What an AMAZING ReOpen after COVID
We were one of the lucky ones to experience the reopening of Sandals Emerald Bay for our stay July 7-15. We were also extremely blessed to be the very first couple to celebrate our 20 year anniversary by renewing our vows while there.
Before I begin my review, there are a few things to share regarding the process of getting into the Bahamas. Keep in mind, this process will most likely change. But I will include websites/pages that were extremely helpful in the months prior to us arriving.
In order to visit the Beautiful islands of the Bahamas, a negative RT- PCR Covid test must be taken prior to arrival and a travel health card submitted with the test results. Check for timeframe as this has changed a few times.
You will want to follow The Office of The Prime Minister Bahamas on social media as they post daily updates and also will let you know of press conferences as well.
In addition to following that page, I would suggest following The Ministry of Health Bahamas and Ministry of Tourism Bahamas.
The website to submit for your travel health card is travel.gov.bs
These pages above as well as their websites helped me and many others to follow the correct protocol to enter. Please make sure to follow all protocols or you will be turned away....respectfully so.
Now...on to my review...and get ready because this ones extensive...BUT well worth the read.
When we arrived on July 7, it was Sandals Emerald Bay’s reopening day and they did not disappoint. The welcoming from the entire staff was so genuine and heartfelt. You could feel the relief from them as they were eagerly excited to be back at work after months of nothing. I had prepared myself for them to be reserved due the circumstances....and didn’t blame them one bit. They have been Covid free and are now opening up their home to us...pretty scary in my opinion. We were happily surprised that the fear was not there. In fact it was complete opposite....with masks being a requirement for staff, we could see the smile and joy in their eyes as we were all welcomed back home.
Sandals Emerald Bay is beautiful. It’s hard to put into words the sheer beauty of this resort. The view from the lobby out to the ocean is the view that is forever etched in my memories. It never gets old...to see the pool and the ocean and it almost looks as if the pool runs into the ocean. The island of the Exumas that this resort sits on is a true island feel. Crystal clear, turquoise waters, soft white sand...almost like powder. No need to travel to Tahiti...you can find that same beauty here. In the world we live in today, if you want to have some sort of normalcy to your life...to have that feeling back again, Sandals Emerald Bay is where you need to be. And the food was just as I remembered from our last trip....but even better! Absolutely delicious.....my mouth is watering thinking about it now.
Due to this being our 20th anniversary, we chose to splurge a little and upgraded to the Beachfront Walkout Butler Suite. And it was worth every single penny! The view, the little walkway right to our cabana not too far from our room. Hammock right outside our patio. And it was spotless! Housekeeping cleaned every day and we could smell the clean when we walked in our room every day. We all know that clean smell...of bleach...sanitizer...you name it, they used it. Followed every single protocol. We never felt unsafe or unsure. Every time we turned around, throughout the resort, there were staff with their cleaning supplies wiping everything down. It did not go un noticed.
Our butlers, Mark, Arielle and Hilton...our friends....our family. They knew what we wanted before we even asked. Constantly checked in on us and every request honored....with those beautiful smiles. They made our vacation stress free given the hoops we had to jump through to get there. We couldn’t have wanted for a single thing because they took care of it all. I can only hope one day they can make it to our home and we can show them our appreciation by catering to them and giving them the same warm, welcoming feeling they gave us.
For our vow renewal, we had the FABULOUS Tanagra, Shalise, Delvina and Joval (Joey). We are bowing down to you for such a beautiful experience. They made it special. They made it perfect. Tanagra’s zest for life and celebration of love don’t stop. She made sure every box was checked in preparation for our day. She taught us a spin on the elbow bump....I hope to use is next time we arrive. Delvina was in charge of our reception and she was so lighthearted and led the way with giving us directions on what was next....even down to how to cut the perfect slice of cake. Shalise is the wedding department manager and because of her, everything ran smoothly. She’s a great leader. They all work very well together. Joey was our photographer....and I’m leaving pictures attached to show you how AMAZING he is!! You want Joey for your wedding or vow renewal. He was personal and got to know us...didn’t rush, took his time and ended up capturing some beautiful moments.
Visit Island Routes and make sure to ask for Ashwanna. She used to be a part of the entertainment staff but has moved to tours and excursions. If you need a Jeep to rent for the day to travel the island and explore its other secret hidden treasures or want to go swimming with the pigs, make sure to see her! Ashwanna was one of the few who made us fall in love with Sandals when we made our first visit to Royal Bahamian and we were thrilled when we visited Emerald Bay our first visit back in 2017 and she had transferred over. I hope next time we return that she’s back in entertainment and with James, GiGi and Zoey. Which brings me to these special 3...they continued to involve guests with trivia at the pool, water balloon tosses (we lost quickly...lol), dancing, singing. Their smiles and laughter are contagious. What a way to start and end your day with them.
The bar staff, Markia, Daria and Justin...aka Foxy....drinks were on point and delicious. We’re not ones to drink all day....but they make you want to! So so good!!!
The food at all of the restaurants was delicious. My all time favorite dish there is ceviche from Barefoot. And every day for lunch or as an afternoon snack, Mark, Arielle or Hilton had some made for me. My absolute favorite dish there and I couldn’t get enough.
For breakfast you have got to try the Banana crunch French toast from IL Cielo. I’m not a banana person but this is a must. Doesn’t taste like bananas.
Bombay....the Rogan Josh which is a lamb stew is something you have got to try. I have never really like Indian food and we usually skip Bombay but my husband wanted to try it out as he loves to try new foods. The night we had reservations, I was a little under the weather due to a taxi ride downtown and car sickness. So I didn’t get a chance to try the food that night. But Kenuelle, our server, and Shakar, the manager, both said that when I was better to go back and they’d fix something for me to try. 2 nights later...our last night, we went to Soy...we weren’t that hungry and wanted something light. As we were walking in, both Kenuelle and Shakar asked me to stop by after Soy and they’d fix a little something for me. Again, I wasn’t that hungry but told them absolutely. Their service and smile....can’t say no to that. And I’m so glad we stopped in after Soy. They’ve converted me now to an Indian food eater. And they were so excited to share their foods with me and excited to see my response.
Audrey and Vinnette at the spa were wonderful. My husband is not a massage person so it was a hard sell to get him to do one. Not only did he cave and do it, but instead of a 60 minute massage, I got him to try the 90 minute raindrop massage. Let’s just put it this way....he didn’t even realize 90 minutes had passed when they were done!
Don’t forget to rebook at the Loyalty and Travel desk before you leave. Emma, the L & T manager and her team will take very good care of you. She checked on us through out the week when it wasn’t even her job to do so. She had enough on her plate, but always found the time for us....from the moment we arrived until the moment we left.
Mr Mutton, the GM...he knows how to take care of his family. This wonderful man, took care of us all while we were there. There wasn’t a day that didn’t go by that we didn’t see him out passing drinks by the pool, meeting with guests to see how they’re feeling and making sure we’re all comfortable.
My last piece of info....You can have a beautiful resort and beautiful ocean, beautiful beach and beautiful view....but without the beautiful people, it’s only a resort, an ocean, a beach...a view. These people of this island are what make it beautiful. Thank you all and we will see you soon!