Sandals Royal Barbados

Sandals Royal Barbados sits on Maxwell Beach on the island's south coast, in St Lawrence Gap. It is adults only and built for couples, and everything is included: meals, unlimited drinks and even the minibar in your suite. The resort calls itself one of Barbados' largest and most luxurious all-inclusive resorts, and the mood is playful rather than hushed. It suits couples marking a honeymoon or an anniversary, and anyone who would rather not think about a bill.

Every room here is a suite, across twenty-two categories and two service tiers, Club Sandals and Butler Elite. Views take in the beachfront, the ocean, the pools or the tropical gardens, and each suite pairs a king-size bed with a balcony or patio. Many add a Tranquility Soaking Tub, while swim-up suites step into a Crystal Lagoon pool and Rondoval suites rise to a twenty-foot conical ceiling. Selected suites bring a Rolls-Royce transfer.

PADI certified scuba diving is included, equipment and instruction with it, and the water sports run to snorkelling, kayaks, Hobie Cats, paddleboards, boogie boards, pool volleyball and a glass bottom boat. On land there is tennis, table tennis, shuffleboard, lawn chess, croquet, board games and beach volleyball. Lovers Lanes sets four bowling lanes beside a craft beer bar. Evenings bring live music and parties around the beach and the pool.

Eleven pools and six whirlpools are spread through the grounds, among them Crystal Lagoon pools that swim-up suites open straight onto, and a swim-up bar. The rooftop walk-in infinity pool is a Sandals first, ringed by lounge areas and its own bar, with panoramic ocean views. Red Lane Spa gives individualised treatments rooted in Caribbean tradition, and the fitness centre carries Life Fitness equipment alongside high energy group classes.

Twenty-one restaurants and fourteen bars are open to you, counting Sandals Barbados next door, and none of them bring a bill. At this resort you will find Butch's Steak & Seafood for prime cuts, Chi Asian Fusion, the modern French La Parisienne, Neptune's for Mediterranean grills by the sea and American Tavern for regional comfort food. Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines and Appleton Estate rum are poured throughout, and a Culinary Concierge Desk handles reservations and dietary requirements.

Grantley Adams International Airport is seven miles away, a fifteen minute drive, and transfers are included whichever suite you book. Beyond the gates, Island Routes runs a catamaran and snorkelling cruise at Carlisle Bay, while the island's draws include the historic buildings of Bridgetown, Hunte's Gardens, the tram ride through Harrison's Cave and St Nicholas Abbey. A four by four Jeep tour covers rougher ground.