This dreamy all-inclusive Bahamian resort, located on Nassau’s renowned Cable Beach with its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, is perfect for meeting and incentive groups in search of the good life.
I was lucky enough to be among a group of UK agencies that got to experience the luxury of a full day at the property organised by the UK sales team, Paul Tidy and Graeme Saunders, which was tagged onto the Global DMC Partners Connection event earlier this month.
The award-winning property – voted Bahamas Leading All-Inclusive Resort three years in a row – is located around 15 minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport (which conveniently offers a direct BA service to London Heathrow) and 20 minutes from Downtown Nassau.
With 494 rooms and suites spread across 33 categories, including Butler Elite suites and Club Sandals, it has all you would expect of a Sandals property. Think stunning views, swim up pool bars, an impressive culinary offering, and water sports. But what makes Sandals Royal Bahamian stand out is the fact it boasts its own private island – the only resort in Nassau to do so.
Sandals Barefoot Cay features a freshwater pool, swim up pool bar and restaurant and there are regular boats to take guests across to the island throughout the day. The best bit though, is that groups can hire the island for private events and have it all to themselves.
Back on the main island, if business is on the agenda before the fun begins, the Fred Kassner Conference Center can accommodate a wide range of meetings and events, with capacity for up to 540 for a banquet, and 1,000 theatre-style in the ballroom, which can be divided into three for smaller functions. There’s also a pre-function area and boardroom accommodating up to 25. Outdoor spaces can be used for dinners – including the Royal Garden, where we had a fabulous farewell dinner, accompanied by a steel band.
The hotel has seven outdoor pools, including a large quiet pool ideal for those looking to relax, and another large pool that brings the party vibes with swim up bar, music and games for those inclined to join in (Go Sandals Slayers – if you know you know!).
There’s a fitness centre and spa, sports including basketball, tennis, pickleball and beach volleyball, while water sports on offer include kayaks, Hobie Cats, paddle boards, snorkelling and diving.
Groups have their pick of ten on-site restaurants plus the Coconut Grove Lounge area with two new food trucks. From classic French cuisine at La Plume to Kanoo Caribbean cuisine, Japanese fare at Kimono’s and British pub grub at The Queen’s Pearl, there is something to suit all tastes.
There’s day and night entertainment and live shows, and the fact it’s all-inclusive makes budgeting for groups easier as there’s no hidden costs. All the staff we encountered were warm, welcoming and friendly, adding to the chilled Caribbean vibe. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day at the resort, and it was the perfect way to end the trip.
Check out my highlights from GDP Connection here