Sandy Lane
There was a time when Sandy Lane was the only hotel where anyone seeking the warmth of the Caribbean sun and a luxury hotel ventured. Built in 1961 the guests were a combination of sophisticated Brits and Americans, often mixed in with a few Honeymoon couples. The very civilized island of Barbados (highest rate of literacy in the Caribbean) where even the local rum is more refined still attracts the more sophisticated traveler and Sandy Lane is still the iconic hotel on the island; only now it's close to one of the best hotels anywhere.
In 2001 Sandy Lane closed its doors for over two years and underwent a major renovation like no other. There was very little that was not thought of to insure the privacy and comfort of the 21st century vacationer. Even elaborate underground passages were built for the staff to use so as not to disturb the guests while they meandered around the hotels beautifully manicured grounds. At this point it became the most exclusive hotel in the Caribbean and still one of the most in the world.
In 2008 another renovation was completed. These changes include new soft goods, lighting fixtures and bigger flat-screen TVs in the 112 guest rooms. Two new limousines were added for guest transfers. Also, the spa now offers a new line of treatments and products, and public areas have new furnishings and decor. The resort's Bajan Blue restaurant on the beach level, one of four restaurants on the property, underwent a total overhaul. It now features an open kitchen with a new culinary program where guests have more interaction with the chef.
Once inside the lobby, new arrivals are greeted with the pomp and circumstance of a visiting dignitary. The general manager and his entourage attempt to greet arrivals with bows and handshakes, while attendants offer freshly squeezed juice and orchid-draped towels, chilled and ready to refresh.
Guests are then escorted to some of the largest and best-equipped hotel rooms on the planet. The lobby sets the tone, with exceptional English colonial appointments that stand out amidst the custom contemporary pieces.
Dining here is among the most expensive on the island, though some argue its position in the ranks, with the Restaurant at South Sea being the main contender for quality and imagination. L'Acajou, the fine-dining venue, overlooks the beach. Many of the chef's French-inspired selections are accented with Asian influences. Seafood is prominently featured, and the service and wine selection are superb.
Bajan Blue is aptly named for its Bajan-inspired fare and blue-water vistas. All meals are served here, and the breakfasts (thoughtfully included in the rates) are lavish and fresh. Thirsts are sated in four bars, including the born-again Monkey Bar, where a delightful tropical mural is the backdrop. There are also beachside and poolside watering holes, as well as a fancy bar and grill overlooking the 18th hole of the golf course.
Recreation is on an unprecedented scale, with an enormous free-form pool. The 47,000-sq-ft spa offers a long list of heath and beauty treatments, an excellent gym, saunas, whirlpools and changing rooms. In the impressive sauna, a heated amethyst boulder radiates healing steam.
Water sports are equally exhausting, and the children's club is an educational center as well as a play land with professional staffers. Golfers love the two superb 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, as well as the original nine-hole Sandy Lane course. The tennis club includes nine lit tennis courts with two different surfaces. Equestrian pursuits (trail rides, or lessons in dressage, jumping or polo) can be arranged.
The generous accommodations (averaging 900 sq ft) are slathered in creamy marble and appointed with quality reproduction furniture. Both housekeepers and maintenance work hard to keep these units looking great. The king beds are piled high with throw pillows, and Porthault bedding and imported mattresses ensure sweet dreams.
The amenities roster incorporates such high-tech goodies as electronic do-not-disturb signs and bedside control panels that can alert the maid, room service staff and even the manager and house doctor.
Minibars, TVs, and DVD and CD players are disguised in period cabinetry. Safes hide in vast closets alongside robes and slippers, and baths offer soaking tubs, stall showers, above-counter mirrors with anti-fogging devices, and parabolic speakers.
If that weren't enough, the living room-sized terraces are furnished with sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and lamps. There are a small number of garden-view units call Orchid Rooms, but anyone who wants to dine on their terrace would be foolish not to opt for one of the Ocean Rooms.
The suites are even larger and more sumptuous, with the top choice, the two penthouse suites overlooking the beach. For those who want to feel as they are in a world class “city” suite but still be on the beach, the extravagant five-bedroom Sandy Lane Villa offers more than 7,000 sq ft of luxury at upwards of $20,000 per night.
Room service is nonstop, housekeeping makes multiple daily stops, and turndown, fresh flowers, shoeshine, and optional valets to unpack and press guests' wardrobes are the norm.
While Sandy Lane may not be for everyone there is no denying that the owners and management of this fashionable fortress have left no stone unturned in their search for ways to impress Sandy Lane's wealthy and discriminating clientele.
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