the island has to offer.
If you want me to be even more specific, I’d say that February and March are the best months to visit the Bahamas. During these two months, you’ll experience the highest amount of sunshine per day, rising water temperatures, pleasant air temperatures, and virtually no rain. The downside is that room rates are also higher during this time.
I would try to avoid the months of May through October if possible. If those are the only months you can travel, I’d recommend going in July or August, as it tends to rain less than in October. Still, I would advise against visiting during this time. Sandals Royal Bahamian is not that much fun if it’s raining.
Packing list for Sandals Royal Bahamian
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners with the love of your life.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and exploring the beach, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
Nice outfits: Bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment, your butler or your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Nice-to-haves
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Sandals Royal Bahamian?
You should already have an idea if this beach resort is for you. You will have a great time in Sandals Royal Bahamian if:
- You don’t want to spend a lot of time inside a plane
- You love beaches
- You like the idea of visiting and exploring a private island
- You want to explore Nassau
- You are planning to go there between November-April
One of the most important things to know is that Sandals is geared towards adults and couples. This is an adults-only resort, so children are not allowed. If you're planning a vacation with children or your entire family, you'll have a better experience at sister brand Beaches Resorts. Oh, you know what? We also have in-depth guides for every Beaches Resort available!
Book your dream vacation at Sandals Royal Bahamian!
Now that you know a lot about Sandals Royal Bahamian… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Sandals Royal Bahamian? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the water during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
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