Sandals Emerald Bay
Queens Highway, EX29142 Great Exuma
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About
4.0
#1 of 1 all-inclusive in Great ExumaLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Sandals Emerald Bay’s seclusion and serenity are designed to entice. And why not give in—this award-winning beach resort on Great Exuma, Bahamas is in a class of its own. A world of enjoyment awaits, starting with decadent suites, some with private plunge pools. Find your way to rejuvenation at the on-site RedLane Spa with 17 treatment rooms and spend endless hours in or around the freshwater pools, including the Caribbean’s largest zero entry pool. Indulge to your heart’s content with 11 restaurants, access to the most scenic 18-hole golf course designed by golf legend Greg Norman, butler service in top-tier suites, plenty of land and water sports and the list goes on. While you’re at it, make room for some of the incredible things The Bahamas is known for, like island hopping, Exuma swimming pigs adventure and catamaran sunset cruises.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Diving
Free airport transportation
Parking
Wifi
Paid wifi
Fitness classes
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Wine / champagne
Swimup bar
Poolside bar
Golf course
Tennis court
Entertainment staff
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Table tennis
Airport transportation
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Salon
Adults only
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Butler service
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Room features
Private beach
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Telephone
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
VIP room facilities
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Room types
Ocean view
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Green
Luxury
Location
Queens Highway, EX29142 Great Exuma
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 41 out of 100
41
15 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
2 Attractions
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
4.0
6,503 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Sandals Emerald Bay garners praise for its musical ambiance and romantic atmosphere, while the friendly service is a highlight for numerous guests. However, some visitors feel that the resort falls short of providing value, citing the dated rooms and high costs.
Despite appreciation for the secluded location and clean environment, criticisms include the need for maintenance and more engaging evening entertainment. While the personalized butler service and activities are well-regarded, mixed reviews emerge regarding the resort's layout and noise levels.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Romantic
Rooms
Dated
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Pampering
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Detailed Reviews
As I sit here, (one day removed from sitting by the beautiful pool at Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma, Bahamas) watching the snow fall, I am reminded of how much my wife and I love the Sandals experience. We have been to 7 different Sandals resorts (Emerald Bay twice) and have always had and excellent experience. The team at SEB was professional, outgoing,and always willing to help. Our room was well appointed and the staff always had it looking good and even left cute towel images on the bed and we didn't even have a Butler type room.
I realize that reviews are very subjective and before going to Emerald Bay I did read a few of the recent negative reviews and now after spending a week there I am not sure what could have caused the comments I read. We had nothing but an excellent experience and the staff was always friendly and outgoing. Sure, there were times when some of the staff may not have been as bubbly as others but they were always respectful and wanted to make sure we were having a good time. Let's face it, we as travelers, aren't always at our best either and sometimes we have things going on that causes us not to be as bubbly as we would like.
A couple of the negative reviews I read totally dished the Sandals Emerald Bay claim of being a 5 Star service which, to that I say, you need to check yourself as I suspect your expectations and the way you treated the staff causes you to receive your kind of treatment. As I said this was our 8th time at a Sandals and have always been very satisfied. The accommodations are nice and the food is always very good and we feel that what we get for what we pay always meets or exceeds our expectations. Having said that, we have travelled extensively both domestic and internationally (over 40 Countries) where we paid 2 to 4 times more per day average vs.Sandals and yes the additional cost did translate to a more upscale room and higher level of food service, we couldn't be happier with our experience at Sandals. We hope we get the opportunity to visit Sandals for many years to come.
If your on the fence about deciding to go to Sandals I would Highly Recommend you give it a chance and decide for yourself, I don't think you'll be disappointed, especially if you have reasonable expectations.
I realize that reviews are very subjective and before going to Emerald Bay I did read a few of the recent negative reviews and now after spending a week there I am not sure what could have caused the comments I read. We had nothing but an excellent experience and the staff was always friendly and outgoing. Sure, there were times when some of the staff may not have been as bubbly as others but they were always respectful and wanted to make sure we were having a good time. Let's face it, we as travelers, aren't always at our best either and sometimes we have things going on that causes us not to be as bubbly as we would like.
