A Luxurious Escape to Sandals Royal Barbados & Sandals Barbados

Why Barbados?

Our most recent trip to Barbados was in September 2024. While it’s not considered peak season, we were still treated to beautiful 30°C weather and plenty of sunshine. There were a few short rain showers, but they passed quickly and were actually quite refreshing. Barbados sits just outside the typical hurricane belt, making it one of the more reliable Caribbean destinations at this time of year.

Our Stay at Sandals Royal Barbados

We spent a full week at Sandals Royal Barbados, our fifth visit since it opened, and once again, it didn’t disappoint.

If you’ve ever stayed at a Sandals resort, you already know what to expect—five-star luxury, adults-only exclusivity, premium-brand drinks, unlimited à la carte dining, and select watersports. But what sets Sandals Royal Barbados apart is how modern and elevated it feels—this is Sandals 2.0, the next generation of all-inclusive luxury.

First Impressions: A Caribbean Welcome

After a short 15-20 minute transfer from the airport, we arrived at the resort and were instantly greeted in true Caribbean style—a rum punch in hand, singing, dancing, and the sounds of Bob Marley playing in the background. From the grand entrance to the resort itself, everything was sleek, modern, and luxurious.

Resort Highlights: What Makes It Special?

Sandals Royal Barbados offers an impressive array of facilities, making it an all-in-one luxury retreat:

🌊 Beachfront Infinity Pool – Perfect for soaking up the sun with panoramic ocean views.
🏙️ Rooftop Infinity Pool – A Sandals exclusive, offering breathtaking island views.
🎳 Bowling Alley – A fun addition to your all-inclusive experience.
🎭 Amphitheatre – Great for nightly entertainment and live performances.
🍽️ 20 Dining Options – With access to both Sandals Royal Barbados & Sandals Barbados, you’re spoilt for choice!

Island Routes: Catamaran Sunset Cruise – The Highlight of Our Week

Although this trip was all about relaxing, we couldn’t resist adding in one unforgettable adventure — the Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Cool Runnings III, organised through Island Routes, Sandals’ official tour partner.

Midway through the week, we set sail from Bridgetown Harbour, heading up Barbados’ stunning west coast. Our first stop was Carlisle Bay, where we snorkelled over historic shipwrecks surrounded by vibrant marine life. The crystal-clear waters and eerie silhouettes below made for a surreal and magical experience.

Afterwards, we cruised further along the coast before dropping anchor in the turquoise bay just off the shore from the iconic Sandy Lane. Here, we had time for another swim, a snorkel, or simply to relax on deck and take in the views.

While we soaked up the scenery, the amazing crew served up a delicious hot buffet lunch. The star of the show? Jerk flying fish — the national dish of Barbados — bursting with flavour and Caribbean spice.

As we slowly made our way back toward Bridgetown, the sky lit up with a breathtaking Caribbean sunset, casting golden light across the sea. It was pure magic — a moment of calm and beauty that felt like the perfect way to end a day in paradise.

If you’re visiting Barbados, this Island Routes Catamaran Sunset Cruise is an absolute must-do. It blends everything we love about this island: natural beauty, authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and unforgettable memories on the water.

🧭 Island Routes also offers a huge variety of other excursions for those wanting to explore more of Barbados, including swimming with turtles, jeep safaris, historic rum tours, cave explorations, and even luxury private island experiences. Whether you’re looking for culture, adventure, or relaxation, there’s something for everyone — all curated with the same level of service you’d expect from the Sandals brand.

Relaxation & Dining: A Week in Paradise

Since we had previously explored Barbados—snorkelling with turtles, visiting shipwrecks, strolling through Bridgetown and Saint Lawrence Gap, and touring Harrison’s Caves—this time, we decided to fully relax and soak up the luxury of the resort.

Our favourite spot quickly became The Hideaway Pool, a tranquil escape with its own bar and restaurant. A new highlight was the Heart & Sol Salad and Sandwich Bar, offering fresh, light lunches. Another lunch favourite was Neptune’s, right on the beachfront—there’s nothing better than sipping a chilled Sauvignon Blanc while enjoying a Caesar salad topped with fresh prawns.

Evenings were equally indulgent—sunsets on the beach, followed by cocktails before dinner (my go-to being a Cosmopolitan). Some of our favourite dinner spots included:
🥩 Butch’s Steakhouse – A must for steak lovers.
🇫🇷 La Parisienne – French fine dining at its best.
🇮🇹 Portofino’s – Authentic Italian flavors in a charming setting.
🇮🇳 Bombay – A favourite for those craving rich Indian cuisine.

