Sandals Royal Barbados

Barbados, Caribbean

Star rating

The hotel

You know you’re staying in the height of luxury when your drop-dead gorgeous suite has an al fresco ‘Tranquillity Soaking Tub™’ for two. That’s what every couple will get at the sparkling Sandals Royal Barbados. The latest in luxe in St Lawrence Gap, the resort features an incredible infinity pool, a huge Red Lane® Spa, and sumptuous suites. You’ll also get Sandals’ signature Luxury Included® indulgences. From dining, to drinking, to activities, it’s all laid out and completely complimentary. And, as if the six bars and nine dining venues aren’t enough, you’ll even get to pop into nearby Sandals Barbados if you fancy a change of scene, with its temptations including 11 more restaurants. For guests in select top category suites, Sandals Royal Barbados has also introduced the additional pampering of chauffeured Rolls-Royce or Mercedes Benz airport transfers for selected suites, allowing you to arrive in style!

Amenities

  • Honeymoon
  • Wedding
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

On the vibrant south coast, set on beautiful Maxwell Beach and within walking distance of St Lawrence Gap. Transfer time from airport: 15 minutes.

Hotel information

338 suites. All with air-conditioning, private balcony or patio with a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, HD LED Smart TV, complimentary WiFi access, telephone, coffee maker, iPod docking stations, safe, hairdryer and iron and ironing board, and fully stocked mini-bar with premium spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks,. All suites have 1 king-size bed and sleep maximum 2 adults.

South Seas Club Level Junior Palm Suites with Outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the ground and 1st levels of the Poinciana and Hibiscus buildings and feature walk-in closet, bathroom with walk-in rain shower and private patio or balcony with a chaise lounge, bistro set, privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Club Sandals service.

All Inclusive of: Sandals resorts are Luxury Included®; from luxury accommodation, 5-Star Global Gourmet™, unlimited premium-brand drinks, transfers, tips and taxes, to a huge range of sports facilities and entertainment — it’s all included!

South Seas Crystal Lagoon Club Level Junior Palm Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the second floor with views of the Crystal Lagoon pool and gardens, and feature a sitting area, large walk-in closet, bathroom with walk-in rain shower and balcony with a chaise lounge, bistro set, privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Club Sandals service.

South Seas Walkout Crystal Lagoon Club Level Junior Palm Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the ground floor with direct pool access from the private patio, featuring a spa-style bathroom with walk-in shower, a walk-in closet and private patio with chaise lounges, privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Club Sandals service.

South Seas Crystal Lagoon Club Level Barbados Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the second floors with views of the pool, and feature living area, spa-style bathroom with walk-in shower, and balcony with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Club Sandals service.

South Seas Hideaway Crystal Lagoon Club Level Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are on the second through sixth floors with peaceful garden views. This suite features a king-size Sandals Tranquility Blissful Bed, aromatherapy systems, and private patio with soaking tub. These suites include Club Sandals service.

Royal Seaside Oceanview Crystal Lagoon Club Level Barbados Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the second through fourth floors with ocean views. There is a master bedroom and adjoining living room, spa-style bathroom with walk-in shower, and private balcony with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Club Sandals service.

Royal Seaside Penthouse Oceanview Crystal Lagoon Club Level Barbados Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are luxurious penthouse suites situated on the top floor, offering views of the ocean. The rooms feature a living room, spa-style bathroom with walk-in shower, and balcony with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Club Sandals service.

South Seas Swim-Up Club Level Ultra Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the ground floors and feature direct, zero-entry access to the Crystal Lagoon pool. The rooms feature sitting area, spa-style bathroom with walk-in shower, and patio with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Club Sandals service.

Royal Seaside Swim-Up Club Level Ultra Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the ground floors and feature direct, zero-entry access to the Crystal Lagoon pool. The rooms feature sitting area, spa-style bathroom with walk-in shower, and patio with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Club Sandals service.