A couple of the negative reviews I read totally dished the Sandals Emerald Bay claim of being a 5 Star service which, to that I say, you need to check yourself as I suspect your expectations and the way you treated the staff causes you to receive your kind of treatment. As I said this was our 8th time at a Sandals and have always been very satisfied. The accommodations are nice and the food is always very good and we feel that what we get for what we pay always meets or exceeds our expectations. Having said that, we have travelled extensively both domestic and internationally (over 40 Countries) where we paid 2 to 4 times more per day average vs.Sandals and yes the additional cost did translate to a more upscale room and higher level of food service, we couldn't be happier with our experience at Sandals. We hope we get the opportunity to visit Sandals for many years to come.
If your on the fence about deciding to go to Sandals I would Highly Recommend you give it a chance and decide for yourself, I don't think you'll be disappointed, especially if you have reasonable expectations.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2020
Room Tip: For the first time we had a Walk Out ground level room and loved it. This will be our choice in...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We recently returned from a week stay at Emerald Bay with some friends. The room was great, butlers were fantastic, and the beach was clean. Both quiet pool and main pool were good. Unfortunately, our first day at the main pool we found the ladies bathroom with only one stall, as the other one was full to the brim with toilet paper and smell. (This was a Sunday). Smell continued all week with us having to report whenever they ran out of toilet paper. Even McDonalds check their bathrooms once an hour. By Thursday the second stall in the ladies bathroom by the main pool was clogged with paper, feces, and smell. It was reported to several staff members. Finally I went to the lobby and informed the clerk there. After an hour or so, there was a sign put on the ladies bathroom door that said "Under Renovation". Friday they finally got people out to work on it, but after a full day by the pool it was still "under renovation".
Bottom line is anyone with bathroom issues can't be traipsing all over trying to find a toilet with toilet paper. The bathroom in the lobby was also "under renovation" the entire time of our stay.
Besides that, the waiter at the pub was less than accommodating when my husband asked if he could have his salad as an appetizer. The answer was "NO. If you ask the chef, he will tell you the same thing"!!!!! We could not understand why the salad could not be brought out ahead of the entree.
The last night of our stay, I went to bed early and my husband and friends went to have a cigar. I woke up at 10:00 to a maid standing in the middle of the room, and when I screamed, she asked me if I needed any towels. ?????????
Bottom line is anyone with bathroom issues can't be traipsing all over trying to find a toilet with toilet paper. The bathroom in the lobby was also "under renovation" the entire time of our stay.
Besides that, the waiter at the pub was less than accommodating when my husband asked if he could have his salad as an appetizer. The answer was "NO. If you ask the chef, he will tell you the same thing"!!!!! We could not understand why the salad could not be brought out ahead of the entree.
The last night of our stay, I went to bed early and my husband and friends went to have a cigar. I woke up at 10:00 to a maid standing in the middle of the room, and when I screamed, she asked me if I needed any towels. ?????????
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Uvl T, Online Review Coordinator at Sandals Emerald Bay
Responded 15 Apr 2020
Hello, thank you for your feedback on your stay at Sandals Emerald Bay. We are happy to note that you enjoyed your stay with us. It is, however, surprising to learn that you felt your room was not cleaned thoroughly, as our housekeeping team is dedicated to the cleanliness of all areas of the resort and does daily servicing to the rooms. Nonetheless, your concerns have been shared with the head of the department and the team will be briefed to ensure their service is always up to par. Your feedback is important to us and as such we have shared your suggestions with the management team for improvements. We hope that this marks the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship as we would certainly love to host you at any one of our resorts again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
We just got back a few weeks ago before the pandemic fully hit the U.S.. The resort was lovely, just as beautiful as the pictures. The ocean water is so blue that it doesn't look real. Our room was large and quiet - we never heard anyone even though the hotel was full. The beds were very comfortable. We were very pleased with the food. I suggest always trying their signature dish and drink at each themed restaurant. The butter chicken at the Indian Restaurant was amazing and be sure to order the naan. Sushi was good quality, and we enjoyed the salmon sashimi the most. The salad bar is very good for lunch and the breakfast buffet has so many good options. The Italian restaurant was our favorite. Everything was excellent, especially the salmon and the seafood pasta. So many great food options and we never had to wait. The people who work there are so helpful. One day there weren't enough pool chairs because it was windy on the beach and everyone got stuck at the pool. I let them know about the issue and they were all over it. They can put out extra chairs if you go to the activities area. They followed up with me for the next two days to make sure we were able to get chairs. I think that was very good service and they work extra hard. Just sitting around the pool, they will bring fruit and drinks by and ask you if you are happy with everything. Tell them if you aren't because they will make sure to fix it. They really, really care.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: All the rooms are good - you can't go wrong
