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Just wondering if anyone here has ever stayed at the Sandals resort in the Bahamas. I had originally planned my honeymoon for an all inclusive resort in Cancun, but now with the swine flu I think I am going to visit another destination. I already have Continental plane tickets and they fly to the Bahamas for a reasonable price, so that is probably gonna be my destination. They make the resort look great online, but I was just wondering if anyone had actually stayed there. I know it's kind of a shot in the dark, but you never know. Also, if there is another resort in the Bahamas somone could recommend, I am open to suggestions. My honeymoon is scheduled for May 31st through June 6th. Even if the swine flu has settled down by then I still think I would rather go somewhere else.

Thanks,
Adam

My wife and I just got back from the Bahamas a week and a half ago. Sorry, we didn't stay at Sandals, so I can't offer any info on that resort. In a previous life (read: previous wife) I stayed at Sandals on St. Lucia and loved it.

Info about Bahamas that I can offer: We stayed at the Sheraton, which is on the same beach as Sandals. We picked the Sheraton because we couldn't resist the deal that we got. The hotel was nice, completely re-done last year. That being said, we kicked ourselves in the a$$ for not spending more and just staying at Atlantis. Absolutely gorgeous, fantastic restaurants, and overall much better service. Paradise Island (where Atlantis is located) is pristine (well, naturally since Atlantis takes up 75% of it). New Providence Island (where Sandals, Sheraton, and numerous others are located) is, well, more "rustic" shall we say. Felt very safe during the day, but wouldn't be walking around downtown or some of the public beaches/parks at night. A very good friend of mine who lives there with her family had given us some warnings regarding where to go and when, as crime has been on the increase due to the suffering economy (you won't notice the suffering economy on Paradise Island). Again, going downtown during the day (and even taking the public bus aka jitney to get there) and walking around the shops and walking to some of the historical sites was fine, but at night, spend the money and take taxis only. This perhaps won't be a problem at all for you, since Sandals is all inclusive so you perhaps won't be venturing out for dinner at night.

If you decide to not go the all-inclusive route, be forewarned that food in general in the Bahamas is a.) expensive and b.) not stellar. Service is hit or miss, even at the high end restaurants. Here's a list of a few standouts -

-Mesa and Nobu inside Atlantis (celebrity chef restaurants; pricey, excellent food, excellent service, make your reservations today)
-Carmines in Marina Village at Atlantis (pricey; trick there is to eat at the bar to avoid insane waits; everything is family style, but the bartenders will point you in the direction of some of smaller sized apps, entrees desserts).
-Cafe Matisse downtown in Nassau (pricey; excellent food, decent service)
-Simmer Down in the Marley Resort & Spa (pricey; excellent food, super friendly service but slow)
-Columbus Tavern on Paradise Island (reasonably priced; excellent food, outdoor dining, nice views, very good service)
-Olives downtown in Nassau (fantastic outdoor greek lunch spot in one of the alleys where all the shops are located)

Other than that, enjoy shopping at Breitling AD's John Bull (there's one in downtown Nassau, one in Marina Village, and one inside Atlantis Towers), Little Switzerland (downtown Nassau) and of course, Little Switzerland's Breitling Boutique a few doors down from their regular store.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and I'll do my best to answer. And most importantly, congrats on your wedding!

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i have stayed at sandals in jamaica 3 or 4 times and everytime its better. i dont think you will be disapointed in sandals at all. all the pics from the book are identical to the resort. so if thats anything to say about all sandals then the one in the bahamas will be nice as well.

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My wife and I are Gold Sandals Signature Guests (over 100 total nights) and could not be happier with most of them. THat said (and I fully agree with all 3 resorts in St. Lucia being spectacular!!!) we were disappointed in the Bahamas. The resort was gorgeous, food was some of the best of any of the resorts, but the staff was nowhere near as friendly, helpful or attentive as every other Sandals we have visited. They, on occassion, were even a bit surly. It was not just one or two people, it was a theme unfortunately. This was 4 years ago, we did write a letter to the GM as well as to Butch (the Sandals owner). Things may have changed since, but they have so many wonderful resorts that we will just not go back to that one. Sorry if this pisses on your parade, but that was our experience. Enjoy your vacation!!!! Atlantis was nicer but REALLY pricey for what you get. Not worth it IMHO.

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Chronomat, Steel/Gold, MOP Dial, 2-tone band (2008)
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