Dreaming of Barbados: Why We Swapped Jamaica for a Sandals Escape in 2026
It’s literally freezing.
Snow is piled high, the roads are locked down, and going anywhere feels questionable at best. We’re bundled up, cabin-fevered, and very much stuck inside for the next few days. And when winter decides to fully commit like this?
We do what we do best.
We dream. ✨
Specifically, we’re dreaming of warm trade winds, turquoise water, and a tropical reset—because on April 30, 2026, we’ll be trading snow boots for sandals (the footwear and the resort) as we head to Sandals Barbados. This trip has been circled on the calendar for months, and on days like this—when the world outside is white, frozen, and wildly uninviting—having a warm, beachy vacation on the books feels less like a luxury and more like a survival strategy. We are sharing this again so that you get INSPIRED to join us!! And of course, this is our cushy way of sending you all warmth, too.
Why We Changed Plans: From Jamaica to Barbados 💔➡️🌴
Originally, this trip was set to take us back to Jamaica, a destination we love deeply. But after Hurricane Melissa caused devastating impacts to parts of the island, we had to make the tough call to change plans. We’ll be honest—this wasn’t an easy decision. Sandals has done (and continues to do) incredible work supporting their resorts, staff, and surrounding communities after hurricanes. And yes, there was a real possibility that we could have been among the first guests welcomed back after reopening.
But ultimately, we decided to give Jamaica a bit more time.
Not because we don’t trust Sandals—quite the opposite—but because recovery after a major storm is complex. Infrastructure, surrounding excursions, beaches, and local communities all deserve the space and time to fully rebound. When we return to Jamaica (and we absolutely will), we want to experience it at its strongest. So with heavy hearts but open minds, we pivoted.
And that pivot led us right back to Barbados.
Why Barbados Won This Time
We’ve been lucky enough to experience both Antigua and Barbados, and honestly? You can’t go wrong with either. Antigua’s beaches are breathtaking, and it was very much in the running. But this time around, Barbados ultimately won us over—and here’s why.
Two Sandals Resorts, One Seamless Experience
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Barbados is that there are TWO Sandals resorts right next door to each other:
Sandals Barbados
Sandals Royal Barbados
Staying at one gives you access to both, which means:
More pools
More bars
More beaches
And—our favorite—a significantly larger dining scene 🍽️
A Standout Dining Lineup
Dining was a big deciding factor for us this time, especially after comparing options across islands.
Between the two Sandals Barbados resorts, guests can enjoy 20+ restaurants, including favorites like:
Butch’s Chophouse – A classic Sandals steakhouse with upscale vibes
Chi Asian Fusion – Bold flavors and a sleek atmosphere
Kimonos – Teppanyaki fun that never gets old
La Parisienne – Elegant French cuisine
Neptune’s – Fresh Mediterranean flavors with ocean views
American Tavern – Elevated comfort food done right
When we compared that variety to other destinations (including Antigua), Barbados simply offered more range, more atmosphere, and more choice—perfect for a longer, indulgent stay.
The Island Itself
Beyond the resorts, Barbados as an island is vibrant, welcoming, and rich with culture.
From:
Calm, swimmable beaches on the west coast
Dramatic cliffs and waves on the east coast
Historic Bridgetown and UNESCO-listed sites
Rum distilleries, catamaran cruises, and local food scenes
Barbados strikes that perfect balance between relaxation and exploration—which is exactly what we’re craving right now while staring out at snowdrifts.
Why We Always Keep a Warm Trip on the Books
Right now, the world outside feels cold, quiet, and completely frozen in place.
But knowing that Barbados is waiting for us—that there’s sunshine, ocean air, and a Sandals welcome with our names on it—makes winter feel a little more manageable.
Having a warm, beachy vacation planned isn’t just about travel.
It’s about:
Something to look forward to
A mental escape on the hardest days
And a reminder that seasons change—even when it doesn’t feel like it
So while we’re snow-locked, sipping hot coffee instead of rum punch, we’ll keep dreaming.
Because come April 30, 2026? We’ll be trading frost for sunshine and winter blues for Barbados blue waters.
And honestly—dreaming has never felt so necessary. If you are interested in WARMING up, and let’s be honest, after this brutal winter weather, we’ll all be in need of thawing out - let us know! We have booked our Sandals Barbados Vacation with Kristen Faye Alfred, of @travelwithkristen — she would love to help you get your Sandals Vacation booked.
