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Since its opening in 1961 Sandy Lane has acquired a regal status among other Caribbean resorts and it’s not hard to see why.
Resolutely old-school in feel, Coral Reef Club is very much one for those who relish a country house vibe. Its success is a tribute to the creativity and vision of Cynthia and the late Budge O’Hara who came to run the hotel in the 50s and never wanted to leave. It’s still managed today, over half a century later, by the following generation of O’Haras.
Quiet rooms with nothing but a barely-there rustle of palm fronds sets the tone for a week or two unencumbered by distractions, leaving days free to enjoy the recuperative atmosphere and limelight stealer: The Spa. Cocooned in glorious gardens with a menu of stress-busting treatments, the health club’s expertise belies its size (there are only four treatment rooms and one couple’s pavilion). The week-long wellness retreats are a big draw with a healthy dose of yoga, Caribbean-style zumba and holistic rituals. Monday evenings are for savouring rum cocktails hosted at the home of the O’Hara family, followed by a colourful West Indian buffet back in the hotel’s restaurant. While Thursdays are all about lively barbecues and limbo dancing.
Since its opening in 1961 Sandy Lane has acquired a regal status among other Caribbean resorts and it’s not hard to see why.
A local institution, this cosseting family-run boutique hotel attracts a loyal repeat clientele who come back for its low-key attitude and laid-back informality – a rarity on the west coast.
A romantic hideaway nestled amongst swaying palms and vibrant tropical gardens, Fairmont Royal Pavilion is ideal for couples seeking a quiet yet sophisticated sanctuary.