The closest Sandals resort to the US, Sandals Royal Bahamian, is located in Nassau, Bahamas, just about a 30-minute flight from Miami.
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
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 beautiful beachfront on the private island as well as a pool with 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.
FYI, if you stay in a butler suite, your transfer will be private, in a Rolls Royce! And once you arrive, you’ll be whisked to your suite for private check-in and orientation by your butler. It’s a really luxurious way to start your vacation.
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.
- East Bay Premium
- East Bay Zen Garden Room – This is the most affordable room with a balcony.
- East Bay Honeymoon Zen Garden Room
- East Bay Zen Garden Walkout Club Level Room
- East Bay Oceanview Premium – Pay a little extra for the oceanview.
- East Bay Oceanview Luxury
- East Bay Oceanview Grande Luxe
- Island Village Honeymoon Luxury Villa Room – In the back of the resort
Club Level Rooms
These rooms mostly vary based on size and location, but each offer a similar experience with the perks that come with a Club level room.
- West Bay Honeymoon Club Level Oversized Junior Suite
- West Bay Honeymoon Oceanview Club Level Suite
- West Bay Oceanview Penthouse Club Level Suite
- West Bay Grande Luxe Walkout Oversized Club Level Junior Suite
- West Bay Swim-up Oversized Club Level Junior Suite
- Island Village Club Level Junior Villa Suite w/ Outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub
- East Bay Honeymoon Oceanview Club Level Room
- East Bay Poolside Walkout Club Level Room
- East Bay Beachfront 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.
- Island Village One Bedroom Butler Villa Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub
- Island Village One Bedroom Walkout Butler Villa Suite w/ Private Pool
- Island Village One Bedroom Butler Villa Suite w/ Private Pool
- Island Village Walkout Butler Hideaway Villa Suite w/ Private Pool
- West Bay Oceanview One Bedroom Butler Suite
- West Bay Honeymoon Oceanview One Bedroom Butler Suite
- West Bay Oceanfront Penthouse One Bedroom Butler Suite – One of our top picks
- West Bay Honeymoon Hideaway Swim-up Crystal Lagoon Zen Butler Suite
- West Bay One Bedroom Butler Suite
- West Bay Honeymoon Hideaway Oceanview One Bedroom Butler Suite
- West Bay One Bedroom Oceanview Swim-up Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub
- West Bay Honeymoon Hideaway Swim-up Crystal Lagoon Zen One Bedroom Butler Suite
- West Bay One Bedroom Swim-up Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub
- East Bay Honeymoon Beachfront Butler Suite
- East Bay Beachfront Swim-up Butler Suite – One of our top picks
Sandals Royal Bahamian Restaurants and Bars
There are 10 restaurants and 2 food trucks at Sandals Royal Bahamian. We really enjoyed everything we had during our visit, especially the Bahamian fare at the Coco Queen food truck and the sushi at Soy.
You can also dine on French cuisine, Italian, pan-Caribbean, Asian, steaks, fresh seafood, international dishes, sweet treats, and more. Several restaurants are beachfront and one is even over the water for beautiful views.
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.
• Coco Queen – Perfect for a quick bite, we loved the different taco options.
• 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.
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.
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.