South Seas Hideaway Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub are on the ground floor and feature a king-size Sandals Tranquility Blissful Bed, aromatherapy systems, private patio with garden views and private soaking tub, plus zero-entry access into the swim-up pool. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

South Seas Hideaway Crystal Lagoon Oversized Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are on the second through fifth floors, and have a separate living room and bedroom. With a king-size Sandals Tranquility Blissful Bed, aromatherapy systems, 2 HDTVs, spa-style bathroom with freestanding soaking tub, and private balcony with soaking tub and garden views. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

Royal Seaside Crystal Lagoon One Bedroom Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are set on the second and third floors of the Sand Dollar building. The master bedroom offers a king-size bed, HD smart TV, and a fully stocked bar. A separate living room has a comfy seating area and a second HD smart TV. Guests enjoy personal butler service, 24-hour in-room dining, and VIP check-in.

Royal Seaside Crystal Lagoon Penthouse One-Bedroom Oceanview Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub areset on the fifth floor above a shimmering Crystal Lagoon pool, and boast unmatched views of the sea. The rooms feature separate living area, spa-style bathroom with walk-in shower, and patio with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

Millionaire Butler Oceanview One-Bedroom Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the second floor and feature a large private patio complete with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, separate living room, and bathroom with walk-in shower and freestanding bath tub. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

Royal Seaside Crystal Lagoon Swim-Up One-Bedroom Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the ground floor and feature direct access to the Crystal Lagoon pool. The rooms feature separate living area, spa-style bathroom with walk-in shower, and patio complete with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

South Seas Hideaway Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Oversized Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub are on the ground floor and have a separate living room and bedroom. Featuring a king-size Sandals Tranquility Blissful Bed, aromatherapy systems, spa-style bathroom with freestanding soaking tub, and private patio with soaking tub and zero-entry access to the swim-up pool. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

Millionaire Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Butler One Bedroom Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the ground floor and feature direct access to the Crystal Lagoon pool. The rooms feature bathroom with walk-in shower and freestanding bath tub, separate living area, and expansive patio complete with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

South Seas Royal Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary are private villas surrounded by lush foliage. They feature a soaring 20-foot conical ceiling, living and dining area, bathroom with large soaking tub carved out of solid stone, and a lavish zero-entry private pool with direct access from the bedroom. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

Beachfront One-Bedroom Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the second floor with a separate living and dining area, butler pantry, bathroom with frosted-glass shower and freestanding bath tub, and an expansive balcony overlooking the beach with day bed, privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

Beachfront Prime Minister One Bedroom Butler Suite with Private Pool and Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the ground floor with direct access to a private plunge pool, whilst overlooking the beach and ocean. The rooms feature a separate living and dining area, butler pantry, bathroom with frosted-glass shower and freestanding bath tub, and an expansive patio with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

Beachfront One Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub are located on the third through fifth floors, and feature a private, cantilevered infinity-edge skypool overlooking the beach and ocean. The rooms feature a separate living and dining area, butler pantry, bathroom with frosted-glass shower and freestanding bath tub, and an expansive balcony with privacy curtains and Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. These suites include Sandals Butler Service.

Sandals Butler Elite Service:

Providing you with uncompromising attention of a personal butler trained to the highest standards. Beginning with lemongrass-scented hand towels, welcome cocktails and culinary treats upon arrival, a private resort orientation and a luggage unpacking service. You will then be supplied with a personal mobile phone to reach your Butler when needed. Your wish is their command! In addition, butler guests will also have and in-room stocked mini-bar with a selection of spirits, beer and wine as well as soft drinks, juices and water, and 24-hour room service.

In addition, the Millionaire Suite, Prime Minister Suite, Rondovals and Skypool Suites all have Rolls Royce or Mercedes Benz transfers (arrival and departure).

5-Star Global Gourmet™ at Sandals Resorts brings new sights, sounds and tastes to all guests at each meal — of course, all included! 9 dining options: Butch's Steak and Seafood (open for dinner), Neptune’s (Mediterranean seafood on the beachfront, open for lunch and dinner), The Greenhouse (modern farm-to-table food, open for breakfast and dinner), Heart & Sol (grab-and-go food, open for breakfast and lunch), Jerk Shack, La Parisienne (French cuisine, open for breakfast and dinner), American Tavern (American-style food, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), Chi (Asian fusion, open for dinner), and Sweet n’ Salty’s Gourmet Donuts & Coffee shop. 6 bars offering unlimited premium spirits. Exchange privileges at Sandals Barbados offering a further 11 restaurants and 8 bars.

