Barbados Travel Guide

When I first traveled to Barbados, I came expecting breathtaking beaches. What I found was so much more – colorful colonial architecture, lively culture, incredible food, and a warmth in both the sun and the locals that made me fall in love with the island almost instantly. It’s clean, safe, dining is exceptional, and the variety of experiences makes it ideal whether you’re after a relaxing getaway or a lively escape.

After exploring the southern coastline near Maxwell Beach all the way to Bridgetown and Oistins, I crafted this Barbados travel guide to help you plan your trip like a local or like a seasoned pro.

Best Time to Visit Barbados

While I fell in love with the island (I was there during the shoulder season), I also learned a few things about timing your trip. 

Here are some of the best times to visit Barbados:

• High Season (Mid‑December to April)

Sun-soaked days, minimal rain, and perfect beach conditions define this period. High season coincides with festivals and jazz weeks, so resorts fill up quickly and rates increase. It’s dream weather, great for diving, beach lounging, and clear water snorkeling – but expect crowds and early bookings.

• Shoulder Season (Late April to May or October to Early December)

This is my personal favorite window – it balances weather and value. You’ll still get sunshine – there are brief afternoon showers, but they clear quickly. Resorts are less busy, rates are better, and the island is lush and inviting. For most of April and November, you’ll find promos and lower nightly costs for rooms and activities.

• Low Season (June to September)

Hotter, with occasional tropical showers and higher humidity. However, you’ll find fewer crowds, great discounts, and full access to amenities and excursions. This is also the time when the island’s flora is at its peak, and dive conditions are still great. Plus, many guests who return again and again love this quieter side of Barbados.

Where to Stay – Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados

If you’re wondering where to stay while traveling to Barbados, Sandals is the go-to choice. I stayed at both resorts, and the experience felt like a clever two-for-one deal. Both resorts sit side‑by‑side in the St. Lawrence Gap area, so you can easily walk between them. 

Here’s what makes each Sandals Resort in Barbados stand out:

Sandals Barbados

Sandals Barbados is the more established of the two, exuding a classic Caribbean resort feel. The property is nestled on the shores of Dover Beach, known for its soft white sand and gentle surf, backed by swaying palms and beautifully landscaped grounds. It features around 222 rooms and suites, with options ranging from entry-level luxury rooms to club-level suites with concierge service, all the way up to butler elite suites offering personal butler service. Rooms are decorated in soft neutrals and tropical accents, with many offering balconies, soaking tubs, or direct swim-up access to the resort’s lagoon-style pool.

But it’s not just about the rooms. Sandals Barbados gives guests access to 11 dining venues, all on-site, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to settle in. Whether you’re lounging at the main pool with a frozen drink in hand or grabbing grilled fish tacos at the beachfront grill, everything feels relaxed, intimate, and deeply island-inspired.

Sandals Royal Barbados

Just next door, Sandals Royal Barbados turns up the volume with a sleeker, more modern twist. Opened in 2017, this newer resort boasts all-suite accommodations – every room is a suite, and many come with either ocean views or swim-up entrances. The interiors are contemporary, with clean lines, luxe finishes, and spa-style bathrooms that make it feel more like a boutique hotel than a traditional Caribbean resort.

Guests at this Sandals Resort in Barbados also gain access to exclusive features that elevate the experience – a rooftop infinity pool with stunning sunset views, a full bowling alley, and even a gourmet doughnut shop. With a shared guest pass between the two resorts, staying at one gives you access to both properties, which means a combined 21 restaurants, 11 pools, and an impressive range of activities at your fingertips.

The culinary offerings between the two are world-class. You could start your morning with café-style lattes and pastries, enjoy sushi and sake at Soy for lunch, and end the night with premium steak and lobster at Butch’s Chophouse. Not to mention themed dinners, barefoot beach BBQs, and private candlelit meals by the water.

One of the best parts? The beach. Dover Beach has a wide stretch of sand and calm, protected water. You can swim, dive, or simply soak in the view. The beach feels semi-private thanks to how the resorts are laid out, with plenty of room for you to spread out.

In short, whether you prefer a more traditional Caribbean vibe or a sleek, modern escape, Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados give you the best of both worlds.

Beaches, Pools, and Dining

Because of the amazing beach, you can enjoy a natural lagoon. The sand is exceptionally soft and white. Even though it’s close to public spots, there’s privacy, especially if you have butler service. The Tiki Bar on the beach makes tropical cocktails – sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

Let’s start with the beach. Dover Beach is a stretch of soft white sand that fronts both Sandals Resorts in Barbados. It’s wide, welcoming, filled with swaying palms and loungers you don’t have to fight over. The water is calm and relatively shallow, which makes it ideal for swimming. The beach has a low-key atmosphere during the day, and the golden hour here is absolutely magical.