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AvlonB, Online Review Coordinator at Sandals Emerald Bay
Responded 31 Mar 2020
Hello and thank you for sharing your Sandals Emerald Bay review with us! It was a pleasure to read your review as it seems we were able to meet all of your expectations for this trip. We are delighted to note that you enjoyed our gourmet dining options along with our other amenities. Providing variety for our valued guests is among our goals and we love knowing when everyone is satisfied! We appreciate your review and are also looking forward to hosting you again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Do not waste your money! I need to let you know that we have been to other Sandals locations and especially loved Sandals Antigua. Sandals Emerald Bay is absolutely not a Sandals caliber property. We paid a premium to have an ocean view suite, $600 more than what our friends paid, what a mistake, they actually benefitted by being in a renovated building. We were located in building 1 ( room 1111) it still had white plastic furniture on the balcony walkout. All other buildings had nice wicker style furniture with cushions. Our nightly turn down happened 4 out of 7 nights, our daily housekeeping was terrible and happened 5 out of 7 days and even then we had to contact the front desk most days to complain that the room had not been made up at 5 pm (ridiculous). There were 2 restaurants and the Sandals Club that had not had air conditioning for over 3 weeks and it was unbearably hot to attend those locations. The Sandals shuttle van to take you to the dive boat should have been sent to the scrap yard years ago, non working air conditioning and complete disrepair. During the week we were there a guest in building 1 had the ceiling fall in on the bed as he and his wife slept. The Pool bar ran out of Vodka on 1 day and had no Beer available another day. This Sandals was no better than a normal 5 star that would come at 1/3 of the cost. My wife and I reached out to Sandals and their response has been to basically suggest that there were no recorded complaints from us, thus making us feel like we were just trying to get something from them. We complained daily either by phone or in person at the front desk but “nothing was recorded”,”so you clearly were not concerned when you were here”. We are at a point that we want nothing from Sandals as we will never return to one of their properties. This is a result of their corporate conduct while addressing our concerns. DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY!
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Date of stay: October 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Do not waste your time
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AvlonB, Online Review Coordinator at Sandals Emerald Bay
Responded 18 Jan 2020
Hello and thank you for taking the time out to write us your review on Sandals Emerald Bay. We apologize for any inconvenience as it relates to maintenance issues. We put forth our best efforts to make certain all aspects of our resort are functioning and up to par. However despite this, sometimes unexpected events do occur. I am glad to see that Resort Management did assist with the concerns about your room which were brought to their attention; however we are saddened to note that it seems you continue to have an unsavory impression of our brand despite their speedy action. We are elated to note that you enjoyed your overall stay with us and we look forward to hosting you again in the near future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our first visit to Sandals. On arrival, we were escorted to our room on the third floor in the Beach House Village. As part of our introduction, our host booked our restaurants and golf tee times for the week so a lot of the administrative must do's were done and we could enjoy our week.
We noticed minor repairs that needed to addressed but they did not interfere with our stay nor impact our initial impressions. The room was well stocked except there was no tonic to go with the gin.
We ate at most restaurants during the week. The Bahama Bay was our go to place for breakfast and while the choices were extensive but there very little changes during the week. We ate a few lunches at BB but mostly for the salads and sandwiches but did not return for dinners as there was no atmosphere and the room was always cold due to the air conditioning. We really enjoyed the French and Italian restaurants where we had two meals in each. Overall, the appetizers and mains were generally good, the desserts and pastries were average. There are no washrooms in any of the restaurants and those near the front desk were closed for renovations, which was inconvenient.
The grounds were well maintained and the landscaping was extensive. The golf course was in great condition but there was trash in the bushes abutting the fairways.
