Key Takeaways

• Custom-built for Royalton Hotels & Resorts, the Royalton Vessence Barbados, set to open summer of 2026, marks a new concept for the brand
• This resort is designed as an all-inclusive “luxury sensory escape” for adults, with service features exclusive to this property
• Just 30 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport, this is an exciting new option on Barbados’ Platinum Coast

Royalton Hotels & Resorts have established a name for themselves as upscale all-inclusive properties. But this reputation means continuing to move forward in terms of luxury innovation, continuing to strive to stay ahead of the curve and set new bars. With that in mind, they’ve now introduced the adults-only Royalton Vessence Barbados, which is not only a brand-new construction on a high-end island that doesn’t typically see a lot, but an all-new concept revolving around Sensory Experiences.

That’s because, in their thinking, vacations are never just about being somewhere different. They’re about doing something differently, which is why Royalton Vessence Barbados has created a collection of property-exclusive ways to indulge all five of your senses, available to this resort’s guests only.

Sight

The views. Oh, the views. That can nearly go without saying in a destination such as this, especially when Royalton Hotels & Resorts typically occupy prime oceanfront property. Beautiful design and artwork in abundance also provide aesthetic balm. But an added bonus is the panoramic rooftop available to all guests, offering breathtaking ocean vistas from on high, where they can also engage other senses as they enjoy the international flavors and handcrafted cocktails available as they watch the sun set on a beautiful day. After that, open-late pools let them view the stars from the water.

Taste

The culinary arts are also on display at Royalton Vessence Barbados, with specialty restaurants and bespoke dining options that showcase international and island flavors. Think chef-inspired Caribbean dishes rooted in coastal tradition, Bajan culture, and made with local ingredients. Craft cocktails made to order, using fruits of the region and quality spirits, available at Evo Lobby Bar, the Nabu swim-up bar, a premium Diamond Club™ bar, plus a bar on the roof and drinks available at all restaurants.

On said rooftop, there are four different dining venues: Waves, an ocean-to-table seafood restaurant; Catrina’s Express for fresh, fast, on-the-go Mexican; The Saffron Hut, with rich, aromatic flavors like pilafs; and Sugar Halo for handcrafted desserts and sweet goodies.

Across the resort, specialty restaurants include Parisian French at Moi Aussi, rustic Italian at La Scala Italian Trattoria, steakhouse classics at Hunter, and Asian fusion in a sleek atmosphere at Kai Asian Cuisine. Meanwhile, Essenza is a one-size-fits-all meal solution with globally inspired dishes in a relaxed but elegant setting, while Room 21 offers big bar bites, snacks, and a late-night menu to keep the evening going. But by day, stop at Petisco Snack Bar and Grill for low-key grilled favorites.

Touch

It’s not uncommon for resort pools to close down as the dinnertime rolls around, but Royalton Vessence Barbados is changing things up with late-night swimming hours. Guests can enjoy the sensations of submersion well into the evening in illuminated pools for a romantic or meditative moment of calmness.

Another way guests can engage through touch is via creation. The Studio here is an open-air area for hands-on art experiences that include painting, pottery, and even cooking classes, complete with plating and technique instruction. In fact, this fusion of culinary expression and fine art is part of what makes this program so gratifying for those who enjoy tactile experiences.

And of course, there’s the classic solution of spa services. A wide range of body work, treatments, and techniques are offered at the sumptuous Royal Spa, which influences other aspects of guest stays here since their wellness practices are integrated into the rest of the resort as well.

Scent

With so much focused on gastronomy across the resort, the olfactory sense is easily indulged near any of the restaurants as mouthwatering smells come from the kitchen, neighboring tables, and of course, the guests’ own plates. But everywhere else, it’s indulged in other ways. Clean, fresh, sea breezes from the beach, for one. Foliage from the landscaping, and arranged cut flowers. Relaxing  breaths in the remarkable spa. And in every suite, complimentary aromatherapy that can be personalized for each guest. 

Visitors are able to choose from three scents, and Diamond Club™ VIPs are able to select from an expanded menu – just another perk of this leveled-up accommodation option.

Sound 

Beyond the susurrus of the palms in the breeze and the muted roar of the waves in the distance, Royalton Vessence Barbados offers a curated soundtrack to their guests’ stays with live evening jazz at The Studio and well-chosen playlists at the restaurants, bar, and the spa. Additionally, activities like guided meditation, tai chi, yoga, at more in the Modda Fitness program add ways to disconnect from everything but the sound of the instructor’s voice, your own breathing, and the feel of your body as it moves through the space.

The Bottom Line

This new resort by Royalton Hotels & Resorts is raising the bar for what is expected from the top tier of their family of brands and properties, but also Barbados as a vacation destination. Already rare on this island for its adults-only all-inclusive model and new construction status, its attention to fulfilling the needs of all five of guests’ senses makes the soon-to-come Royalton Vessence Barbados a must-try luxury vacation experience.