Then there are the pools, and this is where the variety really shines. Between both resorts, you’ll find 11 pools, including rooftop infinity options, lagoon-style pools, and stylish plunge pools surrounded by cabanas. Each pool has its own vibe. Poolside service is attentive – the staff here make it feel seamless. And for those of you who stay in Butler Elite suites, you’ll barely have to lift a finger.

Speaking of dining, your taste buds will never get bored. Breakfasts can be light and breezy – think fruit, omelettes, and ocean views – or full-blown buffets with every imaginable option. For lunch, grab sushi by the pool, jerk chicken straight from the grill, or gourmet salads under a shaded terrace. And when the sun goes down, the culinary options become even more impressive.

Butch’s Chophouse is a standout for surf and turf lovers, with steaks that rival any steakhouse back home. If you’re craving seafood, head to Schooners for grilled mahi mahi and lobster tail, or to Neptune’s for beachside Mediterranean fare. In the mood for something different? There’s Indian, Italian, Asian fusion, and even a gourmet doughnut and coffee shop for those midday cravings.

Best of all, you never need a reservation at most restaurants, and everything (down to the last glass of wine or espresso) is included. The dining experience is designed to be relaxed but refined, with no dress codes that feel overly stuffy, just plenty of candlelight, excellent service, and incredible food.

Together, the two Sandals Resorts in Barbados provide 21 dining venues, from fine dining and beachfront grills to teppanyaki and seafood. You can enjoy sushi, surf-and-turf, elegant Italian, and themed cuisine. Add seven unique bars – including pool bars, beach bars, and rooftop spaces – and you’ve got variety.

What to Do in Barbados

One of the biggest perks of staying at either Sandals Barbados or Sandals Royal Barbados is that you’ll never be short on things to do – unless, of course, you’re actively trying to do nothing. In which case, you’re in the right place, too.

On the resort grounds, there’s a full menu of activities included in your stay, many of which are just a few sandy steps from your room. If you love the water, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Snorkelling gear is available whenever the ocean calls, and you can join guided dives to nearby coral reefs. Certified scuba divers can take the plunge multiple times a day, and beginners are welcome too – intro lessons are available right on-site. For something a little more leisurely, grab a kayak, paddleboard, or Hobie Cat and glide across the turquoise water like a pro (even if you’re not one).

If you’re more of a land lover, there’s plenty happening above sea level too. The fitness centres are open 24/7 – perfect for early risers and night owls alike. They’re well equipped, and if you’re in the mood for something more social, try a group fitness class. Water aerobics gets lively, paddleboard yoga brings the challenge, and tennis courts are there if you’re feeling competitive (or just want to look sporty).

Evenings don’t slow down either. Most nights feature themed entertainment – from retro music parties to romantic reggae nights. There’s usually dancing, always laughter, and more than a few rum punches. You’ll also find fire dancers, live bands, and local performers rotating through, keeping things vibrant and fun without needing to ever leave the property.

But if relaxation is what you’re truly craving, the resorts haven’t forgotten you. Unwind in a garden hammock, book a couple’s massage at the Red Lane Spa, or rent a private poolside cabana for the day and do absolutely nothing – except sip, soak, and maybe read a chapter or two. Bliss.

Now, if you do decide to venture off the resort, Barbados offers even more to explore. You’re just 15 minutes from Bridgetown, the island’s colorful capital. Wander through the city’s colonial architecture, or take a walk across the Chamberlain Bridge and snap a photo of the famous Parliament Buildings.

Nature lovers will adore Hunte’s Gardens, a lush, sunken botanical oasis tucked away in Saint Joseph Parish. It’s magical – like stepping into a hidden rainforest curated by a slightly eccentric (and brilliant) gardener. You might even meet the man himself.

For sea adventures beyond the shore, catamaran cruises in Carlisle Bay are a must. Most include snorkelling stops (where you might spot sea turtles), plus lunch, drinks, and plenty of island vibes. It’s one of those excursions that make you feel like you’re in a music video.

And of course, no trip to Barbados is complete without a rum experience. Whether you prefer a formal distillery tour or stumbling into a lively local rum shop, it’s the perfect way to taste the culture. Expect dominoes, laughter, and probably a new friend or two.