Review of Sandals Barbados
Zoe Franklin, Sales Manager at Travel Club Elite, recently took a holiday to Sandals’ picturesque all-inclusive resort in Barbados. In her review of Sandals Barbados, which you can also enjoy as a podcast, Zoe shares the standout moments from her visit, discusses the impressive array of amenities available at the resort, and offers her recommendations for anyone considering a holiday at this destination.
First impressions of the Sandals Barbados Resort
When we landed in Barbados, we went straight to the Sandals desk outside and the transfers were arranged for us. Everything at the hotel was set in motion as we started our journey from the airport, ensuring everything would be ready for us when we arrived. We shared a transfer with another couple and a very funny driver on the way towards the resort and he gave us a history of the island to remember while we were visiting.
You immediately realise how huge the resort is when you arrive. There are of course the two hotel complexes in one area, which are the standard Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados, but both are so impressive.
After arriving, we were given a nice cocktail as a welcome drink, and then within a matter of minutes, were greeted by one of the porters that came over with our room key and took us up to the room. We had the luxury level room and were delighted with our accommodation. There was a huge king size bed, a mini bar, and a lovely balcony. We also had a beautiful bathroom which was fitted with floor to ceiling wardrobes.
Cuisine at Sandals Barbados
The food was amazing – we had a week of trying every restaurant! Over the two properties (Sandal Barbados and Sandal Royal Barbados) you can dine at any of the restaurants, and only one of them requires a reservation which is Butch’s Steakhouse. The Teppanyaki Kimonos would have required reservations, but that restaurant was closed for refurbishments when we were there. There’s a huge range of everything from Indian Caribbean and Italian food, with there also being a sushi restaurant as well. We tried the English pub on the first night for fish and chips – ironic going all the way to the Caribbean for fish and chips! But no, it’s lovely, like I said a really good range. I personally don’t eat meat even though my husband’s a big meat eater. This didn’t matter at all though because everywhere we went – even in the steak house, they had an amazing selection including some beautiful seafood. So whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, carnivore, pescetarian – you’ll have no problems whatsoever!
Range of activities at Sandals Barbados
There are so many activities to choose from while you’re there. You’ve got windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding if you’re looking to try out the range of water sports. There’s also volleyball, tennis, and they’ve even got a four lane, 10 pin bowling alley – all of these activities are included in the cost. You just need to book the slots for when you want to use them.
There’s a spa on site which isn’t included in your package, but you are able to book at the reception and they have a huge range of spa treatments. The resort works with a tour company as well for excursions which again you book through the resort. You can choose to go on a full island tour so you can soak up the sights outside of the resort, which I would highly recommend doing.
Zoe’s summary of Sandals Barbados
Although I read that the resort had mixed reviews about the food and service before visiting, we could not fault any aspect of Sandals Barbados. There was an array of top-class restaurant-quality food and I felt that the service was very good throughout our stay. It’s the type of place where you can relax as much as you want, or you can be as active as you want – we tended on this trip to relax as much as we wanted! I think the accommodation in the Royal Barbados is slightly more modern, where it’s a lot more sort of colonial style in Sandals Barbados. It really depends on what your budget is but there’s something for everyone. Overall, it was a really positive week of Sun, Sea sand and great food!
If you are interested in booking a trip to all-inclusive Sandals Barbados with exclusive savings, or if you wish to ask Zoe a question about her holiday, call free: 0800 707 6229.
Be sure to listen to the full interview with Zoe to hear more about her experiences at Sandals Barbados, and listen to more travel podcasts from our travel experts on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube and Apple podcasts.
