%20copy2_edited.png)
By Jonathan | Updated on February 07, 2025
Sandals Barbados Review for 2025
As a Sandals Chairman's Club Diamond Elite travel expert specializing in Sandals resorts for over 15 years, we've had the pleasure of visiting every property in the portfolio and have sent over 1500 clients to these beautiful destinations.
Sandals Barbados will always be special to our family, and after returning just this past year for our babymoon, we can say that it is still truly a special property. Today, we want to share our recent visit to help you decide if this is the right place for your vacation, anniversary trip, babymoon, or destination wedding.
As we all know, choosing the right vacation destination is never easy. While the numerous Sandals Barbados reviews on Trip Advisor are helpful and it is one of our top-rated Sandals resorts as well as by our clients who've traveled there, we wanted to return and find out if it was all we remembered.
In short, we're happy to report that it's even better than before!
Key Takeaways for Sandals Barbados
-
Sandals Barbados is located on the southern coast, in the St. Lawrence Gap on Dover Beach.
-
Features 280 rooms across 14 categories featuring, Sandals Luxury, Club and Butler Elite rooms and suites, with swim-ups and Tranquility Soaking Tubs.
-
11 speciality dining restaurants, including Caribbean, Indian, Italian, and Japanese.
-
Unlimited premium spirits and Robert Mondavi wines served at eight bars, including swim-up and beachfront bars.
-
Unlimited land and water sports, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and scuba diving (for certified divers).
-
Three pools including a beachfront pool with an infinity edge and two whirlpools..
-
Nightly entertainment, live music, and themed events.
-
Full exchange privileges with the neighboring Sandals Royal Barbados, which adds nine more restaurants, a rooftop infinity pool, and additional bars.
Jump to Section
Arrival and First Impressions
Getting to the Resort
Our vacation started with a quick 15-minute drive from the Sandals Barbados Airport (Grantley Adams International - BGI). Upon arrival and clearing customs, you'll make your way outside and to the Sandals kiosk, where you'll check-in.
Here, they'll welcome you with a bottle of water, quickly tag your bags, and prepare the complimentary airport transfers to Sandals Barbados. For those in a luxury-level or club-level room, you'll be taking a shared transfer, however, those in butler-level suites will receive private transfers.
Check-in Experience
After clearing the resort's security, we exited the transfer and were not only welcomed with a refreshing cocktail and a warm smile from the front desk staff but also a song sung by the staff at the resort. Amazing right! So far, so good... The check-in process was efficient, with a quick review of the online check-in I did before arrival, and before I knew it, we were escorted to our luxurious Sandals Barbados swim-up suite.
Now, we are travel advisors, but for our clients traveling as a Select Rewards member, you'll receive exclusive offers, such as spa certificates and future discounts. We highly recommend signing up for this free loyalty program if you're not already a member.
Key Features and Resort Facts for Sandals Barbados
Sandals Barbados Map
Ready to experience the newest Sandals paradise? Book your stay at Sandals Barbados now!
Why Sandals Barbados All-Inclusive Resort Stands Out from the Rest?
-
Dining Options Galore: If you’re a foodie like me, Sandals Barbados is the place to be. With restaurants like Bombay Club, Butch’s Chophouse, and the La Parisienne restaurant, there’s something tor even the pickiest of eaters. Most dining options here are reservation free however, Butches does require reservations so we recommend making one through the Sandals app 14 days prior to arrival or making them the day of arrival.
-
Total Luxe Accommodations: The best are lavish suites with garden views or beachfront suites featuring Sandals Butler Elite service. These offer beautiful views of the resort and the white sands of the Caribbean Sea. My personal favorite is the Beachfront Penthouse One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub, where you wake up each morning to the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore.
-
Access to Sandals Royal Barbados: One of the best perks of staying at Sandals Barbados is the "Stay at One, Play at Two" feature, granting full access to Sandals Royal Barbados next door. This means more restaurants, double the bars, and double the entertainment, featuring some of the best amenities, including a rooftop pool with amazing ocean views, a bowling alley at Lovers Lane, and a craft beer bar with over 20 selections from around the world.
-
Best-in-Class Service: From the friendly wait staff around the pool area and bars to the attentive service provided by those in butler rooms, the service excellence at Sandals Barbados is felt throughout the resort. On this trip in particular, I was impressed by the level of detail and care put into every aspect of my stay, and I don't think it was because they knew we were travel advisors, as many of our clients have reported the same. For us, whether it was a warm greeting at the front desk or the smiles we saw when we ordered room service, each interaction was a positive one.
-
Excursions: Whether lounging on the beach, enjoying your room, or getting off the resort to do an excursion with Island Routes, there’s never a dull moment - unless you want one. Angela and I spent most of our days alternating between the pool area, sipping cocktails and mocktails at the swim-up pool bar, and getting off the resort to visit the local restaurants around the Oistins hotels in the St. Lawrence Gap.
