The Bahamas has always been on my bucket list, but it definitely wasn’t on the bingo card for this year. So when we were invited to visit another Sandals Resorts property, we just had to say yes! If you’ve been keeping up with my blog posts or Instagram, you probably remember our first trip to one of their resorts — in Jamaica. That was also an all-inclusive experience, packed with endless activities and dining options. Honestly, you don’t even need to leave the property, because everything you could possibly want to do is right there on site!
ALL THINGS WEATHER.
I can’t stress this enough: there’s nothing more disappointing than going on a tropical vacation and having to deal with bad weather. As many people know, the best time to visit the Bahamas is typically between December and April, when the risk of rain is low and temperatures hover around the mid-70s. Visiting at the end of July was a bit of a gamble—we really didn’t know what to expect. I tried to prepare myself mentally for less-than-ideal weather, but still remained hopeful. As we flew from Miami to the Bahamas, we were greeted by clear skies—not a single cloud in sight. That small detail immediately lifted my spirits and gave me hope that we might get lucky. Thankfully, from the moment we landed to the moment we flew back home, the weather was perfect: sunny, warm, and not a single day of rain. If you’re unsure about visiting during the shoulder season, I’d honestly say it’s worth the risk.
We stayed for five days, and according to the locals, it had been sunny even before we arrived. Aside from a few brief tropical showers, the entire month had been clear and bright. Weather patterns are shifting globally, and it's becoming harder to predict the “perfect” travel window. Sometimes, taking a chance can lead to the best surprises.
ALL THINGS RESORT.
OCCUPANCY. Now that the weather exceeded our expectations, our next question was about crowds. Typically, traveling during shoulder season means fewer tourists, which often comes with the added bonus of deals on resorts, cruises, and other activities. However, upon check-in, we were surprised to learn that the resort was operating at nearly 90% occupancy—and it stayed that way for all five days of our trip. That said, it never felt crowded. Sandals Resort sits on such a large, well-designed property that, although you see other guests around, it never feels busy or overwhelming. The space is thoughtfully laid out to provide a sense of privacy and relaxation, even when the resort is close to full capacity.
ALL INCLUSIVE. The resort features two food trucks that are open during the day, along with around 10 restaurants to choose from, so you rarely feel the crowds—except during peak breakfast and dinner hours, when things can get a bit busier. That said, the food is absolutely worth it. The white chocolate crêpes are a must-try—I’m honestly drooling just thinking about how good they were.
P.S. If you’re a fan of a good espresso martini, make sure to stop by the bar near the pool tables at the front of the resort. The bartenders there make one of the best I’ve ever had—just ask them to add a splash of Bailey’s. Trust me.
ACTIVITIES. The best way to describe the amount of activities available at the resort is simple: endless. From water sports and racket games to pool tables and even a full room stocked with board games, there’s truly no way to be bored—especially if you like to stay active during your vacation.
One of my absolute favorite features of this property was the private island, just a short 10-minute boat ride away. You can hop on a boat any time and spend the day lounging on the beach, relaxing by the pool, or even booking an outdoor massage. It’s the perfect way to switch things up without having to leave the resort or spend extra money—everything on the island is still fully all-inclusive.
P.S. Both Sandals Resorts we’ve visited—Jamaica and now the Bahamas—had the sweetest little cats on site that the staff takes care of. They’re seriously the friendliest fur babies ever. If you end up visiting let me know in the comments if you spot them too! And if you stay at one of the same locations we did, definitely keep an eye out—they love to say hi!
While we love relaxing and living our best lives at an all-inclusive resort, getting off the property to explore local culture and nearby towns is just as important to us. The main town was only a short cab ride away, and we were pleasantly surprised by how much there was to do—museums, rum tastings, the Fish Fry market area, and more.
If you’re planning to visit the town, it’s a good idea to check online for cruise ship schedules. Try to go when no ships are docked—the town is much quieter, and you’ll be able to explore more in less time. We were told the port can accommodate up to six cruise ships at once, which could mean as many as 30,000 people wandering the town on a single day!
For anyone looking for something a bit more adventurous or unique, there are plenty of options for different boat tours to explore in the outskirts of Nassau for day trips.
P.S. Don’t worry about finding a cab to get back to the resort—taxis are everywhere. One tip we always follow when traveling abroad: get your cab driver's number so you can text them throughout your trip. Many are happy to recommend places to visit and give you that local, tour-guide feel. You can also often negotiate a flat rate for a half- or full-day tour, which is a great way to see everything on your list without having to coordinate multiple rides. Plus, they usually know the best route to fit it all in efficiently.
In collaboration with Sandals Resorts.
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