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Sandy Lane BeachSandy Lane Beach is situated on the West Coast of Barbados, in the parish of St. James, with Paynes Bay, Fitts Village and Batts Rock Bay to the south, and Holetown, Folkestone Marine Park and Alleynes Bay to the north.
In Barbados, the name Sandy Lane is synonymous with luxury; 2011 sees the hotel's fiftieth anniversary, and it remains the choice for royalty, celebrities and the business elite who regularly stay and relax in the villas, suites or rooms that make up this immense five star Sandy Lane Hotel Resort hidden inside copses of ancient mahogany and Manchineel trees.
Sandy Lane Beach is a long, beautifully maintained stretch of pristine golden sand that links the crystalline Caribbean Sea with Sandy Lane Hotel. Sandy Lane Beach benefits from being sheltered in a small bay, and the usually calm sea has little wave movement or undertow.
All beaches in Barbados are public and, in spite of the hotel's often high profile guests, Sandy Lane Beach is no exception and public access to this beach can be found at the southern end of Sandy Lane Hotel. Turn right at the sand and walk until you see the famous 'blue beach umbrellas' available for Sandy Lane's (mainly British) residents - as a day visitor you can rent beach chairs from a beach vendor.
The calm, Caribbean waters make this a great spot for swimming and snorkelling, and watersports operators hire out jet skis and other sailing crafts. If you prefer to be less active, why not just relax and watch the catamarans and local fishing boats passing by.
In the high season star-spotters arrive from other Barbados hotels in the hope of acquiring a photo or autograph, and the narrow beach can become quite crowded. Celebrities need holidays too, so try not to be too 'star struck' if you find yourself swimming in the Caribbean Sea with your favourite film, music or sports personality!
If you are feeling peckish, non-residents can use Sandy Lane Hotel's beach bar or restaurant (booking is essential at the latter). There are several cafés and restaurants in nearby Holetown, or you could buy picnic provisions at a nearby shopping mall.
One special occurrence to look out for between July and October is the nesting of the friendly Hawksbill turtles that favour this Barbados beach. As well as being fortunate enough to see them you might also get to swim alongside them.
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