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Sandals Royal Barbados Review | The Jet Setters Paradise
By Jonathan | Updated on February 19, 2025
Picture this: A warm Caribbean breeze as you exit the plane and walk onto the tarmac where you are surrounded by clear turquoise waters, heading towards the first all butler, all club-level, all-inclusive Sandals resort designed exclusively for couples.
That’s the feeling you get when taking your getaway at Sandals Royal Barbados, a world-class retreat in the heart of Christ Church. With its rooftop infinity pool, four-lane bowling alley, and some of the best specialty dining options in the portfolio, this is the best of Caribbean glamour.
If you're familiar with our previous travel blogs or reviews, you'll know that Angela and I are award-winning travel professionals who specialize in Sandals. This trip was one for relaxation, but we're also mixing some business and meeting with the leadership teams to see what's new here.
As we get into this review, we'll share our insights and travel tips to help you plan your stay at this amazing resort!
Let's get started.
Key Takeaways for Sandals Royal Barbados
What to Know About Sandals Royal Barbados
This is an expansive Sandals resort with room rates starting at $333.00 per person, per night.
What do guests have to say about Sandals Royal Barbados? According to over 3,700 4 star reviews on TripAdvisor, this is known to be a romantic destination and one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only resorts in Antigua.
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Arrival & First Impressions:
Getting to the Resort
After clearing customs and waiting what seemed to be an hour (was more like 10 minutes) for our bags, we walked into the arrivals area and made our way to the Sandals lounge where they took our bags and arranged our transfer.
After an easy, 15-minute drive from the Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in a Rolls Royce (yes, really!), we arrived at the resort and were immediately struck by its elegant, modern design.
Okay, we're officially in vacay mode!
Resort Facts for Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Royal Barbados Phone Number and Address
Ready to experience Sandals only all Club and All Butler Resort? Book your stay now!
Check-in Experience
The check-in process was a little confusing on this trip as I think there was some miscommunication about the arrivals, but this was not our experience the last time we were here, so it wasn't a big deal to us.
After a few minutes, everything was sorted out and we were soon greeted with a refreshing cocktail, a warm welcome from the staff. Once my check-in was complete, our afternoon butler escorted us to our Beachfront One Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub, where our luggage was already waiting.
Jennlicka gave us a quick tour of the room and we found a personalized welcome note, a chilled bottle of champagne, and a plate of fresh fruit on the table—a small but thoughtful touch. Thank you!
Why Sandals Royal Barbados is a Top Pick
Out of all the Sandals resorts, this one lands at #6 on our list of top destinations.
Here’s why:
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The people of Barbados are warm and welcoming. The staff show pride in their work and will do everything in their ability to make sure you have an exceptional vacation experience.
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We love the rooftop bar and pool. Overlooking the ocean, this glass infinity pool provides you with a perfect backdrop for catching the Caribbean sunset.
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The food and dining experiences are in a class of their own.
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Those of you opting for Butler Service, upper-tiered room categories offer private transfers in a Rolls Royce Phantom or Rolls Royce Ghost.
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For those of you into craft beer, Lovers Lane features a bar with 19 beers from around the world.
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Scuba Diving in Barbados is among the best within the Caribbean and at Sandals Royal Barbados it’s all included.
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There is no boat dock, so for snorkeling and/or diving excursions, a short 15 minute drive to the west end of the island.
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Wi-Fi is complimentary.
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The beach is not expansive and at times the water can be a bit rough.
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Sandals Royal Barbados finished the South Seas village in 2021, adding 66 new luxury suites.
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Sandals Barbados features three pools, while Sandals Royal Barbados has seven.
For our clients—and guest readers—this is a Caribbean getaway in the St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados. To get here, you'll fly into Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), where you'll take the resort’s shuttle, and arrive in under 20 minutes - depending on traffic.
If you're looking for the address and phone number to Sandals Royal Barbados, they are listed below. As travel professionals, we always recommend that our clients keep this information on hand, if they have an unexpected travel event.
Of course, if you're booked with us - we'll monitor the flights and do that for you!
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This is the only Sandals resort with a rooftop infinity pool and a four-lane bowling alley.
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Features an expansive infinity-edged main pool with swim-up bar.
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Two Resorts in one with exchange privileges at the neighboring Sandals Barbados
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Skypool Suites with private infinity pools, South Seas Swim-Up Suites, and Millionaire Suites with private pools.
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Eleven specialty restaurants, including Butch’s Steak & Seafood, La Parisienne (French), and Chi Asian.
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Combined with Sandals Barbados, Sandals Royal Barbados gives you access to 21 restaurants across both Sandals properties.
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Sweet n’ Salty Gourmet Donut Shop and a craft beer bar.
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Unlimited premium liquor and bars, including a rooftop bar.
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PADI-Certified Scuba Diving, snorkeling, and non-motorized water sports.
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Live music, themed nights, and evening entertainment.
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Tennis courts, beach volleyball, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
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Access to a fitness center with state-of-the-art cardio machines and weights.
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Two Red Lane Spas: One at Sandals Barbados and one at Sandals Royal Barbados. Travel Tip: The couples massages are a must do!
Phone: +1 246-620-3600
Accommodation Options at Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Royal Barbados is an all club level and all butler level resort, featuring 338 rooms and suites across 14 room categories with prices starting at $333.00 per person, per night.
Let's take a look at the room types here and their pricing.
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Skypool Suites / Price: $1,180 pp/pn – Feature Rolls Royce transfers, private infinity pools overlooking the ocean, with beautiful beach views from an expansive balcony connected to your living room. Here you'll have plush lounge chairs and a small dining set, making it the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee or an evening glass of wine.
