A Bajan institution synonymous with conspicuous luxury, Sandy Lane exists in its own Palladian-style microcosm made up of chauffeured Rolls-Royces and celebrity patrons who treat it as a home-away-from-home. And yet, despite all this grandeur, the homely atmosphere ensures its enduring popularity is ever tangible.
Committed to a certain kind of traditional service where no detail is overlooked, life here is so intrinsically easy and unhurried, it’s no surprise it’s consistently ranked as the best place to stay on Barbados.
Monkey Bar
L’Acajou restaurant
Luxury Ocean Room
Dolphin Suite
The Relaxation Room at the spa
Bajan Blue restaurant
Firmly entrenched on the Platinum Coast and sprawled across four wings offering both ocean and garden views, Sandy Lane’s location is a carefully considered one and is the most sought-after address on Barbados.
Of course, the main attraction is the 300 yard long arc of powdery golden sand backing on to the estate and shaded by mammoth mahogany trees.
This is a never-lift-a-finger kind of place where diligent attendants patrol the sentinel of signature pink sun loungers ready to polish smudged sunglasses and cool off warm, tanned faces with a light water mist. Those that are privy know not to unpack on arrival, instead they head to one of the seven bars scattered throughout the resort for a welcome drink and return to unpacked suitcases and an organised wardrobe. Long-time guests can be welcomed back with monogrammed sheets.
The golf courses here – that’s right plural, there’s three of them – are some of the finest in the world. Teeing off at The Old Nine and The Country Club involve stopping to gaze at sweeping views of the island’s west coast, but real golf aficionados are found waiting their turn to play the renowned Green Monkey – an exclusive course carved out of an old limestone quarry.
Unsurprisingly, the kids’ club at Sandy Lane is one of the best on the island and with a multitude of age-appropriate activities complaints of boredom are quickly exchanged for squeals of joy. Sailing lessons and annual summer sports camps nurture younger children’s self-esteem, while outdoor movies, island tours and mocktail parties mean the older are just as indulged, making it a hit with teens too.
This is the type of institution that sees the same families return year after year, and witnesses babies growing into toddlers, then teens, then adults.
In a place that has it all inside its walls there’s little reason to venture outside; however if the impulse does strike there are few memorable ways to explore history at the old plantation houses, quaint forgotten villages and coastlines than on a horseback ride that concludes on one of the island’s most remote beaches.
Meanwhile, below the water, forget snorkelling in the shallows and step on board the Atlantis Submarine to explore the kaleidoscopic world at the depths of Barbados’ sea.
Knowing where to travel for a February half-term escape can be a delightful challenge, especially as you want to make the most of your week off while ensuring that your children are prepared to return to school on the Monday. At Carrier, we love these types of challenges, and to make things easier for you, we've compiled our top picks for those seeking a burst of Vitamin D to those eager to hit the slopes.
May half term breaks are an easy way to sneak in some early summer sun and warmth as a family; little ones will relish the excitement of exploring somewhere new during their time off school, while grown-ups relish a week of rest before the fast pace of summer starts.
Sneak off for a week of warmth in Spain's sunniest spots or travel further afield for action-packed family adventures in Arabia and the Caribbean. Whatever takes your fancy, we’ve curated our top picks that provide some much needed respite in the most family-friendly destinations during October Half Term.
Places and people with a commitment to making every journey count.
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.
Tranquil, secluded and very British in manner, this charming country house hotel in its tropical garden setting stands out for its warm welcome and genuine hospitality, even by Bajan standards.
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