Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort is welcoming its first guests following a US$55 million renovation. The all-inclusive pioneer calls the reopening the first of a series of milestones in its 40th anniversary year.

“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.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together leaders and dignitaries from across the Caribbean, 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.

“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,” Stewart said.

“It’s a new day in Nassau, and a genuine honour to share this milestone with all who form part of our Sandals family.”

Situated on 15 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.

"I am extremely delighted to see the expansion of the Sandals brand and the reopening of the Royal Bahamian property,” said Bahamas 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."

Changes and enhancements to the resort include:

-- A new ‘Island Village,’ comprised of standalone villas named after remote Bahamian cays. Butler Villa Suites are decorated in the quintessential colours of the Bahamas – pinks, blues and white accents – and feature private pools and outdoor soaking tubs.

-- The refreshed East and West Bay accommodations offer a range 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 now features 13 fresh restaurant concepts, including pan-Caribbean dishes at Kanoo, 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 choices 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.

-- Coconut Grove is a new, expansive beachfront lounge shaded by coconut palms and perfect for daytime lounging and evening live entertainment. A home base for the new food trucks, Coconut Grove features chic seating options that make this a destination of its own.

-- Deserted beaches and colourful 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.

-- Three new wedding inspirations aim to 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, travel advisors can contact their local Sandals BDM or call Inside Sales at 1-800-545-8283 or visit https://www.sandals.com/royal-bahamian/.