Sandals Emerald Bay Review for Your Golf Honeymoon

At Wedding Pioneer, we are passionate about helping couples plan their dream wedding. 

Are you a couple who loves golf and dreams about a golfing honeymoon? 

Maybe this search term sounds familiar: can you golf at a Sandals resort?

We love great questions like that—and that’s why our Sandals Emerald Bay review is “fore” you!

We’ve already compiled the Best Sandals Resort for Golf: Our Top 8 For 2023, and it’s a great read for couples looking for a tropical golf adventure anytime. 

But teeing up first… a Sandals resort in the Bahamas with a lot to offer newlyweds on and off the green.

Allow us to present this Sandals Emerald Bay Review for your golf honeymoon!

Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Couple

Sandals Emerald Bay Current Review

SANDALS Emerald Bay: All-Inclusive Resort In Exuma

A premier destination for lovers of all things exclusive, Sandals Emerald Bay offers a distinct enclave of refinement.

We enjoy a good visual when explaining a resort like Sandals Emerald Bay.

So as we begin, please take a look at this impressive overhead map of the 500-acre resort with its mile-long stretch of powdery sand beach, a spectacular half-acre main pool and whirlpool (offering activities and entertainment daily), and a second quieter pool and whirlpool. 

Sandals Emerald Bay Beach

Most impressive—the Emerald Bay Championship Golf Course is right in your backyard at this Sandals resort!

It’s not any old championship golf course either… when you golf together at Sandals Emerald Bay, you’re playing a course designed by former PGA legend Greg Norman (we won’t talk about LIV right now!). Check out this Emerald Bay golf course video for more.

Sandals Emerald Bay GolfGreen

While we’re focusing on golf honeymoons today, that’s not the only reason couples get engaged here or plan a destination wedding or an elopement in the Bahamas.

Here are our Top 5 things to love about Emerald Bay for your wedding and or golf honeymoon.

Under each point, we’re also answering popular FAQs from our wedding couples about adults-only Sandals resorts.

Location

Sandals Emerald Bay Window Board

The islands of the Bahamas are an attractive destination because of their close proximity to North America, especially for couples on the East Coast or from the Central United States (although Emerald Bay is meant for all adults traveling together!).

Sandals Emerald Bay is located on Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas, the largest in the chain of Exuma islands. Great Exuma has a small, friendly population, and the island is considered even safer than Nassau or Freeport (although it’s always best to practice standard travel safety anywhere).

Great Exuma can be reached by direct flights to George Town Exuma International Airport from Miami (1-hour 15-minute flight), Atlanta (2-hour 15-minute flight), or Charlotte (just over two and a half hours).

Emerald Bay is approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport, and as with all Sandals resorts, your airport transfers are always included

Do I Need a Passport for the Bahamas?

All travelers require a passport to enter the Bahamas. To make travel planning easier, keep Travel Checklist for Sandals Emerald Bay handy for in-depth information, including health and safety, currency, dress codes, on-resort services (medical staff, dry cleaning), what to pack, and average temperatures.

How Close is Sandals Royal Bahamian to Emerald Bay?

The unique thing about Sandals resorts in the Bahamas is that Emerald Bay and Royal Bahamian are on different islands (unlike Sandals properties in Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Barbados). Sandals Royal Bahamian is in Nassau, a fantastic center for duty-free shopping, casinos, and Bahamian culture.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Bahamas?

This Sandals blog called Best Time to Visit the Bahamas is an excellent resource for travelers. Hurricane season historically runs from June to November, but the frequency and severity of storms vary considerably from year to year.

Cost 

Sandals Emerald Bay Pool Tables

Golf became even more popular during the pandemic to watch and especially to play. You can find plenty of information online on pricing and planning domestic golf trips—but we’re focusing on a sunny, tropical climate close to home where you can golf and, more importantly, get married and honeymoon!

Sandals Emerald Bay and Emerald Bay Golf Course combine to make the best affordable all-inclusive destination wedding or golf honeymoon for couples and adults traveling together.

Sandals Emerald Bay Beach Barefoot

Here’s why:

  • Sandals Luxury Vacation Inclusions build value into your wedding and honeymoon budget by including gourmet dining and drinks, Butler Elite suites, entertainment, watersports (including scuba for certified divers), and land sports (most notably, golf green fees at Emerald Bay!).
  • You’ll receive a Free Tropical Wedding at Sandals Emerald Bay with a stay of three nights or more, and if you’re honeymooning, there’s a Free Honeymoon Package available too. In a bit, we have helpful links to planning your Sandals wedding.
  • Club Sandals suites at Emerald Bay deliver cost savings with concierge amenities for independent couples or adults traveling together who might not need a dedicated butler for extra-special honeymoon pampering.
  • Ultimate Travel Checklist comes to you from Sandals with helpful advice on tipping your fantastic butlers, spa employees, and third-party workers like airport transfer drivers and tour operators.
SANDALS Emerald Bay: All-Inclusive Resort In Exuma

A premier destination for lovers of all things exclusive, Sandals Emerald Bay offers a distinct enclave of refinement.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at Sandals Emerald Bay?

