What's it like to visit Sandals Royal Barbados right now?

REASSURING EXPERIENCE

Riddell admits she was slightly apprehensive before leaving, but describes the entire travel experience as “absolutely fine”. “I was nervous about wearing the mask for eight hours on the flight, but actually we had no problems whatsoever. The airport experience was also fine – it felt very safe, well-organised and quiet.”

In-resort, the experience felt very reassuring, she says. “When we arrived there were seven couples staying at the resort, although it got busier towards the end of the week. As there were so few of us, it was easy to observe social distancing.”

The hotel adheres to Sandals’ Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness, with safety measures including requiring staff to wear face masks, spacing sun loungers further apart to ensure social distancing and buffets being replaced with table service.

Riddell says: “We felt the staff at the hotel were doing everything they possibly could to keep everyone safe. You’d see them in the day coming round and spraying the sun loungers, cleaning the door handles in restaurants and wiping the menus down. It definitely made you feel more at ease. It didn’t hinder the experience at all as we’re used to all this by now.”

STAR TREATMENT

Riddell stayed in the South Seas Royal Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary. She says the arrival, transfer service and private butler were all highlights.

“We had a VIP arrival service with a white Rolls-Royce collecting us from the airport. We couldn’t believe it – we thought Rihanna had shown up and it was for her!” she laughs.

Riddell was equally impressed by the welcome they received. “The manager was there to meet us, there was a steel band with dancers and all the butlers were lined up on a red carpet. I felt like the Queen!” she says. The butler service also made the experience extra-special. “Every morning we woke up to breakfast laid out on our patio by the pool, which was amazing.

“One evening we came back to a candle-lit bath, another night we came back to candles all around our patio and had a full dinner served from any restaurant we wanted. Every morning our butler would pick the loungers we liked and set them up with a cool box filled with beer, wine and water.”

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Anyone considering a trip to Sandals Royal Barbados must bear in mind the destination’s safety requirements, which include taking a Covid-19 PCR test, filling out an online immigration form and taking daily temperature checks.

Riddell explains: “When we landed, public health officials were there and they give you a letter with phone numbers if you feel unwell.

“They also give you a log sheet to fill out twice a day with your temperature. You can travel with your own thermometer and record this yourself, but we went to Sandals’ on-site nurse to have it done.”

She adds the Covid-19 test was straightforward. “We had a test [three days] before we landed – we did it privately before we left. It cost around £120 per person but it depends where you go.”

Since Riddell has returned, Barbados has moved the UK into the high risk category. Clients now have to undertake a second Covid test five days after their first test. Clients can then leave the resort and explore the destination once the negative results are in.

The new rules make an all-inclusive resort a good accommodation choice, says Riddell. “They’re really good value for money and you’re still allowed to enjoy the resort facilities while you wait for the results of your second test.”

She believes the new rules shouldn’t discourage visitors. “They wouldn’t put us off whatsoever – in fact, we’re considering going back to Sandals Royal Barbados in December.”