Sandy Lane Hotel

I first visited Sandy Lane in 2002 with my late husband. We returned annually for several years, then I returned once, sometimes twice a year. So lots of visits to Sandy Lane and this can only be because it was a magical place with many staff who were passionate about making your stay special. Obviously from 2002 to 2025 there have been several general managers. My favourite being Randall Wilkie, he was professional, efficient, had a great sense of humour and would wander among guests as he obviously enjoyed being with guests. Since Mr. Wilkie's departure in 2021 things are still good at Sandy Lane. But... I notice when returning exceptional key managerial staff are no longer there. Especially, I refer to Tracey head of spa/gym - she would go the extra mile, was a big character and managed the spa to obtain world class recognition. Also Bernard a Michelin trained chef, he too was passionate about his work, really wanted guests to have the best experience. He suddenly was replaced. No introduction to his replacement. Elvis, head of golf ensures all 3 golf courses provide experiences rarely found on courses I play on in UK. Thankfully Elvis remains. Both Tracey and Bernard have left in recent years. No reasoning - No introduction to their replacements neither are they replacements obvious in hotel. In the hotel in Oct. 25 there was no spa brochure/spa prices in the room or the spa. Those at the spa however, continue to offer their best. Head of beach staff also passionate and brilliant at his job - then he leaves. Another P/T member of staff at SL who had been there as long as I could remember told me he had heard via grapevine he was no longer going to be employed due to re-arrangement of restaurant facility. He was concerned he heard of his 'end' after many many years via colleagues and not from management. Sad, brilliant department managers are leaving. Sandy Lane continues to please, food and beverage managers are excellent as is Alpha. I have learnt since Mr. Wilkie's departure if there is a problem and you approach Alpha, always he offers input, always he follows up. If though Alpha is not able to resolve your problem/complaint it is my experience your complaint will be completely ignored by the current general manager. I refer to a stay a while ago when I had to endure two room changes within an 8 day stay. The first room change happened in the space of two hours and there was no real disruption. The second room change resulted in me being without a room from 9.00am to 4.30pm. Could not access my belongings as they had been packed away in a holding room, Could not change from golf clothing and had to sit on beach in golf clothes. Offered a free cocktail. If you calculate the average cost of a room is approx £84.00 per hour in peak session a cocktail is not really acceptable. But that was how it was to be. The latest visit resulted in an even worse experience. On departure I went to pay my bill and allowed 15mins to do this. The male at the desk took 10mins to try and find my account on his computer and eventually had to find another member of staff to help him. This meant I was 5 mins late leaving the hotel for the airport. Sandy Lane includes airport transfer in their fee. Albeit 5mins late leaving we still had able time to travel to the airport. BUT... this visit to the airport I was allocated a black van/taxi with a male driver who had initiated a massage facility for my seat. He spent much time asking if the massage prog was as I wanted and asked if the 'creepy' music was to my liking. He then proceeded to the airport on a route I had never travelled before (( had travelled this route 30+ times) We did not seem to be heading in the direction of the airport - in fact I was so unsettled I began tracking the route on my Iphone and I texted a friend in the UK to tell him I was concerned about the driver of the van. I asked the driver for ETA time at airport he was vague as he had not used his satnav. When we eventually arrived at the airport I was too late to check in and had to return to Sandy Lane for another night and book a new flight. Sandy Lane made me pay in full for the extra night which was 100% due to the vagueness/weirdness of the driver they employed to take me to the airport. The new flight booking for the following day cost a small fortune. Alpha was a helpful as possible in arranging a reliable drive for the next day journey to the airport but the general manager was no where to be found. In the the duty manager told me that it was my fault I missed my flight as I took too long paying my account (classic gaslighting technique). I understand Sandy Lane do not track their drivers - be warned you are at their mercy. The big big problem for me is that I have written to the general manager about this. First letter last year after my return. Received a brief acknowledgement telling he was 'investigating' my complaint - I would have thought he would have a system that automatically told him guests were missing flights due to his inefficient transfer service. I have written a reminder to the general manager asking for a reply. NOTHING. I am out of pocket, one last minute air flight Barbados to UK plus a the cost of an extra night at SL. Yes Sandy Lane can be magical mainly because there are many staff there that are focused on making you stay special. But, like others here writing reviews here - IF some goes wrong (which it can do) do not even expect the general manager to communicate or engage let along resolve the situation. All guests receive a message from the general manager on their arrival telling them to contact him should there be any concerns. From my experience with the room changes and the very strange van/taxi driver who deviated en route so much I missed my flight the offer of input from the general manager on your arrival will just not happen. Not even if you have been a guest over a period of 2-+. He does not readily interact with guests. Oh for Mr. Randall Wilkie, a big thank you to staff who do offer input and a special thank you to Alpha. When will Alpha be general manager? I have visited 17 islands in the Caribbean my late husband and friends sail a lot. When taking a break from sailing I have stayed at many hotels in the Caribbean and there are hotels better than Sandy Lane. Yes, SL can be great but if you have a complaint - don't bother - you will be ignored- and you will end up being out of pocket! They do not appear to refund or compensate.

Excellent resort. This property is beautiful. Very quiet and Our room was steps from the beach, and we couldn't have been happier with the location. A beautiful, serene stretch of beach, soft powdery sand, and crystal clear, warm, calm water. The daily breakfast and dinners at the Green Monkey were delicious! The Italian buffet was our favorite. Our package included 2 massages, and the spa staff are experts with pristine facilities. Room service and hospitality staff were impeccable and timely. The Beach staff is very attentive. The Country Club was an ideal spot to catch a different view of the sunset(friendly, welcoming staff, nice pro shop). The course was picturesque, and we saw a group of monkeys playing as the sun faded away. Special mention to Anisia, Aniya Blue, Rhea, Tanya, Terri, Karen, Tamara(baby :), Serena, Sonia, and Atonya Jones. Crystal & the crew at the beach went out of their way to get everyone set up & brought cool, refreshing spa towels and lite treats throughout the day. Navin and all the others (My sincerest apologies, I didn't remember everyone by name). The landscapers, security guards, front desk, activities, chauffeurs, pool attendants, bartenders, wait staff, and chefs made our stay most memorable. We will definitely return to this resort when the opportunity arises. THANK YOU, EVERYONE. We sincerely appreciate your hospitality.

We know that the Sandy Lane Management Team claims not to read social media but we would be remiss if we didn't share our thoughts about this extraordinary resort. We are fortunate and able to travel/stay at some truly wonderful facilities and, in our opinion, none equal what the Sandy Lane offers. We honeymooned here; and, returned for both our 25th and 50th anniversaries. The location, facility, staff, food & drink are all without equal. We toured the island with an outstanding guide, we enjoyed time on the catamaran Cat & The Fiddle and just soaked up the sun and atmosphere. Many thanks to the hotel management for the special 50th anniversary welcome. We will return. Highly recommended.

Best hotel ever, I’ve been going to Barbados for at least 15 years and I never get bored of going there. My favourite place on campus has to be the kids club. The staff are all amazing and I would reccomend this to anyone

How do you describe the perfection that is Sandy Lane. Our fourth visit….and it never disappoints. As they said on our arrival, “welcome home “! That’s just how it feels…. Our room was superb with a beautiful view. Breakfasts are amazing and all the lunches we had were delicious. Their magic ingredient is of course the Staff! They are beyond wonderful….all of them charming, friendly and professional. We will return… Thank you for an amazing week