Sandals Barbados, an all-new retreat in the spirited St. Lawrence Gap area, offers undeniable luxury with inventive accommodations spanning three unique villages, world-class cuisine with international appeal, including a festive Indian cuisine restaurant, and innovative bar and pool designs. Unwind to the relaxed calypso beat, enjoy the sun & surf and explore the sexiness of your suite, an abode designed with your utmost comfort in mind and featuring everything from ocean views, Butler Elite service and zero-entry access to Barbados' largest and longest lagoon pool, to private tranquility soaking tubs on most patios and terraces. Sandals Barbados gives Grace Ormonde Wedding Style readers an insider's look into planning a wedding in Barbados's all-inclusive resort.
GOWS: If you had to describe the property in three words, what would they be?
A: Exclusive, chic and... welcoming, definitely!
GOWS: How far in advance does a couple need to reserve a wedding date?
A: Well, it really depends on your dream date. If you’re hoping to reserve during popular months, it’s best to try and lock in your date as early as possible – but the good news is that we are fortunate to have eighteen Sandals and Beaches Resorts located throughout the Caribbean which definitely gives you more options and availability! If you’re more flexible with your date, however, you may want to consider a fall wedding as our calendar is a bit more open then… plus we offer some really great deals during that time.
GOWS: Are onsite wedding planners available for the wedding process?
A: Actually we have an entire wedding planning team that will be with you every step of the way from pre-travel planning to your big day, beginning with your wedding concierge. Your wedding concierge will answer any questions you may have before reserving your dream wedding date and will introduce you to a few great tools that will make your wedding planning journey easy and stress free. Next, you’ll be scheduled for your first planning session with your pre-travel planner who will be your go-to right up until departure. And now, thanks to our Virtual Wedding Planning Experience application, you can enjoy a rich, face-to-face planning session! Then, when you arrive at the resort, you can leave everything in the hands of your dedicated resort wedding planner and wedding team or choose to be actively involved with an expert team to guide you along the way.
GOWS: Are accommodations and buyouts available? What is the capacity limit?
A: Perhaps one of the more unique accommodations out of the 280 rooms and suites at Sandals Barbados would be the Swim-up Suites (yes, a suite that you can literally swim up to!) and the rooms with soaking tubs on the balcony.
GOWS: What spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions?
A: At Sandals and Beaches our wedding locations are second to none! In addition to getting married barefoot on the beach, we’re certain you’ll also find plenty of options that will suite your style. Just imagine celebrating your special moment with the brilliant turquoise waters or lush tropical foliage of the Caribbean islands as your backdrop! From the beach to an exclusively designed Wedding Garden and a Pagoda in a lush setting, Sandals Barbados offers a variety of unique wedding locations at no additional cost to you.
GOWS: What are some of the amenities, incentives and activities that the property offers a couple?
A: All Sandals and Beaches Resorts are luxury all-inclusive, meaning that everything is included and unlimited all of the time, to a standard that you won’t find at any other all-inclusive. The great thing about Sandals Barbados, however, is that on top of the unlimited land and water sports and gourmet dining at 11 different restaurants, it is the perfect way for couples to really turn up the heat during this special moment in their lives with Sandals’ signature romantic fire pits, swim-up bar and intimate spa treatments. Plus, it’s located in the heart of the Saint Lawrence Gap where you’ll discover a lively destination and the warmth of the Bajan people at this vibrant resort!
GOWS: Food is such an important element at a wedding; tell me about your menu customization?
A: We want our couples to be able to design the wedding of their dreams, and that’s why we introduced “Your Wedding, Your Style” - a wedding created by you, and sealed with your personal touch from design elements to custom menu options for you and your guests. For wedding groups of five rooms or more, we even offer a variety of complimentary signature drinks that have been specially made and styled to reflect your personal taste and wedding theme. Plus, brides and grooms can now treat their guests (and themselves!) to coconut, pina colada or strawberry daiquiri cake fillings that will complement the existing vanilla, chocolate, red velvet cake and Caribbean fruit flavors. And then, once the wedding festivities have ended, you and your guests can experience the resort’s 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining from the 11 different restaurants at Sandals Barbados. Food allergies or special dietary requirements? No worries, we’ve got you covered; we have a culinary concierge on resort to ensure all your needs are taken care of.
GOWS: What does the property offer couples and their guests that set you apart, for example personal concierge, transportation, etc…
A: At Sandals Resorts our goal is to exceed the guests’ expectations. Service begins before your arrival till the time you depart. Transportation is included as a service for your vacation where you are greeted upon your flight arrival and taken care of for your return home. For those looking for their private 24/7 hour service, Sandals also offers guests the highest standard of service with their very own butler. We offer multiple concierge services, spanning from planning your special day with our wedding concierge, to our culinary concierge who is there to meet all of your dietary needs, and even our very own Club Sandals concierge which offers members extraordinary privileges and extraordinary service during their stay. Plus, if you really want to enhance your experience, not only do we have an award-winning Red Lane® spa where you pamper yourself, we also offer couples the option to dine under the stars and fun adventure tours through Island Routes.
