NASSAU, BAHAMAS – January 28, 2022 –The award-winning, Luxury Included® Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Offshore Island welcomed its first guests today following a $55 million renovation, the first of a series of milestones in this commemorative 40th anniversary year for the Sandals Resorts brand. Situated on 15 sprawling acres, the 404-room Sandals Royal Bahamian revels in the easy-going spirit of the Bahamas to entwine all experiential touchpoints – from the pastel pink of the flamingo to the vibes of traditional Junkanoo.
“Twenty-six years ago, my father and our founder, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, was drawn to The Bahamas by its natural beauty and charming locals, which makes it very special for us to be presenting today a fully transformed resort that celebrates this unique destination as much as his legacy,” said Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart. “It has always been in our DNA to be forward thinking and lead the way in innovation, and this significant investment to enhance and evolve the Sandals Royal Bahamian experience is a testament to our commitment to our beloved guests and our valued agent community by delivering a trusted brand they can continue to sell with confidence. It’s a new day in Nassau, and a genuine honor to share this milestone with all who form part of our Sandals family.”
This morning’s ceremony brought together leaders and dignitaries from across the Caribbean for a commemorative ribbon cutting, including Prime Minister of The Bahamas, The Honourable Philip Davis, QC, MP; Deputy Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investment & Aviation of The Bahamas, The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, MP; Minister of Labour of The Bahamas, The Honourable Keith Bell, MP; Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP and more.
“I am extremely delighted to see the expansion of the Sandals brand and the reopening of the Royal Bahamian property,” said The Honourable Philip Davis, QC, MP, Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “Not only does this translate into jobs for our people but it further diversifies our tourism product and hotel inventory as we are rebounding from this pandemic. So far the numbers have been encouraging and no doubt with the Sandals Royal Bahamian property back, we expect the growth to continue. I salute Adam Stewart for continuing his father’s visionary leadership.”
The grand opening events also included the presentation of the 2021 Stewart Family Philanthropic Award to the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), whose work to protect and restore the over two million acres of land and sea under its purview will continue with the development of a primary level environmental curriculum for students and educators, funded by the Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts. The award celebrates good stewards who embody a strong commitment to the wellbeing of the communities, families, and environments of the Caribbean.
This afternoon and into the evening, resort guests will also join the celebration at a special tribute to admire the reopened resort’s very first sunset, complete with Bahamian entertainers, music from the islands, delectable dishes, and a spectacular display of fireworks to light up the Bahamian sky.
About the New Sandals Royal Bahamian
An Island Village Painted in Pastels, Swim-Up Suites Steps from the Beach and More
The new Island Village, comprised of standalone villas named after remote Bahamian cays, are representative of the provincial Bahamas – a compilation of the destination’s quintessential pinks, blues and white accents, with shiplap, striped awnings, and additional touches that create a chic, yet relaxed ambiance. Butler Villa Suites each house private pools and outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs™.
The refreshed East and West Bay accomodations offer a dynamic array of room and suite categories, including beachfront Butler Suites in the East Bay, where a new Infinity Swim-Up pool ends right where the sand begins. An entirely new zero-entry Swim-Up pool hugs the West Bay tower’s ground level suites, while the Penthouse Love Nest Butler Suites showcase panoramic ocean views from a private balcony. Neutral color palettes and wood furnishings create a modern chic design that beautifully accentuates the bright blue Caribbean sea beyond.
Savoring the Bahamas and Beyond
Sandals Royal Bahamian elevates Nassau’s culinary scene with 13 fresh restaurant concepts. Guests can feel the rhythm of the music and savor Pan-Caribbean spices at Kanoo — short for Junkanoo – where a new “Brasserie 30” à la carte lunch menu is designed to deliver the lunch experience in 30 minutes or less, for a faster return to the pool or beach. Outfitted in pinks and greens inspired by the alluring feathers of the national bird, La Plume serves exquisite French cuisine in a modern atmosphere. Additional temptations include steak and seafood specialties at Butch’s Island Chop House, hearty British fare at The Queen’s Pearl, Southern Italian favorites at Tesoro, and the freshest sushi at Soy. Three eclectic gourmet food trucks will delight guests with sweet treats and coffee at Sweets n Tings, locally inspired Bahamian fusion and fresh seafood at Coco Queen, and a new twist on Italian classics at Bahama Mamma Mia. New signature cocktail menus create the perfect opportunity to toast to new romantic experiences, such as the Glass Flask Banana Bread Old Fashioned at the new Mr. B’s – for which Mr. Stewart’s iconic blue and white striped shirts served as the esthetic inspiration.
Tropical and Trendy: The All-New Coconut Grove
Resort life dances to a new beat with the addition of Coconut Grove, a lush and expansive beachfront lounge shaded by coconut palms swaying to the Bahama breeze, perfect for daytime lounging. A home base for the new food trucks, which are open from 11am – 11pm, chic seating options plus live music & entertainment into the late evening hours make Coconut Grove a destination of its own.
A Private Island Hideaway
Deserted beaches and colorful coral reefs await at the resort’s secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay, an escape-within-an-escape located just one mile from the shore. Couples can sail aboard the resort’s new Love Runner boat and spend the day reconnecting on the quiet shores featuring a pool bar with swings, an infinity-edge jacuzzi, outdoor shower and new restaurant, Aralia House, serving up fresh seafood from boat to table and authentic Caribbean delicacies.
Red Lane® Spa
The resort’s Red Lane® Spa welcomes guests back to three serene locations: the Main Spa, the Day Spa and the Offshore Escape – Zen Garden on Sandals Barefoot Cay. Spa facilities include two saunas and two steam rooms, complementing an expansive menu of services that now feature two new couples rituals in celebration of Sandals’ 40th anniversary: Love & Trust and Forever in Love.
Coveted Conch and Other Inspirations
Three new exclusive wedding inspirations capture the authentic Bahamian vibe. The Conch Pearl Wedding utilizes the signature pink spiral shell as an accent, while the shoe-optional Barefoot Wedding is set right on the sand at a variety of resort locations including the private island. The Bahamian Wedding is set in a lush tropical garden, moving guests to the sounds of a Bahamian gospel choir. A customary conch blowing ritual will conclude special guest events and weddings, welcoming love and good fortune to the sounds of rake and scrape music.
For more information on Sandals Royal Bahamian, visit https://www.sandals.com/royal-bahamian/.
