Jake and I checked off two “firsts” during this stay. Our first time staying with incredible Sandals Resorts and our first time in the country of Barbados. We have had our eyes on a dreamy all-inclusive stay for some time, and let us tell you, Sandals Royal Barbados did not disappoint
A week full of white sand beaches and sunshine was what we wanted, and that is exactly what we got. Sandals uses the term ‘Luxury Included’ Vacations, and it is very easy to see why. Premium dining experiences, wine and liquor as well as water-sports are all included in the stay.
Things To Know Before You Go
Best time To Visit
Dry Season in Barbados falls between December and April. Temperatures average 30 Degrees Celsius with rainfall at a minimum.
Currency
The Barbadian dollar is what is used for currency on the Island. However, US Dollars will also be accepted in some places. Most major Credit Cards are accepted as well.
Tipping
Sandals Resorts are known for their “All Inclusive” vacations, meaning tipping is already included in the price of the vacation. Tipping is NOT allowed at Sandals Resorts. The only employees that are allowed to accept tips are Personal Butlers and Private Drivers.
Two Resorts
Sandals Royal Barbados is one of two Resorts located in Barbados. Sandals Barbados Resort is located directly next to Sandals Royal Barbados, meaning over 20 Restaurants and 3 pools to enjoy during your vacation as you can use any facility at EITHER resort during your stay.
Curious how we take our own photos? Check out our complete Gear Guide here!
Accommodations
Sandals Resorts have paved the way for some of features we have all grown to love. Hair dryers in your room? Sandals Resorts did that first! Swim Up Suites? Sandals Resorts also did that first!
There are many different room types at Sandals Royal Barbados. We are going to touch on some of our favorites!
South Seas Royal Rondoval Butler Suite with a Private Pool
We stayed in the beautiful Rondoval Suite with a private pool. We loved how spacious this suite was, the privacy of having our own pool, and the bathtub of our dreams! This Suite includes a Butler, who attends to every need during your vacation. You even receive a personal phone to contact your butler at ANY time during your stay. They reserve chairs at the pool or beach, make dinner reservations, and will help you with anything you need during your stay. We HIGHLY recommend getting a suite with a Butler, it saves a lot of time and planning, so you can fully relax and enjoy your vacation. Anything you want or need is just a quick phone call or text away!
You can check out the Rondoval Suite we stayed in, and all of the other Suite categories here!
Royal Seaside Crystal Lagoon Swim-up One Bedroom Butler Suite with Tranquility Soaking Tub
Swim-Up Suites are the brain child of the Sandals Resorts family. Yes, Sandals INVENTED the coveted Swim Up Suite. The suites at Sandals Royal Barbados offer large bedrooms, with private patios equipped with a massive soaking tub. Within just a few steps you can get from the bed to the swim up pool! This Suite is perfect for couples looking for the privacy and tranquility of a semi-private pool.
Beachfront One Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite w/ Private Pool and Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub
This Suite is was dreams are made of. This is the most popular room category at Sandals Royal Barbados and it is very easy to see why. This suite not only looks out over the ocean, but also offers an incredible infinity pool and a soaking tub. This suite is perfect for those that are looking for ultimate luxury and privacy while also being able to have a view of the ocean.
Restaurants
Sandals Royal Barbados is connected to Sandals Barbados. This means double the restaurants and bars! In total, there are over 20 restaurants that you can try during your stay. There is a cuisine for every craving and every palate. Most restaurants do require reservations! That is another benefit of having a room with Butler Service included, they will make the reservations for you, meaning less to worry about during your stay.
Chi Asian Fusion
We love Asian cuisine and could not pass up the chance to have dinner here! CHI has a great variety of options for things to eat for every palate. We loved the Pad Thai and Kung Pow Chicken!
Greenhouse
Greenhouse is the newest addition to the Sandals Royal Barbados property. Located on the “Wellness” side of the Resort, Greenhouse offers healthy meals for both breakfast and dinner. This restaurant has plenty of Plant-based, vegan and gluten free options in addition to their extensive and delicious menu. This was our favorite place to eat breakfast as it was always delicious and the outside patio offered beautiful views of the Oasis Pool and Spa.
Bombay Club
Bombay Club is located on the Sandals Resort side, and offers some really delicious Indian Cuisine. This restaurant is open for dinner and reservations are required. This restaurant is extremely busy so be sure to make the reservation ASAP!