The cost of your wedding at Emerald Bay will depend on the season, the accommodation category, how much you’d like to customize your wedding, and how many (if any) guests come along with you to your destination wedding party.

Here are fun and easy-to-navigate links to help you plan:

  • Sandals provides a booking tool called Plan Your Wedding in Five Steps—and your Sandals wedding planning team is included with your Free Tropical Wedding.
  • As we’ve mentioned, Sandals resorts are adults-only. If you book rooms for your wedding guests, you’ll receive premium perks for double occupancy accommodations (ask about pricing for single adult travelers, if available).
  • Emerald Bay accommodations include Love Nest Suites, Butler Elite suites, and Club Sandals suites. Club rooms start at $440 per person per night, and the spectacular Royal Estate beachfront villa starts at $1,455 per person per night for a luxurious golf honeymoon to remember!
  • Check out Wedding Packages & Honeymoon Deals for savings—our favorite promotion is Test Drive Your Wedding!

Wedding Pioneer Travel Tip: Sandals exclusive Red Lane Spa offers discounts for wedding couples, and they also cater to you with special bridal packages. Check it out!

We’ll give you a complete rundown of the rooms and suites available to you at Emerald Bay. Just click on each room link, and you’ll see gorgeous pictures, accurate pricing details, and availability by month and year.

Wedding Venue

Sandals Emerald Bay Wedding gazebo

Most couples picture a Bahamian destination wedding in a beautiful beachfront setting, and at Emerald Bay, you can select a beachfront setting or an oceanfront gazebo. Click the links for a glimpse!

Sandals Emerald Bay also features a super-special wedding venue, and we think it’s an exquisite, romantic choice for couples.

It’s called the European Wedding Garden, and this specific setting is only available at three Sandals resorts in the Caribbean. At Emerald Bay, the setting is so pretty with its lush landscaping, graceful, Grecian-inspired columns, and serene pool. Click on Emerald Bay Wedding Garden for another peek!

Sandals Emerald Bay ZenGarden

Is There a Wedding Chapel at Sandals Emerald Bay?

If you’re dreaming of a traditional, non-denominational wedding chapel for a faith-based service, we recommend Sandals Montego Bay with its beautiful wedding chapel in a private garden setting. Our Sandals Montego Bay review tells you more.

Sandals Montego Bay is not directly connected to a golf course—but there’s a spectacular, Over-The-Water Caribbean Wedding Chapel at Sandals Ochi in Jamaica, and golf green fees are included at nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club. Check out our Sandals Ochi review for more.

Unforgettable and Unique Attractions

In addition to world-class golf, Sandals Emerald Bay offers unforgettable excursions on Great Exuma that aren’t available anywhere else in the Caribbean.

These unique attractions are available to book through Island Routes, tour specialists who work exclusively with Sandals resorts.

Travelers like us rave about these experiences, and here’s what to look forward to:

This group excursion takes you on a custom-designed PowerCat cruise among many small islands called cays (some owned by celebrities) that make up the Exuma island chain.

Sandals Emerald Bay Exuma Cays Swimming Pigs Adventure

You’ll view endangered Bahamian rock Iguanas, snorkel a colorful reef, and, best of all, visit the adorable Swimming Pigs of Exuma! Click the link for more information.

Your local guide takes you on a fascinating tour through the history of The Exumas.

You’ll visit original settlements and sights, including William’s Town and the Tropic of Cancer beach, enjoy a delicious Bahamian lunch, and finish in George Town for souvenir shopping. Click the link for info!

One thing many of our wedding couples enjoy doing is sharing the love during the first wonderful days of married life.

This heartwarming excursion involves visiting local kids in Exuma for a fun meet-and-greet and story time! Click the link for information. 

Most of All—the Golf

Sandals Emerald Bay Golf course

The 18-hole, par 72 Emerald Bay Golf Course—the longest course in the Caribbean—won a prestigious World Golf Award in 2021!

Greg Norman designed this golfer’s paradise with challenging fairways, including six holes hugging the scenic coastline. Trade winds prevail here, making every round a new and different experience.

Sandals Emerald Bay Golf course - full view

Check out this flyover tour of Hole 1, and click on Emerald Bay Golf to learn about:

  • Specific course details—green fees are always complimentary for Sandals guests
  • USGA course ratings
  • Facilities include a full-service golf shop, practice range, and practice bunker
  • Under Services, you’ll find extra costs including mandatory golf carts, optional club rentals, and amenities.

Wedding Pioneer Travel Tip: Emerald Bay Golf Course offers players a complimentary group golf clinic hosted weekly by a club pro. In addition, you can book private lessons with a course pro—there’s more information under Services!

Sandals Emerald Bay Review of Accommodations

Emerald Bay has eighteen types of rooms and suites spread across the Beach House Villages, Beachfront Village, and Royal Estate Beachfront Village, with 249 accommodations in total over the three sections of the resort. 

Here’s an overview of where you can stay in each section. Click on the links, and you’ll find gorgeous photos, full descriptions of room amenities, and accurate pricing and availability by month.

