Don't Forget Your Sandals

The signature beverage was a lovely start - maybe a little heavy on the rum, but nothing says Caribbean better than pineapple and citrus flavours. When we finally received the lamb and tzatziki we actually ordered, it was enjoyable. The waitress felt so badly for placing the wrong order that she personally brought out fresh gluten free fries to make it up to us.

Since our room still wasn't ready after lunch and check-in isn't guaranteed until 3PM, we accepted the offer of a day room to get changed in and a locker at reception to tuck away valuables so we could unburden ourselves of carry-on baggage and take the next Sandals boat shuttle over to the private island - well almost private - half the island belongs to Sandals and the other half is utilized for day excursions (mostly guests from cruise ships).

Sandals guests can relax on beaches on both the south and north sides or laze around by the pool. Schooners restaurant serves lunch 11AM-3PM daily (and dinner several times each week). We love the secluded feeling of the north side. Just don't forget to bring towels over to the island - they disappear quickly.

Returned to the Club lounge to pick up our keys. The lounge was full of recent arrivals - forcing us back into a line to await room assignment. Instead of waiting for personal room orientation, which was not happening quickly, we took ourselves to the Windsor Tower and found our Oceanview Penthouse Suite. And besides do you really need someone to point out the bed or the tv or the washroom???

Got ourselves fancied up for dinner. Decided to try Baccarat - French restaurant. By the time we arrived, there were 13 couples ahead of us for a table. We left our name and headed to Spices (Caribbean cuisine) for a pre-dinner dinner. Spices was easily able to cater to gluten allergies. Baked wings were served quickly and were so delicious we took some to go. The jerk chicken and grilled lobster tail were delicious! Spices was a perfect surprise - we went in with very low expectations. Shared a drink at the Crystal room bar and were escorted to a table in Baccarat just after 8:30PM (nearly a 2 hour wait). Nothing on the menu met Krissy's dietary restrictions and the wait staff were unsure if anything could be altered to be gluten free. At this point we were exhausted and everything on the menu looked rich. Andrew ordered chocolate mousse to go - which took over 30 minutes to arrive. When the waiter kept repeating "It's coming right now" only to return empty handed, we became unimpressed. It would have helped had the waiter explained fresh mousse was being made.

Exhausted, but still a bit hungry, we returned to the room to place an order with room service. Couldn't find the menu anywhere, but the attendant recited the menu over the phone. We were in and out of sleep as we waited for room service to arrive. More than 45 minutes later - delivery! And then... disappointment - everything had gluten and there was an unidentified item on the plate. F*$k it - forget food - let's go to sleep.

Day 2 - February 4, 2018 

Woke to the calming view of the ocean... took some convincing to get out of bed. Returned to Baccarat for breakfast with hopes for more timely service. Couldn't help but laugh as we waited nearly 10 minutes after being seated to be given menus. At least the wait staff were pleasant and willing to accommodate Krissy's allergies. As we waited patiently, we overheard other guests frustrated with the long wait for food. At least we weren't the only ones frustrated by the disorganized team. When breakfast arrived - it was worth the wait. The poached eggs and the gluten free French toast were perfect!

With today off to a better start and the weather significantly warmer with clear skies, we were excited for our free 10AM snorkel (pre-book with Watersports on arrival). Sadly, snorkelling was cancelled - apparently the water was too rough near the reef system. Okay - not going to let that ruin our day. Back up plan - do it yourself turtle snorkel off the beach. Shifted to the pier to join the line for the 10AM boat transfer to the private island. With so many guests wanting to experience the island, we made it over on the 3rd transfer (a 45 minute wait). Lesson learned - line up early!

We raced to the back side of the island and ran toward the water after claiming lounge chairs. Then - came to a dead stop - and gasped. The water felt frigid as waves came crashing in to shore. We gradually made our way into the ocean - waded in the waters watching others attempt the same only to turn back from the coolness of the water. I guess we made it look warm and inviting...

Captain Tony was surprised to see us on the next return ride. We teased we were attempting a record for most return trips to the private island in a day... but truthfully I wanted pizza for lunch - specifically jerk chicken pizza with scotch bonnet peppers. Krissy made the mistake of ordering the same - gave herself hiccups from the heat on her first bite.

Before heading back to the private island we sorted out the culinary discrepancies that had transpired the previous day. Ashlin, from the Culinary office, actually made reservations and took Krissy's orders in advance to ensure we would have an incredible experience free of any hassle or upset for the remainder of the stay. After the 2 hour wait for Baccarat yesterday, having reservations because of food allergies seemed like a huge perk! 

