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Sandals Barbados Review

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 resort in the portfolio and sending our clients to these beautiful places. 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 the internet are helpful and it is one of the best rated Sandals resorts on Trip Advisor 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!

Starting with its location in the St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados, this boutique styled resort is on a private, beautiful beach on the corner of Dover Beach where great food and world-class customer service come together to give you a real vacation with the one you love the most.

From the moment we arrived, Angela and I were immediately drawn to its sophisticated tropical charm and the feeling that a great experience was ahead of us.

Let's find out why! Here we go...

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!

What 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 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 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