Accommodation at Sandals Barbados
The Room Categories
With 14 room categories and 280 rooms to choose from, the options can be overwhelming. When working with our clients we always start with the basics and fully define what each category means for each resort.
For Sandals Barbados, this is what you can expect to find:
-
Sandals Luxury Level: The Luxury Level rooms at Sandals Barbados provide a sophisticated, modern retreat with stylish decor. They are great for those who want a high-end experience without the added costs of butler or club-level services. While these rooms may not have the best location on the resort and may obscure views by palm trees, each features a king-sized bed, a private balcony or patio, a stocked minibar with local beers and juices, and a spacious bathroom with a rainfall shower.
-
Sandals Club Level: Guests who upgrade from the Luxury Level rooms can access a private lounge for Club and Butler level guests, personalized concierge services, and a private check-in. A Club Sandals agent will assist guests with reservations at specialty restaurants and spa or Island Route tour bookings. These rooms also benefit from preferred locations throughout the resort, and many have ocean views, like the Beachfront Penthouse Club Level Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub.
-
Sandals Butler Level: At the very top are Butler accommodations which offer guests the highest levels of personalized service. Those staying in these suites will be assigned a personal team of butlers trained to anticipate every need. They'll do everything from unpacking luggage to arranging romantic private dinners in your room or on the beach. These suites also include large living areas and bathrooms with Tranquility Soaking Tubs and will have the resort's best views. One of our favorite butler rooms at Sandals Barbados is the Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub. Prices start at $729.00 per person, per night and the free anniversary night promotion can be applied to the cost to reduce the final price. Contact us for more information!
Overall, we recommend a club or butler-level accommodation for Sandals Barbados as some luxury-level rooms do have obscured views from palm trees and/or high foot traffic.
Butler Suite Features
-
Beachfront Butler Suites: Perched over the main pool, the thoughtful design brings in both indoor and outdoor spaces, giving you a place to enjoy the panoramic ocean views. It’s the perfect spot for honeymooners and is centrally located to many of the amenities at both Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados.
-
Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tubs: Many suites feature a private, oversized soaking tub on the balcony, a great place to watch the sunset while enjoying a glass of champagne.
Sandals Barbados Dining & Bar Guide
Dining Around
With a combined 21 restaurants, Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados offer a fine dining experience without the fuss!
Our top four recommendations are:
-
Bombay Club—Authentic Indian flavors in a beautifully designed restaurant combine to create dishes that transport you straight to India. I highly recommend the butter chicken and freshly baked naan. Over the years, this has become one of our must-do dining experiences, and out of all the Bombay Clubs in the Sandals portfolio, the one at Sandals Barbados is one of our all-time favorites.
-
Butch's Steak – This is one of two Butch's Chophouse's in Barbados. Each offers premium cuts of meat cooked to perfection and there are even vegan and vegetarian options. Our top recommendations are the filet mignon and the lobster tail.
-
American Tavern – Sometimes, being in the Caribbean, you want something familiar to home, and this tavern does it, with a gourmet twist - of course!
-
La Parisienne – A chic French restaurant that serves elegant Parisian-inspired delicacies. I highly recommend the beautifully plated duck confit with a glass of Bordeaux wine, or rack of lamb.
Special mentions:
-
Neapolitan Pizza: Dino's Pizzeria.
-
British Pub: Merry Monkey.
-
Japanese Teppanyaki: Kimonos.
-
Italian: Portofino's.
-
Seafood: Schooners.
-
Sushi: Soy Sushi Bar.
-
Caribbean: Spices.
-
Seaside Grill: The Mariner.
-
Pan-Asian: Chi Asian Fusion..
-
French: La Parisienne.
-
Mediterranean: Neptune's.
-
Caribbean Jerk Cuisine: The Jerk Shack.
-
Gourmet Donuts & Coffee: Sweet n' Salty's.
-
Farm-to-Table: Greenhouse.
-
Juice Bar & Deli: Heart & Sol.
-
Snacks & Beer Bar: Lovers Lanes.
Bars and Lounges
-
With 14 bars, including a craft beer bar on the Sandals Royal Barbados side, swim-up bars, and rooftop lounges, there’s no shortage of places to go or things to do. Unlimited premium liquor is available throughout the resort, and you'll find some great mixologists throughout the property. My favorite experience taking in the beautiful views from the rooftop bar with a Barbados rum punch.
Activities and Entertainment
Water & Land Activities
-
Dining Options Galore: If you’re a foodie like me, Sandals Barbados is the place to be. With restaurants like Bombay Club, Butch’s Chophouse, and the La Parisienne restaurant, there’s something tor even the pickiest of eaters. Most dining options here are reservation free however, Butches does require reservations so we recommend making one through the Sandals app 14 days prior to arrival or making them the day of arrival.
