Resorts Archives - Barbados All Inclusive

Sandals Royal Barbados Reviews

Sandals Royal Barbados officially opened for business on December 20, 2017.

Sandals Royal Barbados is a 222 all-suite resort, located right next door to Sandals Barbados.

Whenever a new resort opens, you can expect that it will not be operating at the same level of a resort that has been opened for months or years and the early reviews of the resort will reflect this. So, if you are sensitive to things not going exactly as planned, I would recommend you give this resort at least 4-6 months to work out the kinks.

If you are willing to give the resort and the people a chance, there is a lot to like about the new Sandals Royal Barbados.

Sandals Royal Barbados Reviews:

The staff in Barbados is friendly and helpful
Most people find the food to be very good – better than many other Sandals.
There are 6 restaurants at Sandals Royal Barbados and an additional 11 restaurants next door at Sandals Barbados.
Views from the ocean front rooms are spectacular
The rooms are well appointed and everything is brand new
There are many nice pools throughout the resort including the one-of-a-kind rooftop pool
The beach is nice, but the water is usually pretty choppy. This is not a place where you will be able to snorkel on most days.
There is not much shade available on the beach at Sandals Royal Barbados. There is a little more shade available next door. There are also covered cabanas available.
The grounds of the resort are extremely well maintained – many guest have reported seeing the local monkeys.
Another unique feature of this resort is the 4 lane bowling alley, which many guests enjoy.
Very good dive expeditions are available
The resort is frequently quite windy, which causes the ocean to be rough, but reduces the amount of bugs and mosquitoes.

More About Sandals Royal Barbados

All suites at Sandals Royal Barbados are either Club level or Butler level with balcony tranquility soaking tubs, room service, in-room bar, and turn-down service.
The resort has – 1 rooftop pool, 1 beachfront quiet swimming pool, 1 party pool in the South Seas area with swim up bar and 2 lagoon swimming pools.

Almond Beach Resort Reviews – 3.5 Star All Inclusive

Updated: October 1, 2016

Almond Beach Resort is an affordable family-friendly all inclusive resort, on the prestigious West Coast of Barbados. The property sits on a beautiful 1-km (half-mile) stretch of calm, beautiful beach in Heywoods, St. Peter. It is located only 30 minutes from the capital, Bridgetown, and 45 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport.

The resort’s 135 rooms, restaurants and facilities are located in the Southern section of the former Almond Beach Village. Sun Group Hotels recently renovated the property, updating and refreshing room blocks, dining areas, pools and children’s areas for its reopening at a four-star standard.

Below is a summation of hundreds of user reviews on Almond Beach Resort.

Almond Beach Resort Reviews: The Positive

The food is good, offering a la carte and buffet options
The Staff are friendly and courteous. They will do their best to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The rooms are spacious and clean.
There are several pools to choose from which are clean and inviting. Sun beds and umbrellas are not a problem.
The beach is stunning with plenty of sun beds available. The water is perfect for swimming. If the water gets a bit choppy the life guards keep a good watch out.
The Water Sports team and amenities are awesome.
Inclusive excursions are lots of fun. Jeep Safari, Island Tour, Glass Bottom Boat, Reef Fishing.
Evening entertainment is good..
Gardens and grounds are well maintained.
There is a lovely Tea Room where you can go and make tea and coffee throughout the day. Afternoon tea is delicious with sandwiches and cakes, etc.
There is a Kids Club available. Everyday outside of the kids club they have a printed itinerary of the days activities.
It is a nice little stroll to the quant town of Speightown.
Guests are able to visit Almond Beach’s sister hotel, The Sugar Cane Club, once during your stay.
Good value for the money.

Almond Beach Resort Reviews: The Negative

The Hotel is a little tired looking in places.
Some of the Rooms are a bit dated, Bathrooms included.
Some repetition from day to day with the menu.
Part of the Hotel is closed down.
All Three of the restaurants may not be open at the same time.
Pools are shallow. The deepest one being four feet.

Other considerations

A destination wedding and honeymoon can be planned at the Almond Beach Resort.
There is coral in some areas of the ocean floor. But there is plenty of clear places to play and swim.
At Almond Beach Resort there is plenty to do if you want action and lots of relaxation to be had if lying on the beach is your preference.

How does Almond Beach Resort define All Inclusive

Unlimited meals and drinks at the open-air restaurants and bars all day and into the late evening.
Snacks at the buffet style restaurant during the day.
Exchange dining at Sugar Cane Club Hotel and Spa for a change of scenery.
Non-motorized water sports for the entire family- snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking.
Excursions and tours-glass bottom boat rides and swimming with the turtles.
Live evening entertainment.
2 Tennis courts for day and night play, including tennis instructions.
Yoga classes.
Paddle boarding lessons.
Golf driving range and putting green.
Billiard pool tables.
Kids Club with supervised indoor and outdoor activities

Other options available for and additional fee

Private reserve wines and liqueurs.
Lobster at all meals.
Wine by the bottle.
Spa and beauty products, treatments and services.
Motorized water sports.
Scuba diving.
Optional tours and excursions.
Babysitting after hours.

Restaurants at Almond Beach Resort

There are 3 Restaurants and 2 Bars at the Almond Beach Resort, plus, exchange dining at their sister hotel, The Sugar Cane Club Hotel, for a change of scenery.

The Reef Restaurant and Bar

An open-air family friendly seafront restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and, dinner daily. During the daytime the restaurant is casual, serving extensive Caribbean-themed buffets.

Breakfast hours: 7:30-10AM

Lunch hours: 12:00-3PM

Dinner hours: 6:30-9:30PM-The chef serves creative seafood selections. Reservations are required and the dress code is elegant casual. Long pants are required for gentlemen in the evening.

Enid’s Restaurant

A Bajan-style restaurant with open-air dining serving a la carte local foods for lunch and dinner.

Lunch hours: 12:30-2:30-dress code is casual

Dinner hours: 6:30-9:30-reservations are required and the dress code is smart casual with long pants required for gentlemen.

Horizon Restaurant

An open-air and indoor dining with themed night-time buffets complete with a full carvery. The restaurant features live entertainment 3 nights weekly.

Dinner hours: 6:30-9:30-Reservations are required for dinner.

Bars at Almond Beach Resort

Tommy’s Bar

A fully air-conditioned bar for comfort. It has a true feel of a Bajan rum shop.

Hours: 12noon-1AM.

Horizon Restaurant

Features live entertainment 3 nights weekly.

Hours: 6:30PM-1AM.

Photos

Beach Photos:

Pool Photos:

Room Photos:

Waves Resort Barbados Reviews

Updated: January 27, 2018

Waves Beach Resort is a 70 room all inclusive resort located on the idyllic west coast of Barbados.

NOTE: The Waves resort was acquired by the Elegant Hotels chain, and is now the third Barbados all inclusive resort in the Elegant Resort chain, joining Turtle Beach Resort and Crystal Cove Hotel.

What Makes Waves Barbados Special

One of the unique features of the Waves resort is that spa services are included. This is a very uncommon feature of an all inclusive resort. If you enjoy using the spa, this is a great feature. You should check with the hotel prior to booking about what spa services are included and what aren’t.
The main hotel (there are two parts of the resort) sits right on the beach. If you have an ocean view room, especially a higher room, you will not find a better view of the ocean anywhere. The sunsets will be spectacular.
If a friendly staff is important to you, this resort will not disappoint. The staff is well known to be among the best you will find anywhere.

Below is a summation of hundreds of user reviews on Waves Beach Resort.

Waves Hotel Barbados Reviews: The positive

The Staff are second to none. They are friendly, helpful, and always smiling.
The Food is of a high quality, fresh, and, well prepared. The Chef is very passionate.
The new Coffee Shop is a brilliant addition. The Coffee Shop offers snacks, cakes, ice cream, etc.,throughout the day, and makes a great latte.
The Rooms are spacious, well appointed, and kept spotlessly clean. The Bathrooms are great.
The new Spa is beautiful. The Spa treatments are very relaxing.
The Water Sports and the Water Sports Team are fantastic.
The adult only pool – seen in photos below, is beautiful.
The beach is small, but very nice. The water is usually calm and beautiful.
The Beach Ambassador service is great. You can be served on the the beach throughout the day.
The Sun Loungers are new and very comfortable. There is no need to get up early to claim a Sun Lounger.
The evening entertainment is good, but not spectacular.
If you want to explore the island, the bust stop is close to the resort. It is easy to get public transport and explore the island.
The Water Taxi comes and goes all day to take guests to their sister resorts.
New Fitness Center is very nice.
The sunsets are spectacular (if you are staying in an ocean view room in the main hotel).
The Waves Resort has been refurbished to an extremely high standard. It has a real sense of style,and a real boutique feel.

Waves Hotel Barbados Reviews: The negative

The resort is not perfectly set up for kids. There are two separate pool areas, one for kids and one for adults only. The adults only pool (seen below) is much nicer than the kids pool, which is quite small and located in a small enclosed area.
Some of the rooms are actually across the street. There is no view of the ocean. You have to cross a busy street to get to the beach and most of the restaurants.
The spa is also located across the street.
The beach is nice, but a little on the small side, especially at high tide.

