When it comes to re-imagining a resort, the team at Sandals are never short of inspiration. And their talents will truly come to centre-stage on January 27th when the new Sandals Royal Bahamian is revealed. The multi-million dollar renovation has touched every angle of the resort and has been imagined to create what is in essence a totally-new property.
Already a sure client-pleaser with convenient flying time from Canada – just 3.5 hours from Toronto or Montreal – and a history boasting one of the most romantic love stories of the last century, Sandals Royal Bahamian will sparkle with enhancements and additions.
The spirit of the Bahamas is definitely going to be reflected in the all-new, totally reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian.
“The spirit of The Bahamas is definitely going to be reflected in the all-new, totally reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian,” says Maureen Barnes-Smith, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Canada for Sandals and Beaches. “From simply renaming our two main room blocks after the famed Bay Street in downtown Nassau with the East Bay and West Bay Blocks, both featuring all-new swim-up suites as well as the Island Village, guests will feel the easy-going rhythms of the destination at every turn.”
One of the most charming new additions to the property will be the all-new Island Village of pastel-coloured private villas, each named for a Bahamian island and featuring butler service and a private pool.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Island Village’s 200 rooms and suites have been fully renovated and many now open directly on a new “lazy river” where guests are welcome to dip their toes.
And since it wouldn’t be a Sandals without a lavish array of dining options, the team has created five totally-new restaurants. The themes are temptingly diverse, ranging from elegant French at La Plume to British pub grub at The Queen’s Pearl, fresh sushi to Caribbean specialties. And of course Butch’s Island Chop House is sure to be a hit with guests who are encouraged to bring their appetites for steak, fish fillets and seafood prepared to order.
In all there will be 13 dining options including Kanoo (Pan Caribbean) and simple but mouth-watering burgers and salads at the beachside grill.
An expansive lounging area extending Bahamian beach vibes to the centre of the resort both day and night, the new Coconut Grove will feature chic but comfy seating and promises to be the place to be for live music and entertainment as well as the best views of the turquoise ocean.
And since you can always trust Sandals to keep their fingers on the pulse of trends, culinary and otherwise, part of the vibe at Coconut Grove will be not just one but three food trucks. Clients will never go hungry as the themes range from locally-inspired Bahamian fusion and fresh seafood at the Coco Queen truck, to Italian classics at Bahama Mamma Mia and sweet treats and coffee at the Sweets n Tings truck. Casual and on-trend: perfect.
“We’re also introducing a new evening ritual at sunset, where couples can participate in a traditional conch blowing ceremony, said to welcome love and good luck, accompanied by traditional Bahamian rake-and-scape music,” says Barnes Smith.
And that romantic story? The king who gave up his throne for the woman he loved: Britain’s King Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry the love of his life, his adored American divorcée Wallis Simpson. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, as they became known, lived in Nassau during World War II when the Duke was appointed Governor of the Bahamas.
Fast forward to 2022. “We’re dialling up the luxury and leaning into the easy-going spirit of the Bahamas to deliver an incredible and authentic experience that, as we like to say, makes love come easy,”  says SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart. “We can’t wait to welcome guests back to Nassau and to the new Sandals Royal Bahamian.”