-
Total Lux Accommodations: The best are lavish suites with garden views or beachfront suites featuring Sandals Butler Elite service. These offer beautiful views of the resort and the white sands of the Caribbean Sea. My personal favorite is the oceanfront room, where you wake up each morning to the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore.
-
Access to Sandals Royal Barbados: One of the best perks of staying at Sandals Barbados is the "Stay at One, Play at Two" feature, granting full access to Sandals Royal Barbados next door. This means more restaurants, double the bars, and double the entertainment, featuring some of the best amenities, including a rooftop pool with amazing ocean views, a bowling alley at Lovers Lane, and a craft beer bar with over 20 selections from around the world.
-
Best-in-Class Service: From the friendly wait staff around the pool area and bars to the attentive service provided by those in butler rooms, the service excellence at Sandals Barbados is felt throughout the resort. On this trip in particular, I was impressed by the level of detail and care put into every aspect of my stay, and I don't think it was because they knew we were travel advisors, as many of our clients have reported the same. For us, whether it was a warm greeting at the front desk or the smiles we saw when we ordered room service, each interaction was a positive one.
-
Excursions: Whether lounging on the beach, enjoying your room, or getting off the resort to do an excursion with Island Routes, there’s never a dull moment - unless you want one. Angela and I spent most of our days alternating between the pool area, sipping cocktails and mocktails at the swim-up pool bar, and getting off the resort to visit the local restaurants around the Oistins hotels in the St. Lawrence Gap.
Weddings and Honeymoons
Sandals Barbados does all-inclusive wedding packages right with each ceremony designed to make your big day unforgettable. Whether you're looking to plan an intimate beachfront ceremony or a large destination wedding, Sandals takes care of every detail with your dedicated wedding planner.
There are wedding packages to fit every budget with Sandals' "Aisle to Isle" custom wedding packages.
Here you can tailor every detail, including:
-
Floral Arrangements – Choose from tropical bouquets, arches, and floral centerpieces.
-
Live Entertainment – Steel drum bands, solo musicians, or DJs.
-
Private Receptions – with personalized menus and open bars.
-
Photography & Videography
-
Fireworks & Special Effects
Destination Tips for Booking Sandals Barbados
As your travel agent and a Sandals Chairmans Club Diamond Elite travel expert, we know all of the current promotions and tactics to maximize your savings. From the weekly 777 promotion to the free anniversary night and others, we'll work with you to ensure you get the best price on your Caribbean vacation.
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your stay at Sandals Barbados:
-
Book Vacation Extras: Excursions through Island Routes are always a good idea, but we loved the candlelight dinner on the beach. It's a white-glove dinner with a special menu. Costs vary by resort, but you'll pay under $200.00 per couple on average.
-
View Trip Details: Download the Sandals app to make dinner reservations. Note. One is allowed 14 days prior to arrival and can be accessed by selecting the restaurant.
-
Sandals Select Reward Program (SSG): Join the SSG program to earn discounts and travel perks.
-
Sandals Refer A Friend (RAF): This is a 10,000 point bonus for the Refer-A-Friend (RAF) program worth $200.00. Here is how it works:
-
Invite your friends to join you on your next Sandals vacation
-
Advise them not to create an SSG account. Note: They cannot have traveled to a before and must have Sandals no trips or an active SSG account for the RAF to work.
-
Log into your personal SSG account
-
On the Drop-down select Refer-A-Friend
-
Choose email or link:
-
If you choose to use email, you will enter your friend's email address, which will send them a link to make a booking. During the booking process, they will need to create their SSG account.
-
-
If you choose link, it will create a link that you can send to them. Note: The booking process will be the same.
-
They must make the booking with your RAF link
-
They get the point credit immediately that they can use for cash off their booking
-
You get your point credit after they travel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What activities and amenities are available at Sandals Barbados?
Guests enjoy PADI-certified scuba diving, fitness programs with professional trainers, spa treatments, and daily live entertainment.
Which excursions are popular among guests at Sandals Barbados?
Catamaran cruises, island safaris, and snorkeling at Carlisle Bay are top choices.
Here are our top six experiences for Sandals Barbados:
-
Catamaran & Snorkeling Cruise: Sail along the coast of Barbados on a luxury catamaran, stopping to snorkel with sea turtles on the colorful coral reefs. The cruise often includes a delicious Bajan lunch and, of course, unlimited drinks.
-
Island Safari Adventure: This off-road 4x4 tour takes you through Barbados' hidden beaches and forests.
-
Harrison’s Cave Tour: Get underground and visit a cave system filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and clear pools, all while riding on an electric tram.
-
Mount Gay Rum Distillery Experience: This is the world’s oldest rum brand. Here you can have a guided tasting and learn how Barbados became the birthplace of rum.