The golf was a key attraction for us and we played four mornings. After lunch, we would look for seats by the pools but almost all were reserved by towels even though they were not occupied, very annoying. Guests and butlers show up early to park the available towels in preparation for the day at the pool.
Most of the staff were outgoing engaging with the guests and offering help as required. Ray Anne and Alesia at the front desk were most helpful, Wesley at the Jerk Shack was a terrific cook and Rodney and the staff in the golf shop, all members of Rich's golf team, were very helpful.
We noticed minor repairs that needed to addressed but they did not interfere with our stay nor impact our initial impressions. The room was well stocked except there was no tonic to go with the gin.
We ate at most restaurants during the week. The Bahama Bay was our go to place for breakfast and while the choices were extensive but there very little changes during the week. We ate a few lunches at BB but mostly for the salads and sandwiches but did not return for dinners as there was no atmosphere and the room was always cold due to the air conditioning. We really enjoyed the French and Italian restaurants where we had two meals in each. Overall, the appetizers and mains were generally good, the desserts and pastries were average. There are no washrooms in any of the restaurants and those near the front desk were closed for renovations, which was inconvenient.
The grounds were well maintained and the landscaping was extensive. The golf course was in great condition but there was trash in the bushes abutting the fairways.
The golf was a key attraction for us and we played four mornings. After lunch, we would look for seats by the pools but almost all were reserved by towels even though they were not occupied, very annoying. Guests and butlers show up early to park the available towels in preparation for the day at the pool.
Most of the staff were outgoing engaging with the guests and offering help as required. Ray Anne and Alesia at the front desk were most helpful, Wesley at the Jerk Shack was a terrific cook and Rodney and the staff in the golf shop, all members of Rich's golf team, were very helpful.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: Third floor provides a super view of the ocean
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AvlonB, Online Review Coordinator at Sandals Emerald Bay
Responded 31 Mar 2020
Hello and thank you for sharing your review of Sandals Emerald Bay. While we are delighted to know that you enjoyed your stay overall, it is disheartening to see that there may have been some areas that you were not completely satisfied with. Our rooms do undergo regular maintenance, and there are times when items may become damaged without our knowledge. When such incidents are reported our team normally reacts quickly to resolve the same. Your input is very important to us and assists us with perfecting our service and product. We remain dedicated to offering a service where we go above and beyond for our guests, ensuring that the memories attained will leave a smile on every face. Your review is greatly appreciated and we do hope that we will be welcoming you back to one of our resorts in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I decided to try this resort for our anniversary because it had such great reviews and the water looked beautiful. I have to say, the bay is fantastic. The water is very clear and the beach is pristine, but is it worth around 1,000 bucks a night? NO. The rooms are not luxurious, with broken light fixtures and bathroom fixtures and low quality, unimpressive bathroom products. The food is bland, dry, and has no flavor. Everything is done cheaply, and you know it if know what true quality is. We made the best of it because we have each other and a beautiful beach, but I honestly don’t know what we were drinking while we were there. All of the drinks are super sweet and syrupy and watered down. So basically all day you are drinking watered down syrup. The bar in your room has the most disgusting off brand liquor in it. Once I had a real drink when back in the US, I really was reminded of the difference. Even the wine and champagne are fake. We were very disappointed, but once you are there, they have you over a barrel. The excursion crew was wonderful, and that was an amazing experience. We didn’t know what to eat anymore while we were there. They couldn’t get us dinner reservations to their fake restaurants two of the four nights we were there, so we went to some of the places that didn’t require reservations. The food was tasteless and the wine was undrinkable. We learned our lessons. No more all inclusive for us. At least we will get what we pay for. They advertise what they do not have. Smart tv? No. Top shelf liquor? No. The employees are either reading a fake script or totally depressed and make you feel like you are putting them out by asking for a coffee in the coffee shop. Really sad. This place should be much cheaper than what it costs or they should pay their employees better. They also scam you on the phone initially making you think you are getting a huge discount, which you are not! Beware. The nail in the coffin was one morning when we decided to sit on our patio to have coffee and sprinklers came on and sprayed us! Haha. They weren’t even aimed at the grass, but soaked us down. You cannot make this up! Another company should buy this sandals property and do something great with it because of its beautiful location.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beron Hurst, Owner at Sandals Emerald Bay
Responded 23 Jun 2021
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us and other readers. We appreciate your comments and sincerely regret the disappointments experienced during your visit. Attention to detail and personalized service are the foundations on which we have built, throughout the years and more generally speaking, of all our hotels worldwide. I have therefore taken very seriously every point of your complaint and it is certainly thanks to the comments and suggestions of our Guests, no matter whether positive or negative, that we can improve our service and facilities. . I hope you will allow us the opportunity to serve your future lodging needs, as we would like the opportunity to provide you the level of service you expect from our team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Excellent: food,view,public space,pool,bar,places available on beach,pickup,lift to airport,entertainmlent, landscape, marvelous ocean, restaurants
Good: personnel, room cleaness
Bad: Room bar service never donne one 6 days even after 5 request,room maintenance: shower head, shower handle, toilet looses are not fixes properly,TV control was miss, tv was broken, the marvelous beach have a lot of garbage debris, plastics debris, so bad. No pergola available on the pool they are all reserve in advance all day even if guest use them only 2 hours, very not fun.,
You certainly need a butler to have full service.
