We just returned from an unforgettable week in Barbados, enjoying everything that Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados had to offer. This multigenerational family trip gave us time to relax, explore, reconnect, and celebrate together — and now we’re excited to share our experience with you.
Getting There: A Journey with a Smooth Landing
Our trip began with David’s parents and us flying from Charleston, SC to Charlotte, NC, where we met up with the rest of our family — six more members who drove in. From Charlotte, we all flew together on a 5-hour direct flight to Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI).
Upon arrival in Barbados, there were no jet bridges — we walked off the plane onto the warm tarmac and into the terminal. Immigration was surprisingly simple: each of us completed a brief electronic form at a kiosk, received a printed document, and presented it alongside our passport to a customs officer.
From there, we collected our bags and were greeted by a smiling Sandals agent holding a signature paddle. Our bags were tagged and whisked away onto a luggage truck while Riccardo, our entertaining Sandals representative, led us to our air-conditioned shuttle. Just 15 minutes later, we arrived at the resort — on the left side of the road, as is customary in Barbados!
First Impressions and Butler-Level Arrival
Upon arrival, guests are checked in according to their room category — Luxury, Club, or Butler. As Butler-level guests, we were welcomed and taken to the Butler Lounge, where we were offered a refreshing drink and met one of our butlers for the week. After a short orientation and tour, we were escorted to our room, it was the Crystal Lagoon One Bedroom Butler Honeymoon Luxury Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub (1B). We have a full room tour video up on our YouTube channel.
The Butler-level rooms are luxurious — complete with a fully stocked in-room bar, soaking tub for two, plush bedding, dual vanities, and spacious balconies or patios., with a soaking tub on the balcony. Perhaps the best part? The butler phone. This handy device kept us connected to our dedicated butler team — available day and night to handle everything from room service and dinner reservations to pool chair setup and even bringing lunch to the beach. We had a rotating team of five incredible butlers who, over the course of the week, got to know our preferences so well they were anticipating our needs before we even asked. Their attention to detail was unmatched and made our experience feel truly effortless.
Two Resorts, One Seamless Experience
One of the biggest perks of staying here is access to both Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados. Separated only by a cart path, guests can enjoy all amenities, pools, activities, and restaurants across both resorts — no matter where you’re staying.
Dining Highlights:
So Many Flavors, So Many Memories
With 20+ dining options between the two resorts, we were spoiled for choice. Our butler arranged group reservations for our party of 10, and each meal was memorable:
- Butch’s Steak and Seafood (Royal Barbados) – A classic, upscale steakhouse with a coastal twist. Perfect for a special night out.
- Kimonos – A fun, lively Japanese hibachi experience located on the Barbados side.
- Portofino’s – The charming Italian trattoria on the Barbados side, serving up delicious pasta dishes and a cozy ambiance.
- Butch’s Chophouse (Barbados) – Just the two of us enjoyed a date night here on our final evening — hands down, the best meal of the trip.
Here are all the dining opportunities across both resort:
🏝️ Sandals Barbados – Restaurants
- Portofino’s – Italian à la carte dining Classic dishes from Italy with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating.
- The Merry Monkey Pub – British Gastropub Casual pub-style favorites like fish & chips and shepherd’s pie.
- Schooners Seafood Grill – Caribbean Seafood Open-air seafood dining with local flavor and ocean views.
- Kimonos – Japanese Teppanyaki/Hibachi Interactive hibachi-style dining experience — great for groups.
- Dino’s Pizzeria Italiana – Wood-Fired Pizza Fresh, made-to-order pizzas cooked in a brick oven.
- Café de Paris – French Café Specialty coffees, pastries, crepes, and ice cream.
- Spices – Caribbean International Buffet Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a buffet-style setting with regional specialties.
- Mariner Seaside Grill – Casual Grill Burgers, hot dogs, fries, and other quick eats by the beach.
- Butch’s Chophouse – Upscale Steakhouse A refined, romantic dining experience with premium cuts and seafood.
🌴 Sandals Royal Barbados – Restaurants
- Butch’s Steak & Seafood – Upscale Surf & Turf Steakhouse and seafood fusion in an elegant setting.
