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| © Travalliancemedia Owned Media (Staff Photo) |
By Brian Major, TravelPulse
What began in 2016 as an expansion of the Sandals Barbados resort became something completely different a few months later. In March 2017, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announced it would build an entirely new property: Sandals Royal Barbados, a couples-only, all-suite property, which debuted this past December.
The new resort is directly adjacent to Sandals Barbados, creating a two-resorts-in-one concept. There are no barriers, boundaries or restrictions of any sort between the two resorts, meaning all guests can experience each property’s amenities, facilities and services. “In Sandals’ style, guests may stay at one, but play at two,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, SRI’s chairman.
[post_ads]The newest Sandals resort is also good news for Barbados, whose popularity as a Caribbean vacation destination has surged with North American vacationers in recent years, due in part to SRI’s arrival. “New developments like Sandals Royal Barbados will go a long way to keep our destination fresh and top-of-mind with potential holidaymakers,” said William “Billy” Griffith, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI).
Vacationers will find a lushly landscaped property with an array of impressive pools, generous lounge areas illuminated by nighttime fire pits, and facilities ranging from a full-service spa to an Island Routes excursion office.
Other amenities include the Beach House Resort Shop, a new retail brand selling Caribbean-themed resort wear, home goods, local craft and provisions.
The property is set along Maxwell Beach, overlooking Oistin Bay, which has been temporarily closed because of the presence of sargassum seaweed, making it inaccessible to guests. In the meantime, the resort is offering complimentary transfer to Carlisle.
Fanciest and Most Common Accommodations: The most luxurious accommodations are the Beachfront Millionaire Butler Suites and Skypool Butler Suites, which feature living rooms with dining room tables, desks, sofas, butler pantries and fully stocked wet bars that open onto generously sized patios with a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two—complete with privacy curtains. Bedrooms have king-size beds and feature direct access to private plunge pools. Bathrooms are equipped with marble vanities with backlit mirrors, freestanding bathtubs with separate showers.
The more common Club-Level suites feature sitting areas, soaking tubs, king-size beds, walk-in closets, fully stocked bars, bathrooms with double basin vanity and walk-in showers.
What’s Included: Accommodations, all meals, drinks, watersports and entertainment activities are included in rates.
Best Entertainment: Musical and cultural shows are offered throughout the week on an open-air stage. Perhaps the resort’s most popular entertainment offering is the colorfully lit Lovers Lanes bowling alley, a first for a Sandals property. The space is adorned with sexy décor, including a huge vintage photograph of Marilyn Monroe leaning suggestively over a bowling ball. During a recent visit, the bowling alley was a huge hit, as guests tested their skills late into the night accompanied by pulsating music and specialty cocktails at the Lovers Lanes Bar.
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What’s for Dinner? The Jerk Shack offers a fantastic lunch/dinner option, serving up Caribbean specialties such as jerk pork and chicken, sweet potato and “festival,” a slightly sweet, lightly fried bread twist.
American Tavern is the resort’s main international buffet restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. À la carte breakfast is also available at La Parisienne. Neptune’s is a beachfront restaurant offering Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner.
Dinner specialty restaurants include Chi, serving Asian fusion cuisine, and Butch’s Steak and Seafood, which features select cuts of meat and seafood options. Bar options include the rooftop Sky Bar, the South Seas Pool Bar, Neptune’s Bar and the Lovers Lanes Bar.
Who Books this Resort? The resort is an ideal option for couples looking for a relaxing getaway, newlyweds and destination wedding groups. Friends traveling together will also find the resort’s numerous cuisine and entertainment options appealing.
Insider Booking Tip: Promotional offers currently available for Sandals Royal Barbados’ opening season provide travelers with opportunities to enjoy a significant value.
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