15 October 2022

I was fortunate enough to have a site inspection of the prestigious Sandy Lane hotel in Barbados recently and it was everything I had imagined and more. It is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and from the moment you enter the gates, you just know you are in a world of exquisite luxury. There are two things that come to mind when I think of Sandy Lane – the colour pink and monkeys – both of which are everywhere in a discrete and tasteful way. There are 4 restaurants and 6 bars within the property, as well as a very large pool with waterfall feature, spa, library, boutique shops, a jewelers, kids club, tennis courts, gym, golf courses (yes, that’s right – plural) just to name a few of the facilities. However, what blows me away, is the service; the staff go above and beyond. If you are lazing on the beach, soaking up the rays and want a drink, simply put the flag that is next to your sun lounger upright in the sand, and a beach attendant will be at your side within seconds with a cold drink or water spritz to cool you down, food – basically whatever you desire. The spa is currently only for Sandy Lane guests and is probably the best spa within a hotel I have seen. The treatment rooms each come with their own garden or plunge pool and the atmosphere is so relaxing – I felt relaxed simply walking around there. I was lucky enough to have a peek inside one of their rooms; a Luxury Ocean Room. I have some of my repeat customers staying in this same room type next month and so I was over the moon to see exactly what they would experience. The rooms ooze opulence (as I expected) and the balconies are grand with stunning views over the ocean. All room types at Sandy Lane have ocean views except for the Orchid rooms which overlook the manicured gardens. Included in each booking is: *Fast track upon arrival *Transfers to and from the airport in an executive car *Welcome fruit cocktail on arrival and personalized guest in room registration *Fruit plate in room on arrival *Packing and unpacking services *One outfit per person pressed upon arrival *Full English breakfast daily *Non alcoholic drinks in the honor bar in the room *The Treehouse Club dedicated children’s facility *Unlimited non-motorized water sports *PLUS, of course, you have my personal concierge service for all bookings made through me ?? The Sandy Lane is a very luxurious hotel and while it is certainly not the cheapest, it offers an experience like no other in Barbados and therefore, in my eyes, is worth every penny and more.

17 September 2021

I flew to Barbados at the end of August 2021 with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow in their premium economy cabin. I have flown a few times during Covid however, I have not travelled premium economy since pre-Covid (anyone remember those days?? They seem like a lifetime ago now). As expected, masks are worn throughout the airport and during the flight, only taken off to eat and drink. As I flew premium, fizz or OJ was served upon boarding which helps to ease you into the 8 hour flight ahead. The meal service in economy is served in boxes now to limit contact, however, in premium it was served very much like the 'old days' with proper cutlery - the mushroom pasta was really nice (in fact I heard some passengers ask for more). Drinks, ice lollies and afternoon tea were served during the flight as well as 'raid the larder' allowing passengers to help themselves to snacks, chocolate etc during the flight - my 9 year old took full advantage of this . I also flew with my 9 month old son and the crew could not have been more attentive. Bottles made as and when I needed, they provided me with big litre bottles of water before take off so I had it to hand if he needed a quick drink, plus the Ella's Kitchen pouches they provided came in really handy. The most exciting part for my daughter was the flight cam on the TVs which allows you to see outside from either the tail (see pic) or cockpit. She loved this during take off and it made her day as we have only ever seen this on Youtube videos before. The wider seat, additional seat pitch, extra baggage allowance (two bags instead of one in economy) and upgraded meal service is worth the upgrade in my opinion (sometimes from as little as £150.00 each way). As a Travel Counsellor, I also had the opportunity to tour the Upper Class cabin. The Upper experience is amazing, with fully flat beds and duvets to keep you snug and a meal service out of this world. Despite travelling with two children on a long haul flight during a worldwide pandemic, the 8 hours flew by (pun intended) and I would not hesitate to fly premium again and recommend it to my customers, even if just one way.