Barefoot diaries from Barbados’ west coast

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.

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.

Previous

Independent Minds: Loes Dingemans, Pillows Hotels

Next

How to spend a weekend in Stavanger

Latest stories

A guide to Australia’s Blue Mountains

Wind your way up the mountain ranges leaving the glistening coastline of Sydney behind to Australia’s World Heritage listed landscape of the Blue Mountains. Stretched across hectares of wild eucalyptus forests and exposed sandstone cliffs, the mountainous region is ripe for adventure, rejuvenation, and leisurely escapes.

Tuning into Thailand, White Lotus-style

It’s almost time to check-in to the third instalment of The White Lotus. While production for season three of the hit TV series was underway in Thailand last year, SLH’s Social Media Manager, Lucy Kell, along with three top travel content creators, channeled their inner Tanya McQuoid on a Thai

6 boutique ski hotels worth moving mountains to visit

Ski season is already well underway, and the call to the mountains might just snowball into something stronger once you’ve set your sights on a chic alpine stay. New openings in the Austrian and Swiss Alps make for piste-perfect European escapes, and a family-run lodge in Colorado’s iconic Vail Valley

The ultimate Milan city guide

Its roots might run back to ancient times, but Milan embraces modernity with its Art Nouveau and contemporary architecture mixed in amongst classical buildings. In contrast to the slower pace of southern Italian cities Naples, Milan is dynamic and bustling. Even if you’re limited to just one day, exploring the