Butch’s Chophouse
There are two Butch’s Restaurants, one on each Resort. We preferred the menu at the Sandals Barbados side so we chose to have dinner there. This is also another very popular dinner restaurant that requires reservations! We loved the Filet Mignon.
Kimonos
Kimonos is a Habachi Grill offering some incredible Teppanyaki. This restaurant is only open for dinner and is located on the Sandals Barbados property. This is a reservation only restaurant, and we HIGHLY recommend adding it to your itinerary.
SOY Sushi
This dinner restaurant is located on the Sandals Barbados property and is SO amazing. No reservation is required to eat here, and you HAVE to try it. The sushi was so good and the Sushi chef was so amazing! We sat right at the bar and watched him make all of the Sushi with so much care. He was also hilarious and chatty, which we loved!
La Parissienne
This restaurant is open for both breakfast and dinner! This restaurant is located on the rooftop at Sandals Royal Barbados and overlooks the infinity pool and ocean. The patio here is SO incredible. We ate here for both, and we will honestly say we preferred this as a breakfast restaurant.
Cafe De Paris
This cute little Cafe is located on the Sandals Barbados side and is the perfect place to get specialty coffee, a delicious pastry, some ice cream or even a crepe! We stopped here a few times during our stay for their chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. SO yummy.
Things To Do
Hang Out At The Beach
The beach at Sandals Royal Barbados is incredible! White soft sand and lined with palm trees, it really is straight from a post card. We spent a lot of time hanging out in beach chairs, enjoying fresh coconuts and swimming in the warm ocean waters.
Rooftop Pool
This is a glass infinity pool that is the first rooftop pool at any Sandals Property. With the nearby Skybar, this is the perfect place to relax and soak up the Caribbean sun! Close by is also the rooftop restaurant La Parissienne, which would be a perfect stop for breakfast after reserving your pool chair here!
This is also one of our favorite spots to watch the sunset.
Infinity Pool
This is the main pool at Sandals Royal Barbados. The clear infinity edge of this pool is the star of the show. This pool has all of the activities and a bar close-by. We recommend getting your butler to reserve chairs here early in the morning.
Oasis Pool
The Oasis Pool is the newest Pool at the Sandals Royal Barbados property. It is located directly next to the Spa, and is a quiet and tranquil pool, perfect for relaxing! It is located directly next to Heart and Sol which offers fresh Juices and Smoothies to go, as well as Greenhouse, which is the health forward restaurant on the property! The infinity Whirlpool overlooks the Spa and is the most picturesque place on the property.
South Seas Pool
South Seas Pool is located on the Sandals Royal Barbados side and is the only pool with a Swim Up bar! This is a popular spot to spend the day. It is located at the center of the Resort, meaning it is within a quick walk to American Tavern for lunch and the bowling alley for some afternoon fun! This Pool has a super picturesque Whirlpool tub perched up overlooking the grounds of the Resort.
Lover’s Lane 4-Lane Bowling Alley
This is the first 4 Lane Bowling Alley at any Sandals Resort, and offers SO much fun. No reservation is required, and right next to the Bowling Lanes is a bar stocked full of Craft Beer from all around the world! We bowled every single night and loved it!
PADI Diving
Scuba diving is included for guests who are already certified – you can dive every day (except departure day) at no extra charge. And if you’re not yet certified, but want to learn more about Scuba diving, you can take a short course for a small fee and be out exploring the very same day!
Water Sports
Activities like canoes, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, and Hobie Cats are included with every stay. These offer such a fun way to get out and enjoy the ocean!
Red Lane Spa
If you are looking for a place to unwind and relax, than the Red Lane Spa at Sandals Royal Barbados is the perfect place to do just that. We were treated to a wonderful couples massage, that left us feeling extremely relaxed and refreshed. Our massage was followed by fruit with chocolate and a glass of champagne to enjoy in the beautiful Spa Gardens.
Nightly Shows
Sandals Royal Barbados is home to some world class entertainment. Each night there is a show put on by the entertainment staff. From sing a longs, to reggae night, to silent discos, be prepared to dance the night away under the stars with some unforgettable shows! You main stage is located at the center of Sandals Royal Barbados grounds, and the nightly show schedule is posted close by!
Final Thoughts
Sandals Royal Barbados offers a luxurious all inclusive experience from the moment that you step onto the Resort. From the spacious suites with private pools and tranquility soaking tubs, to the many restaurants and bars, and the beautiful beach, we highly recommend a visit to Sandals Royal Barbados!
Make Sure To Pin This Sandals Royal Barbados Travel Guide for Later!
