Barbados is well known for its luxury hotels dotted along the length of its Caribbean West coast, but often overlooked is the idyllic and exclusive Sandpiper hotel which is perhaps fortunate for those guests who have found this boutique hideaway and who chose to return year after year.

Wayne and Karen Capaldi run The Sandpiper with meticulous attention to detail without sacrificing the relaxed manner of the Caribbean. Karen's family, the O’Haras, own and manage the bigger sister property Coral Reef Club, which is a short walk away along a fine white sandy beach shaded by swaying palms and overhanging Casuarinas which is sometimes referred to as the Platinum Coast.

With just 47 rooms, 1 & 2 bedroom suites and the Tree Top Suites, The Sandpiper is set in lush gardens filled with tropical flora, which creates an atmosphere of ultimate privacy. All the accommodation is spacious and individually designed with large balconies or terraces. The one and two bedroom suites have comfortable lounges, which can be used by families as additional sleeping accommodation, and a small kitchen. For those looking for that extra touch of luxury the 2 Tree Top Suites have wrap around balconies with private plunge pools, separate sun bathing area and a covered terrace with a large table ideal for al fresco dining or alternatively spreading out your newspaper to study whilst sipping something cool away from the heat of the day. They also boast perhaps the best bathrooms in the Caribbean.

Fine dining is not an expression, it is a fact in Barbados and whilst there are many superb restaurants on the island that compete with the best London, New York and Paris have to offer; the rivalry between The Sandpiper’s Christophe Poupardin and Coral Reef’s Graham Licorish means guests are always spoiled and need never stray, except perhaps to check up on the competition.

Guests staying at The Sandpiper have full use of The Spa at Coral Reef and are whisked to and from in air conditioned luxury. With its four treatment rooms including an outdoor couple’s pavilion, a crystal steam room and hydro pool all set in a natural tropical garden setting, it is the perfect place to pamper yourself or your partner. Natura Bisse provides the skin care range, while the signature Lemongrass and Ginger Rub was conceived by Tricia Mouttet, the Spa Manager.

For the active, The Sandpiper offers guests an array of complimentary activities including water-skiing, hobie cat sailing, Laser and Sunfish sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling. There is also the hotel’s own 30ft catamaran available for morning and afternoon charters or lunch and full day charters. Deep Sea fishing charters for big game fishing can be arranged. For those who prefer to be land based, there is a complimentary tennis clinic for adults and children with visiting pros from around the world. Golf can also be arranged.

For couples thinking of getting married or honeymooning in Barbados, The Sandpiper offers the perfect setting. Weddings are such a personal and special event in a couples life, you cannot buy an ‘off the shelf package’. So whilst the basics may have a common thread, couples marrying here discuss their plans with our Wedding co-ordinator, who fashions the couple’s dreams into the special day.

Browse our picture gallery to get a real feel of the understated luxury that is The Sandpiper. You can click on the image to expand it and as Telly Savalas said, ‘if a picture can paint a thousand words.....

Getting to Barbados and getting around when you’re there:

From the UK both British Airways (www.BA.com) and Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) fly nonstop to Barbados from Gatwick (and Manchester on Virgin) and flights can be booked online or via a travel agent or tour operator. Flying inter-island tends to be with LIAT (www.liatairline.com) which operates much like a bus service hopping from one island to the next.

Barbados is 21 miles long by 14 wide and very easy to get around by taxi, extensive bus network or best of all with your own car. Hiring costs from around £40 a day, but renting for longer always offers better value. Driving around is very easy with generally very good signage and if you get lost you can always ask, but be warned Barbadians are not known for a strong sense of direction. Like the world over, the locals are complaining about the traffic (with good reason), but as you’re unlikely to have a pressing appointment whilst on holiday this probably won’t be a key concern. On arrival and departure it’s recommended you leave it up to the experts and pre-book a transfer or alternatively take a taxi (approximately £30 each way).

