Sandals Royal Bahamian

Definitely not anywhere close to 5 star resort. The food is below average. Maybe the worst selection and quality I’ve experienced - the food trucks were better than the restaurants and buffet was only for breakfast but was mediocre. The en-suite bathroom needed more attention from housekeeping. The mattress was uncomfortable and really bad quality pillows. We had to call 2 days for housekeeping to turn over the room & had power outages twice. A lot of couples we spoke to agreed this is the worst sandals location. The entertainment in the evenings was a sad effort with no level of effort. The only redeeming factors are the staff and the little island adjacent

We just returned from this resort and had a horrible experience. The resort lost power both Friday and Saturday (no one could offer an explanation) so we had no AC, could not dine in most of the restaurants and the ones we could were so hot we couldn't sit in them. They said it was Island wide but we had just come from Baha Mar casino and they had power. They had no backup lights running by generator so the halls were pitch black, the bathroom in the lobby you have to access down stairs and it was completely pitch black. The beach was filthy there was an empty prescription bottle and broken glass amongst trash and plastic water bottles. there was hair in my shower, the decorations under the TV which were glass orbs were half broken. The pool was so murky from the power going out they closed it. Bartenders couldn't make frozen drinks. Lastly the service was horrible, we waiting an hour in most restaurants to get food, we left 2 nights waiting for dessert because it took so long. Unfortunately it was just overall bad, I would never choose this hotel again, how do you lose power multiple days in a row when there its beautiful outside? We really did not get close to the experience we paid for...

I was really worried about our trip because I've read many negative reviews. However, we had the most amazing trip and loved this resort! We would absolutely return to Sandals Royal Bahimian. This was our first time at this resort, but our 10th Sandals stay. It was one of our favorite trips! We stayed in a club level East Bay room. We had hot water the entire time without any issues in the room. It was a tad worn down, but we are only in our room to sleep and get ready so it was not an issue or problem for us. Breakfast was at Tessoro each morning as it was closest to our room. We did try to go to La Plume our last morning, but there was a long wait and we had to pack and be out of our room by 11 so we didn't stay for that. But, the buffet was great and the omlette station was actually delicious! Best of all the Sandals we've been too. The woman whose name I missed was so kind. Loved chatting with her while she cooked our omlettes. Shirine was the hostess each morning and she was so happy and kind and welcoming. I loved seeing her each day! She started our day off right with her positivity. She is manager material in the making! We got room service for snacks after the pool a few times to tide us over and the food was always delivered pretty quickly. We got a cheese board, charcuterie with meat, and nachos sometimes. Perfect snack for after drinking at the pool all day. We ate dinner at Kanoo twice because I loved the coconut shrimp and the jerk chicken was really good. Latrell and Karin were our servers and took great care of us! Tesorro's dinner was fine, but the antipasto buffet was the highlight. I got the veal and it was just okay. My husband got chicken parm and it was the same as all the other Sandals. I'd just eat the buffett next time as that was perfect! Tahjne took care of us and was great! We also at at Gordon's and the food was delicious! I was shocked how delicious my steak was with the surf and turf. I imagined it would be a junk piece of meat, but it was a delicous and perfectly cooked fillet. Don't skip this. Ladies, bring a hair tie or a hat. The wind was no joke. Butch's is usually our favorite restaurant and it was no exception on this trip. The crab cake was absolutely delicous. The surf and turf was divine. Lobster was cooked perfectly and the steak was perfect. I got the bernaise sauce and it was so good. Kendrick was our server and took such great care of us! Late night snacks at the Queen's Pearl were also pretty great. One day we had a late day at the pool followed by room service so we just got snacks there later at night and it was great. Phillip, Jaron, and Rory took great care of us each night we went to the pub, whether for food or late night drinks. Maria at Tessoro's helped us with our pizza for lunch two days and wow! Her hospitality and kindness were so outstanding. Loved talking to her. She was so nice and made us feel so welcomed. The pizza was also delicious! Best of all the Sandals we've been to. Don't miss out on this. We got lunch at the buffett the other days and it was really good, but I suggest going early as someone told us they went towards closing and there wasn't as much food. But, when we went there was a great selection every day. We went to the private island one morning and it was fine. Waited in line and just made it on the first boat. I suggest water shoes. The captain was really fun! We spent most days at the party pool and had an absolute blast! The whole entertainment crew was so much fun. However, the highlight for us was seeing Keemo-Sabe! Not only is he a gem, but we met him last year at South Coast so getting to see him again made it feel like home. Tevin at the swim up bar was our absolute favorite! He was so fun, remembered our drinks, made us fun drinks, and also made us feel so welcomed. Felicia and Anthony were also great. ***If you are allergic to bees, bring your epi pen to the pool just in case. Because of all the sweet drinks, there were a lot of bees. None bothered us and we didn't see anyone get stung, but just a warning in case you are allergic to bring your epi pen to the pool just in case. We also loved going to Coconut Grove at night for entertainment and drinks. Valentino was so much fun, as was Lawrence and Laharia. See Valentino for his vanilla milkshake shot. It was so delicous! We also loved Mr. B's bar for predinner drinks. Abranell and Edmund helped us our first night and were so nice. Then, Hope took care of us a few other nights. I would bring a fresh shot of espresso from the coffee shop and she made the most delicous and fresh espresso martinis I've ever had! Marva was her partner and was also awesome. We chatted with Hope each night and loved getting to know her a bit. She was so positive and friendly and kind. Shanda at the piano bar (and other bars, but that was the first time we met her) was amazing! We had the best chat with her and I wish I lived in the Bahamas because I want to be best friends with her. Not only are her drinks great, but she is an amazing person. At Sweet n' Tings, every single employee was so nice to us no matter when we went whether it was 6:30 am, afternoon, or evening! I didn't get everyone's names, but Shakara and Alexandria took great care of us and were so sweet! Arizona was in that area one day and I'm not sure what area she works in, but was also super nice! Rochelle at the Conch food truck also went above and beyond for us and ewas so nice. There was great service at the West Bay pool if you were in your chairs. I loved Teranique and Jahtara. They took such great care of us. Lesly Ann and Shavon did photo shoots for us and not only were the picutures great, but they were both so sweet! Opal, one of the concierge at West Bay, went out of her way to help us when we locked ourself out of our room one morning. I loved checking in with her each morning after that. So positive and kind! I was so happy and felt so well taken care of our entire trip. The food and drinks were great, the room was fine, but the real appeal of this resort to me was all the workers. We've never felt so welcomed and had such kindness from ALL the workers. I would go back just to see them all again because they felt like friends. I read so many terrible reviews about the workers and I didn't experince that at all. We tried to learn their names and chat with everyone and they were all so great! Be kind and you will have the best experience at this resort!

