Anna Williamson’s Caribbean holiday kept all her family happy

Anna Williamson For Mail On Sunday

Published:
11:39 EST, 23 September 2015

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Updated:
15:19 EST, 23 September 2015

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It’s always a tense moment when a ‘family’ holiday is tentatively suggested.

What can sound like a lovely idea in principle is almost certainly followed by the huge sticking point of where? And then there’s the endless list of requirements from the different generations.

The solution – in one word – is Sandals.

Shore to please: Anna at The Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa in the colonial capital of Nassau in the Bahamas

This high-end, five-star, all-inclusive luxury holiday brand caters for the most particular of customer. Having recently returned from one of its 15 fabulous resorts, my previously ‘resort-phobic’ 68-year-old father is chomping at the bit to book next year’s Sandals trip.

The ‘Williamson Family Holiday’ was always going to come with an eclectic mix of tastes, but thanks to The Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa in the colonial capital of Nassau in the Bahamas, every one of our party’s whims was met – and that is no mean feat.

We travelled to the Bahamas with British Airways, which had naturally all been sorted by the bookings team at Sandals, and after a nine-hour flight, we landed in Nassau.

The tone of our holiday was set upon arrival at the airport. Greeting our pasty-white party of five was a sleek limousine which, like something out of the movies, slid into the arrivals pick-up point and whisked us off to the resort.

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Upon arrival, the pampering continued with a ‘signature cocktail’, cold flannel to freshen up, and a welcoming committee of Sandals staff, who all went out of their way to make us feel as though we’d arrived ‘home’ for the week.

My partner Alex and I stayed in a Windsor Ocean View One Bedroom Butler Royal Suite, which was divine.

From the four-poster bed to the dual bathroom sinks, the fully complimentary mini-bar (including champagne) and the luxurious lounge, we were spoilt – and I have to admit, we did a little ‘winners’ dance around the room at our good fortune.

Sandals prides itself on its impeccable service, and this doesn’t come any better than from the butlers that accompany some rooms.

Down time: If some quiet relaxation look no further than the resorts white sandy beach, private offshore island and plethora of pools

Tranquility: A massage table sits on the edge of the ocean

The food is always a concern when booking an all-inclusive experience, but you can leave any doubts firmly in Blighty, as every meal in the ten luxury restaurants was worthy of a Michelin star.

My favourite was the Japanese sushi restaurant, Kimono’s, which gives you a fantastic dining experience – with charismatic private chef to boot.

Whatever your food preference, there is something to suit everyone – from a pool-side pizza to afternoon tea in the Piano Room – and it’s safe to say that you’ll be loosening your belt by the end of your stay!

If some quiet relaxation is needed, as if the white sandy beach, private offshore island and plethora of pools aren’t enough, you can head to the resort’s award-winning Red Lane Spa.

Alex and I were indulged and treated to a couples massage in a private cabana overlooking the ocean. There is nothing else that screams ‘luxury’ and ‘holiday’ more than hearing the sound of the turquoise waves lapping on the beach while a expert masseuse smooths away your aches and pains.

It was my father’s birthday on the final day of our holiday, and the beach candlelit dinner was the perfect end to a perfect week.

It had taken decades to get the old fellow out of his comfort zone and on to an aeroplane leaving the UK.

But he enjoyed Sandals so much that he has now declared that we have to go back every year. I have honestly never seen him smile as often, and it was a wonderful way to have some much-needed family ‘quality time’.

If you can find a more fitting holiday for Caribbean sun, sand, sunshine and something a little bit special, I wouldn’t believe you. Save your time and energy, and look no further than Sandals.