Sandals Royal Bahamian an oasis of all-inclusive European grandeur

The Bahamas were so special to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor they made part of it their epicenter for high society at the fabled Balmoral Club in the 1940s. The club has been transformed into the Sandals Royal Bahamian, but it remains an oasis of European grandeur, one voted “Top Resort” by readers of Conde Naste Traveler. Considered one of the Caribbean's most elegant resorts, the Royal Bahamian has among its offering a private island with two secluded beaches, one for relaxing, the other for water sports. The resort also has 406 rooms, 10 restaurants, and nine bars serving all-inclusive premium brands.

The Sandals Royal Bahamian has 406 rooms spread out in three categories: Luxury, concierge and butler.

In the luxury rooms, starting at $228 per night, there are four-poster mahogany king-size beds, cable TV with pay-per-view movies, Internet access and many other usual amenities.

In the concierge category, the suite service is a Sandals signature offering and includes what the luxury rooms have and also a sitting area, full bath, in-room bar (fully loaded) and his-and-her robes. A dedicated concierge provides personalized attention including VIP check-in, special luggage handling and tour arrangements. These rooms start at $256 per night.

The butler category, with suites starting at $353 per night, offers the pinnacle of personalized service by butlers specifically trained in the profession.

Ten restaurants and nine bars stand ready to sate your appetite and slake your thirst.

The Baccarat Restaurant decor is fine crystal amidst elegant art noveau trappings, with candle-lit tables set in a row by bay windows with white-gloved waitstaffers serving French cuisine by night.

The Crystal Room Restaurant is known for great cuisine and an authentic, vintage Baccarat crystal chandelier centerpiece.

Ristorante Casanova boasts Old Country fare at its antipasti bar, and all manner of pasta, grilled fish and other Italian favorites.

Spices Restaurant offers food and gentle sea breezes through open French doors, the fare here of Caribbean and Mediterranean flavor, prepared in full view in an open kitchen.

Kimonos features fun Teppanyaki fare with expert chefs wielding sharp knives, spinning spatulas, and an endless patter to accompany it all.

Cafe Goombay is found on offshore Sandals Island, serving Bahamian food with incredible views.

The Royal Cafe mixes Caribbean and American Southwest flavors. Cricketer’s Pub is a true Brit cozy with wood floors, church pews, and a brick wall brought over from Merry Old England.

Gordon’s serves steaks to seafood under the stars – and over the sea at the tip of a pier; this is included for butler-level guests, and for regular Sandals guests at additional charge

Bella Napoli Pizzeria has made-to-order brick-oven pizzas served on a terrace overlooking the ocean.
 

Just about everything to do here, on land or sea, is covered, from canoes and kayaks to windsurfing, hydrobiking, sailboating and more. The resort offers many places to cool down with seven pools and six whirlpools. Land activities include ping pong, shuffleboard, bocce, pool, tennis (day or night) and a fitness center.

Sandals also has a Red Lane Spa, where for additional cost you can avail yourself of a myriad of spa treatments, including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.

 There is also nightly entertainment here, with a club, piano bar, a formal night, a “Junkanoo” parade, live shows and more.

Also included are activities at the resort's private island, reachable by boat or launch.

Sandals Royal Bahamian
Cable Beach
Nassau, Bahamas
Phone:  (242) 327-6400
Website: http://www.sandals.com/main/bahamian/ba-home.cfm
Rooms starting at $228 per night