Other Considerations for Waves Barbados

The resort is split between two areas directly across the street from each other. One is ocean facing and the other is not. The larger pool (see photos below) is across the street on the spa side. It is an adults only pool.
Waves is one of several hotels in the Elegant Hotels chain in Barbados. This allows you to visit all the west coast hotels in the chain. There is a water taxi that runs throughout the day.
A destination wedding or honeymoon can be planned at the Waves Beach Resort.
There is a pretty terrace which overlooks the beautiful beach. The sunsets are spectacular!
Waves is a smaller resort which makes it easier to relax and unwind by the ocean.

What is included at Waves Barbados

Food and beverages
Room service
Non-motorized water sports
Mortorized water sports
Wifi
Fitness Center
Beach service
Shared resort access (including dining)

Waves Resort Photos

Sea Breeze Beach Hotel Reviews – 3.5 Star All Inclusive

Recently renovated, Sea Breeze Beach Hotel in Barbados offers guests an intimate and authentic experience. The 3.5 star, all-inclusive resort is located on 2.5 acres and has just 78 rooms allowing our guests to experience the very best in Bajan charm and hospitality.

Available for both couples and families, Sea Breeze Beach Hotel offers a wide range of amenities, facilities and dining options that are sure to please everyone’s idea of the perfect getaway and provide memories to last a lifetime.

Below is a summation of hundreds of user reviews on Sea Breeze Beach Hotel. Updated through November 2015.

Most frequent positive reviews about Sea Breeze Beach Hotel

The Staff displays outstanding levels of customer service. They make sure your stay is complete.
The Food is very good. There are 3 restaurants to chose from. Azul’s, which is fine dining, and, extremely good, is situated in beautiful waters edge surroundings. The Mermaid, being the main restaurant, overlooks the ocean, so you get a nice sea breeze, and, the Fish Pot, which is located near the family pool. The food is of a high quality, and, is said to be very tasty in all 3 of the restaurants.
The Rooms are spacious, spotlessly clean, and, the beds are very comfortable.
There are 2 pools, one adults only, and, the other pool is for families.
The Sun Beds are large with comfortable cushions. There is enough for everyone without putting towels down to save them.
The beach is small and has a private feel to it. There are plenty of Sun Beds with canopies on the beach.
There is wonderful bar service around the pools, hot tubs, and, on the beach.
There is an excellent water sports team, they are encouraging and helpful, to make use of the amenities available, kayaks, boogie boards, snorkeling gear, etc.
Kids Club is a big hit with the children. The staff are very friendly and interact with the children. The children do not want to leave.
The hotel grounds and communal areas are immaculate.
Entertainment is enjoyable.
Gym is good.

Most frequent negative reviews about Sea Breeze Beach Hotel

Seaweed can be a big problem. The dedicated staff work tirelessly to clean the beach daily.
You have to pay extra for some dishes at the Azul restaurant.
Some guests say the food options are relatively fewer compared to larger all inclusive hotels.
Some of the bathrooms are dated and could use some refurbishment.
Mini frig in room is only stocked with water.

Other Considerations

The oceanfront superior rooms have a fantastic view. Highly recommended by guests.
The Chefs are always willing to accommodate and cater to anyone with special dietary needs.
There are three bars at the Sea Breeze Beach Hotel. One is open until l A.M.
Can accommodate people with some disabilities. It is easy to move around the property with a wheelchair. The swimming pools do have vertical ladders.
The wedding venue is gorgeous. A destination wedding and honeymoon can be planned at the Sea Breeze Hotel. There is a wedding coordinator available to create a wonderful memorable wedding.
It is a 10 to 15 minute walk to St. Lawrence Gap and to Oistins, (Oistins Fish Fry), is the highlight on Friday night, and the place to be.
Guest say, Mr. Best the manager, regularly walks around the grounds checking to see that all is ok, and, he is happy to stop and chat.
It is the personal touches that make this hotel unique. The quick spray of eucalyptus oil on your feet to cool you down. The bowls of ice cream that are brought around to all the guests relaxing by the pools, hot tubs, or at the beach in the afternoon, and, the endless non stop drinks.

Crystal Cove Barbados Reviews – 4 Star All Inclusive

Updated: October 1, 2016

Crystal Cove is a premium all-inclusive resort on the west coast of Barbados.

The resort includes: three lagoon-like swimming pools, two floodlit tennis courts, and a well-equipped business center.

