Sandals Barbados Vs Sandals Royal Barbados

Sandals Barbados Vs Sandals Royal Barbados: Which Is Best?

By Erik Ritland | Updated on March 3, 2026

Barbados has quickly become one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the Caribbean! Fortunately, Sandals Resorts has two locations on this beautiful island, but which one is best for you?

While Sandals Royal Barbados is newer and features only suites, Sandals Barbados recently underwent extensive renovations so the accommodations and restaurants are top notch. They are both right next to each other and the good news is that you get full access to both resorts regardless of which one you stay at.

Having been to both of these properties multiple times now, I’ll review the biggest differentiators of the two resorts, what the costs are, and how to get the best deals each!

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    Comparison Of My Resort Experiences

    Although Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados share a lot of similarities, there are some key differentiators I want to point out. As a Sandals Certified Specialist that has visited both locations over the years, here are the biggest differences I noticed. 

    • Accommodations: The biggest difference to me was the accommodations at both resorts. Sandals has three room categories, Luxury Level, Club Level, and Butler Level. At Sandals Royal Barbados, they only have suites. Meaning they offer Club and Butler Level Suites, but not lower priced Luxury Level rooms. Here you can find one of a kind options like the Skypool Suites, Rondoval Suites, and Swim-Up Suites.  Conversely, Sandals Barbados offers a wider spectrum of affordable room options, including Luxury Level rooms. You can find some very cool Swim-Up Suites here as well. 
    • Vibe: The atmosphere on the Royal Barbados side is a little more upscale and seemingly has more activity. Sandals Barbados, on the other hand, has more of a laid back and intimate vibe. Keep in mind that Sandals Royal Barbados was opened in December of 2017, while the original Sandals Barbados resort opened in 2015. While they are both continuously updated, the amenities at Royal Barbados are slightly better. 
    • Inclusions: Both of the Sandals in Barbados are all-inclusive, and even provide free airport transfers. When you combine both locations, you get access to 21 world class restaurants, 14 bars, 11 pools, so it’s really like getting two vacations in one. Both resorts also have a no tipping policy so there are no extra expenses to worry about.
    • Amenities: Sandals Royal Barbados has several unique amenities, including a bowling alley (Lover’s Lane), a rooftop infinity pool, and airport transfers in a Rolls Royce. Sandals Barbados has wonderful amenities and a great beachfront pool, but it does not have the upscale features like Royal Barbados. Fortunately, you get access to all of the amenities at both resorts!
    • Location: The two properties are located right next to each other and share the same complex so you can easily walk to the back and forth in under 5 minutes. You are free to share all of the amenities at each location regardless of which one you are staying in. Since they are combined, it’s like having an extra large private beach at your disposal. Both resorts are only about 15 minutes from the airport.
    • Price: It’s important to consider everything that’s included at each resort when comparing prices. Since Sandals Royal Barbados has only Club and Butler Level suites, the prices here tend to be higher than Sandals Barbados. The suites and butler service at Royal Barbados are top notch, and you can also get Rolls Royce airport transfers. That said, Sandals Barbados represents an excellent value as the accommodations there are still very nice and you get full access to the neighboring Royal Barbados as well.  Rooms at Sandals Barbados start at about $295 per person/per night, while the Royal Barbados starts at about $330 per person/per night.

    Sandals Royal Barbados Overview

    Sandals Royal Barbados Overview

    Renowned as a bastion of luxury in the eastern Caribbean, Sandals Royal Barbados sets a new standard when it comes to all-inclusive resorts. The elevated accommodations really set this property apart. From Rolls Royce airport transfers to sophisticated butler suites, you’re sitting in the lap of luxury.  

    The first time here I remember being surprised by just how colorful and green the vegetation was. The fine white sand along St. Lawrence Gap feels like it’s melting between your toes. When your’e not at the beach you can be relax at the main infinity pool or at the rooftop pool and bar.

    We stayed in the Skypool Butler Suite that overlooks the beach. It was as fabulous as it sounds and the butler Edwin was phenomenal. The room came with a fully stocked bar of top shelf spirits. Not to mention the spa style bathroom was the perfect way to wind down at the end of the day. Overall, this was my favorite Sandals Resort in Barbados.