Nightly live entertainment including a resident band and cabaret shows. Weekly Manager’s Cocktail Party.

4 swimming pools and 4 whirlpools including a seaside glass infinity pool and Sandals’ first-ever rooftop infinity pool. Fitness centre and Yoga pavilion. Red Lane® Spa* with full range of treatments. Scuba-diving* (free for certified divers, fee applies to others). Non-motorised water sports including paddle boarding, Hobie Cat sailing, boogie boarding, snorkelling, and kayaking. Glass bottom boat trips. Volleyball, basketball, Bocce ball, cricket, pool and table tennis. Board games. Day and night tennis. Entertainment pavilion featuring a 4-lane bowling alley 'Lovers Lanes', living room and games room.

Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Complimentary WiFi access in all room categories and public areas. The Beach House Resort Shop* and SnapShots Photo shop*. The resort has a 6,000 sq. ft. wedding and conference facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The Millionaire Suite, Prime Minister Suite, Rondovals and Skypool Suites all have Rolls Royce transfers (arrival and departure). Room service. 

* Denotes local charge.

Two people in love over 18 years only.

Dress code: evening dress code for gentlemen states that smart trousers or jeans, long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar) and dress shoes or sandals must be worn. Shorts, t-shirts, trainers, flip-flops, hats and caps are not permitted in the evening.

Please note: please ensure you have adequate insurance to take part in adventurous activities.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2338)
  • Very good (609)
  • Average (488)
  • Poor (339)
  • Terrible (277)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Definitely not a 'Royal' experience

Nov 29, 2025 Richard R Manchester, United Kingdom

Sandals Royal Barbados is a lovely resort but its not as good as it's sold. It's sold as a new luxury hotel when actually, its a refurbished hotel that doesn't deserve 5 stars. We arrived at 3pm and our room wasn't even ready-not a great start after an 8 hour flight! It wasn't explained at check-in that the App wasn't working properly & there… Read more
Sandals Royal Barbados is a lovely resort but its not as good as it's sold. It's sold as a new luxury hotel when actually, its a refurbished hotel that doesn't deserve 5 stars. We arrived at 3pm and our room wasn't even ready-not a great start after an 8 hour flight! It wasn't explained at check-in that the App wasn't working properly & there were lots of IT issues due to systems being controlled via Jamaica (and with the recent storms not everything was working) There are signs all round the complex stating you cant put towels on sunbeds before 7am but the staff bring trolleys full of towels at 6am so everyone makes a mad scramble and by 7am, there are no sunbeds left. So you end up having to set an alarm for 6.15am just get a bed by the pool-not what you expect on holiday! Booking restaurants wasn't easy. Most restaurants that needed to be booked were already full or the only tables available were at 9pm-when the restaurants close at 9.30pm!!! When booked the French restaurant for our Anniversary (although it took 2 attempts to make a booking), we told them it was our anniversary - not one person wished us happy anniversary & it felt lie they didn't care! We stayed in a Club Level suite which is supposed to be premium to the other rooms and have a higher level of service. I dread to think how bad the service was in the other rooms if ours was supposed to be premium! The bar staff & most restaurant staff are great but the management need to sort their act out. We had to complain to housekeeping twice as our room hadn't been cleaned when we got back from the pool. The issue got sorted, but it shouldn't have happened in the first place. We complained to Virgin Holidays (who we booked through) and they requested the Guest Services Manager call us, 2 days later-still no call, so we complained again. We weren't the only people complaining. Another couple on our same flight complained about the same issues and also got no answers or apology. They even stated they'd stayed at 2 other Sandals resorts which were much better. It seems like Sandals Royal Barbados needs new management who know how to give it the Sandals treatment. Its our first time in a Sandals resort and we dont think it was value for money. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful resort, fantastic vacation celebrating our anniversary

Nov 28, 2025 Y9398RWlisaw Lexington, United States

We had a wonderful time celebrating our anniversary! The location was beautiful the service fantastic. The room was comfortable and had everything you would need. The food was excellent! Great resort highly recommend
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Ehh, not worth the time or money