Why Sandals Royal Barbados is One of Our Best-Selling Resorts

Believe it or not, this is one of our top-selling resorts across all of Guru Travel’s offerings. As luxury long-haul specialists, we see a high return rate for clients who fall in love with Sandals Royal Barbados and come back time and time again.

Room Categories: Luxury, Club & Butler – What’s the Difference?

Sandals offers three room categories across its resorts, each designed to suit different preferences and travel styles:

🏨 Luxury Rooms
These are the entry-level rooms, but at Sandals, “entry-level” still means elegant, spacious, and beautifully appointed. You’ll enjoy king-sized beds, spa-style bathrooms, stocked mini-bars, and access to all the resort’s premium inclusions — from gourmet dining to watersports.

🏨 Club Level Rooms
Club Level takes your stay up a notch with extra perks and elevated service. You’ll have access to a dedicated Club Sandals Concierge, private check-in, room service during set hours, and access to exclusive lounges. It’s perfect for guests who like a little extra pampering and personalised attention.

🏨 Butler Suites
The pinnacle of luxury. Butler Suites come with your own personal butler. They’ll handle everything — from unpacking your suitcase and reserving your sunbeds to arranging private dinners and drawing bubble baths. Butler guests also enjoy top-tier room locations, 24-hour room service, and the most extravagant suite designs.

👉 At Sandals Royal Barbados, the entire resort is all-suite — meaning even the starting point is Club Level. So no matter which suite you choose, you’re guaranteed a premium experience.

Ready to Experience Sandals Royal Barbados?

If you’re dreaming of crystal-clear waters, luxury accommodations, and an all-inclusive escape unlike any other, Sandals Royal Barbados is the place to be.

📞 Get in touch with us today to plan your perfect getaway!

A Life-Changing Journey Through South Africa: From City Lights to Safari Nights

South Africa had been on our bucket list for years, and what better way to celebrate my 40th birthday than with the ultimate adventure? From the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the untamed beauty of Shamwari Private Game Reserve, every moment of this journey was filled with luxury, adventure, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Flying in Style: The Journey Begins

Our adventure started in British Airways Club World on the A380 from London Heathrow to Johannesburg. The BA Lounge experience set the tone for what was to come, with an excellent selection of food, drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere before the flight. Once onboard, the lie-flat seats ensured we arrived feeling well-rested for our connecting Safair flight to Cape Town.

Cape Town: A City of Beauty and Contrast

After a 30-minute drive from the airport, we arrived at our stunning accommodation, One&Only Cape Town. Our Premier Mountain View Room offered unmatched views of Table Mountain, and after settling in, we spent the day exploring the lively V&A Waterfront.

Dinner at Nobu was an experience in itself—world-class sushi and seafood, and surprisingly great value for money.

Table Mountain & Cape Town’s Culinary Scene

The next morning, we started the day with a delicious breakfast at One&Only before heading to Table Mountain, taking the cable car to the summit. Booking fast track tickets saved us time, and once at the top, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.

We enjoyed a relaxing lunch with a glass of South African wine, then spent the afternoon unwinding by the pool at One&Only before heading out for another incredible dinner at Belthazar Steakhouse. The steak was one of the best we’ve ever had, and the South African red wine selection was out of this world.

The Garden Route: Hermanus & Whale Watching

The next morning, we embarked on our first Garden Route drive—90 minutes from Cape Town to Hermanus. The drive was stunning, but nothing compared to the moment we arrived at The Marine and saw whales breaching right from our suite’s balcony!

That afternoon, we drove to Gansbaai for a boat trip, where we saw South Africa’s Marine Big Five—whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and penguins. Watching these animals up close was surreal.

After returning to Hermanus, we wandered through the charming seaside village before enjoying a beautiful dinner at The Marine’s restaurant.

Wine Country: Luxury at Mont Rochelle

The next morning, we set off on another scenic 90-minute drive, this time to Franschhoek, the heart of South Africa’s wine country.

Our stay at Mont Rochelle, a small boutique hotel owned by Richard Branson, was incredibly special. The service was flawless, and our Cap Classique Suite came with a private pool overlooking the vineyards.

Franschhoek offers a wine tram experience, horse riding, and visits to other local vineyards, but unfortunately, we only had one night here and wished we had longer. Instead, we indulged in an afternoon of wine tasting and a gourmet lunch at Mont Rochelle, sampling some of the best wines South Africa has to offer.

