I grossly underestimated this trip to the Bahamas. Those of you who have been around for a while know I’m much more likely to be spotted go-go-going around Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard than to be lounging in the Caribbean. But our friends’ wedding was SUCH a great excuse to visit Nassau, and to experience the luxury of an all-inclusive resort [we stayed at Sandals Royal Bahamian].

This whole all-inclusive thing was new to me, and if the decision hadn’t been made for us, I would have done some serious debating on whether or not it was worth it—at least for us personally—so I’ve compiled some of my thoughts in case any of you are planning an upcoming resort vacation…!

[ Pros ]
Everything you need is right there. // With the exception of an excursion we took to swim with dolphins, we didn’t leave the resort. You can snorkel, scuba dive, so many things right on the property.
You never have to take out your wallet. // Ok, yes, you paid a lot to get there, but once you’re in, you can lock that wallet up. You don’t have to think about budgeting for dinners or if you really need to spend $12 on a mojito.
Excursion and spa credits // Sandals is always-always-always offering some type of deal. We received both excursion and spa credits, forcing us book a few things we wouldn’t have on our own.

[ Cons ]
The cost // Full disclosure, this was not a budget vacation. And there is no way the mister and I came even close to getting our money’s worth of food and drink.
Lack of culture // Like I mentioned, we didn’t have any need to leave the resort, and since we had spent so much on getting there, why would we pay to travel and eat elsewhere? But driving to the airport at the end of the week, I realized how vibrant of a downtown we missed. #sadface

[ Draw ]
Food // While this resort boasted a few internationally recognized award-winner restaurants that did provide us with many a excellent meal, it felt funny to be eating Italian, French, and Japanese in the Bahamas. See con #2:: I wish we had experienced more traditional Bahamian fare.

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Somewhat related, the skimpiest outfit post you will ever see me share, only because the team at Canyon Beachwear sent me this awesome B.Swim bikini for the trip. I was all #whatLillyforTarget when I put on this fun piece, and despite packing three suits for the week, this is the one I kept going back to.

Bella Beachy Push-Up Top & Bella Two-Faced Bottoms c/o Canyon Beachwear | Seahorse Scarf c/o Shawlsmith London [similar] | Madeline Wayfarer Sunglasses, Lilly Pulitzer

You can go ahead and ignore the tag sticking out of that bikini top… and the sunburn… #keepinitreal

Check out their other fun suits— this pretty one-piece is next on my list, should we ever get to take another vacation!

Have you done the all-inclusive vacation before?

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