NASSAU — The reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian has reopened following a US$55 million renovation.

The top-level overhaul is the first of a series of milestones in this commemorative 40th anniversary year for the Sandals Resorts brand, says Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.

The reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian

The reopening ceremony at the 404-room property brought together leaders and dignitaries from across the Caribbean for the commemorative ribbon cutting, including the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis.

“I am extremely delighted to see the expansion of the Sandals brand and the reopening of the Royal Bahamian property,” said Prime Minister Davis. “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.”

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investment & Aviation of The Bahamas, I. Chester Cooper, Minister of Labour of The Bahamas, Keith Bell, and the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness.

Says Stewart: “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.”

Stewart added that the forward-thinking approach that has been the hallmark of the growth of Sandals Resorts over the past four decades is at the company’s core.

“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 travel agent community by delivering a trusted brand they can continue to sell with confidence. It’s a new day in Nassau, and a genuine honour to share this milestone with all who form part of our Sandals family,” said Stewart.

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 more than 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 NEW SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN

Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian …

• 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 accommodations 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.
• Sandals Royal Bahamian offers no fewer than 13 fresh restaurant concepts. Guests can feel the rhythm of the music and savour 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. La Plume serves 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.
• Coconut Grove, the lush and expansive beachfront lounge shaded by coconut palms, is ideal for daytime lounging. It’s also a home base for the new food trucks, which are open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Live music and entertainment continue into the late evening hours.
• The resort’s secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay, is an escape-within-an-escape located just one mile from the shore.
• The resort’s Red Lane Spa offers the Main Spa, the Day Spa and the Offshore Escape – Zen Garden on Sandals Barefoot Cay.
• Three new exclusive wedding inspirations include: The Conch Pearl Wedding; the shoe-optional Barefoot Wedding; and The Bahamian Wedding in a lush tropical garden.