Plettenberg Bay: Treetop Tranquility at Tsala

After a morning exploring Franschhoek, we flew from Cape Town to George Airport (a quick 40-minute flight), then drove 75 minutes to Tsala Treetop Lodge in Plettenberg Bay.

Tsala is a hidden African gem—rich in culture and history, and surrounded by lush forests. Our floor-to-ceiling windows made for an incredible wake-up call, as we watched monkeys playing in the trees right from our room!

We spent the morning at Plettenberg Bay beach, where we saw great white shark warning signs, a thrilling reminder of how wild South Africa truly is! After an afternoon relaxing at Hunter’s Country House and enjoying lunch, we had a magnificent dinner at Zinzi Restaurant, a fusion of African and international flavours.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve: The Ultimate Safari

An early start led us on a four-hour drive to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the biggest privately owned game reserve in the Eastern Cape (larger than San Francisco!).

Now, there’s a safari experience, and then there’s a luxury safari experience—Shamwari is on another level. The attention to detail is unparalleled:

No conveyor-belt schedules—game drives are completely flexible. Want a 5am wake-up for a 4-hour drive? Done. Prefer a 7am start and a shorter drive? No problem.

High-end safari vehicles, with Swarovski binoculars for every guest.

Your favourite hot drink waiting for you before heading out.

Hot towels and fresh drinks upon returning from a game drive.

Fresh, gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—always a different menu.

Log burner in the room, a bath overlooking the plains (filled with petals on arrival), and an outdoor shower.

Option for a walking safari in the plains with expert rangers.

Our first game drive was unforgettable—we saw lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and hippos. One of the best moments? Stopping for a sundowner at sunset, where the team had set up a full buffet and gin bar in the middle of the reserve.

“Unlike Kruger National Park and other northern regions of South Africa, Shamwari Private Game Reserve and the Eastern Cape are not classified as high-risk malaria areas, so malaria tablets are generally not required. However, we always recommend consulting with a medical professional for the most up-to-date advice before you travel.”

An Unforgettable Connection to the Wild

The following morning, we were woken up by a lion’s roar at 5:30am—he was calling his pride. Hearing this from our room was mesmerizing.

Later, we visited Shamwari’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where we had breakfast with Dr. Johan Joubert & Ecologist John O’Brien, the stars of Netflix’s “Shamwari Untamed”.

Our final morning started with a short game drive, before visiting the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary—an emotional yet inspiring experience.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Leaving Shamwari was hard, but we headed to Port Elizabeth Airport for our flight back to Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Airport Lounge was a great final touch before boarding our BA Club World flight home.

Final Thoughts: South Africa Stole Our Hearts

This wasn’t just a holiday—it was a life-changing journey.

After experiencing Shamwari, we promised ourselves we would recommend this trip to as many people as possible. We now have a strong relationship with the resort directly, and after sending many clients here, we are 100% confident that absolutely anyone would love it.

Some of our clients have already rebooked what they thought was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Others have called us in tears, overwhelmed by how deeply it touched them.

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines luxury, wildlife, culture, and natural beauty, South Africa is the destination for you.

Let us help you plan your dream journey!

Why not check out our Instagram Highlights Reel for our trip to South Africa here.

Links to our latest Shamwari offers are below for you to have a look at:

Cape Town, Safari & Dubai

Safari & Mauritius

Cape Town & Safari

Staying on Board Scarlett Lady…

I always knew I wanted to get married abroad, it was just narrowing down the perfect destination. Once we’d stayed at Sandals Royal Barbados, there was no doubt that this was the one! We’d absolutely fell in love with it..

We stepped off the plane to the hot air hitting our faces, grabbed our luggage and was shortly greeted by a Sandals representative who showed us to our transfer. A short 15 minutes later and we had arrived.

Stepping out to a gorgeous open air reception area, Rolls Royce parked up outside, we were shown to the club lounge for our private check in. Those staying in a Butler room would be greeted by their Butler and taken to the Butler lounge. The staff were so friendly and welcoming, we instantly felt right at home. All checked in, we were escorted to our room. A brief tour of the resort along the way, we couldn’t wait to explore the resort further.

The door opened and Ohh my life it was the most beautiful room I had ever seen! So clean and modern, simply stylish and spacious. We both looked at each other in awe. We couldn’t wait to get unpacked and settled in. As if this is our home for the next week!

With 5 pools to choose from, including a rooftop pool! A bowling alley, games area, piano bar, there was no way we were going to get bored in this place. With 17 restaurants, we didn’t manage to get round to them all but my favourite had to be Butch’s Chophouse (on Sandals Barbados side). The crab cakes were to die for, followed by a perfectly cooked fillet steak, we didn’t have quite enough room for desert! Bombay restaurant had to be a close second and then not to forget the French cafe that served the best white chocolate chip cookies, and the glazed donuts from Sweet n Salty’s!

