>
As my new husband and I slow dance under a Caribbean night sky, I can’t help but chuckle. There must be at least a dozen other couples dreamily swaying as Bahamian superstar Patrice Murrell sings Elvis’ classic Can’t Help Falling In Love.
It’s like a scene from a cheesy rom-com. But fairytale love is what the Sandals Royal Bahamian hotel is all about, and there’s no escaping it.
Located on Cable Beach in the capital Nassau, this all-inclusive resort is surrounded by turquoise waters, palm trees, and white-sand beaches. Of course it is.
Most of the guests are on their honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or enjoying one last honeymoon. Even if he is not married when he arrives, there is a “wedding hall” here to help him get married.
Created for romance: Victoria Bischoff and her new husband relax during a stay at the Sandals Royal Bahamian hotel, located on Cable Beach in the Bahamas
As we sunbathe by one of the hotel’s two pools, brides-to-be file past to enthusiastic applause. In the evening, rows of tables for two are set up so that couples can enjoy a candlelit dinner.
The spa specializes in couples’ massages and there’s even a staff photographer for photo shoots.
The hotel’s marketing tagline is “Where love is easy.”
Fairytale love is what Sandals Royal Bahamian hotel is all about, Victoria reveals
“As we sunbathe by one of the hotel’s two pools, brides-to-be file past to enthusiastic applause,” Victoria writes.
Victoria discovers that most of the resort’s guests are on their honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or enjoying one last honeymoon.
And I am proud that the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson were regular visitors after the abdication.
“A true love story,” reads one plaque. ‘This is the story of a King who listened to his heart and relinquished his throne for the greatest reason of all. Love.’
The piano bar, which hosts songs and serves killer cocktails, is even called the Balmoral Club.
All guests are picked up at the airport by the driver, Ricky Ricardo, in a Rolls-Royce.
If you opt for the butler service, you are provided with a mobile phone to request assistance at any time.
The Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, pictured above in Nassau in the 1940s, were regular visitors after the abdication.
The hotel has been renovated and expanded, but retains a boutique atmosphere.
The hotel’s marketing tagline is “Where love is easy.”
A friendly team Andrew, Chanelle and Nichola catered to our every whim. We were almost embarrassed at first by their offers to help us unpack, reserve sunbeds and join us for dinner. But after ten days we lost the ability to do anything by ourselves.
They even snuck into our room one night to scatter heart balloons and rose petals.
The hotel has been renovated and expanded, but retains a boutique feel, though there are 13 restaurants.
Our only complaint was that the music could be loud. But a boat service takes guests to the hotel’s quiet private island, which has a pool and restaurant.
A must visit is the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay. Here, street food vendors and beach hut barbecues line the beach. Drawn by the live reggae music, we chose Frankie Gone Bananas, where we stuffed ourselves with conch and snapper.
A boat service takes guests to the hotel’s serene private island (above).
Take a day trip to see the famous swimming pigs of the Exuma Islands
Guests can go swimming with nurse sharks at the nearby Compass Cay Marina
It’s also worth exploring beyond Nassau, if only to see the famous swimming pigs (yes, pigs).
Pig Beach in the Exuma Islands is reached by speedboat. You can hug the cute little pigs, but be careful: adult pigs can bite.
There is also a technical stop at Compass Cay Marina to swim with nurse sharks.
Sandals is a winning formula and now I understand why.