Sandals Royal Bahamian vs Baha Mar
If you’re interested in a Nassau, Bahamas vacation, two popular resorts are Sandals Royal Bahamian and Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. While these resorts have some things in common, there are some key differences.
We have been to both and can tell you all about them in this comparison of Sandals Royal Bahamian vs. Baha Mar.
Both are located in Nassau, Bahamas, on beautiful Cable Beach. They are each about 15 minutes from the airport, but you get complimentary airport transfers to and from Sandals (in a luxury Rolls Royce if you’re in a butler suite).
The main difference is that Sandals Royal Bahamian is all inclusive and adult only, while Baha Mar allows guests of all ages and is not all inclusive. Baha Mar is also much larger and features many more restaurants plus extra amenities like a waterpark, a casino, and a wildlife sanctuary.
Sandals Royal Bahamian will give you more of a romantic, upscale vibe, while Baha Mar is more lively and busy. If you stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian, you can also visit Baha Mar to enjoy the waterpark, casino, restaurants, and more.
Sandals Royal Bahamian vs Baha Mar Rooms and Suites
Sandals Royal Bahamian offers a diverse mix of rooms and suites, including large luxury rooms with tropical garden or ocean views, poolside and garden walkout suites, oceanfront suites, beachfront swim-up suites with soaking tubs for two, oceanfront suites, and suites with private pools.
The most luxurious suites come with personal butler service and 24-hour inroom dining. Choose from three areas: the quieter Island Village or East Bay, or near the action in West Bay.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar offers an extensive array of accommodations with 1,800 rooms, including 230 luxury suites. These range from standard rooms with Juliet balconies to expansive 2-3-bedroom suites and private villas.
All rooms have spa-style bathrooms with rain showers. Some offer large furnished balconies, and some even include full kitchens, dining areas, and in-suite laundry facilities. All rooms at Baha Mar come with 24-hour room service.
Sandals Royal Bahamian vs Baha Mar Food and Drink
Sandals Royal Bahamian features 10 restaurants and 8 bars, and all meals and drinks at all venues are included. You can indulge in a range of cuisines from French (La Plume) to pan-Caribbean (Kanoo), sushi (Soy), Italian (Tesoro), and gourmet steaks at Butch’s Island Chop House.
On the private offshore island, Aralia House offers fresh seafood in a tranquil setting. Two new food trucks, Coco Queen and Sweets’N’Tings, add some extra options for local fare and sweet treats.
Baha Mar has more than 45 dining options, including 17 restaurants, 3 cafés, multiple food trucks, and dessert shops, plus 9 bars. Standout venues include Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House, the fine-dining Chinese restaurant Shuang Ba, and the beachfront El Jefe Mexican food truck.
From elegant lounges like the Jazz Bar to the casual H2O pool bar and the lively T2 rum and cigar lounge, drink options are just as diverse. There’s even 24-hour room service for ultimate convenience.
Sandals Royal Bahamian vs Baha Mar Activities and Amenities
While Baha Mar has more activities and amenities, practically everything at Sandals Royal Bahamian is included.
Sandals Royal Bahamian offers unlimited complimentary watersports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and Hobie Cat Sailing; complimentary land sports like tennis, pickleball, basketball, and beach volleyball; and a free rooftop fitness center with ocean views. There’s also daily and nightly entertainment.
A unique offering is the private offshore island with its own beach, pool, restaurant, and snorkeling spots. Sandals guests also benefit from proximity to local Nassau attractions and can easily visit Baha Mar’s casino and waterpark as well.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has a ton of amenities and activities, but very few are included in your rate. Highlights include the enormous Baha Bay Waterpark (with a wave pool, a water coaster, waterslides, a surf simulator and a lazy river), a wildlife sanctuary, tennis courts, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and the largest casino in the Caribbean.
There are also some complimentary watersports available, such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
Both resorts feature full spas, where services cost extra.
Sandals Royal Bahamian vs Baha Mar Pools and Beach
Sandals Royal Bahamian offers 3 main pools, 6 whirlpools, and access to two beach areas—one at the main resort, on beautiful Cable Beach, and one on the private island. The West Bay Pool is livelier, with DJs and entertainment, while the East Bay Pool has a more laid-back vibe. The pool on the private island is peaceful and includes a swim-up bar. There is also a whirlpool.
The beach areas have calm. crystal-clear water and are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. You can even snorkel offshore here.
Baha Mar features 7 uniquely designed pools and 4 hot tubs, offering everything from excitement to serenity. Some pools have waterfalls, cave features, or aquariums, while others provide daybeds, in-water lounges, or cabanas for rent.
The beach here is a 3,000-foot stretch, also along Cable Beach, with calm waters ideal for nonmotorized water sports plus plenty of shaded lounge space.
Sandals Royal Bahamian vs. Baha Mar Conclusion
We have been to Sandals Royal Bahamian and Baha Mar and loved them both. Choosing which one is right for you will depend on the type of trip you want.
Choose Grand Hyatt Baha Mar if you’re looking for a massive luxury resort with a huge range of dining, entertainment, and amenities for all ages. It’s ideal for groups, families, friends, or couples who want variety and enjoy a more bustling environment. It’s also perfect if you love waterparks or casinos and want to be able to go multiple times.
Choose Sandals Royal Bahamian if you’re a couple seeking a romantic, all-inclusive, adults-only experience but still want to have fun. The wide range of complimentary activities, entertainment, restaurants, and bars will ensure you’re never bored, while the private island adds a unique tropical experience. For the ultimate indulgence, book a butler suite.