Each night we had a gorgeous meal, the standard was just exceptional. Followed by premium alcohol, cocktails, champagne, there was plenty to choose from.

Why we chose to Honeymoon at Ozen by Atmosphere, Maldives…

Firstly the Maldives.. one word = paradise!!

For anyone that’s been, would agree that there is no place like it. Pure white sands, crystal clear waters and relaxation like you’ve never felt. For those that haven’t been.. you need to. Trust me!

We saved this destination for our honeymoon and soooo glad we did! It was 100% the right decision and now, if I could only go back to one destination, over and over and over and over again.. it would be here.

These islands in the Maldives all vary in size, standards, price and distance from the capital of Male and as Indian Ocean and Honeymoon Specialists, our job is to help narrow down the best one for you.

However in this blog, I’m focusing on Ozen by Atmosphere, known as the Best Luxury All Inclusive Resort in the Maldives!!

Just a 40 minute speedboat trip from Male, you step off onto the pier over the ocean, where you are greeted by the staff and your personal Butler. This moment is where you breath is taken away, for the first time of many throughout your stay. Why? Because there is simply no way to explain the true beauty before your eyes.

It doesn’t stop there, once you’ve been shown around the island on a golf buggy, and sunk your toes into the talcum powder sand, you are then escorted to your villa..

Your journey begins now… The Wind Villa with Pool. Your 112 sqm of pure heaven, over the water. The second time your breathe is taken away…

A large modern villa, glass bottom floors, open plan bathroom, soaking tub overlooking the Indian Ocean and finally.. your private pool (an 8m infinity pool!). No words, just a photo to explain what is before your eyes.

Every morning, every afternoon and every evening you cannot get enough of the views. We spent 90% of our valued time together as newlyweds in our villa and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The endless Tattinger & Moët Champagne, twice a day refilled minibar (including snacks) certainly helped!

The only time we left was to eat, dive and obtain a massage! Each time was worth it!

The food and drinks were incredible! Fresh fish, meat and vegetables, live cooking stations and more cocktails and champagne awaited us. All included on the All Inclusive package!

A main buffet restaurant for lunch, a snack bar at the main pool and a healthy bar were choices for lunch. The evening- a main restaurant which plenty of choice, an Indian restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and finally – the iconic underwater restaurant – H20. WOW!

The diving .. I’ll leave for another blog. As quite frankly.. it’s jaw dropping and deserves its own section!

For those of you that do not dive, do not fear, you will not miss out on the wide array of Marine life. We saw endless baby sharks, stingrays and a colourful range of fish around the villas and the beach. Take a dip in the ocean with your snorkel gear (included in your package), to get up close …

Every morning like this..

Each evening like this…

.. the most beautiful sunset we have ever seen.

How could anyone say no to this?

How to get there –

Direct flights from London Gatwick with British Airways (November-March).

Almost daily regional flights with one stop connections; Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Eva Air, Thai Airways

Why not do a Multi Centre?

Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Qatar
Oman
Singapore
Hong Kong
Sri Lanka
Istanbul, Turkey
Bangkok
Paris, France
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Feel free to contact us with any questions and for your personalised quote.

Emily

Why stay at a Club Med Resort in Mauritius?

Known as the “sunset coast”, on the west side of the island of Mauritius is where we stayed at Club Med La Plantation D’Albion.

A luxury All-Inclusive family resort, although great for couples and honeymooners with it’s adults only Zen area with Infinity Pool and quiet spots along the beach for pure tranquility. Enjoy breakfast at the al a carte restaurant looking out at the ocean and the crashing waves.

Feeling adventurous? The resort has plenty of activities on offer such as kayaking, archery, snorkelling and a flying trapeze if you’re feeling brave!

Indulge on gourmet cuisine with a variety of different liver cooking stations to keep your tastebuds excited at every meal. From freshly cooked pasta dishes, stirfrys, tagines, curries and more.

After dinner, head to the bar to grab a glass of champagne whilst you wait for the show to start. From Peter Pan to Footloose to a White Party with acrobatics, the night doesn’t end there. Head to the dance floor where almost everybody joins in and you’ll pick up the famous Club Med dance routine. It’s rather catchy!

