The resort will open on January 22, 2010 following certain enhancements customary to the Sandals Resorts brand, including an expansive new pool complex and additional dining establishments, Sandals said in a news release yesterday.

"This is a remarkable moment in the history of Sandals Resorts," Stewart said. "We are acquiring one of the most spectacular pieces of real estate in the Caribbean, which was operated by one of the world's most highly regarded hotel companies. This is a reflection of all that Sandals Resorts has accomplished and a tremendous opportunity to further demonstrate our commitment to providing the very best vacation in the Caribbean. We look forward to bringing our Luxury Included experience to this special property, which has been kept to impeccable standards."

Sandals Emerald Bay is set along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach on Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. According to Stewart, the all-suite resort will offer a selection of 190 "magnificently-appointed" luxury accommodations with styles ranging from beachfront villas to charming bay house settings - all oceanfront, all extremely spacious and all serviced by butlers trained by Sandals Resorts through the company's exclusive partnership with the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

Other amenities include a fully-equipped tennis centre featuring six Har-tru courts lit for night play with professional stadium seating fit for competition; a full-service Red Lane Spa with 22 indoor treatment areas and six exotic outdoor sanctuaries; plus six gourmet restaurants including four new concepts introduced by Sandals Resorts, a fine-dining seafood restaurant, an authentic Italian brick-oven pizzeria, a French-style café and a traditional British pub complete with a pool and snooker room.

To complement its sublime ocean views, the property will also debut three pools, including a brand new freshwater pool.

"Encompassing over half-an-acre, this spectacular pool will entice guests with a jacuzzi, swim-up pool bar and unique fire-pit seating area in the centre," the release said.

"Flanking the pool will be misting columns and luxurious cabanas equipped with wireless Internet access. Whether poolside or on the beach, all guests will receive a full complement of butler services. In addition, the resort will cater to business and meetings customers, offering 13,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space.

"This includes three large ballrooms with separate event entrance that can be converted into smaller rooms, all with access to a dedicated conference facility kitchen and two meeting rooms, which are all supported by round-the-clock conference and technology services."

According to Sandals, "unique to the Great Exuma property is a stunning 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, reputed to be among the best in the Caribbean, as well as a 17-acre, stand-alone Emerald Bay Marina by Sandals, the first-ever marina for any Sandals resort".

"This fully-protected, deepwater marina offers 133 slips and is equipped to accommodate and service yachts up to 300 feet in length," said Sandals. "Open to the public, the marina also features a welcoming clubhouse with a full-service restaurant including al fresco dining on a spectacular wraparound terrace, pool, a world-class Red Lane Spa and facilities to accommodate families with children."

Sandals Royal Bahamian Nassau Bahamas

Unfolding like a grand estate, Sandals Emerald Bay is set along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach on Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas.  Debuting January 22, 2010, the resort is the fourteenth Sandals Resort and, expanding on the company’s Luxury Included® concept, the first to offer a Greg Norman-designed golf course, world-class marina and professionally-trained butlers in all 183 beachfront rooms and suites.  Additionally, the new Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas will offer gourmet dining in a choice of five à la carte restaurants, premium brand wine and spirits, anytime snacks, land and watersports including six Har-tru tennis courts all lit for night play, gratuities and even airport transfers.  An exclusive Red Lane® Spa featuring premier services that embrace the best of the Caribbean region enhance this 500-acre resort, set on one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful Out Islands.  Introductory rates start at $324 per person, per night, a savings of 50 percent.