Loop application don’t work well.
Good: personnel, room cleaness
Bad: Room bar service never donne one 6 days even after 5 request,room maintenance: shower head, shower handle, toilet looses are not fixes properly,TV control was miss, tv was broken, the marvelous beach have a lot of garbage debris, plastics debris, so bad. No pergola available on the pool they are all reserve in advance all day even if guest use them only 2 hours, very not fun.,
You certainly need a butler to have full service.
Loop application don’t work well.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Windows slinging door never clean after request
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First time visiting Sandals and it did not disappoint. We loved everything about Emerald Bay but the highlight that everyone talks about is the beach with the pristine white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. We enjoyed lounging on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and the amazing ocean view from our room. At SEB, the beautiful ocean is almost in your sight at all times. We had butlers, Vaughn and Keisha, and they helped to make our vacation special. We were there to celebrate our 50th anniversary. They set us up on the beach or pool everyday by reserving chairs with towels and a filled cooler with drinks and brought us special drinks from the bar as well. They also surprised us several days with towel art on our bed and helped us plan a candlelight dinner the day of our anniversary. They also made our restaurant reservations, escorted us to dinner, and got us our drinks at dinner. Several mornings we had breakfast in our room, and our last night we had room service from the French restaurant. They really took good care of us and were really personable. We thought all the food at SEB was delicious. I ate all fish and seafood, but my husband had some steak.All of the service was good and we received phone calls several times to check up on us questioning us if we had all we needed. Twice we had friendly conversations with managers who asked if we were satisfied and if they could do anything else for us. This is why it is hard to understand some of the negative reviews I have read. Everybody I encountered was willing to go above and beyond. The only area I felt needed some improvement was room decor. The bathroom was beautiful, the beds were very comfortable, but the living area was sparsely furnished and could have been more attractive. However, the room was very clean and well maintained and the housekeeper was delightful and very accommodating. We did not do any excursions as we are older and they did not appeal to us. My husband played 9 holes of golf on the amazing golf course (back nine), and I did a spa treatment (the spa staff was exceptional). We loved Sandals Emerald Bay and would love to return!
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I had the most amazing getaway last week. We chose the Sandals Emerald Bay resort based on the pristine beach and couldn’t have been happier with the beauty that was presented.
We splurged on the Beachfront Honeymoon Butler Villa Suite and had a fun experience being pampered by butlers our entire 8 days on the resort (Treco Rose is THE BEST)! We enjoyed amazing cuisine from several different restaurants, including French, Indian, Japanese, Sushi, Italian, Bahamian and American Surf and Turf, not to mention the Café de Paris which was a pastry shop that served gourmet coffees and sweets all hours of the day. One of the other great finds for us was the room service nachos. I don’t think a day went by where we didn’t order those at some point throughout the day.