Additional information about The Sandpiper can also be found at: www.sandpiperbarbados.com

Further information about Barbados can be found at: www.visitbarbados.co.uk

The Restaurant

Just a short stroll through the gardens is the restaurant which opens early for those looking for a healthy or wholesome breakfast to start the day. Daily changing a la carte menus offer choices of fresh seafood and dishes combining classical cuisines with the exotic herbs and spices of the Caribbean. You’ll be hard pressed to find finer food anywhere in Barbados, except perhaps at the sister hotel The Coral Reef Club? There’s a great rivalry between the kitchens, the beneficiaries being the diners.

For guests who have pre-booked dinner and want to dine out some evenings, there is the option of having lunch instead from a very varied lunch menu.

A bar adjoins the restaurant and offers respite shade by day and at night is the perfect setting for pre and post dinner drinks. For those spending time on the beach and not wishing to stray far from their lounger, even for lunch, there's Harold's Beach Bar.

Activities for the lounger

The Beach
The west coast of Barbados has long been known for its beaches – fine white sand, crystal clear waters and shady trees to rest under. For those that like to wander you can stroll in either direction.

The Pool
The pool is located next to the main bar, so it is the perfect location for those who like to swim, paddle or cool off after tanning under tropical skies, but still be close to a cooling cocktail.

The Spa
The Spa at Coral Reef Club is the most talked about Spa in the Caribbean; when it opened in December 2008 it immediately set new standards. Colonially inspired and set in a tropical garden paradise you can’t help but relax on entering, unlike the more Sanatorium style of Spas that exist. Open walkways allow warm breezes to continually flow, emphasising the notion that interior and exterior are one. The facilities include a luxurious 'open sided' Relaxation Room, an outdoor Hydro-pool with shaded cabanas for post treatment leisure, a Thermal Suite with a serene Crystal Steam Room and Experience Shower and a Spa Lounge offering secluded relaxation. Finally, a chic Manicure, Pedicure Room commands striking views over the treetops of the property. Natura Bisse, provides the skincare range of choice. To complement Natura Bisse, an exotic range of body treatments has been created exclusively for The Spa using locally sourced plant life and fruits. A team of skilled therapists perform massage, facials, wraps and scrubs.

For guests of The Sandpiper an air conditioned car will take you to the Spa and wait to bring you back thus ensuring you lose none of the benefits of your treatment whilst returning under the sun.

The Boutique at Coral Reef Club
The boutique has a range of stylish resort wear, gift ideas plus of course the usual essentials normally forgotten in the haste of packing

Activities for the active

Fitness Centre
The Fitness Centre has a range of modern equipment to keep you in shape.

Tennis
There are 2 floodlit tennis courts available for both day and night use. Complimentary tennis coaching is available for adults and children from 4 - 6pm daily (except Sundays) and private lessons can also be arranged. The coaching is provided by visiting professionals from around the world, some well used to coaching the professionals we see on television

Watersports
Beach holidays tend to be about Watersports and the complimentary activities include: waterskiing including instruction, speed boat cruises, various fun rides including doughnuts, Big Mable and Banana rides, Hobie cat sailing, Laser and Sunfish sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling. There is also a Scuba diving school on property. Full Naui and Padi certification available.

The hotel’s own 30ft catamaran is available for morning and afternoon charters or lunch and full day charters including swimming with turtles.
Deep Sea fishing charters for big game fishing can be arranged.

For the Family
There is an unsupervised playground available for children up to the age of 10 years at the sister hotel, the Coral Reef Club. There are swings, a slide and a playhouse. There is complimentary supervision in the playhouse for 2 – 8 year olds between 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Supervision must be booked by 12 noon. Please note that, whilst there is responsible and friendly supervision, there are no organized activities.

Babysitting
A babysitter is US$7.50 per hour during the day and US$12.50 per hour at night. Minimum of US$25.00 per day or night.

Equipment
There are limited numbers of the following items available upon request, at no additional charge: cribs, high chairs, beds with sides, play pens, push chairs, hot plates, bottle sterilizers, children’s books, monitors, mosquito nets and kettles.

Family Programme
There’s a special family program for all children between the ages of 2 and 12 years. All features listed below are available weekly at no additional charge, between 01 July – 14 August 2010.
- 3 half hour sailing lessons
- 3 half hour swimming lessons
- 2 hours per day of supervised care for children between 2 and 8 years, Monday to Friday.

Internet
Available free of charge in the computer room and also by wireless access throughout the property.

