Spas & Resorts....

SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN

RESORT & SPA

RELAX, MON

Tropical island resort spas are often an afterthought, with a single massage table tucked into a back room and some loose weights often constituting the 'spa facilities.' But that's slowly changing for the better and the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa is a perfect example. Relax, mon, because this is a complete and professional island retreat that will rival any resort spa in the world.

To understand how good this resort spa is, you need to know the general Sandals success story. Founded by Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon "Butch" Stewart in 1981, Sandals Resorts has become the Caribbean's leading chain of luxury all-inclusive resorts for couples only. There are now ten resorts: six in Jamaica, two in St. Lucia, one in Antiqua, and most recently Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa on New Providence in The Bahamas. Beaches Resorts is Sandals' newest chain of all-inclusive resorts, welcoming everyone--singles, couples, and families. There are two Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean: Beaches Negril and Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa. Another Beaches Resort is planned for Jamaica, as well as one in Barbados.

The Sandals 'all-inclusive' concept includes accommodations, round-trip airport transfers, baggage handling, tips, gratuities, meals, anytime snacks, premium-brand drinks, an array of land and water sports, nightly entertainment, and local taxes. Stewart and his all-inclusive resorts have an incredibly loyal following with repeat guests and travel agents (including a high 90% year-round occupancy rate).

It's not unusual to meet people who have been to all or most of the properties. That's why the opening of Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa was greeted with such interest and is already experiencing great success. Couples in search of the perfect island resort spa now have the perfect Sandals version.

Located near Nassau along world-renowned Cable Beach, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa is definitely one of the Caribbean's most elegant and impressive resort spas and it's certainly a top all-inclusive choice. Originally opened as the Balmoral Club in 1948, the property was known as one of the most glamorous places to dance and dine. It's now known that and much more.

Romanesque statues and Grecian urns grace virtually every corner of the resort, setting a tone of luxury and relaxation rich with European Old World traditions and pleasant Caribbean touches. The 196-room resort has a wide variety of accommodations options, including oceanfront suites, concierge rooms, one-bedroom suites, and villa suites. Other amenities include a huge pool, two jacuzzis, a misting pool, three mini-pools, a large water sports program, and many other recreation options.

Dining is definitely emphasized at the resort, with several options included in the all-inclusive format. Casual Spices features a lavish Caribbean and Mediterranean buffet for all three meals from an open show kitchen. The Crystal Room serves international gourmet cuisine for dinner, with white-gloved service. Baccarat offers the most lavish dining experience, serving classical French cuisine with white-gloved service in an intimate setting. Several other dining options feature Caribbean, Southwestern, English pub fare, and Bahamian cooking at various times of the day. In the evening, nightly entertainment abounds throughout the resort.

But this sound Sandals experience is enhanced greatly by The Royal Spa. Conveniently located on the lower level of the main Manor Building, the spa features the same elegant furnishings as the rest of the resort. From the subdued waiting room to large dressing rooms and the quiet treatment rooms, Old World elegance abounds.

The extensive array of personal services and applications include: hot and cold Roman bath therapy; various massage therapies; mud baths; herbal wraps; many hydrotherapy treatments; Swiss showers; steam and cellulite treatments; body scrubs; and much more. Salon services include facials, waxing, hairstyling, manicures, pedicures, rapid peel, and many other customized possibilities. Kerstin Florian Spa Programme productss are used. The well-trained and professional staff learn your name and preferences during your first visit and never forget them.

Of course, all services and treatments are in addition to the Sandals all-inclusive package. However, a number of value-packed spa packages are available, offering excellent savings and a wide variety of treatments. They range from the Life-Saver Package of two massages, hydrotherapy, and facial ($210) to the six-night Royal Ultima package of six massages, six herbal wraps, two facials, three mud wraps, a pedicure and manicure, four hydrotherapy treatments, three body scrubs, and one reflexology treatment ($1,275).

The extensive fitness center is located on the Penthouse Level of the Manor Building and features a wonderful view of Cable Beach and the sea. The state-of-the-art facility includes a wide choice of exercise equipment and weight systems. In addition, other fitness-oriented options include a fitness evaluation, personal training, and pool-side aerobics classes.

If you want the perfect island resort spa, relax, mon. You've found it. For more information, call (800) SANDALS.