Three things guests love about... Sandals Barbados. A full review.


Sandals Barbados in a nutshell

Photos | Resort map | Rooms | Restaurants | Inclusions

Accommodation Type: 5 star all-inclusive resort (adults-only).
Location: St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados.

Recommended airport: Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI).
Transfer time to resort: 20 minutes.


Best Sandals resort for:
Sandals Barbados is one of the newest and most luxurious Sandals resorts. Barbados offers some amazing scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Stay at 1, play at 2 resorts.

Atmosphere: Sophisticated, Social.
Restaurants: 11 restaurants + 7 more at Sandals Royal Barbados.
Sandals resort close by: Sandals Royal Barbados (review).

See all Sandals Barbados deals here.


Overall review of Sandals Barbados

sandals barbados resort aerial view

Sandals Barbados is one of the latest additions to the Sandals chain. Located in the St. Lawrence’s Gap area, the resort is the perfect place to enjoy sun, sea and sand, with hints of Calypso and Reggae music to get you into the rhythm of the Caribbean. Like with all Sandals properties, luxury is at the forefront at Sandals Barbados, with modern amenities and the largest and longest lagoon pool in Barbados. Off over 4,000 reviews, 86% (!) of respondents vote their stay at Sandals Barbados as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very good’. For the purposes of this review, here’s three of the top reasons guests love Sandals Barbados!


Three things guests love about Sandals Barbados

Based on real customer reviews.

1. Guests love the Merry Monkey pub

inside view merry monkey pub with people interacting

For Barbados, the Sandals ‘stay at one, and play at all’ exchange program means that you can enjoy the amenities of both Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados while on this Eastern Caribbean island. This means you have access to seven more restaurants located at Sandals Royal Barbados! For Sandals Barbados on its own, you’ll enjoy dining (and drinking!) options like The Merry Monkey, a British inspired pub where you can feast on Braised Pork Belly, Fish & Chips, Seared Scallop and more. The Merry Monkey pub is often referred to as the ‘Gem of Sandals Barbados’. Other popular restaurants and bars include the Bayside restaurant, Bombay Club and the Piano Bar.

Insider tip: The most popular restaurants at Sandals Barbados require a reservation. Make sure to make some dinner reservations on arrival, especially during peak season! For dress-codes and opening times, see: restaurants at Sandals Barbados.



2. Guests love the main pool and swim up bar

main pool with swim up bar on display

You’ll find that much of your stay revolves around the central pool and swim up bar which is always an upbeat space filled with music for ambiance and activities. There are other pools located on property which are a bit quieter, if peace and serenity is what you seek.

3. Guests love the exceptional butler service

sandals barbados butler serving lunch at room

Butler service offered by Sandals resorts definitely takes your vacation to new heights, and this is something that is not offered at many other Caribbean resorts. This makes Sandals stand out in a significant way, especially Sandals Barbados where the butlers are known for attending to the every need of guests in their care, while at the same time knowing when you need some privacy to enjoy some couple time. At Sandals Barbados, you won’t have to worry about butlers hovering around, but they will be there when you need assistance. Your personal butler will be of service by making dinner reservations, organizing your excursions or bringing you ice cold drinks and snacks on the beach.

Undoubtedly, Sandals Barbados is the full package; here you’ll be able to indulge in private Tranquility Soaking Tubs on most patios and terraces, ocean views, Butler Elite service, Crystal Lagoon Swim Up Suites, and other amazing attractions.

Looking for a good deal? See all Sandals Barbados deals here.


Popular tours and excursion at Sandals Barbados

Sun, Sand and Snorkeling.

sea turtle snorkeling close-up

Photo credit: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com

Take a luxurious catamaran cruise in Barbados and sail along the gorgeous crystalline coastline to a tranquil bay where if you're lucky you can enjoy a swim with the islands renowned sea turtles. Then, jump in the water and snorkel on a shallow shipwreck teeming with brilliantly hued tropical marine life. You will then make our way to a secluded bay where you can go for a refreshing swim, stroll on the beach, or relax in the warm sunshine. While the catamaran is anchored, a delicious buffet style lunch will be served.

Insider tip: Sandals Barbados repeat guests often recommend to spend at least one (half) day outside of the resort to explore the island. Make sure to book tours and excursions before arrival to ensure availability.



Barbados Discovery Jeep Safari.

safari jeep driving through puddle splashing mud

Jump in a 4x4 off-road jeep and explore the amazing coastal views and hidden bays of Barbados during this half day tour. Your journey begins as you travel on and off-road through the heart of the island between the sugar estates and quaint villages to the splendid Bathsheba shoreline. Here, our amazing rock formations make the perfect backdrop in your photos as you capture nature's amazing wonders. As your journey continues your guide will entertain you with unforgettable folklore and stories. Your next stop will be Bath Beach; considered one of the best beaches on the East Coast this bay welcomes Leatherback & Green Turtles that travel thousands of miles to safely nest each year. During your time at Bath Beach you can swim in the refreshing waters of the Caribbean Sea, enjoy a light meal with refreshments and take photos of your gorgeous surroundings. As your day comes to a close, the journey back to the southern end of the island will be highlighted by the natural beauty of the Bajan landscape.

Caves & Critters.

barbados green monkey eating fruit

Photo credit: pythian2/Shutterstock.com

Come with us to one of the world's most beautiful underground gems, Harrison's Cave! Once there you'll take a tram inside the cave before travelling deep beneath the earth to see the natural forming stalactites and stalagmites. With still glass-like pools, and rushing streams, this is truly one of the world's natural wonders. Once back above ground, it's over to the Wildlife Reserve where you'll be able to observe a number of animals! If you're lucky you may even get to see the famous Barbados Green Monkey. You'll have a unique opportunity to stroll freely through the Reserve watching the animals at close range as they eat, play and interact with other animals. This is the perfect experience for nature lovers!

Expert tip: Still not sure which Sandals resort is right for you? Read ‘Which Sandals resort is best for you? The ultimate guide.’ and find out!



Recent Sandals Barbados Awards

Awards Sandals Barbados won in the past 5 years alone, not counting the awards that were won by Sandals Resorts as a chain:

  • World Travel Awards: Carribean’s Leading Resort 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.
  • World Travel Awards: Barbados Best Resort Spa 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.
  • American Academy of Hospitality Sciences: Six Star Diamond Award 2016, 2018.
  • American Academy of Hospitality Sciences: Six Star Diamond Award 2016, 2018 (Bombay Club Restaurant at Sandals Barbados).
  • American Academy of Hospitality Sciences: Six Star Diamond Award 2016 (Butch’s Chophouse Restaurant at Sandals Barbados).
  • Travvy Awards: Best Resort in the Caribbean 2016.
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Awards: Gold Award – Luxury Hotel/Resort 2016.

Guests love Sandals Barbados! Select a room and book online, or call us at +1 888-726-3257.



Also check out the other resorts!

Sandals resort in Barbados:
Sandals Royal Barbados review

Sandals resorts in Jamaica:
Sandals Montego Bay review
Sandals Royal Caribbean review
Sandals Negril review
Sandals South Coast review
Sandals Ochi review
Sandals Royal Plantation review

Sandals resorts in the Bahamas:
Sandals Royal Bahamian review
Sandals Emerald Bay review

Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia:
Sandals Grande St. Lucian review
Sandals Regency La Toc review
Sandals Halcyon Beach review

Sandals resort in Antigua:
Sandals Grande Antigua review

Sandals resort in Grenada:
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Kylie Morrow

About Kylie Morrow

Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean.