Sandals Resorts Bahamas is down to one property: Sandals Royal Bahamian, on New Providence Island in Nassau. Sandals Emerald Bay, the resort that used to give the Bahamas a second Sandals property in Great Exuma, closed in August 2024. It is being converted into Beaches Exuma, a family resort under Sandals' sister brand, not a returning Sandals property. Construction started in early 2026 and no reopening date has been announced yet. Therefore, if you're planning a Sandals trip to the Bahamas today, Royal Bahamian in Nassau is the only option.
How Many Sandals Resorts Are in the Bahamas Right Now?
One. Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau is the only Sandals-branded resort currently operating in the Bahamas. The Bahamas briefly had two Sandals resorts. However, that changed in August 2024 when Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma closed for a brand conversion rather than a renovation. It's coming back as Beaches Exuma, not as a second Sandals property. For the full list of all 17 Sandals resorts across the Caribbean, see our complete guide to Sandals Resorts.
What Happened to Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma?
Sandals Emerald Bay closed in August 2024. Rather than a standard renovation and reopening, like several other Sandals properties are currently going through, Emerald Bay is being permanently converted into Beaches Exuma, a family-focused resort under Sandals Resorts International's other brand. Construction on the conversion began in the first quarter of 2026, and as of this writing, no official opening date has been announced. That means there is no Sandals-branded resort in Great Exuma today. There hasn't been one since 2024, even though the property itself is very much still active as a construction site for its next chapter. If you're specifically searching for "sandals great exuma," this is the direct answer: not currently, and not as a Sandals property when it does reopen.
For travelers who want the Exuma islands specifically and don't need an adults-only resort, Beaches Exuma will eventually fill that role. By contrast, for an adults-only, couples-focused Sandals stay in the Bahamas right now, Royal Bahamian in Nassau is the only option.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Review: What to Expect in Nassau
Sandals Royal Bahamian sits on New Providence Island in Nassau and completed a $55 million renovation that reshaped the property. It features a new Island Village section with standalone villas and private plunge pools. There are also refreshed East and West Bay accommodations including swim-up suites, 13 restaurant concepts, and three Red Lane Spa locations. Its standout feature is Sandals Barefoot Cay, a private offshore island reachable by the resort's own shuttle boat. The island has its own beaches, a swim-up bar, and cabanas. That renovation is complete and the resort has been fully open for years. It isn't currently mid-construction the way Emerald Bay is.
Nassau itself adds something none of the Jamaica or Eastern Caribbean Sandals properties can offer: it's a genuine city destination, not just a resort strip. Guests can pair a Royal Bahamian stay with a day exploring downtown Nassau's straw markets and colonial architecture, or an excursion to nearby Paradise Island, without needing a separate flight or long transfer to reach it. As a result, that makes Royal Bahamian a reasonable pick for travelers who want at least one day away from the resort itself. This is something to weigh against Jamaica's larger but more resort-centered Sandals footprint.
Is Sandals Royal Bahamian All-Inclusive, and What Does It Cost?
Yes, Sandals Royal Bahamian is fully all-inclusive: meals, drinks, most water sports, and entertainment are built into the rate, the same model as every Sandals resort. On price, Sandals resorts as a whole run $4,000 to $7,000 for a typical 7-night stay for two adults, per our full breakdown of what Sandals resorts cost. Royal Bahamian's private-island amenities and Nassau location tend to put it toward the higher end of that range rather than the entry-level tier. However, the exact rate depends heavily on room category and season.
How to Get to Sandals Royal Bahamian From the US
Sandals Royal Bahamian is one of the most convenient Sandals resorts to reach from the airport: it's about a 15-minute transfer from Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), confirmed on both Sandals' own travel checklist and our guide to airport distances at every Sandals resort. This is among the shortest of any property in the portfolio.
Getting to Nassau itself is straightforward from most of the eastern half of the US. Direct flights run from a wide range of gateway cities, per Nassau Paradise Island's official travel information:
| US Gateway City | Approximate Flight Time |
|---|---|
| Miami | About 1 hour |
| Fort Lauderdale | About 1 hour |
| Orlando | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Atlanta | About 2 hours 8 to 9 minutes |
| New York (JFK) | About 3 hours 15 to 26 minutes |
| Boston | About 3 hours 40 to 45 minutes |
| Chicago | About 3 hours 43 minutes to 4 hours 1 minute |
A 15-minute transfer from the airport, with a private offshore island and 13 restaurant concepts.
Sandals Bahamas vs. Sandals Jamaica: Which Should You Book?
This isn't really a choice between two comparable Sandals destinations anymore, it's a choice between one resort and seven. Jamaica has the deepest Sandals coverage of any island, seven resorts ranging from budget-friendly to premium overwater-adjacent categories, while the Bahamas has exactly one, Royal Bahamian. If Nassau's short 15-minute airport transfer, a private-island beach day, and quick flight times from most East Coast cities matter most to you, Bahamas wins on convenience. Alternatively, if you want more resort choice, a wider price range, or a specific amenity like overwater bungalows or a bigger dive program, Jamaica's larger portfolio gives you more to pick from. For a broader look at the two destinations beyond just Sandals, our Bahamas vs. Jamaica comparison covers climate, food, and things to do on each island.
One of 7 Sandals resorts in Jamaica, if you want more options than the Bahamas currently offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Sandals resorts are in the Bahamas?
One. Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau is the only Sandals resort currently operating in the Bahamas.
Does Sandals have a resort in Great Exuma?
Not currently. Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma closed in August 2024 and is being converted into Beaches Exuma, a family resort, not a Sandals property. No reopening date has been announced.
What happened to Sandals Emerald Bay?
It closed in August 2024 for a full brand conversion to Beaches Exuma rather than a renovation and reopening as Sandals. Construction began in early 2026.
is great exuma in the bahamas part of sandals resorts
The property on Great Exuma previously operated as the adults-only Sandals Emerald Bay before closing on August 15, 2024. It is currently being redeveloped into Beaches Exuma, a family-friendly resort under Sandals Resorts International's sister brand, Beaches Resorts.
Is Sandals Royal Bahamian worth it, and what does it cost?
It's a fully renovated, all-inclusive resort with a private offshore island, generally priced toward the higher end of the typical $4,000 to $7,000 Sandals 7-night range for two adults, given its Nassau location and amenities.
How far is Sandals Royal Bahamian from the airport?
About 15 minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport, one of the shortest transfers of any Sandals resort.
Is Sandals Bahamas better than Sandals Jamaica?
It depends what you want. Bahamas offers one resort with a very short airport transfer and quick flights from most US East Coast cities. Jamaica offers seven resorts across a wider range of prices and amenities.
Planning a Bahamas or Jamaica Sandals Trip?
Tell us your dates and priorities, we'll help you compare Royal Bahamian against Jamaica's 7 resorts and find the right fit, at no extra cost to you.
Get a Free Sandals Quote →Certified Sandals specialists. Same price as booking direct, plus our support before and during your trip.
