The Sandpiper

We’ve had the pleasure to stay at many of the top hotels in Barbados so decided to check out the Sandpiper this time around. The pros: As others have said, the staff are super friendly and very attentive. The ratio of staff to guests is high. The hotel is small and has a nice family run feel. The paths in the hotel weave their way through beautiful gardens. At night, the whole hotel is lit by gas torches. The food was great and there was a choice of two restaurants for formal or informal dining. Both backed up with the same super friendly service. Two great swimming pools. It was so quiet during our stay we had one pool to ourselves most days. The main thing we felt could be improved is the decor - in general our room was quite dated and would be quite straightforward to refresh. Our suite had a kitchen - perhaps useful if you have a young baby but I wonder how many other guests really use this facility given what it costs to stay here. If you can afford the room you are probably not going to be spending your evenings cooking….! A second bathroom would probably be a better use of this space in this day and age. Also a bit strange there was not the now ubiquitous Nespresso and mini bar in the room. With the above updates could really be the most outstanding place to stay in Barbados. That said, nevertheless and extremely pleasant place to kick back for the week. Well done to all the team.

Covid prevented us from coming to Barbados 2 or 3 years ago to have our first stay at The Sandpiper, and I believe the hotel was requisitioned to help with the pandemic. Well, it was worth the wait and we probably appreciated it even more, as a result. We thought it was the nicest beachside property we have ever visited, although on our stay the sea and wind were a bit lively, restricting access to the beach and the ocean somewhat. No matter though, as the hotel provides every possible amenity. The welcome is warm and genuine, and is a foretaste of the relaxed and professional hospitality of the place - the staff are all immaculately presented, and are all constantly but discreetly attentive - really nothing is any trouble to them. Beautiful grounds and property, just a few steps from the Ocean, and ten minutes walk to Holetown, with all its attractions and history. Accommodation excellent, with either sea or garden views, and meticulously serviced. Food and Bev offerings first-class, led by a clever and impressive Head Chef, and a great team of expert food and bev professionals, including Harold, the legend, and many others. Two beautiful spotlessly maintained pool areas, as well as the beach front areas, an excellent gym, and great access to lovely walks on the beach. Unsurprisingly, we met many repeat guests, some long-standing, unanimously impressed that The Sandpiper finds just the right balance between the commodity beach resorts and the legendary pretentiousness of some of the better known properties. Every member of The Sandpiper team plays a key role in making this place feel welcoming, homely, and completely professional.

Fabulous hotel, beautiful gardens. Friendly staff and just a few hundred yards walk into Holetown. My only real complaint was people seemed to get up at 5-6am and place books or magazines onto all the sun loungers and try and reserve them and not show up until lunch time or early afternoon. So bad that it actually meant you struggled to get a sun lounger. Come on hotel - you can manage that and do much better. And don’t just pay lip service and say you will, actually do something about it. It was very very annoying. But even though I complain about that. I will remind everyone that it’s just a fabulous hotel, great service and lush tropical surroundings. And I will be back. So Thank You for a glorious week.