We shared our time the majority of the week on the beach and at the pool. It was a rather windy week so we didn’t get to explore the water sports as we’d hoped but we made the best of it and floated around on the floats as the waves crashed around us. We also enjoyed a couple rounds of golf throughout the week considering the golf course was part of the resort and included in our stay. This was the first time my husband had played since we’ve had kids (10 years) and it was my first time playing golf EVER. I went along for the ride on Day 1 and only played 1 hole on the back 9 to see what it was like. On Day 2, I rose to the occasion and played 12 out of the 18 holes! If you plan to play golf, bring extra balls from home. You will lose some balls and they are expensive to replace on the resort!
The entertainment on the resort was nice and complimented the more low key atmosphere, it was a relaxing resort for sure that allowed us to enjoy firepits by the pool, hammocks on the beach and throughout the gardens and fun outdoor games throughout the day such as cornhole, croquet, bocce ball and shuffle board!
Since our boat excursion got cancelled due to the windy weather, we decided to rent a jeep on our last day from the Island Routes desk and explore the Great Exuma island from top to bottom on our own (The island is only 60 miles long and it’s 1 road that takes you from top to bottom so it was impossible to get lost). Everyone that we asked said it was super safe and that everyone on the island is super friendly so we decided to go for it! It was so much fun and we felt safe the entire time!
This was an amazing resort to visit (2 thumbs up) and we would visit again :)
We splurged on the Beachfront Honeymoon Butler Villa Suite and had a fun experience being pampered by butlers our entire 8 days on the resort (Treco Rose is THE BEST)! We enjoyed amazing cuisine from several different restaurants, including French, Indian, Japanese, Sushi, Italian, Bahamian and American Surf and Turf, not to mention the Café de Paris which was a pastry shop that served gourmet coffees and sweets all hours of the day. One of the other great finds for us was the room service nachos. I don’t think a day went by where we didn’t order those at some point throughout the day.
We shared our time the majority of the week on the beach and at the pool. It was a rather windy week so we didn’t get to explore the water sports as we’d hoped but we made the best of it and floated around on the floats as the waves crashed around us. We also enjoyed a couple rounds of golf throughout the week considering the golf course was part of the resort and included in our stay. This was the first time my husband had played since we’ve had kids (10 years) and it was my first time playing golf EVER. I went along for the ride on Day 1 and only played 1 hole on the back 9 to see what it was like. On Day 2, I rose to the occasion and played 12 out of the 18 holes! If you plan to play golf, bring extra balls from home. You will lose some balls and they are expensive to replace on the resort!
The entertainment on the resort was nice and complimented the more low key atmosphere, it was a relaxing resort for sure that allowed us to enjoy firepits by the pool, hammocks on the beach and throughout the gardens and fun outdoor games throughout the day such as cornhole, croquet, bocce ball and shuffle board!
Since our boat excursion got cancelled due to the windy weather, we decided to rent a jeep on our last day from the Island Routes desk and explore the Great Exuma island from top to bottom on our own (The island is only 60 miles long and it’s 1 road that takes you from top to bottom so it was impossible to get lost). Everyone that we asked said it was super safe and that everyone on the island is super friendly so we decided to go for it! It was so much fun and we felt safe the entire time!
This was an amazing resort to visit (2 thumbs up) and we would visit again :)
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beron Hurst, Owner at Sandals Emerald Bay
Responded 3 Jun 2021
Hello and thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay at Sandals Emerald Bay and returned home with many happy memories! It seems like you enjoyed every minute of your visit with us and that is exactly the kind of excellent feedback we love to hear. It was a pleasure to have had you as our guest and we look forward to welcoming you back for another incredible vacation experience in the near future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent Christmas week in 2019 in an ocean front villa with butler service. As fabulous as this sounds , the hotel did not live up to the 5 star rating they claim to have.
