Sandals Royal Bahamian Vs Emerald Bay: Which Is The Best In The Bahamas

Are you planning a romantic getaway to The Bahamas at Sandals Resorts but can’t decide between the Royal Bahamian or Emerald Bay locations? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll explore the unique offerings of each resort, which includes amenities, activities, and dining options so that you can make an informed decision. So, let’s get started!

Sandals Royal Bahamian and Emerald Bay offered two very different experiences for travellers in The Bahamas. Royal Bahamian is located in Nassau on New Providence Island, which offers a lively and cosmopolitan vibe. It’s perfect for couples who want a mix of relaxation and access to city life, with nearby attractions and nightlife.

On the other hand, Emerald Bay was situated on the secluded island of Great Exuma. It provided a tranquil escape, ideal for couples who want privacy and natural beauty. While Royal Bahamian appealed to social travellers and honeymooners, Emerald Bay was better suited for couples looking for peace.

Moreover, Royal Bahamian provides a private offshore island, Sandals Barefoot Cay, which features two secluded beaches, a pool, and a seafood restaurant. The resort also offers beachfront swim-up suites and newly renovated rooms.

Emerald Bay was known for its mile-long beach, spacious suites with ocean views, and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. Both resorts provided luxurious amenities, but their unique features catered to different preferences.

Important Note: Sandals Emerald Bay has been closed on August 15, 2024, for transformation into Beaches Exuma, which would bring the family-friendly Beaches brand to The Bahamas. The renovation is expected to take 12 to 15 months to complete.

Well, Royal Bahamian is ideal for couples who enjoy a mix of relaxation and social activities. It’s perfect for those who want to explore Nassau or enjoy easy access to nightlife. And, if you’re a scuba diving lover, Royal Bahamian offers an excellent diving experience.

However, Emerald Bay was the go-to choice for couples seeking seclusion and tranquillity. It was perfect for golf lovers and those who wanted to spend most of their time on a pristine beach. If you preferred a more intimate setting with fewer guests, Emerald Bay would have been your ideal pick.

The Sandals Royal Bahamian and Emerald Bay offered various nearby attractions including:

• At Sandals Royal Bahamian you can discover the rich culture and history of The Bahamas. Sandals Emerald Bay provides a serene spot where curious iguanas roam freely, and sandy shores stretch out for miles.
• Both resorts provided easy access to unique local experiences such as exploring Nassau’s historic city centre or swimming with friendly pigs at Big Major Cay.
• Sandals Royal Bahamian were close to urban attractions such as Atlantis Paradise Island, where you could experience thrilling water slides and marine life exhibits.
• During its time as a resort, Sandals Emerald Bay brought guests closer to some of The Bahamas’ most awe-inspiring natural wonders like the Thunderball Grotto and Bitter Guana Cay.

With these nearby attractions and experiences, both resorts offer the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. While Emerald Bay may no longer be open for guests, its memories live on in the hearts of those who explored it.

Well, Royal Bahamian is excellent for couples who want a mix of romance and adventure. The private offshore island offers a secluded spot for intimate moments. You can enjoy candlelit dinners on the beach or take a couples’ massage at the Red Lane Spa.

However, Emerald Bay was ideal for honeymooners seeking ultimate privacy before its closure. It offered spacious suites with private pools and stunning ocean views. The long, secluded beach provided the perfect backdrop for romantic walks at sunset. Couples could also enjoy intimate dinners at the resort’s various restaurants.

Sandals Royal Bahamian has undergone a major facelift, and you’ll love these changes. The resort reopened in 2022 after a multi-million-dollar renovation that brought new life to this Caribbean gem. They’ve added new beachfront swim-up butler and club-level suites, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Moreover, the dining experiences got a boost too, with 10 restaurants and two new food trucks joining the culinary lineup. You can also find new infinity and walk-in pools, an expansive beachfront lounge called Coconut Grove, and even a Love Runner boat to whisk you away to their private island.

As for Sandals Emerald Bay, it closed its doors on August 15, 2024, to make way for an exciting new chapter. The resort is transforming into Beaches Exuma, which would bring the family-friendly Beaches brand to The Bahamas for the first time. This change wasn’t due to any issues but rather to meet the high demand for family-centered all-inclusive resorts in the area.

However, the renovation is expected to take 12 to 15 months. As of now, Beaches Exuma hasn’t started its services yet. When it opens, you can expect multi-bedroom villas, suites with connecting rooms, and new adventure opportunities for families.

Yes, Sandals Royal Bahamian and Emerald Bay offer stunning beach access experiences, but in different ways.