Are There Over-the-Water Bungalows at Sandals Royal Plantation?

If you’re dreaming about a South Seas-inspired honeymoon over the turquoise Caribbean sea, click on Sandals Over-the-Water Bungalows for a breathtaking preview!

Over-the-Water Bungalows are available in Jamaica at Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast.

Wedding Pioneer Travel Tip: There are 11 categories of Love Nest Suites available at Sandals Emerald Bay that deliver maximum romance and pampering to newlyweds. Click on Love Nest to learn more about this super-special honeymoon suite exclusive to Sandals!

Royal Estate Beachfront Village Two-Story Villa with Pool

Royal Estate Beachfront Village Two-Story Villa with Pool Bedroom

Imagine honeymooning in a private, beachfront Bahamian manor with your own pool and personal butler for 24/7 Love Nest Suite service!

Click on Royal Estate Beachfront Villa for a gorgeous glimpse and accurate pricing and availability by month and year.

Royal Estate Beachfront Village Two-Story Villa with Pool Livingroom

Beachfront Village Love Nest Suites

Love Nest Suites with butler service in the Beachfront Village have a private patio or balcony facing the electric blue seas. There’s a good variety of suites here to suit your golf honeymoon budget!

Prime Minister Honeymoon One Bedroom Beachfront Walkout Butler Villa Suite

Click on each link for a gorgeous glimpse and accurate pricing and availability by month and year:

The Beachfront Village accommodations listed above are located in four buildings that hug the powdery sand beach.

Beachfront Oversized Walkout Butler Villa Suite

Now let’s look at the Beach House accommodations at Emerald Bay that are closest to the golf course!

Beach House Love Nest Suites

Beach House One Bedroom Butler Suite livingroom

Affordable Love Nest Suites in the Beach House area feature private walkouts or balconies overlooking the lush landscaping, and it’s just a short stroll from here to the sea or the green!

Click on each link for a gorgeous glimpse and accurate pricing and availability by month and year:

Check out our informative article on Sandals Club Level vs Butler Elite – A Helpful Comparison. This applies to all Sandals resorts and can help you choose the best rooms for you and your wedding party!

Now, let’s tour the Club Sandals accommodations at Sandals Emerald Bay.

Club Sandals Accommodations

All Club Sandals accommodations at Sandals Emerald Bay are located in the Beach House section of the resort.

Beach House Oceanview One Bedroom Walkout Butler Suite bedroom

We’re featuring three impressive suites here that are perfectly priced for a destination wedding and honeymoon budget, and these are also beautiful spaces to accommodate your wedding guests. 

Click on each link for a gorgeous glimpse and accurate pricing and availability by month and year:

For a complete rundown of every accommodation category, click Emerald Bay. This is also a great link to see current room specials and to filter rooms for guest needs, including wheelchair access (left-hand side of the webpage).

SANDALS Emerald Bay: All-Inclusive Resort In Exuma

A premier destination for lovers of all things exclusive, Sandals Emerald Bay offers a distinct enclave of refinement.

Sandals Emerald Bay Review of Dining and Entertainment

Great Exuma is a small and friendly island in the Bahamas, without the casino and late-night action to be found in Nassau. For many golfing couples, that’s a plus, and if you’re planning a destination wedding party with friends and family, it can be like your own honeymoon golf tournament!

Gourmet Dining at Sandals Emerald Bay

Sandals Emerald Bay La_Parisienne_Dining

Click on Sandals Emerald Bay Dining for a list of onsite restaurants and descriptions—and if you’re not hungry now, you probably will be!

Our faves include Kimonos Japanese, Bombay Club, The Jerk Shack, and La Parisienne for a fancy white glove experience (resort evening attire required, see Travel Checklist for Sandals Emerald Bay for more).

Sandals Emerald Bay Bombay

You can also enjoy a pub night at the Drunken Duck after a great round of golf.

Click each link for a full slide show and menus—and imagine yourself there!

Emerald Bay Entertainment

Sandals Emerald Bay snorkeling

This Emerald Bay Activities link has specific information on land sports, watersports, and entertainment you’ll enjoy at the resort.

Scroll down the page for optional activities and excursions, and check out Vacation Extras to peruse add-ons that you can conveniently book in advance!

Sandals Emerald Bay SPA

Wedding Pioneer Travel Tip: the beach at Emerald Bay is gorgeous, especially when it’s combed of debris. The surf can be high around this part of the island, and red flags can get posted. If you’d love to do watersports in calm water, check out our Best Sandals Resort for the Beach or the exclusive Sandals Royal Plantation Review with green fees included at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club!

More From Blog

Bryanna and Branden’s Big Day (Oh, and Bo the Dog Too!)

Top 10 Craziest Culinary Experiences at All-Inclusive Resorts

11 Things That Totally Annoy Housekeeping Staff – And What to Do Instead

Thank you!

This feature will be available shortly, we’ll notify you when it’s ready. For now, please take a look at our hand-selected vendors.

Enter to win a free All-inclusive honeymoon

4 days/3 nights at any Sandals resort (airfare not included) 

Login