The food was cafeteria grade , and later I found out they feed all the staff so basically we were eating what the staff ate. The bread was stale and shipped in along with all the low grade food . The Butler took a week to figure out we wanted ice daily , and yes they brought lunch , but not what we ordered but what he thought we would want .Our shower had black mold on the tile , they never moped the tile , turn down was hit and miss, the steam room was broken at the spa as were two showers, the fan in the cabana had it's electrical cord broken and was left in a pile of wire on the pool deck. The last day the aid showed up for her tip , and I gave her $20 US but I felt she did a terrible job . our bar glasses were taken and never returned , our unopened complimentary champagne was taken from our ice bucket , the bar was only restocked after constant request. This is a former Four Seasons , so the landscape is beautiful and the architecture is really beautiful , but it is not clean or well maintained . Room service is snotty , and there is a laziness and rudeness by many of the waiters and staff.....Never going back
The food was cafeteria grade , and later I found out they feed all the staff so basically we were eating what the staff ate. The bread was stale and shipped in along with all the low grade food . The Butler took a week to figure out we wanted ice daily , and yes they brought lunch , but not what we ordered but what he thought we would want .Our shower had black mold on the tile , they never moped the tile , turn down was hit and miss, the steam room was broken at the spa as were two showers, the fan in the cabana had it's electrical cord broken and was left in a pile of wire on the pool deck. The last day the aid showed up for her tip , and I gave her $20 US but I felt she did a terrible job . our bar glasses were taken and never returned , our unopened complimentary champagne was taken from our ice bucket , the bar was only restocked after constant request. This is a former Four Seasons , so the landscape is beautiful and the architecture is really beautiful , but it is not clean or well maintained . Room service is snotty , and there is a laziness and rudeness by many of the waiters and staff.....Never going back
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: the cost was 5 star , we had a water front villa with butler . But it was not 5 star
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AvlonB, Online Review Coordinator at Sandals Emerald Bay
Responded 8 Jan 2020
Hi Kathryn, thank you for taking the time to write us your review on Sandals Emerald Bay. We are saddened to read that your experience with us did not live up to your expectations. At Sandals Resorts, we pride ourselves on ensuring that all our guests get exceptional service while spending their vacation with us. We always aim to continuously recruit, train and re-train our team members to standards of service that will guarantee our client’s comfort, convenience and satisfaction and we apologize if this dedication to service was not made more evident during this most recent stay. While we respect that opinions regarding food will always be subjective in nature, we are left remorseful if the meals were not up to your standard. Please note that our chefs are always willing to adjust meals to better reflect your expectations once a concern is brought to their attention. Your feedback is very much appreciated as it allows us a chance to identify where we can focus our attention to improve the service for all guests. We do hope you will allow us an opportunity to welcome you back for a vacation that exceeds your expectations in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi
Renovations, when I was there are done.
They were not doing any work while we were there but did hear that also, you can call R & R Travel in Oxford Alabama they would know .
Hi
The renovations are done.
Enjoy
The big 'if' with your question is the wind. In calmer periods the visibility can be terrific. Snorkeling off the beach and on the snorkeling tour is just fine. The resort can be windy however, and all bets are off.
That being said, we have been back 7 times. Emerald Bay has lots to offer.
…
"Confirm that air conditioning is working before you arrive and have a plan for what to do if it goes out, as you may be on your own."Read full review
"the entire staff is slow to serve the guests and none of them seem to actually care whether you have a good time or not."Read full review
"Go elsewhere! Check the reviews first. I wish I had. This problem has been ongoing with the AC for over 5 years! "Read full review
…
PRICE RANGE
RM 2,534 - RM 3,141 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sandals emerald bay hotel great exuma, four seasons great exuma, great exuma four seasons
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay
LOCATION
CaribbeanBahamasOut IslandsGreat Exuma
NUMBER OF ROOMS
249
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sandals Emerald Bay
Which popular attractions are close to Sandals Emerald Bay?
Nearby attractions include Coco Plum Beach (6.7 km) and Marina Emerald Bay (3.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sandals Emerald Bay?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a swimup bar, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Sandals Emerald Bay?
Guests can enjoy a swimup bar, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Sandals Emerald Bay?
Conveniently located restaurants include Cocoplum Bistro, Big D's Conch Spot, and Lighthouse Cafe and Ice Cream Parlour.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Sandals Emerald Bay?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and fitness classes during their stay.
Does Sandals Emerald Bay have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Sandals Emerald Bay offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Sandals Emerald Bay have airport transportation?
Yes, Sandals Emerald Bay offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Sandals Emerald Bay?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Sandals Emerald Bay offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Does Sandals Emerald Bay have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.