Of course, you can’t go to Mauritius without exploring the beautiful island itself. Take advantage of the excursions such as “Ile aux Cerfs”, where we took a speedboat across the crystal turquoise waters to a private island in the largest lagoon in Mauritius. On route we drove by stunning waterfalls and wild monkeys. Next stop we visited a lighthouse on a small island, “Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse” with breathtaking views.

There’s so much to do and see on this idyllic island of paradise, I will definitely be returning that’s for sure!

Feel free to contact us with any questions and for your personalised quote.

Hannah

Exploring Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast

I’ve wanted to travel to see the beautiful sights of Italy including Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast for a while now.. so when I was invited on a FAM Trip (Familiarisation Trip) by one of our suppliers – Citalia. I jumped at the chance – Literally!

A team of 20 of us flew out from Gatwick (getting the train, underground and Gatwick express was interesting! Haha).

At the airport, I met a great team of like minded travel agents and we began our trip together..

A direct two and a half hour flight across the Mediterranean ocean, led us to Naples, where we arrived to meet our guide Becky. She had lived in Sorrento for over 20 years, so what she didn’t know about Sorrento, wasn’t worth knowing.

We collected our luggage and the drive began towards Sorrento. On the way, we stopped at the incredible Pizza A Metro Da Gigino L’Università della Pizza – the University of Pizza and WOW it lived up to our expectations (with metre long sharing pizzas). There, the Pizza obsession began..

The transfer overall was around 60-90 minutes (due to traffic and the crazy Italian drivers!). We checked into Hilton Sorrento Palace for three nights.

This hotel is in an incredible location, just a short 10-15 minutes to the centre, shops and restaurants. Oh and you begin your day, eating breakfast, overlooking Mount Vesuvius – it’s pretty spectacular! The lobby is very spacious and grand, the staff were very friendly and inviting and the bar and fireside seating area was very special too. It has an indoor and outdoor pool, some great authentic restaurants and an executive club lounge also (with a rooftop bar and pool) which I would highly advise upgrading too!

After breakfast, we went for a walk around Sorrento. What is there to do in Sorrento? Other than drinking endless of the local authentic Limocello?

Well..

Simply walking around the edge of the old town Piazza Tasso offers lots to see, including the Basiica of Sant’ Antonino (with live music in the courtyard in the summer).

You can head to the Public Gardens and Port of Sorrento where there are bathing platforms/decking for sunbathing overlooking the incredible colours of the ocean blue. Here, you can board a boat to Naples, Capri, Amalfi, Positano and Ischia! Such a great location to offer more and more beauty, to maximise your trip.

Then lunch at Fauno Notte Club – an authentic Italian restaurant in the central square of Sorrento (Piazza Tasso). Hand made Pasta… need I say anymore? The BEST pasta I have ever eaten.

Following lunch, we visited the incredible Pompeii. Just a 30 minute drive to a heart quenching experience. For those of you that don’t know.. Pompeii is an archeological site of a Roman city which was covered in ash and was excavated following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

It’s an incredible Unesco World Heritage Site and a must see when travelling to Italy. From the houses, to the baths, theatre and casts of those to unfortunately lost their lives.

Day Two;

My favourite day! Positano & the Amalfi Coast. You know when you try and think of words to explain what it is you really saw? But the photos can never quite do the place justice?

In one word – Picturesque.

It was around a 60 minute drive Positano from Sorrento, driving along the coast and up to very high points only availed more beauty. Positano is a Cliffside village along the Amalfi Coast with many buildings and homes built in every colour of the rainbow.

Here there are boutique hotels, family run shops and cafes all layered with beautiful flowers.

We went in November so the weather wasn’t sunbathing weather however you could see the beach at the bottom, where you could relax and soak it all in, in the summer months (June-September).

Another 40 minutes and we had arrived in the centre of Amalfi. More pasta (and Pistachio ice cream) later.. we explored around more shops and the iconic Cathedral Steps.

Hotels along the coast overlooking every colour of blue, the beaches to relax and maybe even board a board to Capri (with the most spectacular beaches and vibrant nightlife too!). Also head to the top, to view the heights of Ravello, for even more beauty to the naked eye!

Day Three & Four; see blog (Exploring Rome)

Hotels recommended by us at Guru Travel Group – 

Sorrento –
Hilton Sorrento Palace
Imperial Hotel Tramontano

Positano –
Eden Roc Hotel
Hotel Marincanto

Amalfi Coast –
Santa Catarina
Hotel Marina Riviera

I hope this gives you an insight to the incredible beauty that these areas of Italy have to offer..

I would definitely recommend a Multi-Centre trip to ensure you visit all of the main attractions.

Feel free to contact us with any questions and for your personalised quote.

Emily