Sandals Royal Bahamian

This couples-only, all-inclusive beach resort offers plenty of choices, from the level of service (butler or no?), to ten different restaurants and sixteen room types. Over-the-top decor includes bright colors, white columns and larger-than-life statues.

Guests choose to stay in the Manor House or the Royal Villas. My small suite in the Royal Villa had a garden patio (with an unfortunately loud generator next to it) and a living room. In the bedroom, I found romantic touches mixed with modern comforts; a four-poster mahogany bed, a large flat screen TV, and marble floors. The mini-bar in the living room was stocked with complementary drinks and full-sized bottles of wine and liquor. Snacks were an extra charge but 24-hour room service was included. In the bathroom, I found robes, slippers and full-sized amenities, including aloe lotion.

The resort's two main pools, both with swim-up bars, were where most guests spent the day. One was quieter; the other's loud music contributed to a party atmosphere. Three smaller pools are dotted among the Royal Villas. Lounge chairs were also spread along a rocky beach. A wooden boardwalk featured outdoor sofas and lounge beds, some fronting fire pits. These afforded a relaxing view of the ocean by day, and atmospheric evenings when the fire pits were lit and a saxophonist played.

A five-minute ferry ride away lies Sandals' private island. Another swimming pool and hot tub, swim-up bar, spa outpost and restaurant are located there. Guests seeking privacy and quiet surroundings can enjoy large stretches of beach, hammocks among the trees, and palapas with bed-sized recliners.

The resort host numerous activities to lure you off one of the many lounge chairs; a comedy show, a live version of Jeopardy!, organized sports, and sailboat rentals were just a few of the options I saw during my brief stay. At night, themed parties (like PURE white night) added to the mix.

Spa treatments are extra, and include decadent luxuries like a couples' massage on the pier. The spa brochure reads like a cocktail menu (have a pedi-colada?) and certainly looked tempting.

I am always prepared to be underwhelmed by the food in the Caribbean in general and all-inclusive resorts in particular, and I am happy to say this was a very pleasant exception. Baccarat serves an a la carte breakfast which includes caviar and champagne; dinner is included by reservation. Spices is another breakfast option with a very good buffet, including an eggs/omelet station, lots of fresh fruit and pastries, and even a smoothie bar. The Cricketer's Pub serves breakfast as early as 3 a.m. for the jetlagged.

Lunch options vary from the buffet at Spices with several delicious salads and a meat carving and pasta station with wine; soups and sandwiches at the pool place; and a pizza parlor.

Ddinner options are varied, from Teppanyaki to Italian. I had dinner at Gordons on the Pier, free to butler guests and an upcharge to other guests. I enjoyed grilled Caribbean lobster, scallops, and a fantastically silky chocolate cake for dessert on a softly swaying pier over the turquoise water.

Extra opportunities to indulge include an afternoon tea in the British tradition and the weekly late-night Chocolate Buffet.