September 30, 2024

Couple found dead at Bahamas Sandals were travel agents who gushed about resort

Couple found dead at Bahamas Sandals were travel agents who gushed about resort

A married Tennessee couple who were among the three Americans found dead at a Bahamas Sandals resort were travel agents who had gushed about the luxury getaway spot before their deaths.

Authorities confirmed Monday that Michael Phillips, 68, and his wife, Robbie, 65, died under mysterious circumstances in their villa at the Sandals Emerald Bay resort on the island of Exuma last Friday.

In a final Facebook just one day before their bodies were found, Robbie had posted a glowing review of the Emerald Bay resort and a handful of photos of the coastline.

“If you want the most beautiful long private beach with clear blue water and you like to hear the waves lapping, see sand dunes and hear the seagulls talking — this is it!” Robbie wrote.

The couple, who lived in Maryville, ran a Royal Travel agency together and were no strangers to the Sandals resorts, according to their social media pages.

They would book honeymoons, destination weddings and vacations for clients at various Sandals resorts, their website showed.

Robbie and Michael Phillips on a beach.
Robbie and Michael Phillips died under mysterious circumstances in their villa at the Sandals Emerald Bay resort on the island of Exuma last Friday.
Sandals

In addition to their travel agency, Robbie ran a travel site called The Sand Lady, where she described herself as a “Certified Sandals Specialist” and “member of the elite Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.”

The couple is survived by their three adult children and six grandchildren.

“Our hearts are grieving and broken but full of hope. We know our mom and dad are experiencing fullness of joy in our heavenly Father’s presence,” the Phillips family told The Post in a statement.

Robbie and Michael Phillips on the beach.
The day before the Phillipses were found, Robbie had posted a glowing review of the Emerald Bay resort on Facebook.
Sandals; Facebook/Robbie Phillips
An outside view of the Sandals resort.
The Phillipses ran a travel agency and routinely booked trips for clients at various Sandals resorts.
Sandals Emerald Bay
A view of the beach at the Sandals resort.
Robbie described herself as a “Certified Sandals Specialist” and “member of the elite Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.”
Sandals Emerald Bay

“We already miss them terribly. Our parents left a legacy of faith in Jesus and generously loved their family and friends.”

The body of Florida man Vincent Chiarella, 64, was also found in a separate villa at the resort on Friday, Royal Bahamas Police Force Commissioner Paul Rolle said.

Chiarella’s wife, Donnis, was airlifted to a hospital in Florida and remains in serious condition, Rolle added.

Robbie and Michael Phillips in formal attire.
The Phillipses had earlier sought medical treatment because they were feeling unwell.
Facebook/Robbie Phillips
Robbie and Michael Phillips at a dinner table.
The Phillips family told The Post that their parents “are experiencing fullness of joy in our heavenly Father’s presence.”
Facebook/Robbie Phillips
Police tape outside a Sandals resort room.
The Phillipses were among the three Americans found dead at the Bahamas Sandals resort.
WFLA/NBC News

The three Americans who were found dead had earlier sought medical treatment because they were feeling unwell, according to local authorities.

Samples extracted from the three dead tourists have been sent to a lab in Pennsylvania to help authorities understand what happened.

Officials have also collected samples from the rooms where they were staying and the surrounding property to determine whether any contaminants were present.