DianaD

Where is the nicest place to stay on the island . Money is not an issue . Nicest area ,beach ,resort ,villa .

Snubes

Sandy Lane Hotel

MSQ

Agreed.

poss

What is snorkeling like at Sandy Lane? (My memory is that snorkeling in Barbados is not very good, but we were not at Sandy Lane.) My memeory is also that hotels/resorts were sort of cheek by jowl on the west side. Is Sandy Lane significantly separate to give a feeling of privacy and space? Thank you. (We enjoyed the island, but haven't been back in a while.)

nanorran

Just north of Sandy lane there is a marine park and ship wreck with excellent snorkeling. We were on a boat trip though, this past Feb. But the snorkeling was much better than we were expecting for Barbados and real close to shore. The only thing you can't walk to it from Sandy Lane beach(as we tried the next day even though were not staying there). But you probably could walk to it via the road there just is no access walking along the beach. Also walking the other direction from S.L. is Paynes Bay which is where the turtles are right off shore that you can swim with. My husband saw an eel there also and some fish but is not near as good as the Folkstone (?) marine park again north of S.L.

ejcrowe

Sandy Lane is definitely the highest-end resort on the island. Some folks, however, prefer to stay at the classy but more intimate Coral Reef Club, which has more of an island feel. It just depends on what your particular vacation style might be.

And I don't have any particular recommendations, but I would have to believe based on seeing a few from the beach that there are some villas on the island that would put even Sandy Lane to shame in terms of luxury, privacy, and service. Maybe Lois, the local Barbados expert on this forum, or somebody else could point you in the right direction if you're interested in going the villa route.