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Millionaire Suites / Price: $662 pp/pn – These expansive beachfront suites include Rolls Royce transfers and offer an ultra-private sanctuary complete with a terrace, personal infinity pool, and a tranquility soaking tub. The open-plan living space features contemporary decor, plush furnishings, and oversized windows framing breathtaking ocean or garden views.
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South Seas Swim-Up Suites / Price: $491.00 pp/pn – Just steps from your bedroom, the private patio opens directly into the shared pool. Perfect for a morning swim or a refreshing midday cool-off, these suites offer a great indoor-outdoor living experience.
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Club Level Rooms / Price: $333 pp/pn – These suites offer exclusive access to Club Sandals, where personalized concierge service handles every detail of your stay. These rooms come with upgraded in-room amenities, private check-in, and a minibar with premium spirits. Guests in Club Level accommodations also receive priority reservations for dining, spa services, and excursions.
A Foodie's Paradise: Dining at Sandals Royal Barbados
With 11 specialty restaurants, the dining experience is fun and memorable. From the Jerk Shack on the Royal Barbados side, offering quick casual lunch options to the multiple restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including seafood, Italian, and Caribbean, there is something here for everyone.
Here are a few standouts:
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American Tavern: Comfort food with a sophisticated twist.
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Chi Asian: A must-visit for sushi and authentic Asian flavors.
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La Parisienne Restaurant: A rooftop French fine dining experience. * reservations are required.
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Butch’s Steak & Seafood: High-end steakhouse experience.
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Jerk Shack: Authentic Caribbean food in an outdoor dining experience where friendly chickens will greet you at the table.
Oh, and don’t forget Sweet n’ Salty, the resort’s gourmet donut and coffee shop!
Service that Goes the Extra Mile
One of the highlights of our stay was the service we received and the great service we witnessed other couples getting. If you haven't had butler service at Sandals resorts before, this is a resort that we highly recommend you getting it at.
Here's why:
Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados both offer Butler Level Suites, and the beach is not that wide, so if having a great spot on the beach is important, they'll reserve your seats and make all of the dinner reservations.
Having a butler is not completely necessary but will enhance your experience.
Visit our room category overview about what Club and Butler level services provide to guests.
Endless Activities & Entertainment
Sandals Royal Barbados isn’t just about lounging by the pool (although you could easily do that all day!). The beach at Sandals Royal Barbados has soft white sand and clear waters that can be a little choppy in the winter months of January and February.
Here are some of the best things to do:
Resort Features
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Rooftop Pool & Pool Bar: The only one at Sandals, offering breathtaking ocean views.
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Bowling Alley: A fun twist on traditional resort activities.
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PADI-Certified Scuba Diving: Get underwater and see the healthy coral reefs and shipwrecks.
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Island Routes Tours: Take a day trip to Carlisle Bay and swim with sea turtles.
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Red Lane Spa: A full menu of massages, facials, and body treatments.
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State-of-the-Art Fitness Center: Includes yoga classes and modern equipment.
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24-hour room service for butler level guests with Club level guests having room service from 7 AM to 10 PM daily.
Weddings & Honeymoon Experiences
Dreaming of a destination wedding? Sandals Royal Barbados makes it easy with stunning oceanfront venues and personalized wedding planning services. As for honeymoons, this resort was designed for romance, from candlelit dinners to beachfront cabanas there is so much to do, or not do!
Travel Agent Insider Tips for Booking Sandals Royal Barbados
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Book dinner reservations upon arrival at the Club Sandals lounge or speak with your personal butler to secure preferred dining times. Note: One dinner reservation can be made through the Sandals resorts app, 14 days prior to arrival.
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Client feedback has been that service at the beach and pool areas could be improved, specifically regarding the availability of sunbeds and towels. We recommend grabbing a shaded beach spot early in the morning for the best views. Note: Butlers will get the best seats by 8:00 or 9:00AM.
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Pack light, but don’t forget resort attire: Some restaurants require dressier outfits.
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Sign up for the Sandals Select Rewards program and start earning points towards your free week once you hit 70 nights!
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Barbados has some strange flight schedules with multiple flights leaving in the evening and very early in the morning. For the best options, try to book with JetBlue or American Airlines.
Comparing Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados
While both resorts share the same stretch of sand on Dover Beach, Sandals Royal Barbados is newer, more modern, and features unique perks like the rooftop pool and bowling alley. Guests at either resort have access to both properties, doubling the dining and entertainment options.
For us on this trip, we loved being on the Royal side but enjoyed the boutique feeling you get from the Sandals Barbados side. Rooms are similar in price between resorts with Sandals Barbados being slightly less expensive.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us. Our professional travel planning services are complimentary to you and we'll help you plan the perfect getaway!
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandals Royal Barbados all-inclusive?
Yes! This includes gourmet dining, unlimited premium drinks, water sports, entertainment, and even airport transfers.
What activities are available?
From beach volleyball to certified scuba diving and Hobie sailing, the list is endless.
What’s the best time to visit?
The sweet spot is December to April, when the weather is at its best.
Do I need a passport to visit Barbados?
Yes, U.S. citizens need a valid passport with at least six months of validity.
Which Sandals resort in Barbados has swim-up suites?
Both Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados offer them, but Royal Barbados features more high-end options like the South Seas Hideaway Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub.
What makes Barbados special?
Beyond its stunning beaches, Barbados is known for its culture, friendly locals, and incredible food scene, which can be found in the St. Lawrence Gap, just a few minutes walk from the resort.
Is there a Beaches Resort in Barbados?
Not yet, but as of 2025, it is being planned and will be located at the former site of the Almond Beach Resort.