Sandy Lane Hotel

Out adventure began when we exited the tarmac, as opposed to after customs, and the experience was stellar. No finger need be lifted thereafter. We were handed off to our driver and whisked off to our incredible greeting and subsequently escorted to our room (which is where you check in) with your bags at our heels. The rooms are adorned with every convenience, including welcome fruit, bottled water, coffee and fresh milk in the fridge. Do not expect cream, which is what I prefer in my coffee, so that was a personal disappointment, because the response should have been, we’re sending staff to retrieve some for you sir. Guest rooms can only be cooled to 20 degrees C (67 degrees F) which, if you like it quite cool when you sleep, especially as the comfortable beds are draped with heavy duvets, you will be frustrated. There is a ceiling fan but why restrict a guest’s ability to choose? A manager’s cocktail party was held the first night. You must attend these events if offered. You are bound to meet a cadre of interesting people imparting the most interesting life stories. This is a destination designed mainly for the inhabitants of England, as they return year after year. Therefore, they constitute the majority of the guests. Nevertheless, you may "still" find them to be an interesting lot. :) We received a call at 9 AM to ask if we wanted our room cleaned as we had our “do not disturb” light on. That was 5 AM LA time, but a very respectable London time. We were dead asleep, so not sure of the do not disturb light's intended purpose. The staff was my favorite part of our stay. The English management is expected to be exceptionally polite and the regulation level of stuffy. But the islander staff was amazing and always friendly, helpful, genuine and seemingly joyful (a rarity indeed). The beach is right there, with comfortable assigned beach chairs and no bugs. The water is that lovely hue you’d expect and is inhabited by the occasional sea turtle. There is a precipitous drop off a few feet out and coral protruding from the sea floor but it’s not too sharp. In other words, you’ll survive a swim. If you prefer, there’s an incredible pool, spa, golf course, tennis courts and all you’d expect at a world class resort destination. Value expectations? Everything on the island is imported, except perhaps for rum, so everything is expensive, even for the inhabitants of the island. But, for those guests of Sandy Lane you can expect usury prices consistent with the room rates. And bring cash as tipping is standard and, if you’re a drinker, pick up a bottle at duty free while waiting for your luggage. In an unfortunate turn of events, I contracted food poisoning from the buffet the first night. Obviously, this must be uncommon, but I spent the rest of my stay in bed….. or worse…. The resort nurse was excellent. I’m giving SL a pass on this one. Overall, your experience will be memorable and very likely for the right reasons!

We’ve loved our stay and could not fault the service again. Staff were excellent and every detail from check in has been faultless. Well done to the team. The bathroom was enormous with stunning toiletries. Big shout out to the room cleaners

We stayed in an Orchid suite for 3 nights prior to going on a cruise. The hotel was absolutely amazing and the best service we have experienced in a 5 star luxury hotel anywhere in the world. The room was immaculate with a large walk in wardrobe, enormous bathroom, separate study, separate lounge area and a garden terrace with furniture. We particularly liked the Bajan Blue restaurant which had some excellent themed buffet nights as well as the a la carte menu. The hotel really is as good as the hype and we will be back again soon. Highly recommended

My family and I have stayed at Sandy Lane two years running, both holidays have been memorable for the quality and attention given. The rooms were different each time we stayed but always fabulous. The hotel and grounds are beautifully well kept the staff are so friendly. We had a fantastic experience playing cricket on the front lawn with help from the team at the Childrens clubhouse. The pool and beach are easily accessible . The addition of the floats and pontoon makes for perfect relaxation. We thoroughly enjoyed the beach service by placing your flag in the sand. Breakfast was a highlight every day if you can believe there is something missing from the huge choice available it was never too much trouble to get it for you. The only downside was sometimes it was a little disjointed getting tea, coffee and iced drinks at breakfast and being a vegetarian I would have liked the option of a vegetarian sausage or similar, however I was not going to go hungry with the options available. A word of warning the marble gets very slippery when wet, I did take a tumble on my first visit but the staff were so attentive and the nurse called me each day to check I was okay. My son who was seven on his first visit and enjoyed the children’s amenities. He loved anything to do with water so this is ideal. The beach is very safe (although no lifeguard there are plenty of staff around keeping an eye on things)

This was our second 4 night visit and we were not disappointed. Sandy Lane oozes quality and, in common with other hotels where management has a high visibility, service levels throughout are top notch with lots of personal touches and attention to detail. On this visit we went to Sunday Brunch which we really enjoyed and would repeat. The range and quality of the buffet was first class. The recently opened Monkey Club (replacing L’Acajou) is fresh, modern and vibrant. In common with the rest of the hotel, the food is well-presented and high qualtity. We certainly plan to return and to stay for longer next time.