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 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

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 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

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.

1 main restaurant (Caribbean/International cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) and another à la carte restaurant* (open 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 (37)
  • Very good (16)
  • Average (6)
  • Poor (5)
  • Terrible (8)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Let down by Tropical Sky who described this as quiet, quality hotel which it wasn’t

Jul 12, 2020 961karenp Hong Kong, China

After a tough winter at work, I wanted a quiet and relaxing week in the sun so that I could catch up on sleep and relax totally. I had asked Tropical Sky (who I had used before and always found good) about the hotel many times as it had only recently opened but was assured every time by the agent that they had been and it was quiet and really high… Read more
After a tough winter at work, I wanted a quiet and relaxing week in the sun so that I could catch up on sleep and relax totally. I had asked Tropical Sky (who I had used before and always found good) about the hotel many times as it had only recently opened but was assured every time by the agent that they had been and it was quiet and really high standard. As it had only just opened the price was better than Waves where I had gone before. I should have known you get what you pay for! I paid extra for an Ocean Front suite but was dismayed to find that my room was right next to the entertainment tent... in fact so close, the hotel used the plugs on my patio for power. The noise was so loud, that I could not sleep until it finished, even phoning reception to ask if this would be stopping when it went on until after 11pm. I complained at the time and was told they would stop using the plugs but they had no other room I could be moved to. I also sent photos and emails to Tropical Sky, including a recording of the noise from inside the room with the windows closed. neither the hotel not Tropical Sky did anything to try and sort out my complaint with the hotel continuing to use the plugs on my patio. The standard of service at the bar was poor with them often running out of drinks including some of the very basic things like rose wine, coke, beer etc. The food was ok but not exceptional. The staff in the restaurant tried really hard. My holiday was three weeks before lock down so was a little strange anyhow and obviously now is likely to be the last one I have abroad for sometime. I have continued to try and get some resolution to my complaint but have had no luck at all. Tropical Sky have said hotel is closed and it seems the manager at TropicalSky ( the person replying says he will contact) doesn’t ever seem to respond as I continually have to ask what is happening. I appreciate it has been hard dealing with cancellations but also know with bookings starting to increase the likelihood of any resolution seems slim. So, with Barbados opening back up again and with holidays being important now more than ever, if you do want a quiet and good holiday with good standard of accommodation and service, don’t go to The Sands. Look at the Elegant Hotels range. Whilst the beach is small - Waves is great! and don’t rely on advice from Tropical Sky either. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Virgin SUPERSAVER Room

Jun 7, 2020 peter t

WARNING Potential Virgin Customers. We went to The Sands back in January 2020 without realising what a SUPERSAVER room was . It is shameful that Virgin are still selling these rooms after us and other people complained and also the hotel management didn’t care either. To fill you in the room was was no more than a small basic motel room , bathroom… Read more
WARNING Potential Virgin Customers. We went to The Sands back in January 2020 without realising what a SUPERSAVER room was . It is shameful that Virgin are still selling these rooms after us and other people complained and also the hotel management didn’t care either. To fill you in the room was was no more than a small basic motel room , bathroom no bigger than a caravan and the description of internal corridor is American but it is simply an adjoining room to your neighbours and you can hear everything going on in the other room even hear a pin drop so u can imagine how horrendous the holiday was that cost us thousands of pounds each. Do not book this style of room I can’t stress enough it’s just terrible . The staff are useless and the service non existent. Some evenings the food was horrible and it took 4 hours to have a meal served to us . Bar closed at 10.30pm and no other drinks were served after that and the whole resort went dead . Trust me do not waste your money on this resort . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great hotel, great location

