If you are considering any of Exuma Island’s all inclusive resorts, Sandals Emerald Bay should be at the top of your list!
I recently spent some time at Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas. Photographs do not come close to capturing the true beauty of that ocean. When you are landing you notice that the water is so clear that you can see the bottom of the ocean from the air. Once on the resort, you are struck by not only how clear the water is but also by the gorgeous, pure turquoise color that is unlike any other.
When you are landing you notice that the water is so clear that you can see the bottom of the ocean from the air. Once on the resort, you are struck by not only how clear the water is but also by the gorgeous, pure turquoise color that is unlike any other.
Six Reasons I Love This Resort
Exceptional Beauty Throughout the Property
One of the outstanding features of the resort is the foliage. All of the Sandals properties invest a great deal of time and effort into their landscaping but Sandals Emerald Bay goes well beyond the typical Sandals. Everywhere you look are lush tropical foliage and beautiful flowers. The colors, the manicured lawns, the majestic palm trees, the verdant shrubbery and of course flowers and flowers everywhere give the impression of a tropical park that is yours to enjoy every moment of your stay.
The colors, the manicured lawns, the majestic palm trees, the verdant shrubbery and of course flowers and flowers everywhere give the impression of a tropical park that is yours to enjoy every moment of your stay.
This property was originally a five-star Four Seasons resort located on one of the best beaches in the Bahamas. Sandals purchased the property and invested several million dollars into it to make it even nicer, adding all the well-known Sandals touches. And today it is one of the premier properties in the Bahamas and in the entire Caribbean.
Lots of Great Amenities
The resort has several room categories, all of which, are Butler or Club Level. The resort is too special and too upscale to have basic rooms. The room selections available give you options depending on your price range and the amenities that are important to you.
There are rooms in the Beach House buildings set back a bit from the beach but a very close walk to it. Others are on the beachfront of one of the most amazing unspoiled beaches anywhere, complete with stunning views. There are even some butler suites with two full baths. Whatever your room selection, all of the amenities of the resort are available to you, although the butler suites are the best rooms and, of course, you have the full services of a butler for your entire stay.
Whatever your room selection, all of the amenities of the resort are available to you, although the butler suites are the best rooms and, of course, you have the full services of a butler for your entire stay.
For the ultimate luxury, consider booking the amazing Prime Minister Suite. It is a two-story retreat with a huge living room, separate dining room, a bathroom the size of most hotel rooms and an office located off the bedroom. It has its own private pool located steps from the gorgeous beach and beautiful ocean. You would have no reason to even leave this suite. Your butler could deliver meals to your dining room or to your outside terrace.
An Amazing Golf Course
The resort has a fabulous 19-hole Greg Norman designed Golf course. I am not a golfer but have heard that it is very challenging.
I also know that the staff at the Sandals golf courses is very supportive of everyone and all levels of players are welcomed. I was lucky enough to have had cocktails at the clubhouse and enjoyed the amazing views. The course is a premier course and many tournaments are held there.
The course offers TaylorMade golf club rentals, Adidas shoe rentals, PGA golf lessons, golf cart rentals, club storage, chipping and putting greens, a practice bunker, a full-service golf shop and a club lounge with drinks and casual dining. There is even an ocean-front jogging trail along the back nine.
Delicious Dining Options
The dining at Emerald Bay is some of the best of all Sandal’s resorts. It is another reason why Sandals Emerald Bay is a top pick of Exuma Island’s all inclusive resorts.
Some of the dining options include:
- There is the amazing new Indian restaurant, the Bombay Club, which is very authentic with food and décor.
- There is the lovely French restaurant, La Parisienne, featuring chateaubriand, chicken cordon bleu and duck l’orange to name a few. Also, Il Cielo, the Italian Restaurant is mouth watering starting with the Antipasto Bar. And the house-made pasta is especially delicious.
- The is the Drunken Duck, a British Pub, with traditional pub food and a singalong at night.
- You can also experience succulent local seafood at Barefoot by the Sea with your feet in the sand at dinner. During the day it serves pizza, hamburgers, salads, and sandwiches.
- There are many other choices including Dino’s Pizzeria serving their own brick-oven pizzas, Bahama Bay with its Caribbean food, the Parisian style Patisserie, Café de Paris, the Jerk Shack with Jamaican jerk chicken and pork, Soy Sushi Bar and Kimonos for Japanese cuisine.
- And of course, room service is also available.
A Variety of Excursion Options Available
This resort is perfect for anyone that wants to swim in the ocean, snorkel or dive. Sandals has one of the top diving operations in the World and Exuma has many good dive sites. Dives are complimentary for certified divers. If you are not certified there is a resort certification for less than $100.00.
If you want to experience an undeveloped and remote island, Exuma is an ideal location.
There are many organized tours available (if you can tear yourself away from the beautiful Sandals resort for a short time). Fishing and boating excursions are available along with island getaways and historical tours.
The island features one of my favorite excursions “Swimming Pigs” where you can see the pigs swimming to your boat. If you are adventurous you can even get into the water with the pigs. But the excursion is much more than interacting with the pigs. It is four hours exploring the amazing Exuma Keys. The water does not get much higher than three feet under the boat and it is a very remote area. You stop at a few uninhabited islands, one being full of iguanas. It is definitely a day you will remember for a long time.
Are You Ready to Experience the Best in Exuma Island’s All Inclusive Resorts?
Let me say a word about the incredible staffs at Sandals Resorts. They are one of the main differentiators between Sandals and remainder of Exuma Island’s all inclusive resorts. Everyone is so warm and friendly. I have been going to Sandals for many years and have made many friends there. They always remember me and welcome me warmly whenever I return.
To me, this is a perfect honeymoon or destination wedding resort. Many couples return year after year!
