Barbados is one of the top destinations in the Caribbean for honeymoons and couples’ vacations, with year-round sunshine, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, rich culture, flavorful cuisine, and warm island hospitality.
Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados are two luxury all-inclusive, adult-only resorts that are located right next to each other in the popular St. Lawrence Gap area. Both are beautiful resorts, but they do have some differences. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is right for you.
At a Glance
Because Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados are literally next door to each other, they feel like one big resort. The main difference is in the accommodations; Sandals Royal Barbados is newer and has only club and butler-level suites, so they are a bit more modern. The rooms at Sandals Barbados are still quite nice, but they tend to be more affordably priced.
Both are set along lovely Maxwell Beach, with soft white sand and calm turquoise water. There are 20 restaurants, 14 bars, 11 pools, and 6 whirlpools between the two resorts. They are about 15 minutes from the airport via the complimentary roundtrip transfer service.
Accommodations
Sandals Royal Barbados (All-Suite, Newer, More Luxe)
- All rooms are suites—either club or butler level, which come with extra perks
- Modern and upscale decor
- Swankiest suites (all of which come with personal butler service and have separate living rooms for extra space):
- Skypool Suites: Elevated private infinity pool, ocean views, outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub
- Beachfront Prime Minister Suites: Ground floor with private plunge pool, outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub, direct beach access
- Rondoval Suites: Walled pool sanctuary with outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub, cool round design, very private in a lush garden setting
- Millionaire Swim-up Suites: Private patio with outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub, direct pool access
Sandals Barbados (Classic, Serene, More Budget-Friendly)
- Offers a mix of rooms and suites
- Three distinct areas: Caribbean Village, Crystal Lagoon Village, Beachfront Village
- All rooms have private patios or balconies; most rooms have outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs
- Nicest suites:
- Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Suites: Direct pool access, patio Tranquility Soaking Tub, concierge or personal butler service
- Beachfront Penthouse Suites: Panoramic ocean views, balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub, separate living room, clawfoot tub in bathroom, personal butler service
Key Difference:
- Royal = more luxurious, all-suite experience.
- Barbados = more affordable and peaceful, with a wider range of room types.
Dining
| Sandals Barbados | Sandals Royal Barbados | |
| Restaurants | 11 | 9 |
| Cuisines | Indian, Caribbean, Italian, Asian, sushi, coffee and crepes, steakhouse, seafood, pizza, British pub fare, international | French rooftop, American, Asian fusion, Jamaican jerk, Mediterranean, steak & seafood, pastries, healthy smoothie/café, healthy farm-to-table |
| Unique Features | Beachfront and open-air dining, Japanese teppanyaki, Parisian café | First-ever rooftop restaurant, first gourmet donut shop, healthy dining options |
All restaurants and cafes are included whether you stay at Sandals Barbados or Sandals Royal Barbados. Some require reservations.
Bars & Nightlife
Sandals Barbados has 7 bars onsite, including a swim-up bar and a tiki bar, and Sandals Royal Barbados also has 7 bars. These include some more unique options that are firsts for Sandals, like the rooftop bar, craft beer bar, and bowling alley bar.
Nightlife is laidback and includes bowling, singalongs at the piano bar, beach parties, live shows, theme nights. and chocolate buffets.
Pools & Activities
Both resorts offer a wide range of included watersports:
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Hobie Cat sailing
- Scuba diving (certification required)
- Glass-bottom boat rides
Land activities are also included:
- Beach volleyball
- Tennis
- Basketball
- Fitness center & yoga
- Bowling
- Day and night entertainment
There is a Red Lane Spa as well (extra cost for spa services). Area excursions are also available for an extra cost.
Guests at both resorts have access to all the pools and whirlpools:
- Sandals Royal Barbados: Rooftop pool, tropical garden pools
- Sandals Barbados: Main oceanview pool, the largest lagoon pool in Barbados, infinity-edge whirlpool
Arriving at Sandals Royal Barbados and Barbados
Airport: Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI)
Transfers: Complimentary, 15-minute drive to both resorts
Distance Between Resorts: with just a sidewalk separating the resorts, guests have seamless access to both
Cost Comparison: Sandals Barbados vs Sandals Royal Barbados
This is where you’ll find the main point of difference between the two resorts. While rates vary throughout the year, they are always lower at Sandals Barbados.
Prices at Sandals Barbados currently start at $272 per person per night, while at Sandals Royal Barbados they start at $327 per person per night.
Rates at both include:
- All meals, snacks, and drinks (including premium liquor and Robert Mondavi wine)
- Water and land activities
- Airport transfers
- WiFi
- Gratuities and taxes
- Fitness center access
- Daily and nightly entertainment
- Stocked minibar and coffee maker with Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee
- Access to everything at both resorts
Ratings
Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados have similar ratings on Google:
- 4.2 for Sandals Barbados
- 4.0 for Sandals Royal Barbados
Atmosphere
While just a sidewalk separates the two resorts, there is a difference in the vibe between them. Sandals Barbados is more laidback and quiet, while Sandals Royal Barbados is more lively and modern. For the best of both worlds, stay at the chill and more affordable Sandals Barbados and enjoy all the fun and amenities at Sandals Royal Barbados. Or, splurge on a swanky suite with butler service at Sandals Royal Barbados and enjoy the vast variety of restaurants, bars, and activities at both. You really can’t lose either way!