Nov 28, 2025 Rebecca E

I’ve stayed at four different Sandals resorts, and this has unfortunately been the most disappointing experience so far. The trip started with a serious safety issue. A large puddle of wet white paint was left in the middle of a walkway. I slipped hard, came out of my sandals, cut my toe, bruised my wrist, and twisted my ankle. After walking to… Read more
I’ve stayed at four different Sandals resorts, and this has unfortunately been the most disappointing experience so far. The trip started with a serious safety issue. A large puddle of wet white paint was left in the middle of a walkway. I slipped hard, came out of my sandals, cut my toe, bruised my wrist, and twisted my ankle. After walking to scuba (who kindly gave me a bandage), I passed the area again — the paint was still wet and untouched at least 20 minutes later. The risk for an older guest would have been significant. The nurse couldn’t provide basic care like Neosporin without a doctor’s note and told me to purchase it in the gift shop. The only gesture offered was a complimentary pedicure to fix the paint-damaged polish. And although the cut on my toe might not look severe in a photo, it’s right at the knuckle — deep, painful, and far worse in reality. Our room also had a strong odor — a mix of mildew or urine. We discovered the dehumidifier was overflowing because it had never been emptied. We had to empty it ourselves. Service at the bars was consistently unpleasant. One bartender, Toni, was openly rude — skipping over me and making flippant remarks. Friendly bartenders were rare, but Nakeem at the Lounge Bar was the standout highlight of the evenings. He was the one consistent bright spot. Entertainment was lacking. Many pools had no music or atmosphere, and activities were limited to one area at a time. With my injury, I couldn’t participate in the few options offered anyway. Many nights ended early simply due to boredom. Even the food timing was inconsistent. One night we stayed out late and were genuinely excited to grab Jerk Shack around 10 PM before heading back to our room. When we arrived, we were told they weren’t taking orders for at least another 15 minutes. It felt very unorganized and poorly managed. I understand that the Caribbean has a slower pace, but guest experience should still be a priority. Scuba was disappointing and felt loosely supervised. Long drive to the boat, large groups (eight divers to one DM), unclear descent guidance, and the DM switching fin colors mid-day, making him unrecognizable underwater. Dining was mixed. Reservations were nearly impossible; we only secured one in a five-day stay. Restaurant staff (especially at the Merry Monkey) were wonderful, but the overall dining experience felt limited. The Sandals app also falls short — specifically for restaurants. It works fine for activities, but it doesn’t show restaurant hours, what’s open, or any live information. No option for simple to-go ordering either (late-night Jerk Shack would be perfect). Overall, this stay was overshadowed by safety concerns, room odor, inconsistent service, limited entertainment, and average experiences across the board. Grenada set a high bar for us, but this resort fell far short. I wouldn’t return and would likely choose an Airbnb with a view next time. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Property, not so great everything else!

