2010-03-11 08:56:20 by SMARTBRIDE
Honeymoon Series - The Best Beaches and Butlers in the Bahamas
Look no further - the ultimate beach honeymoon destination has arrived. I'm drooling over the pictures of this former Four Seasons resort turned Sandals exclusive, and debating renewing my 3 year-old vows simply to create an excuse for another honeymoon. Now, all I have to do is convince my husband.
I think he can be persuaded. Once I unveil my in-depth research, there is no way he can decline this all-butler experience. Read on for more of what you can see and do at the Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma. Make sure you take advantage of the amazing deals at the bottom of the article including 65% off, free nights, spa credits and more.
Skip the check-in and be on the beach within an hour of landing at the airport! Upon arrival, you'll breeze through the main building and goregeous terrace just outside the main lobby while everyone else takes care of your check-in and unpacking. Just make sure to pack your bathing suit on the top of your suitcase for easy access!
The Rooms:
The resort is elegantly designed from top to bottom. The decor has been described by some of its early visitors as a mix old world and modern, with its simple and clean lines. Colour schemes range throughout the resort, but tans, blues and seafoam greens complemented by white plantation shutters bring a relaxed yet elegant beachy feeling.
Rooms vary from luxurious one room suites, to larger junior suites and seaside villas. After much contemplation, and scouring the resort map (view the pdf map) I've chosen my favorite room and location for a private, luxurious and beyond dreamy honeymoon experience.
SmartBride Tip: I'm coveting a Seagrape Villa. For a private honeymoon spot, these villas strike a perfect balance between convenient proximity to the smaller, "quiet" pool and other ammenities without being too close to potentially busier areas such as the pub, games center, main pool and thoroughfare down to the water sports. The villas appear very private, and are only steps from the ocean. Looking out the front windows, you'll feel like you're the only ones on the beach.
The Beach and Surrounding Property:
The long horseshoe-shaped beach stretches for about a mile and the Sandals Emerald Bay is positioned in the center. The super fine, floury sand has a slightly pinkish hue and is fairly firmly packed allowing comfortable walking and running along the private beach. Visitors have commented that the photos of the beach are exactly what they found on arrival, and in some cases do not portray the true beauty of the location. There are plenty of chairs available at the pool and the beach, and several shady retreats have been constructed beach front in the last few weeks.
The spectacular half-acre, zero entry infinity pool is the centerpiece of the property, however, it never seems to be over crowded. With its serpentine swim-up bar, the main pool shares its ocean views with a second pool, while a third pool is deemed the "quiet" pool.
The World's First All Butler Resort:
Perhaps the most luxurious aspect of this resort is the full butler service included with every stay. Travellers report that they were given a cell phone on arrival pre-programmed with three numbers. You are not just supplied with one butler, but a small team to ensure your requests are met quickly. Resort staff has been brought in from around the world, and their attention to detail is second to none. Guest requests are accommodated and often remembered/repeated without additional reminders.
Previous guests have requested items like wine and cheese at the hot tub in the evening, a cooler full of bottled water and a burger on the beach, unpacking of suitcases, ice for sore muscles, room service and breakfast on the beach.
SmartBride Tip: The butlers often surprise couples with a candle-lit room and filled hot tub strewn with rose petals. You may want to alert the butler to an appropriate night for this type of treatment if you've been out on an excursion for the day, or just feel like spending a quiet night in.
Where to Eat:
With many restaurants to choose from, you'll likely never be bored with the menus. Between buffets at the walk-in Bahama Bay (some nights have featured oysters, mussels, lobster tails, and king crab legs), and slightly dressier meals taken at Il Cielo, there will still be plenty of time to explore the Drunken Duck pub, Barefoot by the Sea and Gordon's Pizzeria. Desserts at all the restaurants are not to be missed and 24 hour room service is also included.
You'll be pleased to know, The Berringer Stone Cellar wines served at the resort are very respectable. Feel free to upgrade your wine choices from expanded menus at Bahama Bay and Il Cielo for a special evening, but you'll generally be quite pleased with the regular selection.
SmartBride Tip: For a cool, custom experience, arrange to purchase your own lobster tails from a local fisherman on your way to or from an off-site excursion. The Drunken Duck can prepare an exquisite surf and turf meal just for you. You can also splurge on sunset dinner served on the beach and under the stars ($170).
Activities:
If you can tear yourself away from your room, or off the beach, you'll find the regular all-inclusive activities like kayaking, snorkelling, tennis and more. The gym is well appointed and suits even the most motivated guests. Gym trainer, Rainford, also overs private or semi-private yoga classes for those who want to maintain their bridal physique even after the big day.
SmartBride Tip:If you want to explore the island of Exuma at your own pace, consider hiring a local taxi driver (we hear Kendall Nixon is fabulous!) for your own private 4 hour tour. Make sure to let him know what you're interested in, and where you'd like to stop.
Spa:
There isn't a single service left off this 16,000 sq ft spa menu. Be sure to inquire about any spa credits available when you book your honeymoon.
Golf: The golf course was designed by Greg Norman to challenge golfers of all levels and includes 5 different tee boxes. Warning, breathtaking views may distract from your regular mental focus.
SmartBride Tip: To save $50, plan your rounds of golf for after 2:30pm, or try 9 holes at any time for $125.
Fishing:
It's not often reported but this area of the Bahamas is perfect for Bonefishing with endless flats. If you, or your man, are fishing fanatics, ask in advance about the options for custom fishing excusions.
Getting There:
Great Exuma Island is easily accessible with direct flights from Toronto, Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Nassau.
The Deals:
Sandals Emerald Bay just opened in February 2010, and they are offering incredible deals on vacations & honeymoons this year. Book now and you can:
- Save up to 55%
- Receive 1 Free Night on 7 Nights
- Have a Companion Fly Free!
- Receive a Canada Companion Air Credit
- Indulge with a $250 Red Lane® Spa Credit with 7-night booking
I'm looking for any excuse to visit this resort - and as soon as I do, I'll bring you even more insider SmartBride tips!
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