Sandals Emerald Bay Resort

By Susan Breslow Sardone

Honeymoons & Romantic Travel Expert, about.com

Sandals Emerald Bay in a Nutshell:

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Sandals Resorts' second all-inclusive property in the Bahamas (the first was Sandals Royal Bahamian) began life as the Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma. After that luxurious, 500-acre beachfront property closed in spring 2009, it was bought by Sandals and reconfigured to more closely conform to the company's other holdings so popular with honeymoon couples. More swimming pools, butlers for every room and suite, and a location on one of the Bahamas' most scenic Out Islands are likely to make the resort even more popular to vacationing couples celebrating a honeymoon, wedding, or just being in love.

Accommodations at Sandals Emerald Bay:

The resort actually consists of three villages: Seaside, Ocean, and Emerald Bay and a total of 183 beachfront rooms and suites, all with either a private terrace or balcony overlooking Emerald Bay. Dark-wood furniture contrasts with pastel walls.

Guests are greeted with a kir royal and chocolate-covered strawberries before being led to their lodgings where more plush amenities await. Frette linens and down duvets and pillows cover the bed. Flatscreen plasma TVs, DVD players, wi-fi, and iPod docking stations provide in-room entertainment. There's also a fully-stocked minibar and an espresso coffeemaker.

Dining at Sandals Emerald Bay:

Five restaurants, a daily delivery of fresh fruit, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, and 24-hour room service ensure you won't go hungry at Sandals Emerald Bay. The eateries are Barefoot by the Sea, where you dine under the stars; Il Cielo, Italian fare; Dinos pizzeria; a British-style pub with a good selection of brews; and Bahama Bay for casual meals. The resort also contains four bars, ranging from beach and pool locations to a vodka and caviar boite. Cuban cigars are available with after-dinner drinks.

Destination Weddings at Sandals Emerald Bay:

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Three ballrooms that can be converted to smaller rooms are available for indoor wedding celebrations, although most destination wedding couples will want to take advantage of beach locations. The Sandals Resorts-Martha Stewart partnership adds style and choice to six beach-wedding themes, which can be expanded and customized. The spa features a full-service beauty salon and well-stocked vanity areas to service the bride and her attendants.

Still in the dreaming stage? Try out "Your Wedding, Your Way", an online planner with no obligation.

Romance at Sandals Emerald Bay:

Designed for couples, Sandals does not offer children's activities — which automatically makes the resort more romantic. (If you want to vacation with kids, consider a Beaches resort). Activities you can do together at Emerald Bay include cooking classes, dance lessons, introductory golf and tennis lessons, and rum tastings. At night, there are the moon and the stars, the surf and you....

Activities at Sandals Emerald Bay:

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Beach lovers have a mile of sand to stretch out on. Those who prefer pool swimming have three pools plus a half-acre freshwater oasis with a Jacuzzi, swim-up bar, and seating area in the center surrounding a fire pit. But you needn't break a sweat; there are misting columns and shady wi-fi enabled cabanas steps away. Golfers can swing at the waterside 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman and there are six lighted Har-tru tennis courts. Spa lovers have a Sandals Red Lane spa with indoor and outdoor treatment spaces and hot and cold plunge pools. A fitness area and exercise classes are available.

Water Wonders at Sandals Emerald Bay:

The Marina at Emerald Bay, which has 150 slips, is the first for a Sandals Resorts. During your stay you may even see Butch Stewart's elegant Lady Sandals yacht docked there. Scuba fans have their choice of some 30 nearby dive sites as well as blue holes aka underwater caves. Couples who want to become certified can take a "Discover Scuba Diving" course right at the resort. There's also snorkel trips for those who'd rather not submerge as well as kayaks, windsurfers, aquacycles, and Hobie cats. Sports fishing boats carry guests to locations where tuna, marlink and other game fish get hooked.

Butlers at Sandals Emerald Bay:

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Re-conceived as an "all-butler" property, Sandals Emerald Bay staff are trained to assist guests with unpacking and packing, drawing bubble baths, and serving private meals on your terrace. You can also turn to your butler to reserve spa services and tee times before your arrival.

Is Sandals Emerald Bay Right for You?:

Like all Sandals Resorts, Emerald Bay operates like a world unto itself. Then again, there's not much else going on in the Exumas. If you're looking for action, choose a resort closer to Nassau or Paradise Island in the Bahamas. But if you want a laid-back vacation in a luxurious setting beside warm Caribbean waters and where just about everything is included in one price, you may find Sandals Emerald Bay a true jewel of a place.

Sandals Emerald Bay Info and Reservations:

Sandals Emerald Bay Resort
Great Exuma
Bahamas 888-SANDALS