Ikoyi elite: Sandy Lane Resort Barbados

Barbados is a sovereign Caribbean island country in the Lesser Antilles, in the Americas. Barbados is the place to see and be seen. A favourite stomping ground of the rich and famous. A place where the art of fine living has been mastered. The official currency of the island is Barbados dollars (BDS$) although hotel rates are usually priced in US dollars.

The most popular route for Nigerians visiting the island is London with a flight time of 8.5 hours from London to Barbados. Nigerian nationals are also not required to obtain a tourist visa if visiting for no longer than 6 months. The best time to visit the island, is during the driest months which run from December through to April. Though Barbados normally escapes direct hurricane hits, it is advisable to travel with caution during the official hurricane season running from June to November with major storms occurring from August to October.

Where to go

Barbados has it all: beach resorts from humble to grand overseen by luxury hotels and villas, the upmarket west coast where Sandy lane resort is located, the south coast where beaches offer safe swimming and surfing, vibrant nightlife, sightseeing in the rolling interior with botanical gardens, plantation houses, caves and sugar cane fields. Lastly, there is a UNESCO World Heritage capitol, Bridgetown, and a proud and welcoming populace passionate in spirit and full of life.

The swimming pool

Where to stay

The Barbados landscape is dotted with exceptional luxury hotels mingling effortlessly with lush tropical greenery, white sandy beaches with turquoise waters and warm golden sunlight to create a truly remarkable holiday destination. The one destination that stands out is the Sandy Lane Resort which offers fantastic, unrivalled, refined luxury with internationally acclaimed cuisine.

Sandy Lane Resort

Sandy Lane is a luxury five star beach-front golf resort close to Holetown and Paynes Bay, in Saint James on the western coast of the island of Barbados. It is situated in one of the most enviable locations in the Caribbean nestled in an ancient mahogany grove, overlooking a magnificent crescent shaped beach. It is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW).

Sandy lane Green Monkey golf course

Sandy Lane is a 40 minute drive from Grantley Adams International Airport and is central to many of the island's sites. Guests arrive in a chauffeur driven car and are greeted by the impressive sight of the stunning coral stone, Palladian style building, freshly chilled towels and a welcome iced glass of fruit punch.

Sandy lane beach bar

Each of the spacious 112 rooms and suites with their Italian marble floors and plantation style furniture, exude style and calm. All have private verandas, palatial bathrooms and are equipped with state of the art technology. There are four gourmet Barbados restaurants celebrating wonderful flavours from around the world and several convivial bars which are styled for a joyful dining experience spent with friends and family.

The spa

A spa with 14 treatment suites, changing rooms and water therapies, a top fitness centre with a range of equipment and daily classes, championship standard tennis courts and the Treehouse Club with organised activities for children aged 3-12 years, and the Den for older children are available for guests to enjoy. There are three golf courses, water sport activities, swimming pool, and a beach for everyone to enjoy.

The beach at Sandy lane resort

Water activity

The resort offers tax-free shopping in its boutiques. The Galeria which is situated at the country club offers a collection of sensational conflict-free loose diamond, limited edition timepieces rare coloured diamonds and collections by Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Chopard, and Panerai amongst others.

The Galeria

Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is a few minutes down the road from the resort. The Lifestyle Centre offers designer boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and a cinema. Some of the world’s best brands are found here – Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Apple, Burberry, Bvlgari, Chopard, Hublot, Damiani, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Longchamp, M.A.C, Theo Fennel, Diamonds international amongst others.