Nov 27, 2025 Rachieh35 Stafford, United Kingdom

Firstly, I really wanted to love this resort, we had booked this 3 years ago to celebrate our 10th anniversary! We were greeted at the airport by lovely Sandals staff, directed to a lorry to transport our luggage and got on a small bus to transfer us to the resort, around 30 minutes later we arrived and we ushered into a comfortable lounge for… Read more
Firstly, I really wanted to love this resort, we had booked this 3 years ago to celebrate our 10th anniversary! We were greeted at the airport by lovely Sandals staff, directed to a lorry to transport our luggage and got on a small bus to transfer us to the resort, around 30 minutes later we arrived and we ushered into a comfortable lounge for check in. We had checked in online so waited no time at all, we were quickly shown to our room. The room was a good size and nicely decorated. The outdoor soaking tub was a lovely addition. This is when we started to notice that there were a few minor issues, a cupboard door hanging off, the safe only had 4 numbers that actually worked and the rainfall shower didn’t rainfall, it dribbled. The hot water took around 15 minutes to actually come through. All of these things I could probably live with, not 5 star standard but liveable. The real fun started the following day with sun bed drama. I arrived at the pool around 7.15am and not one sun bed was available at any pool. Mostly booked by Butlers and other early risers. We went to breakfast and arrived back at 9am, still no one on any beds just all blocked! We found a sign that said no booking beds before 7am and if they are not used by 10am belonging will be removed……this doesn’t happen! Day 2, I got up especially early to try to find two sun beds, I arrived at the pool at 6.10am to find beds all booked, I enquired with some Butlers who said they are allowed to book these beds! I did eventually find two beds which were fine at 6.25am! This was the day that I discovered that Butlers were booking beds in different locations for one set of guests. Two at the bottom area of the infinity pool, two at the top of the infinity and two in the beach! This doesn’t seem correct at all! The sunbed drama continued….. The next issue was the room was serviced somedays and not other days, or they would try to come and service your room at 6pm! On the days you did get the service, there was always something wrong, first issues the toilet became blocked after the service person placed large amounts of paper down the loo (6 hours for anyone to resolve this issue), no hairdryer for the first 3 days (asked around 5 times for this), then the towel issue began, room serviced and no towels left, called House Keeping and they assured someone would bring some, 2 hours passed, tried to call Guest Services from the telephone in the room and no one answers, went to Guest Services to request towels and was assured they would be delivered and advised the telephone in the room doesn’t connect to them, they advised using the chat option from the QR code (no one ever responded to that), another 90 minutes passed and we went back to Guest Services about the missing towels, the lady there went off to get some, I waited in excess of 20 minutes and she never returned so I asked for them to be delivered to our room, about 45 minutes passed and she called saying our towels were in her office, we asked if she could bring them to the room and were told “she doesn’t work in housekeeping!” This was the point we asked to speak to a Manager, they are never available and always in meetings! They are always calling you back and that never happens. After the selection of issues we decided to check out as it was never a true 5 star hotel! We were informed that a Manager was coming to see us! Never happened! We then emailed the General Manager who again never responded, contacted Sandals via X who assured us they were getting him to see us, never happened. Only upon reaching out to the Chairman were we actually starting to be listened to. We did meet with the General Manager and the Resort Manager of Sandals Barbados, although we were staying at Sandals Royal Barbados, who was actually very nice. He listened to our concerns and repeatedly asked how they can make it better, all we asked for was them to do what we paid for! However, they did try and resolve some of the issues and provided us with a rum tour which was very pleasant! The plus sides of Sandals, the food is exceptional! The drinks are very free flowing at some bars and restaurants. 75% of the staff are excellent, 25% probably shouldn’t be working in that environment. This resort is aimed at the American tourists, although some were very nice the majority were very loud and over the top, spent a lot of time in large groups using pool floats as mobile bars in the pool……concerning they never seemed to get out to pee! Overall, the resort is very beautiful but the service levels let this place down significantly. Personally, I would not return here and probably it not to a Sandals resort again as this experience ruined what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday. This was the first holiday I have been on where I actually looked forward to going home. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic vacation

Nov 27, 2025 Alfredscottb

We just finished a 7 day at Sandals Royal Barbados. This is our second stay here and 5th time to the island. Check in was smooth and on time. We had no problems getting restaurant reservations. Butches and Green House were our favorite restaurants. Heart and sole was the go to for snacks and healthy smoothies. We only ran into a couple rude… Read more
We just finished a 7 day at Sandals Royal Barbados. This is our second stay here and 5th time to the island. Check in was smooth and on time. We had no problems getting restaurant reservations. Butches and Green House were our favorite restaurants. Heart and sole was the go to for snacks and healthy smoothies. We only ran into a couple rude employees that truly seemed like they didn't want to be there. I totally understand some of the negative reviews but for us we had an amazing experience. I would like to thank Mia who was always so helpful. (K)Claire from from desk was such a kind person and always quick to lend a helping hand. Rashawn from Bombay was our favorite waiter. He was very good. Latisha from the donut shop was always greeted with a line up out the door and responded with a big smile and hard work. Barbara the lady who cleaned our room did a great and thorough job. Shania and Cherise from heart and sole made the best smoothies and displayed a lot of pride on their jobs. The grounds were very well kept and clean. Great beach but rough water. Everyday yellow flag behind the rock walls and red flag down by watersports. Great resort and island. Read less