Do you like the idea of living like royalty? How about living like a prince or princess in Barbados, right next to beautiful beaches and that great Caribbean weather? Well, you’re in luck. Sandals Royal Barbados is an expansion of the adults-only Sandals Barbados beach resort. Both resorts are located right next to each other, and if you stay at Royal Barbados, this means you also have access (yep, for free) to everything that Sandals Barbados has to offer. We’re talking about restaurants, pools, and all sorts of activities, all included.
Sandals Barbados launched in 2015, followed by Royal Barbados two years later in 2017, with a new expansion of luxury houses added in 2021. Royal Barbados has 9 restaurants, while Barbados has 11. Since you can visit every venue that both resorts offer, this means you have access to a staggering 20 restaurants, more than 10 bars, 11 pools, and several whirlpools when staying at either resort. But Royal Barbados isn’t just about great food and swimming all day and night, oh no. This is also Sandals’ first-ever resort featuring a rooftop bar and pool, a bowling alley, and even a craft beer bar.
Keep in mind that we can assist you in booking one of the best Sandals Resorts available. Simply click the Request a Quote button, and we will be delighted to help you every step of the way. Contacting us is free of charge, and we’re here to discuss dining options, activities, accommodations, and everything else you need to make your stay at Dunn’s River truly unforgettable.
There’s a lot to like about Royal Barbados. This resort exclusively offers Club Level and Butler suites, but if you're looking for slightly more affordable Luxury Rooms, you can stay at Sandals Barbados instead. These properties are all relatively new, giving them a modern and cozy feel with everything looking fresh.
However, there are a few drawbacks. The nighttime entertainment at Sandals Royal Barbados may not be as impressive as at other Sandals resorts, and some guests have reported that certain staff members are still in training and may take a while to resolve simple issues. The main beach is also fairly average; the water can sometimes be cold and rough, with some seaweed. Would these issues be a concern for you? Well, we are here to help you explore these questions and more.
Reviews of Sandals Royal Barbados
The Good Stuff
Two in One: Yes, that’s right! If you’re staying at Sandals Royal Barbados, you can use everything that Sandals Barbados has to offer, and vice versa. This means you have access to the restaurants, pools, whirlpools, and all activities available at both resorts. That’s certainly a great perk that makes vacations much better and more fun, especially for longer stays where you can visit one or two new restaurants per day and always discover something new.
New & Fresh: Sandals Barbados debuted in 2015, followed by Royal Barbados a bit later in 2017, with a new expansion launching in 2021. This means all these properties are less than ten years old! You can expect every building to look fresh and new, which is a great perk when you want to stay in a home away from home for a week or two.
A lot of dining options: Sandals Royal Barbados offers a total of 20 restaurants when you combine those at Royal Barbados with those at Sandals Barbados. That’s a lot of dining options! Guests often say that the food here is above average, and a great perk is that Royal Barbados features some restaurants not found at any other Sandals resorts. Dining options include Indian, Italian, French cuisine, two steakhouses, coffee shops, and much more. While some restaurants require a sharp dress code and reservations, all dining options are included in your fare.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals Royal Barbados is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package (although you can tip your butler if you are staying in a Butler Elite Suite). Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Sandals.
The Bad Stuff
Average Service: Staff service at Royal Barbados can be hit or miss. We know people who traveled there in 2017 and had terrible service, but when they returned three years later, everything was fine. Royal Barbados seems to be in a state of constant change due to its many expansions over the years, which may result in some staff members still in training and learning the ropes. Some problems mentioned online include guests calling Sandals to resolve an issue in their room that never gets solved, and some drinks taking a long time to arrive. Again, this is subjective, and luck can also play a huge part, but it’s important to share guests' overall opinions.
The Beach: I’m not a big fan of the beach at Sandals Barbados. The swimming pools? Amazing. The beach? Kinda meh. It features nice white sand, but the water can be rough at times and there’s occasional seaweed, even though the staff works hard to keep it clean. This is also a public beach that can get crowded. There are also many vendors who, knowing you’re staying at Sandals, may try to sell you various things, which can be quite bothersome.