We just got back from our getaway to Sandals Royal Bahamian and thoroughly enjoyed it. This was our second Sandal’s trip, the other being in Ochi, Jamaica, and this was significantly better. Huge shout out to our butlers, Waldens and Samson who were just terrific and helped make our trip unforgettable. The private island is a must do for anyone who is visiting. Beautiful beaches and crystal clear water made you almost forget about the hot Caribbean sun. Overall, the food, drinks and service were phenomenal. The lamb shank at La Plume was incredible, the best meal of the trip and highly recommended. A couple of reasons why I couldn’t give a full 5 star review. One, we noticed as the trip went on how wet/damp our room was. There was a lot of moisture in the air. You could smell it when you walked in, and when we brought out previously dry clothes in from outside, they were wet again the next morning - not great. Also, the resort lost power for about half the day on the last day of our trip. Numerous restaurants were not operating, those that were didn’t have AC and fought constant electric issues, and there was no WiFi or cable service. That being said, kudos to the sandals staff for working their tails off through it and keeping things running as smoothly as possible given the circumstances. Lastly, we were very excited to try Butch’s as we heard wonderful things. We did go on the night there were power outages so that may have contributed, but the meal was largely disappointing. I got a T Bone steak and I can say without exaggeration it was one of the worst pieces of beef I’ve ever eaten, just very disappointing. Otherwise, a great stay. Would defiantly go again, but probably would stay on the East Bay side and for sure would pay extra for the butler service again.

