Join us on our trip to Sandals Dunn's River! March 11-15, 2026 with Discounted Rates

Learn More

Sandals Royal Bahamian Review

by

The closest Sandals resort to the US, Sandals Royal Bahamian, is located in Nassau, Bahamas, just about a 30-minute flight from Miami.

We have been to this resort three different times, and here is our full review, and a quote from a recent client.

To sum up our review of Sandals Royal Bahaman.

  • You will love this resort if you are looking for a more lively environment
  • You will love the proximity to the US
  • You may not like this resort if you are looking for peace and quiet

Sandals Royal Bahamian Promotions

Make sure to check current specials before booking your stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Each week there are new specials on 7 different suites, there are always last-minute deals and they have seasonal sales as well.
Current Promotions

It’s the only Sandals that’s near a casino, the only Sandals in the Bahamas (now that Sandals Emerald Bay is being converted into a Beaches resort).

Set on gorgeous Cable Beach in Nassau, the resort has been fully renovated and features luxurious suites like beachfront swim-up butler suites, 7 pools and 5 whirlpools, 10 restaurants, and 8 bars. There is also a beautiful beachfront on the private island as well as a pool with a swim-up bar and a restaurant.

Sandals Royal Bahamian has a lively vibe and tends to draw a younger clientele.

We loved our time at Sandals Royal Bahamian and are happy to share our thoughts in this Sandals Royal Bahamian review.

Getting to Sandals Royal Bahamian

It’s very easy to get to Sandals Royal Bahamian, with plenty of direct flights from major airports to Lynden Pindling International Airport.

When we landed, we headed right to the Sandals check-in and were shown to our complimentary transportation. Just 15 minutes later, we were at the resort, welcomed with a cool, wet towel and a drink.

FYI, if you stay in a butler suite, your transfer will be private, in a Rolls-Royce! And once you arrive, you’ll be taken to your suite for private check-in and orientation by your butler. It’s a luxurious way to start your vacation.

Nassau Area

One thing we love at Sandals Royal Bahamian is its location in Nassau makes it easy to explore and experience the rest of the area.

Whether you’re taking a quick trip to downtown Nassau for shopping and local food, visiting historical sites like the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle, or heading out on a boat tour to nearby islands, there’s so much to see just beyond the resort.

We also love Baha Mar for its huge waterpark, casino, food and entertainment.

Rooms and Suites

You have a wide range of choices here, with 33 room categories ranging from premium and luxury rooms to club level rooms and suites and butler level suites. Note that only club and butler level accommodations have room service.

The resort is divided into three areas, West Bay, East Bay, and Island Village, each offering its own ambiance. East Bay is the liveliest, with West Bay and Island Village feeling more serene.

There are 33 different room categories so it can be hard to choose where to book.

Luxury Level Rooms

  • East Bay Luxury – These rooms are the most basic rooms with a view of the courtyard.

Club Level Rooms

These rooms mostly vary based on size and location, but each offers a similar experience with the perks that come with a Club-level room.

Butler Suites

These rooms vary based on size, location, and amenities like private pools or swim-up suites. All come with butler service, which can make a huge difference in the experience.

Personally, I prefer the East Bay Rooms since they aren’t super close to the louder pool when we want to nap during the day. For the Island Village, make sure to request a room away from the road.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Restaurants and Bars

There are 10 restaurants and 2 food trucks at Sandals Royal Bahamian. We enjoyed everything we had during our visit, especially the Bahamian fare at the Coco Queen food truck, the sushi at Soy and the buffets at Tesoro.

You can also dine on French cuisine, pan-Caribbean, Asian, steaks, fresh seafood, international dishes, sweet treats, and more.

The 8 bars here include swim-up bars, beach bars, and a British pub.

La Plume – French cuisine in an elegant setting with reservations required. We loved the Slow-braised lamb shank. You can also come here for an a la carte breakfast if you want a slower morning.

• Butch’s Island Chop House – Cuts of steak and fresh seafood.

• Tesoro – Italian dishes amidst a vibrant and colorful ambiance, serving a breakfast buffet, pizza at lunch, and Italian for dinner. The dinner includes appetizers served at the buffet and main dishes served a la carte.

• Kanoo – Pan-Caribbean favorites that celebrate the rich flavors of the region, serving breakfast and lunch.

• Kimonos – This is the popular teppanyaki-style dining experience with entertaining tableside chef performances. Reservations required.

Aralia House (Located on the private offshore island) – This is a simple restaurant with a lot of variety serving lunch for the guest that have gone to the offshore island.

Calico Café – Enjoy delicious grilled fare served beachside, perfect for a casual meal with ocean views.

• The Queen’s Pearl – Experience a traditional British pub atmosphere, serving classic favorites and ales. I loved the chicken wings and chicken tikka.

