The Sands Barbados

Barbados, Caribbean

The hotel

Occupying one of the most sought-after beachfront settings in Barbados, the All Inclusive Sands offers not just sun, sea and sand by the bucketful but very comfortable accommodation too. Choose from a variety of room options, including a garden studio with gorgeous tropical views or an oceanfront family suite, all with plenty of amenities, including complimentary WiFi to make you feel right at home. Not that you’ll be in your room too long, there’s too much else on-site to tempt you, including a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. St Lawrence Gap, the entertainment capital of Barbados, is just a few minutes away, featuring some of the best restaurants, bars and nightclubs on the island. Want to stay closer to home? No problem. The Sands boasts two restaurants of its own as well as two bars in which to linger over drinks and eats.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wedding
  • Honeymoon
  • No Smoking
  • Babysitting service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Paddle Boards
  • Laundry Service

Where is it

On Worthing Beach, within easy walking distance of St. Lawrence Gap. Oistins Bay Garden market is a short taxi ride away. Transfer time from airport: 15 minutes.

Hotel information

151 rooms within 87 suites. All with air-conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, complimentary WiFi, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe, bathrobes, hairdryer and iron and board. All rooms have bathrooms with showers. Virgin Supersaver rooms are cosy and open to internal corridors, they have small windows but do not have balconies/patios or a mini-fridge (all other room categories will include this). Rooms have 1 queen-size bed (twin beds on request), sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

All Inclusive of: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. All beverages, except champagne, bottled water and speciality wine. Weekly Manager’s cocktail reception. Complimentary water sports include kayaking, paddle boards, body boards and snorkelling.

Please note: guests must be 18 years and over to be served alcohol. All activities featured in the All Inclusive programme are subject to availability, demand and weather conditions.

Superior Studios have either a patio or balcony with garden views and 1 queen-size bed (twin beds on request), sleeping maximum 2 adults.

One-Bedroom Garden/Pool Suites have either a patio or balcony and are air-conditioned in the bedroom only. These suites feature a separate fan-cooled living/dining area with tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-fridge and flat-screen television with cable channels. The bedroom has 1 queen-size bed (twin beds on request) and a sofa in the living area, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children under 12.

One-Bedroom Oceanfront Suites have either a patio or balcony and are air-conditioned in the bedroom only. These suites feature a separate fan-cooled living/dining area with tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-fridge and flat screen television with cable channels. The bedroom has 1 queen-size bed (twin beds on request) and a sofa in the living area, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children under 12.

Two-Bedroom Garden/Pool View Duplex Suites have either a patio or balcony and are air-conditioned in the bedrooms only. The duplex suites feature a separate fan-cooled living/dining area with tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-fridge, a sofa and flat-screen television with cable channels. Bedrooms are located upstairs and have 1 queen-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Two-Bedroom Garden/Pool Family Suites have either a patio or balcony and are air-conditioned in the bedrooms only. The family suites feature a separate fan-cooled living/dining area with tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-fridge, and a flat-screen television with cable channels. Suites sleep maximum 4 adults and 2 children (under 16 years).

Two-Bedroom Oceanfront Duplex Suites have either a patio or balcony and are air-conditioned in the bedrooms only. The duplex suites feature a separate fan-cooled living/dining area with tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-fridge, a sofa and a flat-screen television with cable channels. Bedrooms are located upstairs, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Two-Bedroom Oceanfront Family Suites have either a patio or balcony and are air-conditioned in the bedrooms only. These suites have either a patio or balcony and are air-conditioned in the bedroom only. The family suites feature a separate fan-cooled living/dining area with tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-fridge, and a flat-screen television with cable channels. Suites sleep maximum 4 adults and 2 children (under 16 years).

Three-Bedroom Suites have either a patio or balcony and are air-conditioned in the bedrooms only. These suites feature a separate living/dining area with tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-fridge, sofa and a flat-screen television with cable channels. Suites sleep maximum 6 adults or 2 adults and 4 children.

Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suites are air-conditioned in the bedrooms only. Penthouse suites feature a separate fan-cooled living/dining area with a sofa, flat-screen television with cable channels. The oceanfront Penthouse Suites are on the highest floor and is well appointed with magnificent oceanfront view, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Please note: children under 13 years are not allowed to stay in the Penthouse Suites.

  • Booking bonus: book by 7 Feb '21 to receive up to 40% off the accommodation cost between 6 Jan–22 Dec '21 when staying 7 nights or more.

    Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. 

  • Booking bonus: book by 7 Feb '21 to receive up to 11% off the cost of a Virgin Supersaver Room between 6 Jan–12 Dec '22 when staying 7 nights or more.

    Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. 

  • Booking bonus: book by 30 Apr '21 to receive up to 30% off the accommodation cost between 6 Jan–22 Dec '22 when staying 7 nights or more. Excludes Virgin Supersave Room.

    Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. 

1 main restaurant (Caribbean/International cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) and Noir rooftop à la carte restaurant* (indoor and outside dining open 5 times per week for dinner only, supplements apply). 2 bars (the main bar is open from 10:00am-11:00pm and the second bar is open five days per week, evenings only). Afternoon tea. Please note: reservations are required for lunch and dinner at both restaurants. Room service*.