Mar 28, 2020 JANEANDCHRIS Shrewsbury, United Kingdom

We stayed in two rooms as a family at the beginning of March. The hotel is on a beautiful beach and in a great location for walking into the gap etc. We upgraded to ocean front suites and it was well worth it, kitchen, living room and upstairs to bedroom and bathroom. Very smart. The most beautiful bit was the view, we left the curtains open at… Read more
We stayed in two rooms as a family at the beginning of March. The hotel is on a beautiful beach and in a great location for walking into the gap etc. We upgraded to ocean front suites and it was well worth it, kitchen, living room and upstairs to bedroom and bathroom. Very smart. The most beautiful bit was the view, we left the curtains open at night and you woke up to the sea, lovely view from the bed! The restaurant is trying hard to be better than a bulk standard all inclusive, it has buffet one night and table service the next. The buffet wasn’t the best, I’ve had much better choice in other hotels but the a la Carte was very good The dress code in the restaurant in the evening was a bit draconian for your holidays but they are just trying to keep it nice. Breakfast wasn’t good, it was supposed to be continental from 6.30 (and you are up early when you travel from the uk) but you were lucky to get a coffee at that time so 7.30 when they started full breakfast was a rush as everyone came at the same time. We did have days when the coffee machine wasn’t working nor the toaster and there were always queues for the egg station (which made it very difficult to navigate in the small space). The second restaurant, noir, was very nice, food was a cut above anything I have had in an all inclusive, doesn’t cost you any more so definitely go. I had noticed others comments on the beds on the beach and it was a bit painful, they need more beds. Overall though would absolutely recommend. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Smoking policy

Mar 16, 2020 MonicaP660 Palm - Eagle Beach, Aruba

If you do not smoke do not stay here. While no smoking is allowed in the rooms or balconies the beach, the patio, and as a result their main restaurant are all open for as many smokers, including cigar smokers to ruin the vacation of those of us non-smokers who paid the same amount to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. I do not care what the… Read more
If you do not smoke do not stay here. While no smoking is allowed in the rooms or balconies the beach, the patio, and as a result their main restaurant are all open for as many smokers, including cigar smokers to ruin the vacation of those of us non-smokers who paid the same amount to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. I do not care what the jaws of Barbados say, this resort should make an effort to post smoking areas which are not upwind of their non smoking areas. My husband is allergic to cigarette smoke and we did not receive any assistance from staff on this matter with the laws of Barbados quoted. Guess we will never visit The Sandra Barbados or Barbados again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A little gem on a beautiful island

Mar 9, 2020 Anonymouse1234 Darwen, United Kingdom

After reading previous reviews I was sceptical of booking the sands but I am so pleased that we did. We arrived as the sun was setting, greeted by two lovely members of the team who got us a drink, cool towels and checked us in. This process was smooth, if not a little slow but no complaints from us, it's kinda nice not to rush. The room was… Read more
After reading previous reviews I was sceptical of booking the sands but I am so pleased that we did. We arrived as the sun was setting, greeted by two lovely members of the team who got us a drink, cool towels and checked us in. This process was smooth, if not a little slow but no complaints from us, it's kinda nice not to rush. The room was lovely, very clean,crisp and modern, comfy bed and it was cleaned daily. The balcony was nice and big, unfortunately we didn't have a view of the pool or the sea but that didn't really matter. Building work was going on however we did not notice it at all. Staff - every single one of the hard working males and females at the restaurant and the bar were fabulous. Nothing was too much for them, and it really shows. They work tirelessly to make guests happy. Unfortunately this didn't seem to be recognised by some of what I think are the management team, who at times were rude to guests in the restaurant and most definitely to the staff!! Judi (I think was her name) was exceptional, very knowledgeable, friendly, approachable and listened to the guests and took an Interest in their holiday!! Food - food was great, absolutely no complaints from us other than having to wear long trousers for meals in the carribean heat when it was outdoor dining. Cocktails were hit and miss depending on who made them, but lots of variety to choose from. Location - this was fab too, bus stops right outside the hotel, $3.50 per person! The beach- WOW!! Turtles, snorkeling, crystal clear warm sea and soft sandy beaches all within a stones throw from our room. As others have said you do need to reserve a bed on the beach in the morning and some people prefer the same spot each day but again this didn't bother us and we didn't have any problems finding a bed at the beach or the pool. The only downside was the bill we received on the final day. This was for room levy I think. Had we known about this from our holiday company or from the reception staff at check in it wouldn't have been such a disappointing surprise, however we were told this is compulsory and not in hotel policy to inform guests on arrival. Read less