-
Atlantis Submarine Adventure: Go beneath the waves in a real submarine to see marine life, shipwrecks, and coral formations in Barbados' clear waters.
-
Oistins Fish Fry Night Tour: Experience an authentic Barbadian tradition with fresh seafood and live music, and at the famous Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry.
Which airport serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to Sandals Barbados?
The main gateway for Sandals Barbados is the Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI). There are multiple daily flights from the United States, and American Airlines offers the most direct flights from Miami and Charlotte.
What is the distance between Sandals Barbados and the nearest airport?
Sandals Barbados is located approximately 15 minutes (about 6 miles or 10 kilometers) from Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) and offers complimentary roundtrip airport transfers for all guests.
Is Sandals Barbados exclusively for couples?
Yes, it was designed to provide a romantic and luxurious getaway, making it a great destination for honeymooners, anniversaries, and couples looking to reconnect. Its proximity to the airport makes it a good choice for first-time visitors and those looking for a short stay.
Where is Sandals Barbados located, and what are the recommended ways to reach the resort?
It's in St. Lawrence Gap, and guests can use complimentary airport transfers, or as your travel advisor, we can arrange private transfers at an additional cost. Those in upper-tiered butler rooms will receive Rolls Royce transfers.
Is Sandals Barbados adult-only?
Yes, only adults (18+) are allowed to travel here.
What is the difference between the two Sandals resorts in Barbados?
The main difference between Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados is the room categories offered.
-
Sandals Barbados offers a more traditional Caribbean resort feel, with tropical gardens.
-
Sandals Royal Barbados, on the other hand, is newer and considered more modern and upscale. It features Skypool Suites, Millionaire Suites, and Swim-Up Suites. It also has a rooftop infinity pool, a 4-lane bowling alley, a craft beer bar, and a gourmet donut shop. Royal Barbados also has additional dining options, with 10 restaurants, bringing the combined total across both resorts to 21.
Both resorts share amenities, meaning you can enjoy both locations with the “Stay at One, Play at Two,” feature that Sandals is so well known for. If you're looking for a more intimate bespoke setting, Sandals Barbados is a great choice. If you prefer a more contemporary, high-end experience, Sandals Royal Barbados may be the better option.
Is it worth going all-inclusive in Barbados?
It depends on your travel style and what you want from your trip, but we'd say yes, especially with Sandals' location in the St. Lawrence Gap, the dining and nightlife district for Barbados. You can spend your day at the resort and then find a nice local bar or restaurant to visit and mingle with the locals in the evening.
How much is Sandals Barbados per night?
The nightly rates at Sandals Barbados vary depending on room category, travel dates, and available booking promotions at the time of travel. As of February 2025, prices start at approximately $322 per person per night. However, they can fluctuate, with some upper tiered rooms starting at around $512 per night. On average, a 7-night stay for two adults ranges between $4,000 and $7,000, excluding flights.
Which Sandals in Barbados is nicer?
If you prefer a more modern, luxurious feel with all Club and Butler lever suites, Sandals Royal Barbados is the place to be, however, if you're looking for a laid-back, tropical vibe with a slightly lower price, we recommend Sandals Barbados. Regardless of your choice, you'll spend time together at one of the top Sandals resorts.
Good news: Staying at either one gives you access to both resorts, so you can enjoy all restaurants, pools, and beaches regardless of which one you book!
What is the average age for Sandals Barbados?
The average age of guests at Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados typically falls between 30 and 50 years old, though there’s a mix of ages depending on the time of year.
Age Breakdown at Sandals Barbados:
-
Honeymooners & Young Couples (25-35) – Many newlyweds choose Sandals, especially in peak wedding season of April - July
-
Middle-Aged Couples (35-55) – Many of these guests are there celebrating anniversaries or enjoying a romantic getaway.
-
Older Couples (55+) – Some retired couples visit, especially during quieter months of November - January.
Factors That Affect the Guest Age Group:
✔️ Season: Honeymooners dominate in summer & fall, while winter (high season) sees more older couples escaping the cold.
✔️ Resort Choice: Sandals Royal Barbados attracts a slightly younger, more energetic crowd due to its trendy vibe, rooftop bar, and bowling alley, however, no matter your age, there isn't a bad or good time to go.
About the Authors
Jonathan & Angela
Based out of Atlanta, GA Rivage Travel is a boutique travel consultant group dedicated to providing personalized travel experiences. Owned by husband and wife duo Jonathan and Angela, our love for travel brought us together during a trip to Sydney, Australia. Our work is based on over 15 years of professional experience, hundreds of hours of travel
certifications and training. We've been honored by Sandals Resorts as a top US travel agent with their highest honor of a Sandals Chairman's Club Diamond Elite travel expert and look forward to using our experience to earn your business today and in the future.