Nightly live music in the restaurant.

Freshwater swimming pool. Spa*. Gym. Water sports: kayaking, paddleboards, body boards and snorkelling. Games room*.

Guests Lounge with computer (with Internet access). Babysitting* (on request). Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Complimentary WiFi available.

Please note: a room levy of $9.53 per bedroom, per night applies (payable locally, subject to change).

5 nights between 6 Jan-31 Mar '20/21.

7 nights between 23 Dec-5 Jan.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: all rooms are non-smoking (including on balconies). Smoking is permitted in limited areas around the hotel.

Dress code: daytime - 'resort casual'. Cover-ups are required for breakfast and lunch. Footwear is required in the restaurant at all times. Evening - 'Elegantly casual'. Full-length trousers or stylish jeans. Shirts with sleeves (either short sleeves or long sleeves) are required for gentlemen for dinner. Dresses, skirts, long trousers or stylish jeans for women. No three-quarter length trousers, no shorts or cargos, no trainers, no flip-flops, no caps or T-shirts are allowed in the restaurant in the evening. Dress code for children in the evening is also elegantly casual. Children under 12 years are allowed to wear smart shorts with collared shirts, no flip flops, caps nor t-shirts are allowed. 

Please note: there is a strict dress code for the à la carte restaurant: Full-length trousers and shirts with sleeves (either short sleeves or long sleeves) are required for gentlemen for dinner. No jeans (this applies to both ladies and gents and includes all denim wear), no three-quarter trousers, no shorts or cargos, no trainers, no flip-flops, no caps nor t-shirts are allowed in the restaurant.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (47)
  • Very good (16)
  • Average (6)
  • Poor (5)
  • Terrible (9)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional hospitality

Jan 16, 2021 CG-Bookie

Having stayed around the world in many wonderful hotels, I can honestly say I have never had such personal hospitality as we have experienced here at The Sands. The owners treat everyone staying here as their personal guests and you are made to feel like family. The staff are all so friendly and do all they can to make you feel special. We would… Read more
Having stayed around the world in many wonderful hotels, I can honestly say I have never had such personal hospitality as we have experienced here at The Sands. The owners treat everyone staying here as their personal guests and you are made to feel like family. The staff are all so friendly and do all they can to make you feel special. We would not normally do all inclusive but the quality chefs provide quality a la carte meals time and time again and despite having been here for a long while, we have never had the same meal twice! Excellent rooms which are always spotlessly clean are located around a huge pool with such comfortable beds and you are a hop, skip and a jump onto one of the best beaches on the island with warm crystal clear waters giving you a refreshing swim with turtles. We are working here in the week and super quick, reliable wifi makes life and business so easy with the work life balance a dream at any time but even more so in these difficult times. Cannot recommend highly enough!!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unexpected Extra

Jan 3, 2021 AllieEvan

We travelled to Barbados in December 2020. We had to get Covid tests 3 days prior to arrival and another one the day after arrival, if you can afford to get the hotel to book yours with their doctor then the results are usually next day, those that went to the free clinic were waiting an extra day or 2 for their results. We didn’t know we were… Read more
We travelled to Barbados in December 2020. We had to get Covid tests 3 days prior to arrival and another one the day after arrival, if you can afford to get the hotel to book yours with their doctor then the results are usually next day, those that went to the free clinic were waiting an extra day or 2 for their results. We didn’t know we were staying here until arrival at the airport, our hotel had not finished their Covid inspection so we really didn’t know what was going on. The staff were fantastic, and made us feel so welcome. We stayed here for a week before moving to our original hotel, so had a two stay holiday which turned out to be a real treat staying in 2 different locations on the island. The Sands is in the south coast and the sea is a bit rougher there than the west coast, I am not a strong swimmer and found the sea a bit much for me, but the pool was amazing. As this was during Covid there were not many guest at the hotel so we didn’t have any issues with sun beds. The staff are just fabulous, nothing is too much trouble, so friendly and they care about your holiday. Special shout out to Manager Isobel, she went out of her way for us, even arranged an amazing day swimming and riding horses bareback in the sea for my partners birthday, just brilliant. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful Welcoming Hotel - Must Stay

Jan 3, 2021 abby2128

My family and I travelled to Barbados in December - it wasn’t an easy trip given the COVid circumstances. From the moment we arrived at The Sands it was heaven. We quarantined for two days and the staff were amazing, so friendly and accommodating. They arranged our tests and made sure we were comfortable while we waited for our results. It’s is… Read more
My family and I travelled to Barbados in December - it wasn’t an easy trip given the COVid circumstances. From the moment we arrived at The Sands it was heaven. We quarantined for two days and the staff were amazing, so friendly and accommodating. They arranged our tests and made sure we were comfortable while we waited for our results. It’s is a beautiful hotel with the most magnificent beach if you are travelling to Barbados The Sands is a must stay it will satisfy all your vacation needs and so much more. Thank you to the staff and all the people who made my families stay so enjoyable. Catherine & Michael Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Safe and Happy at the Sands!

