RachelD8430
May 27, 2024
We just got back from our first trip to a Sandals on Thursday. We had a lovely time at SRB. That being said, the path to a great time is having realistic expectations and setting yourself up for success so I wanted to share a couple tips for those heading there for your first time as well: 1.) Do not hold off on eating and head into meals starving. We always got sat right at our reservation time, but service was slow at almost all restaraunts. However, this probably will only bother you if you’re hangry. I made that mistake night one. Every night thereafter I snacked accordingly and had lovely experiences. *Bonus- our butlers who took us to dinner also always got us our first drink from the bar personally. At first I thought that escorting us to dinner was unnecessary, but the set up of the first drink was wonderful knowing the service times from the prior night. **Special shout out to the best butler team! JACKIE, PAULA and KENDRICK- You were exactly what we didn’t know we needed! 2.) If bugs tend to be attracted to you in general and you are going to do the candlelight dinner on the beach, WEAR PANTS! My husband was fine, but I was eaten alive by sand flies. 3.). Housekeeping was hit and miss. If something was missed that day, simply call. Don’t stew. 4.) There was a mildewy smell on the first floor of the West Bay building. But what do you expect when the resort you’re at focuses on people coming in wet from the pool or beach? Give some grace. 5.) Do yourself a favor and get a massage on the private island and hear the waves crashing on the rocks in the open breeze. Well worth the splurge! 6.) Even though there are bars open late at the resort, people are rarely at them late. People seem to party hard during the day and go to sleep early so be prepared. If you’re looking for activities at night, it is a short cab ride to the ****** at Baha Mar. Be prepared to pay $20 for a single drink there though. Yikes! 7.) Use the free water crafts. Don’t be intimidated by them and simply ask for guidance from the aqua center staff. Those people are living their best life! People don’t use them enough in my opinion and it’s one of the biggest perks as they are onsite and don’t require a huge time investment to take out. We especially enjoyed the Hobie Cat. 8.) Service is hit and miss but other honorable mentions for outstanding service go to Soney @ the aqua center, Gabriel @ the beach bar, Christopher @ Kanoo, Chardonnay (sp?) @ the private island bar and our driver to and from the airport, Keyno! I hope this was helpful. Have a great trip!