At Sandals Royal Bahamian, you can have two beach experiences at once. The main resort beach is easily accessible, with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for a quick dip or sunbathing. 

But the real highlight is its private offshore island, Sandals Barefoot Cay. It’s just a short boat ride away, and there, you can find two secluded beaches that feel like your own paradise. 

On the other hand, Emerald Bay was known for its expansive beachfront before its closure. The resort sat on a stunning mile-long stretch of powdery white sand, often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The Sandals Royal Bahamian and Emerald Bay offered a wide range of amenities and activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay, including:

• Both Resorts offered pools, with Royal Bahamian featuring seven pools and five whirlpools, while Emerald Bay had three pools and seven whirlpools.
• When it comes to dining and drinks, Royal Bahamian has 10 restaurants and eight bars (including three swim-up bars) while Emerald Bay has 11 restaurants and six bars (with one swim-up bar).
• At Royal Bahamian, you can also have access to their unique Sandals Barefoot Cay, a private island just five minutes away by boat. Here, you can enjoy a secluded beach, pool, and even a seafood restaurant.
• For fitness and relaxation, Sandals Royal Bahamian offers state-of-the-art gyms with ocean views and award-winning spas. 
• Emerald Bay was known for its championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. Golf enthusiasts could play 18 holes with stunning ocean views, with green fees included for guests. The resort also had a marina, perfect for those arriving by yacht.

You can get a true all-inclusive experience covering almost everything at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Therefore, your stay includes unlimited fine dining at 10 restaurants, two new food trucks, and drinks at 8 bars with premium liquors.

You can also enjoy water sports, scuba diving, and access to a private offshore island. The resort offers 7 pools, a fitness center, and nightly entertainment. Even tips, taxes, and airport transfers are covered in your all-inclusive package.

Sandals Emerald Bay offered a similar all-inclusive package. It had 11 restaurants and 6 bars, which includes swim-up bars. Guests enjoyed unlimited land and water sports, that had golf at the Greg Norman-designed course. The resort featured 3 pools and 7 whirlpools, along with a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Both resorts provided excellent value for money. Royal Bahamian stands out with its private offshore island and recent renovations, which include new river pools and a Zen Garden.

Overall, Emerald Bay was known for its expansive beachfront and championship golf course. While Royal Bahamian offers more dining options and pools, Emerald Bay had the edge in terms of spaciousness and natural beauty.

Sandals Royal Bahamian is located on the gorgeous Cable Beach in Nassau, which is the vibrant capital of the Bahamas. It’s surrounded by turquoise waters and powdery white sand.

So, you’re just a short drive from downtown Nassau, where you can explore colourful markets, historic sites, and lively bars. The resort gives you a perfect blend of peaceful beach retreats and easy access to city attractions.

However, Sandals Emerald Bay was located on Great Exuma which is part of the exotic Exumas chain of islands. It sat on a mile-long beach with stunning emerald waters. The resort was about 15 minutes from Exuma International Airport, offering a secluded paradise feel.

While Royal Bahamian allows you to mix beach time with city exploration, Emerald Bay is all about escaping to a tranquil island setting. However, it’s important to note that Sandals Emerald Bay closed on August 15, 2024, to make way for the new Beaches Exuma resort.

Hopefully, when it is ready, it will continue to provide the same level of luxury and tranquillity that made Sandals Emerald Bay so special.

Sandals Royal Bahamian and Emerald Bay were about 140 miles apart. If guests wanted to visit both resorts, they could easily hop between them with a quick 35-minute flight from Nassau to Exuma.

This meant they could have breakfast in Nassau and be relaxing on an Exuma beach by lunch. It was a great way to experience two different sides of The Bahamas in one trip.

However, this option is no longer available with Emerald Bay’s closure. The new Beaches Exuma Resort, once opened, might offer a similar experience for families looking to explore different Bahamian islands.

A split stay at Sandals Resorts in The Bahamas can give you the best of both resorts. You’ll get to experience two unique settings and atmospheres during your vacation. Here are some benefits of doing a split stay including:

• You can experience both the lively Nassau and the serene Exumas, which offer two different atmospheres to enjoy.
• Staying at both resorts will give you access to a wider variety of dining options, activities, and amenities.
• You can maximize your budget by combining different room categories at each resort.
• Create lasting memories by experiencing two different resorts during your vacation. Each resort offers unique activities and opportunities for relaxation that will make your trip even more special.

With these benefits, a split stay at Sandals Resorts in The Bahamas can enhance your vacation experience.