Below is a summation of hundreds of user reviews on Crystal Cove Hotel. Updated through October 2016.

Most frequent positive reviews about Crystal Cove Barbados

Staff are very friendly, courteous, and helpful.
Food is delicious and the Chef will assist with any dietary needs.
Rooms are Cool, Clean, and Spacious with comfortable beds.
Ocean View Rooms make you feel like you are in paradise.
Gardens are Beautiful and well maintained. They are a pleasure to walk through.
Stunning views are observed over the bay.
Swim up bar under the waterfall is a lot of fun.
Water Sports are included with a Great Water Sports Team at your disposal.
Sunbeds are plentiful on the beach with individual shade. It is not necessary to get up at 6 AM. to reserve them. They cannot be reserved before 7:30 AM.
Ice Lollies, Jellies, and Drinks are brought around throughout the day for your pleasure.
Kids Club is inclusive, parents rating it excellent with a great staff entertaining your children.
Gym is great with lots of equipment available to be used.
Wi Fi has Good coverage. Some say the best they have experienced.
Crystal Cove guests can enjoy full exchange dining at the sister resorts, (Turtle Beach and Waves). for lunch and dinner. Reservations are required. Transportation aside from the water
taxi is not included.
Crystal Cove is a beautifully clean and peaceful resort.

Most frequent negative reviews about Crystal Cove Barbados

Pools are small, but, still adequate.
Sunbeds are limited around the pool.
Entertainment does stop at 10:30.
Bar closes approximately at midnight. It may be to quiet for some who want to stay up and party.
Bathrooms could use some updating, but are equipped with everything needed.

Other considerations

Crystal Cove Hotel can accommodate a destination wedding, and, or, a honeymoon.
There are lots of steps. If you are unsteady on your feet or have buggies, etc. to wheel, it may be difficult to get around.
Beds of coral are underfoot in some places. You may want to bring swim shoes.
Kids Club has a large room with plenty of toys, computers, etc. with an outside play area. There is a daily plan of activities.
Numerous water sports are available. It is well run with excellent equipment. Plus, there is snorkeling off the beach.
Reggae bus stop is right out front of the hotel. It will take you anywhere you would like to go for a dollar.
Crystal Cove Hotel has a lovely relaxed atmosphere with a staff that will do their best to cater to your needs
A Taste of Elegance Voucher can be purchased if guests have an interest in having lunch or dinner at the non-inclusive hotels within the Elegant Hotels Group, (Colony Club and Tamarind Hotel).
Crystal Cove has been nominated in the 2016 Family Traveller Awards for Best-All-Inclusive Holiday.

How Does Crystal Cove define All Inclusive

Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Afternoon Tea, and Dinner daily.
Unlimited Beverages and Cocktails.
Complimentary motorized and non-motorized watersports, instructions included.
Two open-air Restaurants: Reflections serving, breakfast, lunch and dinner, Drifters Beach Restaurant and Bar serving Lunch and Dinner only.
The Beach Ambassador serves drinks while guests relax on the beach.
Floodlit Tennis Courts.
Twenty Four Hour Fitness Centre and classes.
Fully Staffed Flying Fish Kids Club for ages 3-12.
Live Music and Entertainment.
Free Wi Fi Internet access in the rooms, main resort area and business center.
Ability to enjoy the amenities at Crystal Coves sister resort the Turtle Beach Resort.

Other Options Available for an additional fee

Champagne and Fine Wines.
Spa Services and Treatments.
Room Service: Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, (selections may vary).
Romantic Private Dinner on the Beach.
Golfers can choose from among some of the best championship courses in the Caribbean.
Tours and Excursions.

Restaurants at Crystal Cove Barbados

Crystal Cove Hotel has 2 open-air Restaurants, afternoon tea that is served daily, and the availability to order room service.

Reflections Restaurant

An open-air restaurant, has a pool side setting, and serves buffet style International Cuisine.
Breakfast: 7:30AM-10:00AM.
Lunch: 12:30PM-2:30PM.
Dinner: 7:00PM-9:30PM
Reflections also offers a Kids’ Buffet (serving kids favorites), Sunday thru Friday, 5:30PM-9:00PM.

Drifters Beach Restaurant and Bar

An informal open-air restaurant and bar located closer to the beach and serves both lunch and dinner.
Daily From: 10:00AM-6:00PM.
Dinner: 7:00PM-9:30PM.

Afternoon Tea is served daily: 4:30PM-5:30PM.

Room Service:

Breakfast: 7:30AM-10:00AM

Lunch: 12:30PM-2:30PM.

Dinner: 7:00PM-9:30PM.