    What I Love About Sandals Royal Barbados:

    • Luxurious Suites: The resort has only Club and Butler Level Suites that are spacious and modern. They feature private pools, tranquility soaking tubs, butler service, better rooms service options, and Rolls Royce airport transfers. The suites available here are not offered at the Sandals Barbados.
    • Romantic Atmosphere: They are very focused on romantic experiences which makes it an ideal sport for a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or a much needed vacation. The adults-only policy makes for a very intimate and peaceful vacation overall.
    • Exchange Program: When you stay here you also get full access to the neighboring Sandals Barbados, which means 21 restaurants, 14 bars and swim-up bars, and 11 pools to choose from.
    • Service Level: You get 5-star service, regardless of which room category you choose. The staff is super friendly and always eager to go above and beyond to make sure you have a great vacation.
    • Restaurants: Some of the restaurants at Royal Barbados stood out to me as better quality than others. Butch’s Steak & Seafood is a particular favorite, but Neptunes by the beach and the Jerk Shack are also fantastic! I highly recommend the rooftop restaurant La Parisienne for a sunset date. 
    • Focus On Wellness: There’s a healthy inspired theme throughout the resort with some wellness inspired restaurant options, state of the art gym, and fitness classes that are nice to have while on vacation. I really enjoyed Heart And Sol for the smoothie bowls and Greenhouse for fresh farm to table meals.
    • Unique Amenities:  They have a bowling alley, glass bottom boat, state of the art fitness center, and tennis lessons, to name a few. But there’s plenty of unique activities to take part in if you want more action.
    • Unlimited Water Sport: Free PADI certified scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Make sure to sign up for the scuba and snorkeling outings at the dive shop in advance!
    • Entertainment: There’s nightly entertainment here with theme parties, fire dancers, silent discos, live music, and more. The schedule is constantly revolving, but the entertainment has always been good compared to what we’ve seen at other all-inclusive resorts.
    • Club Sandals: Even if you don’t get a Butler Level Suite, the Club Level still comes with access to Club Sandals where you get premium drinks and snacks throughout the day, a concierge to assist with reservations or questions, and an exclusive room service menu.
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    Drawbacks Of Sandals Royal Barbados: ​

    • Dinner Reservations: Some restaurants require a reservation like Butch’s or La Parisienne. Generally you can simply make a reservation that day, but a little known trick is that you can use the app to book up to 2 weeks in advance!
    • Non-Stop Flights: Flights to Barbados can sometimes require a layover on the way, but not always. For me that was the case, but several major US cities offer non-stop flights to Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI).
    • Premium Pricing: The price tends to skew higher than Sandals Barbados on average because there are only Suites at the Royal Barbados.  Yes, you can also get some rooms at Sandals Barbados that are more expensive than a stay at Sandals Royal Barbados, so this is not a blanket statement. For entry level rooms, Sandals Barbados will typically have more affordable options.
    • Individual Travelers: This resort is designed for couples, although it doesn’t have a “couples only” policy, it’s best suited for couples or groups of adults.

    Who It's Best For: ​

    Sandals Royal Barbados is best for couples who want a luxurious all-inclusive experience with modern accommodations like Rondoval Butler Suites and Skypool Suites overlooking the beautiful white sand beach.

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    Sandals Barbados Overview

    Sandals Barbados Overview

    For a more laid-back vibe, Sandals Barbados is the idyllic Caribbean hideaway. Experience the white sand at Dover Beach set amongst the lush tropical vegetation.  

    The pools never seemed to be that active at this resort, which make it perfect for reading a book while enjoying a tropical cocktail. If you wanted more action, you could always go to the main Seaside Pool at the Royal Barbados for DJs or dance parties.

    The resort celebrates the coastline so you’re never far from the water’s edge. With open-air dining, swim-up suites, and a Crystal Lagoon Pool, it truly melds with the outdoors. In fact, most rooms at this resort are very close to the beach which is a bonus. 

    What I Love About Sandals Barbados:

    • Amazing Value: The resort has a broad offering of rooms and suites to choose from at more affordable prices.  The rooms are all still very nice and you have the 5-star service that Sandals is known for while getting access to the exclusive Royal Barbados next door. Many of the rooms at Sandals Barbados are close to the beach or have ocean views.
    • Exchange Program: You get access Sandals Royal Barbados which is practically like two vacations for the price of one. This means you can use all of the amenities like the rooftop pool, bowling alley, and restaurants for free.
    • Adults Only: Sandals Barbados feels more intimate and lush. Since it’s an adults only resort, you can be assured of a stress-free setting for you and your partner!
    • Fantastic Dining: You get unlimited snacks and dining throughout the day. I highly recommend Kimonos Teppanyaki or Schooner’s Seafood at sunset.
    • Perfect Beach: The famous Dover Beach is perhaps the best beach in Barbados. Since the two Sandals properties are connected, you have a huge stretch of beach that is reserved just for guests.
    • Water Sports: Unlimited scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing included for free. You can even get certified to scuba dive at the resort if you want.
    • Entertainment: Fun entertainment every day with live music, theme parties, carnival celebrations, silent discos, and more.
    • Local Culture: Bridgetown is a short 15 minute drive from the resort and is filled with classic British colonial architecture. I love walking around to explore the local markets and shops. You can get trips that include shopping and sightseeing for only $30. 
    • Activities: Enjoy free tennis lessons, lawn chess, beach volleyball, and shuffleboard. They also have 10 acres of tropical gardens that you can explore, if nothing else it makes the property extremely beautiful to be in.

