By the Caribbean Journal staff

Sandals Resorts International’s major new resort in Barbados has officially opened its doors.

The new, all-suite Sandals Royal Barbados made its debut on the south coast of Barbados this week as the second Sandals-branded resort on the island.

The property includes a total of 222 concierge and butler-level suites, along with the brand’s signature Rondoval, Millionaire Butler, Skypool and Crystal Lagoon Swim-Up suite concets.

The new-build resort also adds three new restaurants, along with the company’s first-ever rooftop infinity pool, a gentleman’s barbershop and even a four-lane bowling alley.

The first guests at Sandals Royal Barbados.

“Every new resort we develop stands on the shoulders of what came before.  We keep getting better and better and for us, right now – Sandals Royal Barbados is a game changer,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, chairman and founder of Sandals Resorts International.   According to Stewart, Sandals Royal Barbados was designed to complement the adjacent Sandals Barbados, with guests staying at either property having the opportunity to enjoy the amenities of both.

The resort offers six restaurants in total, combining with the adjacent Sandals Barbados to give guests 17 restaurants to choose from.

The new restaurants include the casual-dining American Tavern; the Asian-fusion Chi and Butch’s Steak and Seafood, a traditional a la carte steakhouse.

The aforementioned rooftop infinity pool is part of what the brand is calling its first-ever “rooftop infinity complex,” which includes 360-degree ocean views, a live music, a French restaurant and a cantilevered cocktail lounge.

In all, Sandals Royal Barbados will include five bars including a beer garden.