- Chi Asian Fusion – Pan-Asian Cuisine Thai, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese flavors in a modern venue.
- La Parisienne – French Fine Dining A sophisticated French bistro with elegant cuisine and ambiance.
- The Jerk Shack – Authentic Caribbean Jerk Bold, flavorful jerk chicken, pork, and traditional sides served beachside.
- Neptunes Mediterranean Seafood – Mediterranean-Inspired Light, seafood-forward dishes with Greek and coastal European flavors.
- American Tavern – Classic American Comfort Food Burgers, wings, mac & cheese, and hearty U.S. favorites.
- The Greenhouse – Farm-to-Table Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly Fresh, healthy fare with a focus on plant-based options and sustainability.
- Heart & Sol – Healthy Café and Juice Bar Smoothies, cold-pressed juices, wraps, and light bites.
- Sweet n’ Salty’s Gourmet Donuts & Coffee – Donut & Coffee Shop House-made donuts, espresso drinks, and breakfast bites.
Whether you’re craving Caribbean flavors, French cuisine, Indian spice, or wood-fired pizza, there’s something for everyone — and it’s all included.
Pools, Play, and Plenty of Sun
We made a point to explore every pool on both resorts — and each had its own personality. From serene, quiet pools to lively hubs with DJ music and swim-up bars, no two were the same.
A family favorite was the swim-up bar at Sandals Barbados, where we played pool volleyball, joined in karaoke and trivia, and made new friends. Whether you wanted to lounge in a shaded cabana or splash around with a cocktail in hand, there was a pool perfect for it.
Beach & Beyond: Island Adventures
One of our days was spent relaxing on the resort’s Atlantic-facing beach. While the water isn’t the bright turquoise you’ll find on the Caribbean Sea side, the beach was still stunning and relaxing. Do note: all beaches in Barbados are public, so you’ll likely see locals and vendors walking along the shore. Just be mindful and aware.
For crystal-clear water and an unforgettable adventure, we booked the Catamaran & Snorkel excursion through Island Routes. We’ve done similar tours at other resorts and cruise lines, but this was easily the best we’ve experienced. Hosted by Cool Runnings V, the crew made us feel like family. We snorkeled over two shipwrecks, swam alongside sea turtles, and ended the 6-hour trip with an incredible buffet lunch on board: fried chicken, grilled fish, mac n’ cheese, green beans, salad, and more. It was a highlight of the trip!
Rum, History & Culture
Several family members opted for the Historic Rum Tour, a full-day excursion filled with rich Bajan culture. From learning about the island’s role in rum production to sampling the flavors themselves, they came back raving about the experience — and maybe a little buzzed.
The Sandals Touch: Seamless From Start to Finish
Check-out day was stress-free and well-organized. The night before departure, we were told to leave our bags outside our rooms by 9:30 AM. They were promptly collected and staged at the lobby for transport. After boarding the shuttle and confirming our bags were loaded, we arrived at the airport a full 3 hours early, as is Sandals policy. Barbados doesn’t have TSA PreCheck, but the security process was smooth and quick for our entire group.
When it came time to board our return flight, we once again crossed the tarmac to our waiting plane and made the 5-hour trip back to the States — filled with memories and gratitude.
Final Thoughts: A Truly Special Stay
Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados exceeded every expectation. From the warm hospitality of the staff to the world-class dining, personalized butler service, and wide range of activities — this was a vacation we’ll be talking about for years. Every team member we encountered was welcoming, gracious, and genuinely seemed to enjoy making our trip special. Our butlers were amazing (Shameka, Jeremy, Tremayne, Tony, & Nadia! Ask for them the next time you’re in a butler room at Sandals Barbados or Royal Barbados!
Ready to plan your own Sandals escape?
If this review inspired you and you’re ready to try Sandals Barbados, Royal Barbados, or any other Sandals or Beaches resort, we’d love to help you plan.
📅 Schedule your complimentary vacation consultation at GeddingsTravel.com
📧 Email us at thegeddings@dapperdreamstravel.com
📞 Or call/text us at 843-779-6236 (note: video consults & email are preferred for fastest response)
Let’s make your dream trip a reality!
