These two resorts seamlessly merge into one, connected by a small pathway. Once you cross it, the properties feel like a single, unified destination.
Grounds:
From the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by lush tropical gardens bursting with vibrant flowers. Every step comes with a fresh, fragrant breeze, making even a simple walk feel like part of the vacation experience.
Hotels:
The Royal Barbados side is more modern, while the Barbados side features an older architectural style but offers more oceanfront views.
Pools:
Both resorts feature numerous swim-up rooms and suites, along with five pools. The main pool on the Royal side is lively, with water aerobics, music, and live steel drum performances. On the Barbados side, guests can enjoy basketball and pool volleyball. Adjacent to the pool is a patio with cornhole, and the watersports area is nearby. Additional activities include croquet and shuffleboard on the Royal side.
Pool Chairs:
While butlers reserve the front area of the main oceanfront pool, it’s still easy to find chairs if you wake up early. With five pools across both properties, seating was generally available. The Sky Pool appeared to be open at all times and features a pool, hot tub, and bar on the sixth floor.
Staff:
The staff at every level of the resort was incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Tipping:
There was no pressure to tip, and staff did not expect it.
Tours:
Island Routes is the best choice for booking island excursions, but a private island tour is another great option. I highly recommend this—Jason and I did it, and it was fantastic.
Beach:
In February, the ocean can be rough, making watersports directly off the beach difficult. However, complimentary snorkeling and scuba trips are available, with a short drive to the boat departure area.
Entertainment & Activities:
The resort offers a variety of activities, including:
- Bowling (bring socks)
- Multiple bars with live entertainment
- Large stage performances
- Piano bars
- Silent headphone parties
- Karaoke
Food:
The food exceeded expectations, with most dishes rated 10/10. The variety and quality were outstanding!
Restaurant Ratings:
- Portofino’s Italian – 8/10
- Bombay Club – 10/10
- Kimonos – 10/10
- Butch’s Steak and Seafood – 10/10
- Greenhouse – 9/10
- Heart & Sol Restaurant – 11/10
- Sweet n’ Salty’s Donut and Coffee Shop – 10/10
- Café de Paris – 10/10
- Jerk Shack – 11/10! (Better than other island locations)
Fresh-squeezed juices every morning at Heart & Sol, and the avocado toast was an 11/10!
Food & Bar Service:
Rated 7/10 – Friendly service, but things run on island time.
Housekeeping:
Rated 7/10 – Rooms were cleaned daily, but often not until 4–5 PM, which could be improved. Dirty towels were collected, but service was sometimes inconsistent. We frequently left our service room light on all day, but it still wasn’t cleaned in a timely manner. Nightly turn-down service was not provided, though we heard other guests were offered it. The resort seemed short-staffed, so this may have been an off week.
Island of Barbados:
Absolutely gorgeous! A tour of the island is a must. Some recommended experiences include:
- Oistins Fish Fry Market (Fridays)
- Snorkeling with turtles, stingrays, and shipwrecks
- Historical island tours
- Feeding the monkeys
- Visiting Rihanna Drive
- Exploring the Animal & Flower Caves & Restaurant
The people of Barbados are incredibly friendly and kind.
Contact us today to book and find the perfect resort for you!