After more than 22 years of vacationing with Sandals, I realized it was finally time to write a review. Like many people, I often return home from vacation and quickly get pulled back into work and everyday life. While I've enjoyed countless wonderful stays at Sandals resorts over the years, this trip felt particularly special and deserves recognition. My husband and I stayed at Sandals Royal Bahamian from June 9–17, 2026, celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary. We are Diamond-level Sandals guests and have been vacationing with Sandals since our honeymoon in 2004, typically traveling annually—and sometimes twice a year. We have stayed at or visited nearly every Sandals resort, with only St. Vincent still ahead of us next year. We generally book Butler Elite accommodation, so we have experienced Sandals at many different resorts and service levels. This vacation came at exactly the right time. It had been a challenging year for both of us from a health perspective, and we had considered postponing the trip. Looking back, we're incredibly grateful that we didn't. We found the relaxation, pampering, and care we needed and returned home refreshed and recharged. Exceptional Care for Dietary Needs My biggest concern before arriving was food. Due to health issues, my dietary requirements have become quite complex, and I honestly worried that dining would be stressful and limiting. I couldn't have been more wrong. Prior to arrival, I submitted a detailed Butler Preference Form outlining my dietary restrictions. On our first day, I met with the Culinary Concierge and Executive Chef, Robson Moyo. We reviewed menus, ingredients, cooking methods, and my specific needs in great detail. There were a few learning curves during the first couple of days, but with the support of Chef Moyo, our butlers, and the Butler Manager, everything quickly fell into place. Chef Moyo personally checked in with me before nearly every dinner and many breakfasts and lunches as well. He customized meals specifically for me and consistently found creative ways to accommodate my restrictions without sacrificing flavor or presentation. What could have been a difficult dining experience became one of the highlights of the trip. Instead of feeling limited, I felt cared for. Instead of feeling deprived, I felt special. This was also my first Sandals vacation where I couldn't enjoy alcohol or sugar-added juices. Once again, the team stepped in. My butlers tracked down fresh coconuts and guava juice so I could still enjoy special tropical beverages throughout the week. The level of attention and personalization was truly above and beyond, and I remain incredibly grateful. Dining Because many of my meals were specially prepared, it's difficult for me to review the restaurants in the traditional sense. However, I can confidently say that the culinary team worked tirelessly to ensure every meal was enjoyable. One standout was Tesoro. The antipasto bar was exceptional, featuring beautifully prepared roasted vegetables, olives, and herb-infused olive oils. I found many options that fit my dietary needs, and Chef Moyo even surprised me with a beautifully prepared Branzino that was delicious. For anyone considering Sandals with food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, my advice is simple: speak with the chef. Sandals genuinely wants guests to enjoy their vacation, and the culinary team will work hard to accommodate your needs. We also took advantage of the "Dine Around" program. (available to Diamond and above and certain Butler level room categories) We visited Sapodilla in Nassau. The experience was outstanding. The chef easily accommodated my dietary requirements, and the locally inspired cuisine was simple, fresh, and delicious. The luxurious Rolls-Royce transportation was an added bonus that made the evening feel even more special. Pools, Beaches, and Relaxation One of the strengths of Sandals Royal Bahamian is the variety of experiences available throughout the property. Guests can choose between the lively party pool, a quieter main pool, a secluded hidden pool that many people seemed to overlook, and the pool on the private offshore island. There are also beautiful beach areas both on the main resort and the island. For us, the island was paradise. We were seeking rest and relaxation, and the island delivered exactly that. Several days were spent floating in the crystal-clear water, lounging beneath a cabana, and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The party pool certainly delivered energy, music, and games throughout the day. While that atmosphere wasn't our personal preference, it was clearly popular with many guests. We generally preferred either the island or the quieter pools on the main resort. A frequently discussed topic in reviews is pool chair availability. Since we had butler service, our chairs were reserved each morning on the main resort. However, even with the resort fully occupied, I noticed available seating throughout the property. While guests may not always find chairs in the most desirable locations, there appeared to be plenty of places to relax if you were willing to explore the various pools and beach areas. Entertainment and Activities Entertainment was available throughout the day and evening. I'm naturally an early-to-bed, early-to-rise person, so I didn't experience everything the resort offered, but we especially enjoyed seeing the Junkanoo performers, the live music, and the fire show in Coconut Grove. The piano bar provided a wonderful atmosphere in the evenings, and we also enjoyed spending time in the billiards and game room. We would end our night sometimes listening to the music from our balcony that faced the Coconut Grove. Fitness Center and Spa The fitness center was well-maintained and offered beautiful views that made working out on vacation a little easier. While not a large gym, it had enough equipment for a solid workout. A couple of treadmills were out of service during our stay, which encouraged me to try other equipment—including a stair climber that definitely reminded me I was on vacation! The fitness center is part of the Red Lane Spa, and we enjoyed relaxing pedicures during our stay. I learned that the spa services are spread throughout the resort, with locations near the quiet pool, on the island, and just outside the resort gates. Personally, I prefer larger destination spas with hydrotherapy areas, steam rooms, plunge pools, and relaxation lounges, so this was one area that fell slightly short of my expectations. Fortunately, the beauty and tranquility of the island more than compensated. People Make the Difference What truly elevates Sandals Royal Bahamian is its staff. Every employee we encountered was warm, friendly, and genuinely eager to help. While I am terrible at remembering names, several individuals made a lasting impression. Our butler team, Arshad, Eric, and Cedric—was outstanding, with Arshad shining as the star! They went above and beyond to make our anniversary unforgettable. From beautifully decorated pool chairs and special dinner table arrangements to an over-the-top room celebration complete with an impressive light display, they created countless memorable moments throughout the week. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a beautiful floral arrangement in our suite—a thoughtful touch we hadn't experienced since a stay at Royal Plantation in Jamaica. It was also a pleasure to reconnect with Stephen Clarke, whom we had previously met at Sandals Exuma. Seeing a familiar face made us feel immediately welcomed, and he treated us with extraordinary kindness throughout our stay. Most importantly, Chef Robson Moyo deserves special recognition. His personal attention, compassion, and commitment to ensuring I could enjoy every meal transformed this vacation from simply enjoyable into truly exceptional. Final Thoughts My husband and I are entering a new chapter of life as retirement approaches, and our future travel plans will likely take us to destinations all over the world. While we may not visit Sandals as frequently as we once did, Sandals will always remain part of our travel story. Sandals Royal Bahamian exceeded our expectations during a time when we needed a restorative getaway more than ever. The beautiful setting, outstanding staff, thoughtful service, and genuine care we experienced made this anniversary trip unforgettable. Without hesitation, we would return to this resort again. In fact, it has earned a place among our favorite Sandals resorts and one of our most memorable vacations overall.