With the tide out, we forced ourselves back into the brisk waters off the private island for an afternoon snorkel. Initially the snorkel felt relaxed with a drift-like feel, then suddenly the pull was strong. The current was pulling us out beyond the island - we turned around. And then - panic - no amount of swimming seemed to be moving us back toward the beach. Kicking harder and breathing faster - sheer panic - fearing the pull of the ocean. Should we just surrender to it - drift out into the ocean? Then a moment of clarity - I heard myself think - just put your feet down. It was as if our thoughts aligned, as we simultaneously stood up. We laughed. We were literally only waist deep in water. While we still couldn't walk forward in our flippers against the current, we were able to walk backwards in toward shore. Once away from the strong current, we redeployed and spotted several cuttlefish putting on a colour-transforming show, which made up for missing out on turtles.

Andrew relaxed with a cigar while I walked the beach and explored the tidal pools. We shifted to the south side of the island and napped in the sun before taking the last boat ride back to the resort (4:30PM). 

As we walked out onto the pier for our 7PM reservation at Gordon's, we were delighted to see the waters lit up highlighting the fish swimming about. Oh no... not again - no reservation found. And a long wait time? But within minutes of ordering drinks at the bar our reservation was found - table by the edge to watch the spectacle of fish and a manta ray. Seafood curry was so delicious! Seriously, everything was better dipped in the curry. Well maybe except the lime raspberry parfait.

Day 3 - February 5, 2018

After a deep sleep it was easy to get up to a picture perfect day! We were first to arrive at Baccarat - determined to place our order before the kitchen got backlogged. Today's menu arrived immediately, but it was the dinner menu. Aside from that, most everything was well executed. With fingers crossed we dropped by the Watersports desk and received a resounding YES for the 10AM snorkel! We raced back to our room to change into swimwear, then returned to sign waivers and await the boat on the pier.

After dropping off guests at the private island, the boat raced to the right and crossed over the reef to cast anchor. For some reason everyone seemed to jump in as if deployed Navy Seals... which made it amusing as Krissy sat at the edge of the boat and daintily dipped in. Krissy was reluctant to let go of the boat - the last time we were in Bahamas we had seen a shark near shore. Krissy joked she thought the boat was going to pull her around for 30 minutes. Even more amusing - when Krissy finally let go and ventured away from the boat, the Lifeguard literally threw the lifesaver ring in for her... just in case. We later found out from the Lifeguard that February water temperatures are some of the coldest Bahamas sees and there was nothing that was going to make that Lifeguard get wet. 

The corals were vibrant colours and a variety of fish were seen in the calm clear waters - it was a perfect snorkel day (aside from the core temperature dropping cold water). Thirty minutes flew by and we were back to the island to pick up guests before returning to shore. We placed an order for Dino’s pizza and climbed back aboard the boat for the 12PM snorkel. With anticipation for the next snorkel site, we relaxed as we dropped off guests at the private island. Then - the boat raced off to the right of the island and crossed over the reef... HEY - we just did this snorkel site. The captain assured us it was because "this is the best spot".

At least he explained the reef runs from Sandals to Atlantis Resort. We dropped back into the ocean and explored the waters - this time we found 2 green sea turtles! Another stop at the private island to pick up guests after snorkelling. This time we climbed out to grab drinks at the bar - Hattie makes an incredible Mojito!

Back to shore for pizza on the beach! Andrew tried some Bahamian favourites - like conch fritters at Spices lunch buffet. Then - back onto the boat for round 3. This time we stayed on the island for a couple hours. Tiny turtle - right there! Jumped into the water with our masks to chase the turtle around the shallow waters. Round 2 of Hattie's mojitos before finding the perfect place to relax. We thought it would have been the South side of the island, but we were being attacked by nearly microscopic biting flies. Instead, the North sides seclusion was the perfect solution. 

The last boat for the day was packed - well beyond the 40 passenger limit... luckily we didn't sink. Andrew was mistaken for a pro surfer - must be the locks he's rocking. 

The afternoon drifted by and we shifted our attention to dinner. Tonight - we would climb back aboard the boat to transfer to Schooners on the private island. The service on the island was exceptional - attentive and talented waitstaff! The jerk chicken and desserts were great. After dinner we lingered on the dock watching the fish in the illuminated waters. If security wasn't lingering around the island, we might have disappeared into the darkness to be alone, but it seemed too risky. 

Finished the night by securing our room for an additional night's stay. Thanks Britney (Loyalty) and Sharif. There are definite perks to being a returning guest and making on resort arrangements to extend a stay (significant financial savings compared to booking in advance). Just have a backup plan in case the resort is fully booked. Celebratory drinks at the Piano bar and a late night snack (gluten free pasta) at the Cricketers Pub. Yummy, yet strange ordering pasta from a pub with Casanova (Italian) next door. 

It took 3 days, but we finally got turn down service!

Day 4 - February 6, 2018

Do you know an amazing way to start the day? Dreaming about paradise... then waking up in paradise!

