The hype
Travelers obsess over the private island and the convenient location, but many feel the rooms and hallways are showing their age.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
$600-1000+/ Nacht
Buchen Sie dieses Hotel, wenn You want a high-energy Caribbean escape with a 'secret' private island that feels like a totally different vacation.
Warum Gäste es lieben
- The private island (Barefoot Cay) is a game-changer with its own pool, beaches, and restaurant
- Short 15-minute transfer from Nassau airport means you're poolside by noon
- Two distinct vibes: 'West Bay' for parties and 'East Bay' for quiet relaxation
Kurzfassung: A tale of two resorts: a stunning private island paradise attached to a slightly worn, busy mainland hotel where service can be hit-or-miss.
Bewertet von @cyndi777w: I absolutely loved the vibe of this room! The four-poster bed is massive, and having drinks on the balcony overlooking the pools and ocean was the highlight of my trip. The bathroom is super spacious with double sinks, though the shutter doors offer less privacy than solid ones.
Was Gäste, die hier übernachtet haben, sagten
Reality check
Service inconsistency is the biggest complaint—some staff are incredible, others seem indifferent or overwhelmed, and 'island time' is very real here.
- You get bored easily and want 10+ restaurants and a private island to explore
- You hate long airport transfers (it's 15 mins away)
- You are a certified diver (scuba is included and unlimited)
Sauberkeit & Instandhaltung
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, but missed spots under beds and dusty vents are common complaints.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly good, though grout lines in older bathrooms can be discolored. Some reports of hair left on floors.
- Maintenance: The resort is fighting the salt air constantly. Expect some peeling paint on balconies and occasional AC drips.
- Linens & towels: Towels are plentiful but can feel a bit scratchy/worn. Bed linens are standard crisp white hotel quality.
- Odors & scents: West Bay swim-up rooms have a persistent 'damp/musty' smell due to lack of sun. East Bay smells fresher.
Sleepability™
7MÄSSIG
0-4LAUT
4-7,5MÄSSIG
7,5-10STILL
- DJ bass from the West Bay pool (11am-5pm)
- Road noise and delivery trucks for back-facing West Bay rooms
- Lobby/Piano bar noise echoing in East Bay lower floors
Vor der Buchung
Gut zu wissen
- The #10 bus stops right outside and takes you to downtown/Fish Fry for $1.25
- The private island boat stops running at 4:45 PM—don't get stranded!
- Room service is NOT included for 'Luxury' level rooms, only Club and Butler levels
Was Sie einpacken sollten
- Towel clips (wind can be strong on the pier and private island)
- Reusable straw (resort uses paper ones that disintegrate instantly)
- Dressy shorts/pants for men (dinner dress codes are enforced)
Zimmer-Genie
Beste Auswahl
- East Bay Oceanview (upper floors) for the best balance of quiet and views
- Island Village Villas for privacy (though some road noise risk)
- West Bay Oceanfront (high floors) if you want to watch the party from a safe distance
Zimmer, die Sie meiden sollten
- West Bay rooms ending in '23' (e.g., 1223) or facing the back—views of dumpsters and staff parking
- Ground floor East Bay rooms near the lobby (noise bleed)
- West Bay Swim-up suites if you are sensitive to mold/mildew smells
Zimmerwunsch-Genie – kopieren & einfügen
“I am requesting a room in the East Bay building, upper floor, facing the ocean for a quiet stay. Please ensure I am NOT assigned a room facing the staff parking lot/dumpsters (like the x23 line in West Bay) or a ground floor unit near the lobby.”
FAQ & Geheimtipps
Alles, was Sie vor der Buchung wirklich wissen möchten.
Is the private island actually private?
Yes, it's exclusively for resort guests. It has its own pool, restaurant (Aralia House), and much better snorkeling than the mainland.
Do I need to tip?
Technically no—tipping is forbidden for most staff. However, Butlers and Spa therapists CAN and should be tipped. Guests often tip shuttle drivers too.
Is the water cold?
In winter (Jan-March), the ocean and unheated pools can be brisk (low 70s°F). The West Bay pool is heated, but the swim-up pools are often chilly.
Can I walk to other restaurants?
Not really. The resort is on a busy road. You can take a short taxi or the #10 bus to the Fish Fry or Baha Mar, but it's not a pedestrian-friendly stroll.
How is the wifi?
Decent in rooms and main areas, but spotty on the beach and sometimes weak on the private island.
Are there hidden fees?
No resort fees. Scuba is free for certified divers, but 'Discover Scuba' courses for beginners cost extra (~$100+).
Insider-Tipps
- ✨
The gym is in the East Bay penthouse and has the absolute best panoramic views of the ocean—go even if you don't work out.
- ✨
Order the 'Smash Burger' at Aralia House on the private island; it's widely considered the best burger on the property.
- ✨
You can request a private candlelight dinner on the pier (extra cost), but book it for sunset to avoid eating in the pitch dark.
5 Dinge, die Sie wissen sollten, bevor Sie losfahren
💡The 'River Pool' swim-up rooms get almost no direct sun, making the water freezing cold in winter months.
💡The paper straws dissolve in your frozen drink in under 5 minutes—bring your own silicone one.
💡You clear US Customs in Nassau before you fly back, so you land in the US like a domestic passenger (huge time saver).
💡The 'Zen Garden' rooms in East Bay are basically just ground floor rooms with a patio facing a hedge—zero view.
💡There is a colony of resort cats that are well-cared for; you will likely see them lounging near the restaurants.
Lokaler Reiseführer
Karte
Sehen Sie, wo sich Sandals Royal Bahamian befindet und was in der Nähe ist.