Garden Rooms

All the spacious, individually designed Garden rooms have lovely vistas, overlooking the gardens, pool or Caribbean Sea and have a private balcony or terrace with chaise lounges. They are all air-conditioned some with ceiling fan, and have a king size bed or twin bed. These rooms can accommodate two adults.

One Bedroom Suites

Like the Garden rooms, the One Bedroom Suites are spacious and individually designed with lovely vistas, overlooking the gardens or pool and have a private balcony or terrace with chaise lounges. They are all air-conditioned some with ceiling fan, and have a king size bed or twin bed. The separate living room is equipped with a sofa bed. There is also a small kitchen ideal for preparing light snacks. These suites can accommodate either three adults or two adults and two children under 12 years.

Two Bedroom Suites

These suites are a combination of a One Bedroom Suite and a Garden Room, so have two spacious bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom, a large living room, kitchen and balconies or terraces. They can accommodate either five adults or four adults and two children under 12 years.

Tree Top Suites

The two Tree Top Suites are The Sandpiper’s premier accommodation.
They consist of a bedroom with four poster or canopied bed, very spacious living room, a dressing area and a large bathroom with a big walk-in shower and separate tub – all air-conditioned.

There is a large covered terrace and open sundeck area with a pool which is approximately 12 feet by 9 feet by 3 feet deep. Featured in the living room is a television, DVD player, CD player and a selection of DVDs and CDs. There is also a complimentary starter bar.

These suites can accommodate two adults. One of these suites has a king size bed and the other one can convert from king to twin beds, if required.

The Sandpiper on Barbados’ famed West Coast provides the perfect wedding location. Beautiful gardens, a superb, white sand beach and friendly, smiling service make The Sandpiper one of the best places in the Caribbean for weddings.

Weddings are such a personal and special event in a couple's life, you cannot buy an ‘off the shelf package’. So whilst the basics may have a common thread, couples marrying at The Sandpiper discuss their plans with our Wedding Co-ordinator, who fashions the couple’s dreams into the special day.

Shown below is our standard package with a list of inclusions and costs to help you plan your special day. When you’re ready please contact us so we can help you to fashion your Wedding Day.

Wedding Blessing

Cost: US$2,200.00
Inclusions:
• Minister’s Fee
• Ceremony Cost
• Licence and Stamp
• Round Trip Transfers To and From Bridgetown For License
• Dressed Location
• Bouquet and Boutonnière
• Champagne Breakfast For Two Persons the Morning After the Wedding
• One Tier Plain Wedding Cake
• One Bottle of Champagne

Special Conditions
Minimum stay requirement: five nights.
Maximum of ten people allowed – Bride/Groom/Minister/Two Witnesses and Five Guests.

Honeymooners staying 7 nights or longer are welcomed with fresh flowers and fruit in their room upon arrival.

Children Stay Free

Children under 12 years sharing a 1 bedroom suite with parents stay free on Bed and Breakfast basis.
Valid for stays between: 1 July and 14 August 2010

7 Nights for the Price of 6 Nights

For stays completed between 1 May and 14 August 2010, bookings of 7 nights or longer receive one free night including breakfast.  Applicable to new bookings only.  Not applicable to Two Bedroom Suites or Tree Top Suites.  This offer is not combinable with the children free offer.  At time of booking please advise how many nights are prepaid with dinner.

14 Nights for the Price of 11 Nights

For stays completed between 1 May and 14 August 2010, bookings of 14 nights or longer receive three free nights including breakfast.  Applicable to new bookings only.  Not applicable to Two Bedroom Suites or Tree Top Suites.  This offer is not combinable with the children free offer.  At time of booking please advise how many nights are prepaid with dinner.

Prices per room per night:

*where allowed
**rate applies when occupied by 2 to 4 people (5th adult price on request)
The prices above are quoted in US dollars and include tax and service charges (currently 17½%)

Special Conditions:

* No arrivals between 25 December 2010 and 2 January 2011

Children: Children under 12 are welcome except between 15 January & 15 March. Children under 5 are not allowed in the dining room or lounge after 7.00pm. Children under 16 cannot occupy a room alone (except inter-connecting rooms)

Cancellation Terms & Deposits: Details available on request