• Gordon’s on the Pier – Dine elegantly over the water with sunset views.

• Soy Sushi Bar – One of our favorites, especially for a quicker meal.

Sweets ‘N’ Tings – Treat yourself to grab-and-go sweets and coffee, perfect for a quick indulgence. We would go every morning for a latte.

Coco Queen – Perfect for a quick bite, we loved the different taco options

Sandals Royal Bahamian Private Island

The private island at Sandals Royal Bahamian, Barefoot Cay, is located just offshore and accessible via a quick boat ride. It’s a peaceful and scenic retreat with two white-sand beaches, a pool and swim-up bar, and a restaurant. It’s the perfect place to relax for the day, and you can even snorkel off the beach.

Each morning, people line up to be the first on the shuttle. We tend to show up after the first boat has come back to avoid the crowds.

You can also get spa reservations here for a unique open-air experience.

When you are on the private island you can also check out some snorkeling gear and take a look around under the water.

What is the beach like at Sandals Royal Bahamian?

The beach at Sandals Royal Bahamian is amazing. At the main resort, you have a nice stretch of sugar white sand with clear turquoise water. Then you also get two equally nice beaches on the private island.

There are shaded lounge chairs and palm trees as well as private cabanas for rent.

Other Resort Amenities and Activities

The Pools

Sandals Royal Bahamian offers 7 sparkling pools, each designed for a different mood or experience.

• The main pool is the heart of the resort—lively and energetic with music, games, a swim-up bar, and daily entertainment.

• A quiet pool provides a serene escape for reading, relaxing, or taking a peaceful dip, but you can still enjoy the music of the nearby pool.

• You’ll also find 5 whirlpools scattered across the property—perfect for soaking under the sun or stars.

Watersports

The resort offers a full suite of complimentary watersports, perfect for both adventure seekers and casual explorers.

• Scuba diving (for certified divers) is included, offering access to some of the best dive spots in the Bahamas, and some of the best of all Sandals Resorts.

• Snorkeling trips let you discover colorful marine life right off the coast.

• Try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking, or Hobie Cat sailing, all at no extra cost.

• Equipment and professional instruction are available, even for beginners.

The crystal-clear turquoise waters make this one of the best Sandals locations for ocean activities.

Land Activities

When you’re ready to dry off, there are plenty of on-land options to stay active or simply have fun.

• Tennis courts and Pickleball are open day and night for a friendly match or competitive play.

• Join in games like beach volleyball, basketball, croquet, or shuffleboard with fellow guests.

• The fitness center is located in a penthouse suite with sweeping views of the beach, providing a beautiful space for workouts, yoga, and wellness classes. It is tucked away so you may want to get directions from staff to find it.

There’s always something to do, whether you’re looking to break a sweat or try something new.

Nearby Excursions (Extra Cost)

Sandal Royal Bahamian is one of the best Sandals Resort if you want to get off the resort since you are close to so many options.

You can book excursions right from the resort (for an additional fee), including:

• City and cultural tours of Nassau

• Snorkeling or catamaran cruises to nearby reefs and islands

• Fishing charters, historical site visits, and more

• Private island tours to explore secluded beaches

With so many adventures available, you can mix relaxation with exploration to create your perfect trip.

You are also very close to BahaMar, a resort complex that has a casino and waterpark that we usually visit for one day of our trip. It is also a fun place to stay the day before or after your time at Sandals.

Swimming with the Pigs

One of the most iconic and unforgettable excursions in the Bahamas is the chance to swim with the pigs, and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds!

• This unique experience lets you take a boat ride out to a nearby island where friendly pigs swim right up to greet you.

• You’ll have the chance to feed them, take photos, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

• This is an extra-cost excursion but absolutely worth it for the brag-worthy memories.

Keep in mind that you can book at “Pig Encounter” and this is not the same thing. Let the tour desk know you want to go to swim with the pigs. It will be a longer experience and more expensive than the other options.

Is Sandals Royal Bahamian a party resort?

While it’s not what we would consider a true party resort, Sandals Royal Bahamian does have a more vibrant nightlife than many other Sandals locations. It is also close to all the action in Nassau.

Final Thoughts

We really enjoyed our visit to Sandals Royal Bahamian and found it the perfect mix of relaxing and being active. The private island made it even more special.

Recent Client Review

98% is fantastic, they’re stingy on towels in the room but that’s about the extent of the negative.

I’d come back in a heartbeat.

Negative: can’t get a reservation at Butch’s or La Plume our entire stay…

Positive: we took the orientation on the 1st day, politely mentioned that and Giovanni our guide said “I got you”. By the end of the orientation we had a reservation at Butch’s for Saturday at 6pm!

As per reviews, the dive shop people are fantastic!

All staff is very friendly and I feel their is plenty of staff, contrary to some reviews.

All the food has been excellent.

Leave a Comment