On the return from Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Open Jaw had the opportunity for an additional island stop in Barbados. Rihanna didn’t make an appearance, however, visiting Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados was definitely a star turn.
Sandals prides itself on “firsts” for each of its resorts, and this, Sandals’ largest resort, is no exception. They were the first with an Indian restaurant (The Bombay Club), an infinity edge swimming pool (still the largest glass-fronted infinity pool in the Eastern Caribbean), and a rooftop pool and whirlpool, plus the Sky Bar, situated seven stories high.
“Believe me, on a full moon evening, there’s nothing better than to sit seven floors up, looking straight over the water. Just stunning, stunning, stunning.” said General Manager Surinder “Lucky” Kahlon.
While Canada and the Caribbean might not seem to have a lot in common as far as geography goes, the connection between Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados and a certain Canadian is strong.
Kahlon is a proud Canadian waiting to welcome other Canadians to his resort. Originally from Montreal, when he started his career with Sandals, he knew he wanted to stay where it was warm, year-round.
Open Jaw sat down with Kahlon, on location, for an exclusive interview, and he couldn’t wait to talk about being Canadian himself, and what we needed to see first.
“You have to see the blue turquoise waters that we have.” said Kahlon. Both resorts are located on the southern tip of the island of Barbados, on the white sands of Maxwell Beach, where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic, at the bottom of the St. Lawrence Gap.
Sandals Barbados opened in 2015, with its sister resort, Sandals Royal Barbados, opening in 2017. Guests of either are able to enjoy the 21 dining options between the two resorts, the multiple pool options, and of course the beaches.
The two resorts combined make up the largest Sandals property in the chain. Moving from one to the other is seamless. And, as you stroll through the quaint paths, dotted with seating areas, secluded pool areas and bistro seating, it’s easy to find a private spot to relax with your one favourite person.
What I found striking about the Sandals Royal Barbados resort was…getting a strike. The bowling alley, Lovers Lanes, is a unique feature of this resort, and well used. Not just for the bowling (spare me), but the bar which offers the chance to try 13 different beers.
“From back home we have Molson Canadian.” said Kahlon. This is also the spot for a lively silent disco, dancers moving quietly amongst the sounds of pins dropping and pint sipping.
The resort also offers something Canadians are quite familiar with on the food side: a donut shop called Sweet & Salty. But don’t expect a regular chocolate glazed donut. I tried a maple syrup bacon donut that had a distinct Canadian tone to it.
“Believe me Tim Horton’s, we’re going to give you a run for it.” said Kahlon. My humble opinion is that Timmie’s doesn’t even get off the starting line compared to Sweet & Salty.
Kahlon knows how important it is to travellers to get to the resort quickly after flying in from Canada. His daughter is studying in Vancouver, so he travels back to Canada frequently. Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, and if you book a Butler suite, don’t expect a regular transfer.
“We will have the Rolls Royce pick you up to have you arrive in style.” said Kahlon. (Yes, another first for this Sandals resort.)
Sandals Barbados has 280 suites, in 14 categories (across Luxury, Club and Butler levels), while Sandals Royal Barbados features 338 suites, at Club Level and Butler Service
“We look forward to welcoming everyone from back home. “said Kahlon. And he, and the staff at the Sandals resorts in Barbados certainly made me feel that way. Lucky indeed.
