A first look at Sandals Royal Barbados

This winning approach is so successful that Sandals now has 16 properties scattered throughout the Caribbean, of which Sandals Royal Barbados – which opened last month – is the newest. The resort is on the island’s south coast, just 15 minutes from the airport and right next door to its popular sister property, Sandals Barbados. But far from competing with its more established sibling, Sandals Royal Barbados essentially operates as an extension. The combined resorts have over 500 rooms, five pools, 12 bars and 17 restaurants, giving clients the opportunity to “stay at one, play at two”.

Both remain true to Sandals’ couples-only ethos, inviting guests to “live out your dreams in a resort made for love”. Whichever resort they choose, romantically-inclined clients can look forward to bathtubs built for two, all sorts of couples’ spa treatments and two-person hammocks scattered throughout tropical gardens. The only real difference, in fact, is the newer property’s upgraded accommodations: Sandals Royal Barbados is an all-suite resort with elevated Club Level concierge or Butler Elite service as standard.

My room – a South Seas Club Level Junior Palm Suite – may be entry-level, but it does not feel like it. Generously sized and classy, it is decorated in contemporary shades of white, grey and ocean blue, and features maritime artworks, king-size bed and a lounge area with complimentary mini-bar. Full-height windows lead onto a balcony complete with “Tranquility Soaking

Tub” (a Sandals trademark) tucked away behind billowy drapes. It is a cool and comfortable space in which to linger.

Clients with deeper pockets can upgrade to one of 16 further room types, ranging from swim-up and oceanfront suites to charming, safari-style “rondoval” cottages with thatched roofs, private plunge pools and sun-filled patio gardens. Privacy here and around the resort is enhanced by hibiscus and tropical plantings; once fully established, these gardens will be just as lovely as those next door, with hummingbirds busily flitting between the blooms.

In addition to stylish new rooms, Sandals Royal Barbados also features new innovations for the brand, including a rooftop pool and a glass-fronted infinity pool overlooking the ocean, plus a men’s barbershop and “Lovers Lanes”, a four-lane bowling alley. Also new are two dining concepts: Chi (offering Asian fusion cuisine) and American Tavern. As with La Parisienne (French), Neptune’s (Mediterranean) and Butch’s Steak & Seafood, all the restaurants are top quality but none outshine the sushi at Soy, curries at Bombay and authentic Caribbean cuisine at Spices, all three of which are at the original resort and are genuinely excellent.

Although reservations are required at some of the restaurants, there is no extra charge and clients are free to dine wherever they wish and as often as they choose. The same is true for activities, with no limit to the number of times they play tennis, for example, join a yoga class or take sailing or paddle-boarding lessons. As for me, I will be taking advantage of another snorkelling excursion in the hope of more turtle close-ups. But before I rush to sign myself up, I might just treat myself to one more poolside cocktail...

Book it: Seven nights at Sandals Royal Barbados costs from £1,919pp, including Virgin Atlantic flights and transfers, departing 27 September, 2018.

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