Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados
Barbados is a great spot for a tropical vacation. Not only because of the gorgeous scenery and lively culture, but Barbados also offers a couple of great all-inclusive adult-only resort options.
Both Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados are great options for your stay on the island, but it can be difficult to decide which one is the better option. Fortunately, we’ve broken down different aspects of these resorts to help you decide.
Sandals Barbados vsc. Sandals Royal Barbados: Overview
Overall, Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados are right next to each other. If you stay at one of the resorts you have access to everything at the other resort. The main difference is going to be in the accommodations and where your room is located.
Sandals Resorts purchased the property and reopened Sandals Barbados in January 2015 after some enhancements. Two years later, Sandals Royal Barbados opened having been built from the ground up. In the years since, additional rooms and restaurants have been opened on the Sandals Royal Barbados side. So in general, you can expect Sandals Royal Barbados to be more updated than Sandals Barbados.
Both resorts are located on the pristine Dover Beach where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic.
Sandals Royal Barbados has a high focus on luxury with many modern amenities and is a Sandals’ first in many areas, including the first rooftop pool and bar, the first 4-lane bowling alley, and the first health and wellness-inspired restaurant concepts.
Sandals Royal Barbados emphasizes wellness, evident through the resort’s unique health and wellness-inspired restaurant options and relaxed atmosphere.
Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados: Rooms
The biggest difference between these two resorts is the rooms and suites. Not only is there a difference in style and amenities within the rooms themselves, but there are plenty of differences in layouts as well.
Rooms at Sandals Barbados are in general closer to the beach and often more affordable. They are all older than the rooms at Sandals Royal Barbados.
That’s not to say that there aren’t higher-end rooms at Sandals Barbados, but they pride themselves on being accessible for a broader range of budgets. You will find luxury, club, and butler-level rooms at Sandals Barbados.
Plus, no matter what level of room you select, all guests at Sandals Barbados have full access to the resort amenities and properties. There are no restricted areas, so many people feel their room rate goes a lot further at Sandals Barbados.
When it comes to rooms at Sandals Royal Barbados, you’ll find a higher-end design in each room and plenty of top-notch amenities. All of the rooms at Sandals Royal Barbados are club or butler-level rooms.
You can also select higher-end rooms and ensure you’re very close to the beach. If this seems more like your travel style, you’ll want to book a stay in the Seaside Village, Millionaire suites, or even the Skypool Suites.
Otherwise, there are several more secluded areas of the resort where you can book your stay including the Rondoval Suites or any of the suites at the South Seas Hideaway.
To give you an idea, the rooms at Sandals Royal Barbados start at $300 per person per night and go up to $904 at the time of writing this, whereas the Sandals Barbados rooms start at $290 per person per night and go up to $581.
Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados: Dining
Sandals Barbados has a great selection of dining options, ranging from quick snacks to gourmet meals.
There are a few things to remember when planning out dining options at Sandals Barbados. You will want to book reservations at many of the restaurants as soon as you check in to the hotel for your entire stay. That gives you the highest likelihood you will be able to eat at the restaurants you are most interested in.
Sandals Royal Barbados offers guests two new dining experiences, The farm-to-table concept, The Greenhouse, and the smoothie bowl concept next door, Heart & Sol offers healthier options for guests.
Just remember, if you stay at either of these Sandals resorts, you will have access to the amenities and restaurants at the other resort. Guests can enjoy “Stay at One, Play at Two” exchange privileges with the adjacent Sandals Barbados, granting access to a total of 21 Five Star Global Gourmet™ dining options, numerous bars, pools, and activities.
There really is a huge variety of restaurants between Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados, it really depends on what you are looking for. You’ll find American, French, Italian, Steakhouses, Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Indian Food.
For breakfast, things are more American style with both buffets and a la carte dining. Additionally, there is a crepe and coffee shop and a donut and coffee shop.
Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados: Activities
When it comes to activities, Sandals Barbados may take the cake. This resort offers plenty of great activities daily, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy. Spend your days with white sand between your toes, learning to kayak, scuba dive, or snorkel in azure waters. Explore 10 acres of tropical gardens, play tennis under the stars, or indulge in a romantic massage for two.
Plus, you can enjoy a few frames of bowling at Lover’s Lane, the on-site bowling alley. Just be sure to get there early – it’s first come, first served. If you do miss out on a day at the alley, you’ll find plenty of other great game options around the resort – giant chess, shuffleboard, croquet, pool, or even foosball.
Most of these activities – except for the bowling alley – are also available at Sandals Royal Barbados. However, Sandals Royal Barbados does have a rooftop bar and pool. On the roof of the sixth floor, you’ll find the Sky Bar, multiple infinity pools, and la Parisienne. This is a big draw for many guests at Sandals Royal Barbados.
Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados: The Verdict?
So, which is the right fit for you – Sandals Barbados or Sandals Royal Barbados? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to be sure to get a room closer to the beach and at a great price, then Sandals Barbados is the right choice. But if you want something a little more updated and modern, then you’ll definitely want to book a suite at Sandals Royal Barbados.
Either resort you do choose, however, gives you plenty of access to the facilities and amenities at the other resort. So, if you pick one, it’s almost like you’ve picked both. Happy travels!