Switched from gluten free french toast to gluten free pancakes at breakfast. Verdict - will be reverting back to french toast tomorrow. At least the service was prompt and attentive today! Met with Cindy; assistant to the executive chef. Cindy was stumped by the mystery ingredient in the picture from our first attempt at room service a few nights ago. Cindy promised to find answers and reassured us Sandals is committed to catering to allergies of all kinds. With food taken care of, we shifted our attention to the beach!

Towels anyone? No seriously... towel? Anyone? We searched the entire property - found the last 2 clean towels in the Club lounge (at least paying for the Club upgrade was useful today). Knowing we needed to check-in for our flight and select seats (24 hours before departure), we opted to relax on the beach at the resort. It made it convenient to indulge in Dino's gluten free pizza for lunch and self serve twist ice cream for dessert. 

By 2PM we were aboard the boat heading to the private island. It was nearly completely overcast, but within a short time the skies over the private island cleared and we had an afternoon of sun and fun. Played and lazed out on the hammocks in the water. Chatted with another couple from California - learned the Stuart's Cove snorkel excursion with shark encounter (https://stuartcove.com/shark-diving/shark-adventure/)  was as incredible and worthwhile as we had heard - next time!!! 

We skipped the returning guest dinner and dined at Casanova (Italian restaurant). Though the restaurant did not receive the pre-order, the chef was unbelievably accommodating. Didn't think I'd hear myself saying this - but the Alfredo pasta at the pub was superior to the Alfredo at the Italian restaurant. Who would've thought. Andrew liked the lasagna and the lamb was delicious at Casanovas. The best part of the meal was the banana mousse the pastry chef made for me and the chocolate mousse Andrew requested from a different restaurant (Baccarat) that was sent over to Casanova. Those are the touches that take a vacation to the next level.

Dropped by the Loyalty office to thank Britney for all her assistance - and received a white rose. That rose became the prop in our impromptu photo shoot. We are clearly so bad at selfies; we spotted 3 guests peering out a window watching our shenanigans. In fact, it was so awkwardly bad, one of those guests came out and insisted he take our picture - those Brits are such kind people! After being saved from ourselves, we strolled around the property before calling it a night.

Day 5 - February 7, 2018

It took 5 days this vacation BUT we finally got up with the alarm today. And... to the Balmoral Tower Penthouse Gym via the hidden staircase off the 6th floor. If there was ever motivation to climb onto a treadmill and run - aside from having food dangled in front of me - it's the view from the Sandals Royal Bahamian gym! Reminiscent of the views from the gym aboard our recent Caribbean Celebrity Cruise - floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. Pulled open a window for a gentle sea breeze and sweat for 30 minutes.

After a quick shower and packing finalization, we ventured over to Baccarat for our final breakfast in Bahamas. From the service to the bench seating to the food - everything was perfect today!

Straight to the beach for some intermittent sun; trying our best to commit to memory the calming sounds of the ocean waves rushing in to shore. The warm breeze keeping us comfortable beneath the heat of the sun as it peaked through dissipating clouds.

Checked our flight status - DELAYED! Andrew dropped by the Club lounge to move our shuttle to a later time - only to be given the impression the initial transfer time was incorrect and we needed to leave more than 3 hours before a flight. I checked the details through the Nassau International Airport website - flights to US require arrival 3 hours before departure, but all other international flights only need 2 hours. The Club concierge made the appropriate changes once we provided the update and our research findings. Good thing - another DELAY... another push back in departure shuttle from the resort; giving us the chance to enjoy lunch at Dino's pizzeria. Thanks Barrington and Jerome for the consistently delicious gluten free pizzas!

While we were enjoying our final minutes at the resort, Andrew overhead an executive chef mention that there was a lot of new staff because a new hotel/casino took a lot of staff away. And then another DELAY…We reluctantly took the shuttle to the airport to sit and wait.

The shuttle dropped us off at the US Flights Terminal and we took a stroll to the very last terminal were the Canadian flights departed from.  We checked in without a line at the WestJet counter and made our way to security.  

We quickly checked Krissy’s beach bag and found 3 water bottles that I had put inside that morning.  Krissy’s bag was scanned and then we were asked who’s bag it was….uh oh! The security guard checked the bag and located the 4th water bottle I forgot about.  Krissy was not overly impressed but more worried that she was going to be blacklisted from flying, especially after the security guard asked to see her boarding pass. We started to walk away to the boarding areas when the security guard chased after us... only to give us Krissy’s forgotten boarding pass back. 

We made our way to the boarding area for our flight and hung out until it was time to go. After a smooth flight with some inflight cocktails we arrived home in Toronto in no time.

We did not have family or a car waiting for us so it was up to us to find an airport limo or cab to take us home. We patiently waited in the airport limo line to have an ignorant Canadian push past us and take our ride…Clearly this dude did not have a good vacation.  We grabbed the next airport limo and made our way back to our condo - maybe next time we will arrange a cheaper alternative!