Dec 21, 2020 ralu25 Toronto, Canada

Background: Canadian couple in our 60’s with 38 year old daughter (separate room). First time to Barbados. Just had to get away! Covid: We had to be tested 72 hours in advance. We used StageZero Life Sciences so that we were guaranteed our results before we travelled. It cost extra but it was worth it not to worry about the results arriving. We… Read more
Background: Canadian couple in our 60’s with 38 year old daughter (separate room). First time to Barbados. Just had to get away! Covid: We had to be tested 72 hours in advance. We used StageZero Life Sciences so that we were guaranteed our results before we travelled. It cost extra but it was worth it not to worry about the results arriving. We also paid to have our second test done at the Sands. This costs extra too and has to be arranged in advance through the Sands reservations email. We were tested Friday morning and had our armbands cut off at 4pm Friday afternoon. I think we got lucky as most got their results the following morning. Those who hadn’t paid for the Doctor to come to the Sands and do the testing had to wait 48+ hours. I’m glad we paid as the lure of the ocean was too strong to wait another day. While you are in isolation, the resort takes good care of you. Although you are limited to an area away from the beach and pool, you do have the bartender visiting regularly and have access to an area of the restaurant. Room: We booked the Superior Garden Studio room. We were a bit worried about this by looking at the pictures on line but were 100% delighted upon arrival. Two floors (kitchen and living room on ground, bathroom and bedroom on second). The kitchen has a fridge, kettle and hotplate type stove. The room was spacious and clean. Food: The only area that we were a tad disappointed in. The breakfasts were wonderful but the lunch and dinners could be a bit repetitive. They tended to overcook the fish. But the steaks and burgers were fantastic. My wife loved the soups. Daughter and I loved the Ice Cream. Grounds: opens right on to the beach. Beautiful aqua water. Snorkeling to the reef is fun and within 200 ft. No problem getting loungers. Overall: To us the best part of the Sands was the staff. Everyone of them – from maids, to waitresses, to bartenders, to the maintenance guys, to the front desk - went out of their way to ensure we were having a great stay. It never felt like it was forced, rather that they were genuinely glad to host us. Special nods to the Management staff who routinely checked that we were happy and to Lamar the bartender who was the cause of much of the happiness! Some notes: 1. Very few sandflies or no-see-ums. I tend to get bitten but not a one. 2. On Sundays there is a bar next door on the beach that has a dj in the afternoons (really starts to heat up about 4pm). This was great fun. 3. There is also another bar just past the Sunday DJ bar that is a wonderful place to watch sunsets and enjoy a fun vibe. 4. We booked our tour of the island and our catamaran snorkeling excursions directly through the hotel. Neither were cheap but both well worth the money. 5. There is a convenience store in the sands parking lot. Has booze, munchies, food, etc. Five minutes down the road there is a Trimart grocery store that is cheaper and has a better selection. 6. There is a Cave Sheppard Duty Free store with a nice selection of souvenirs and duty free items just past the Trimart. 7. The bars and clubs of the St. Lawrence gap are either closed or quiet. Not a lot going on. 8. Most of the tourist areas of Bridgetown are either closed or reduced. We tried to have an outdoor beer at the harbor in vain. 9. Bring sunscreen. That Barbados sun is killer! 10. Dina’s restaurant in Bathsheba was great fun for lunch on our island tour. Loved the flying fish. We had a great time and hope to return to the sands again in the future. Thank you to the staff for their hard work, professionalism and constant smiles. What a great holiday. If I can answer any questions please contact me. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating FABULOUS PLACE TO STAY

Dec 20, 2020 rulebritannia Bury, UK

Just back after two weeks at The Sands and I cannot stress how good this hotel is. This really is a place to totally relax - rooms are spacious and have excellent fixtures and fittings. Beach is perfect with shallow water for those who don't feel comfortable in deep water. However, the main selling point of this hotel is the staff - they are… Read more
Just back after two weeks at The Sands and I cannot stress how good this hotel is. This really is a place to totally relax - rooms are spacious and have excellent fixtures and fittings. Beach is perfect with shallow water for those who don't feel comfortable in deep water. However, the main selling point of this hotel is the staff - they are all so helpful and friendly and I am sure if I mentioned them all I would miss someone off! However, a special thanks to Charlene who, from the moment we stepped into the property (and it is a wow when you look from the lobby to the pool / beach area!) she looked after us the whole time we were there. Nothing is too much trouble and she is a real asset to the hotel. Although we should have been at Mango Bay (their sister hotel) we were not disappointed we had to be moved - so much so that we will definitely be back. After many years of visiting Barbados and staying in many hotels, this has to be the nicest in terms of the overall package. I cannot stress how safe it is at the moment to visit Barbados - we had our second test done at the hotel the day after we arrived so only had one full day of quarantine - and even that was no trouble as you are looked after and have everything you need to be able to enjoy the outside spaces. It has been a worrying time for all Barbadians and we need to all get back to this beautiful island with its beautiful people! I would have no hesitation in going back tomorrow! Read less