What is the difference between Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados?
This is a pretty common question, so let’s get to it: there is minimal difference between the two resorts. Essentially, Sandals Barbados is a large property divided into two distinct areas: Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados. Guests staying at Sandals Barbados can access all the amenities, including restaurants and activities, at Sandals Royal Barbados, and vice versa.
The main difference lies in the rooms. Sandals Royal Barbados is a newer expansion, offering a wider variety of Butler Elite Suites and Club Sandals Rooms. The rooms here are generally more luxurious compared to those at the original Sandals Barbados. However, the advantage of Sandals Barbados is that its rooms tend to be more affordable.
How to get to Sandals Royal Barbados?
Flying to Sandals Royal Barbados
You will likely be flying into Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI). The flight takes about 4 hours if you’re coming from Miami.
Once you arrive at the airport, head to the Sandals desk and get ready to board the complimentary shuttle to the resort. One great thing about Sandals Royal Barbados is that it’s only 15 minutes away from the airport - welcome news after a long flight.
Transportation Options to Sandals Royal Barbados
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Sandals kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You'll board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort, or a private vehicle in case you are staying in one of the top tier Butler suites. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
Where is Sandals Royal Barbados?
Sandals Royal Barbados is located on Maxwell Beach in Oistins, Christ Church, Barbados. Barbados is a small island country in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico.
The resort is only about 6 miles from Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), which means it takes just around 15 minutes to reach your final destination. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by the staff and escorted to your private room. If you're staying in a Sandals Club room, you'll have access to a private check-in, and they even provide a bottle of champagne.
Staying at Sandals Royal Barbados
One interesting thing about Sandals Royal Barbados is that they offer only two types of accommodations: Club Sandals Rooms and Butler Elite Suites. There are no traditional Luxury rooms, which are typically the most affordable options when it comes to Sandals.
Club Sandals rooms are more upscale and come with additional perks for guests, such as private check-in, access to a private lounge, and a more fully stocked mini-bar. The Butler Elite Suites offer guests a private butler who can make reservations, deliver meals to their rooms, and assist in various ways throughout their stay.
Royal Barbados has a total of 22 room categories, with 9 being Club Sandals rooms and 13 being Butler Elite Suites. This highlights that Royal Barbados aims to provide a more luxurious and upscale experience compared to the standard Sandals Barbados.
Let’s look at some prices!
- For October 2024, the starting price for a Club Level room is $420 per person, per night. For a Butler Level Suite, the price rises to $590.
- For March 2025, the starting price for a Club Level room is $640 per person, per night. For a Butler Level Suite, the price increases to $760.
- For June 2025, the starting price for a Club Level room is $470 per person, per night. For a Butler Level Suite, the price goes up to $620.
Dining at Sandals Royal Barbados
One of the best things about Royal Barbados is the impressive number of dining options available. Not only do you have access to exclusive restaurants at Sandals Barbados, but you can also enjoy popular Sandals favorites like Soy Sushi Bar and Kimonos. Some restaurants require reservations and a sharp dress code, but most of the time, there are no specific dress codes, and you can simply visit during their opening hours.
Here is a list of all the restaurants available at Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados. All the restaurants listed here are included in your fare:
Sandals Royal Barbados
- Butch’s Steak & Seafood (steakhouse)
- Chi Asian Fusion (Pan-Asian)
- American Tavern (American)
- La Parisienne (French)
- Neptunes (Mediterranean)
- The Jerk Shack (Caribbean)
- Sweet N’ Salty’s (Donuts & Coffee)
- Heart & Soul (Juice Bar & Deli)
- Greenhouse (Farm to table)
- Lovers Lanes (Snacks & Beer)
Sandals Barbados
- Bombay Club (Indian)
- Butch’s Chophouse (Steakhouse)
- Cafe de Paris (Patisserie)
- Dino’s Pizzeria (Pizza)
- Merry Monkey (English Pub)
- Kimonos (Teppanyaki)
- Portofino’s (Italian)
- Schooner’s (Seafood)
- Soy Sushi Bar (Sushi)
- Spices (Caribbean)
- The Mariner (Seaside Grill)
Activities at Sandals Royal Barbados
There are many fun activities to enjoy at Sandals Royal Barbados. The standout features include the 4-Lane Bowling Alley and the Lovers Lane Craft Beer Bar. Exclusive to Royal Barbados, the craft beer bar is open until 2 a.m. and offers more than 20 different beers, including Beck's, Grolsch, Brew House, Pacifico, Paulaner, Spaten, Pale Ale, Duvel, and Blue Moon. And yes, it’s all included in your fare.
