Barbados-Our First Alone Trip Since Having Babies

Well if you read my excerpt into the blog, you’ll know that this trip was a long time in coming! It was our first time leaving our children EVER. Yes, that’s right it took me 12.5 years to finally cut the chord and venture out on my own, entrusting my littles to their grandpa’s care. Let’s not even talk about how they were locked out of the house when we were not even 5 minutes away…

Don’t judge me for not leaving earlier, friends! The back story here is vast. Like everyone I come with my own baggage-absentee mother and the need to overcompensate. That coupled with the fact that it took me 3.5 years to get pregnant with Teen and I felt SO GRATEFUL to finally have babies that I honestly had no desire to leave them. Ever. Seriously I really didn’t even run errands alone or have date nights with Dr. D or anything…I just never felt the need. I loved my lil family so much.

Enter my new job as a travel planner and some new opportunities that it started to open up for me. You see I LOVE to travel and have had the wanderlust bug since I can remember. With this new job it doesn’t feel like a job…it is an extension of my passions. That being said, many of my travelers desire luxury all-inclusive ADULT vacations and I cannot in good conscience send someone somewhere I’ve never been, so enter our first alone trip in 12.5 years-paid in full by ME, so enjoy this REAL review. Barbados woo’d us with it’s chic new Sandals -Sandals Royal Barbados. We were balling from the moment we got there and we haven’t turned back ever since…

Travelin’ In Style-Rolls Royce Transfer

Here’s a tour of our beachfront room at Sandals Royal Barbados. This is the B1B. There are only TWO rooms like it in it’s category, so they sell out quickly.

Nightly towel animals got me like….YAY!! Such talent!

The Merry Monkey

Our first order of business? FOOD! After a long travel day, food was the only thing on our mind! So we headed over to The Merry Monkey, the British Pub for a quick fun meal. Our butler, walked us over to the restaurant, got us an AMAZING table and suggested the steak. Since it’s practically sacrilege to eat a British pub and not order fish & chips, we ordered both and split the meals…Have I mentioned Dr. D is a keeper?!

So I am a self admitted, neurotic reader of TripAdvisor reviews and I’m pretty good at taking the over the top awesome and awful reviews and discarding them, but when I read multiple reviews that stress the same thing that’s when I feel confident that it’s a trend. One truth: Sandals food is extraordinary! It’s over the top gourmet deliciousness. (Have I mentioned what a picky eater I am? So please feel free to take this as gospel.)

Lover’s Lane

Lover’s Lane is THE spot for most social happenings after dinner. This chic bowling alley, bar-complete with ice rim within the counter to keep your drink cold, game room and dance floor has something for everyone! We found ourselves here most evenings.

After walking around a bit, we headed over to the bowling alley for some late night games and fun. I had to record this photo for posterity because I WON! (that never happens!)

Each bar on property has it’s own specialty drink!

Infinity Pool

How is the infinity pool you ask? It’s really cool!

Barbados Sunsets

Can you even believe this sky? These pictures are unedited and yet still do the sky no justice. It looked like it was on fire. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life!

Red Lane Spa

So I get a massage every 4 weeks in my regular life, but the massage I had here…NO comparison! WoW! Phenomenal! Look at this serene, tropical massage area. Does it get better than this?

Chic Spots To Chill

The Beach

Light brown powder sand and mild waves make this a nice walking beach, but not my favorite for beach swimming. Excursions to the other side of the island had calm easy waters more fit for relaxation. The water is crystal clear though and the beach unbelievably gorgeous!

Yes, I bought a hummingbird feeder from the “Bird Man.” Who can resist a coconut bird feeder hand carved by this sweet St. Lucian? He even signed it for me!

Should we even talk about our Hobie Cat experience? I am too much of a scaredy cat and was not able to handle heading too far out. The sweet “captain” of it did an amazing job talking me through my fears. He really did try to get to the root asking if it was the fear of drowning, the fear of what is under the water, etc. We figured out it’s my fear of all of the above…lol.

Look a horse!!! I feel like I’m living in a dream!

We’ll take two Purple Rain’s, please! Yum!

We talked at length with the lead gardener at Sandals Royal Barbados. He was a pure joy to listen to. His proudest accomplishment these flowers which have been mixed with multiple varieties.

Global Gourmet Dining

One Butch’s for each resort. They really were completely different though. Both 5*!

We headed out to Sky Bar for a cocktail and to enjoy the view and music.

How gorgeous is the infinity pool when lighted at night?

This violinist blew me away with his talent!

That explains why we ran into Brian outside our room! He’s sneaky that one! Seriously talented butler. He was a pleasure to get to know and such a professional!!

In case you’re wondering how big the tubs are…

Entertainment

Lot of fun theme nights took place when we were in Barbados. Sadly for beach party night there was a torrential downpour. On the up side, the staff moved the party under cover at neighboring Sandals Barbados which was only steps away from our room at the Royal. Check out some of the fun! They did a great job considering they had to improvise!

Goodbye Barbados

Contemplating our trip over our last breakfast on our balcony, we have decided we are taking more trips like this in the near future. While we LOVE spending every second with our children, we find that some quality alone time where we can relax, unwind and reconnect with each other was energizing. We couldn’t be more grateful for our wonderful experience here at Sandals Royal Barbados!

By the way, our #1 butler, Brian, likes to try and guess the occupations of each of his guests while walking us to our Rolls Royce transfer back to the airport. He guessed Doctor for Dr. D. Well played. He guessed Dr. for me! I told him I was a very new travel professional. He about died.

Until next time Barbados and there WILL be a next time! We loved your chic feel and pampering spirit!