Perched on the serene west coast of Barbados, The Sandpiper and Coral Reef Club are more than just hotels; these sister properties have been family-run for decades, becoming true sanctuaries which draw returning guests to their balmy shores. Their enduring success is largely owed to the personal touch passed down through generations, creating a beachfront setting in which guests feel like part of the extended family. With their intimate atmosphere and understated Caribbean charm, both properties offer a rare kind of warmth and hospitality that keeps guests coming back year after year.
The Sandpiper
The Sandpiper feels like stepping into a tropical dream, where coconut trees sway gently in the breeze and time seems to slow to the rhythm of the waves. The rooms and suites are a soothing blend of coastal comfort and contemporary style, with terraces that open onto lush gardens. For those seeking an elevated experience, the Tree Top Suites come with private plunge pools and postcard-worthy views that stretch out over the ocean.
Coral Reef Club
A short walk away, Coral Reef Club carries a timeless West Indian charm. It’s a place of grand colonial-style architecture wrapped in gardens bursting with hibiscus and bougainvillea. Here, the spa is discreetly tucked into the greenery, offering treatments infused with island botanicals.
East Coast
Beyond these calm shores lies another side of Barbados — wilder, untamed. Bathsheba Beach on the eastern front is raw drama: a jagged coastline dotted with enormous boulders, weathered by the sea. It’s a paradise for surfers bringing their boards to the legendary Soup Bowl and for anyone who just wants to sit and soak in the natural beauty of it all. I’m already dreaming of returning and renting one of the beach shacks positioned smack-bang on the beach, where I can wake up to the soothing sound of the waves and fall asleep to the same rhythm, night after night.
Where to eat
Barbados’ culinary scene is a feast for the senses, and the dining at The Sandpiper and Coral Reef Club doesn’t disappoint. The Sandpiper’s open-air restaurant celebrates local flavours with finesse — think coconut-crusted mahi-mahi or flying fish paired with papaya salsa. For pre- or post-dinner drinks, Harold’s Beach Bar serves up legendary rum punches with a side of unforgettable sunsets. At Coral Reef Club, dinner is served against a backdrop of live steel pan music, following an ingredient-forward menu that elevates traditional Bajan dishes.
Venture out, though, and the island reveals even more treasures. The Lone Star, an iconic beachfront spot, blends laid-back luxury with a menu that’s as vibrant as its location. Sea Shed, perched right on the sand, is effortlessly cool, serving up fresh seafood with cocktails designed for lingering afternoons. Over on the east coast, pop by The Round House for far-reaching views of Bathsheba’s wild surf. Its barefoot, rustic vibe is matched only by the coconut shrimp, which may well spoil you for all others. As for rum punch? I’ve tasted plenty, and this one’s unbeatable.
Barbados is the kind of place that stays with you. It’s not just the beaches, or the food, or the way the light catches the waves at dusk — it’s the feeling of being welcomed into a world that’s both luxurious and profoundly unpretentious.
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