Our Sandals Barbados & Sandals Royal Experience
Barbados has officially become one of our favorite destinations — so much so that we returned in October 2024 to celebrate my retirement. This was our second stay at Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados, and the “stay at one, play at two” experience made the trip unforgettable all over again.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with cocktails, cool towels, and the warmest smiles. Our penthouse Love Nest Butler Suite overlooked the ocean, complete with a soaking tub, stocked bar, and the kind of tranquility you only find on the top floor. Having two personal butlers was a dream — they checked on us regularly, tracked us down when we went “too long” without calling, and made sure the little things were always taken care of.
This trip was special because we brought 11 friends and family members with us. That made every night feel like a celebration, whether it was relaxing at the pool bar, hosting game night in our suite, or enjoying the private dinner the resort arranged for our group.
If you're planning a luxury escape where relaxation meets five-star service, Sandals Barbados is a perfect choice.
👉 If you’re considering Barbados or want help booking any Sandals property, reach out to Authentic Horizons. And before you plan your trip, be sure to read my other Barbados blog posts for more tips and insights.
Next up: Dining Highlights at Sandals Barbados — What to Eat, Where to Eat & Why You’ll Love It
Our Top Dining Highlights
One thing about me and my husband — we’re foodies. And if you love great food, Sandals Barbados will not disappoint.
With more than 20 restaurants between the two resorts, every day felt like a new culinary adventure. Schooner’s quickly became our favorite. Fresh seafood, ocean views, and a sunset backdrop? Perfection. The lobster bisque and grilled lobster tail are must-tries.
Butch’s Steak & Seafood was another standout (make your reservations early — they fill up fast). The lamb chops were so tender and flavorful that we talked about them for days.
Travel tip: The resort does an excellent job accommodating food allergies. Just stop by the concierge or update your dietary notes in the Sandals app.
Because we had a group of 10 rooms, Sandals treated us to a private cocktail hour and a hosted dinner. We saved that for our last night, asked everyone to wear white with a pop of color, and created one of my favorite memories from the trip.
👉 If you want help selecting the right restaurants or planning group dining at Sandals or anywhere else in Barbados, connect with Authentic Horizons. And don’t forget to check out the other Barbados posts for more planning tips.
Next up: Exploring Barbados — On- and Off-Resort Adventures You Can’t Miss
Casual Dining
A charming seaside (Maxwell Beach) dining option offering an authentic taste of Bajan cuisine.
The menu highlights fresh, local seafood, with standout dishes like grilled lobster, seasoned with traditional Bajan flavors, Lobster bisque, alongside favorites such as flying fish, often served with cou-cou or rice and peas. Non-seafood options are also available.
Elegant Dining
Located on the Sandals Royal Barbados side, this elegant dining venue offers a premium fusion of surf and turf. Signature dishes include tender, perfectly seared steaks and succulent seafood platters, complemented by a selection of fine wines and crafted cocktails. Ideal for a special evening. Resort-evening dress code. Reservations required.
Casual Dining
Green House is a vibrant, farm-to-table dining venue offering a fresh and healthy culinary experience. Set in a bright, airy atmosphere with lush greenery, it specializes in wholesome dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, including crisp salads, hearty grain bowls, and flavorful plant-based options. Perfect for a light, nutritious meal, Green House combines wellness with taste, complemented by refreshing juices and smoothies. Open for breakfast and lunch with a resort-casual dress code. Reservations are recommended.
Unforgettable Adventures
While the resort gave us everything we needed for a relaxing vacation, exploring Barbados made the trip even better.
We booked a catamaran cruise where we snorkeled, swam with sea turtles, and enjoyed an afternoon of music, food, and dancing on the ride back. It’s the kind of excursion that makes you fall in love with the island twice — once for the scenery, and again for the energy.
Off-resort, we ventured into Oistins for the Friday Night Fish Fry. If you're going, get there by 6 p.m. to avoid the crowds. Look for Ms. Pat’s stand — if the line is long, you’re in the right place. The grilled snapper is unforgettable. My husband enjoyed the barbecue pig tails from a different vendor-the name escapes me-he is still trying to recreate the pig tails at home.
One of my favorite moments was booking a Flying Dress photoshoot with my best friend. We took photos individually and with our spouses — such a fun keepsake.
Barbados is one of the few places where you can relax, explore, dance, dine, and feel completely safe while doing so. It’s a destination worth visiting again and again.
👉 If you’re thinking about adding Barbados to your travel plans — or want help booking Sandals, excursions, or day trips — contact Authentic Horizons. And explore the other posts in this Barbados series to help you plan the perfect getaway.