    Drawbacks Of Sandals Barbados: ​

    • Room Service Options: Note that Luxury Level rooms do not have room service, but Club and Butler Level Suites do have it.  If having room service was not a deal breaker, then you can get a better deal on your room. For me it’s nice to have 24 hour room service options, but it’s entirely up to personal preference!
    • Dinner Reservations: You will need to make a reservation to some restaurants, including Kimonos Teppanyaki  because each table around the grill only seats 9. I recomend to make reservations as soon as possible, and you can now use the Sandals app to book up to 2 weeks ahead of time.
    • Date Opened: Since the resort was completely renovated in 2015, it’s not as new as the Royal Barbados, but I still found the rooms at Sandals Barbados to be clean and elegant. That said, the rooms at Sandals Royal Barbados are more modern.  They are constantly updating the facilities, restaurants, and rooms at both resorts so it’s hard to go wrong.

    Who It's Best For: ​

    Sandals Barbados is best for those that want to get 5-star service but are on a tighter budget, you can get a room for a great price! Since the resorts have sharing privileges, you get access to the Royal Barbados right next door so it’s an unbeatable value.

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    Overall Conclusion

    If you’re struggling to decide between Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados, the good news is that you can’t go wrong with either.  However, if you know that you want new luxurious accommodations and unique amenities, Royal Barbados is going to be your best option. For couples that want to kick back and relax in a tropical paradise while getting a great price, Sandals Barbados will be the better fit. As mentioned before, the best part is that you get full sharing privileges between the two resorts to you get access to everything no matter which one you choose! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

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    Comparison Table

    Item Sandals Royal Barbados Sandal Barbados
    Adults Only Yes, Sandals Royal Barbados is adults only. Yes, Sandals Barbados is adults only.
    Accommodations An all suite resort with Club and Butler Level Suites. Unique options like Rondoval Suites, Swim-Up Suites, and Skypool Suites. Has all room types, including Luxury, Club, and Butler Level Rooms.
    Year Opened Newly opened in 2017 Major renovation in 2015
    Tipping No tipping policy. No tipping policy.
    Airport Transfers Transfers included for all rooms. Butler Elite Suites have Rolls Royce Transfer. Transfers included for all rooms.
    Amenities Rooftop pool, bowling alley, scuba diving, snorkeling, water sports, land activities, glass bottom boat. Scuba diving, snorkeling, water sports, land activities.
    Pricing Slightly more premium priced for entry level rooms. Not significantly more than Sandals Barbados. More affordable room options available in the Luxury Level category.
    Sharing Privileges Full access to all neighboring Sandals Barbados when you stay here (all restaurants, pools, and amenities). Full access to all neighboring Sandals Royal Barbados when you stay here (all restaurants, pools, and amenities).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does Sandals Barbados have access to Sandals Royal Barbados?

    Yes, both Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados are effectively on the same property. You get access to both resorts regardless of which one you stay at. To walk to the other resort is under 5 minutes. This means you can choose between 21 restaurants, 14 bars, and 11 pools in total. 

    What are the different room categories at Sandals?

    Sandals has three room categories, Luxury Level, Club Level, and Butler Level. The Luxury Level is the most affordable option. At Sandals Royal Barbados, they only have Club and Butler Level Suites so the resort is more upscale. The neighboring Sandals Barbados offers all three room categories so you can find several more affordable room options there if needed. 

    Which Sandals resort in Barbados is better?

    Deciding with Sandals Resort in Barbados is best comes down to personal preferences.  If you are on a tighter budget but still want to get 5-star service in a more laid back atmosphere, Sandals Barbados is the best option. If you want an all out luxurious experience with modern amenities and high touch service, Sandals Royal Barbados is the better fit. Personally, since I love the newer features and premium suites, Sandals Royal Barbados is my favorite overall. Since you get full access to both resorts no matter which you choose, there’s no wrong answer really.