One important thing to note is that, since most water activities take place on a public beach, Barbados has a rule prohibiting motorized sports there. So, don’t expect to see hydrobikes or power boats.
Here is a list of what you can find at Sandals Royal Barbados for the absolutely amazing price of… free!
- Rooftop Pool & Bar
- Bowling Alley
- Craft Beer Bar
- 11 Pools (including an infinity pool by the beach)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Red Lane Spa
- Kayaks
- Windsurfing
- Snorkeling
- Paddle Boarding
- Land Sports (volleyball, table tennis and basketball)
Sandals Royal Barbados Weather Guide
Much like other regions in the Caribbean, the weather in Barbados is great year-round. Temperatures rarely drop below 80°F, and sea temperatures are similarly warm. November to April is typically the clearest time of year, while May to the end of June can be cloudier.
March and April are the driest months, whereas July tends to have the most rainfall. Hurricanes are very rare in Barbados due to its location closer to the southeast Caribbean, north of Venezuela. If a hurricane does occur, September is the most common month.
What did we learn from all this? The weather in Barbados is fantastic year-round, so you should choose a month based on your availability and budget. February to April offers great weather with minimal rain, but these months are also among the most expensive. September and October, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable.
Best Times to visit Sandals Royal Barbados
Much like Sandals resorts in Jamaica, February, March, and April are excellent months for a spring break vacation. These months offer the best combination of weather and availability, with very low chances of rain, though they are also among the most expensive.
December is also a good time to visit Barbados. The weather is excellent, but it's wise to plan your vacation for the beginning of the month, as prices tend to rise significantly closer to Christmas and New Year.
I’d generally advise against traveling in July and August, as these months experience more rainfall and higher humidity. A great alternative is October. Prices are more affordable, the resort is less crowded, and you can enjoy a more relaxed experience at your own pace.
So, if you ask me, the best months to visit Sandals Royal Barbados are December through April. October is also a good option if you want to save some extra money. I’d recommend avoiding July and August, unless those are your only available dates for traveling.
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We can assist you with expert tips, recommendations on the best dining, accommodations, activities, and much more. By clicking the Request a Quote button, you can ask questions and receive advice without spending a dime.
Packing list for Sandals Royal Barbados
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners with the love of your life.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and exploring the beach, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
Nice outfits: Bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment, your butler or your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Nice-to-haves
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Sandals Royal Barbados?
You should already have an idea if this beach resort is for you. You will have a great time in Sandals Royal Barbados if:
- You want a place that feels new and fresh
- You want a lot of different dining options and bars
- You don’t care too much about the night entertainment offered
- You care more about great swimming pools than a nice beach
One of the most important things to know is that Sandals is geared towards adults and couples. This is an adults-only resort, so children are not allowed. If you're planning a vacation with children or your entire family, you'll have a better experience at sister brand Beaches Resorts. Oh, you know what? We also have in-depth guides for every Beaches Resort available!
Book your dream vacation at Sandals Royal Barbados!
Now that you know a lot about Sandals Royal Barbados, why not learn even more? Our guides don’t stop here. We offer information on almost anything you can think of, including Sandals Royal Barbados and many other destinations. Want to know more about the restaurants at Sandals Royal Barbados? We’ve got you covered. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the water during a rainy June night? We don’t have that guide yet, but don’t tempt us!
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