On the stylish west coast, next to Settlers' Beach, 12 km north of Bridgetown, and a short walk from the boutique eateries of Holetown, this property has upscale flair without flash.
Though not nearly as opulent as the Royal Pavilion, this establishment ranks among the island's posher redoubts and offers an exclusivity that few can muster. Extravagant high-season rates, however, make the Royal Pavilion a more viable alternative.
Those in search of refinement at lower prices will be happier at sibling Coral Reef. The staff here is island friendly, providing jovial and efficient service. In its quiet way, the Sandpiper is gradually greening its operations.
The clean lines and understated elegance of the shaded reception area offsets the bright luxuriance of the tropical landscaping. In its embrace, this cluster of villas and
cottages exemplify the happy meeting of rustic and refined.
The open-air restaurant serves expensive but laudable West Indian and Continental delights, with a menu that rotates weekly to deter boredom. Caviar and fresh seafood figure high on the menu, and the wine list is impressive. Reservations are a must. The weekly Bajan buffets are popular indeed, and afternoon tea suits the largely British clientele.
A Ralph Lauren-style cocktail lounge overlooks a smallish mosaic-tiled pool surrounded by old-fashioned chaise longues. Entertainment takes place there most nights in high season. Its high quality but low-key; fire eating and limbo lovers must trot up the road to Coral Reef.
A curtain of trees shades the sandy, if somewhat narrow beach, and tennis on two lighted courts and the use of sailboards and catamarans are free. Guests 
have privileges and discounts at both the Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane golf clubs. A tennis pro provides almost daily afternoon clinics, and the modest fitness centre is always available.
A boutique and souvenir shops are on-site, and a shuttle runs to Bridgetown daily at 9:30 am, returning three hours later. Parking is free. Pets are occasionally tolerated here.
There's no club here for kids, but they'll be happy and safe with the beach and the grounds to roam, a common TV room and computer room, and a staff that enjoys occupying them with sports and other fun.
The single guest rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites are regularly maintained. The restrained color schemes of the plantation-style rooms are brightened by island art and tile floors. Furniture varies from rattan to pickled pine, and in all are ceiling fans, air 
conditioning, phones, CD clock radios, Wi-Fi, combination baths with hair dryers, and terraces or balconies.
Suites add full kitchens, and some have sofa beds, as well. Two new Tree Top suites have private plunge pools on wraparound terraces, and are the only rooms with TV. The lack of them elsewhere is a matter of the hotel's pride and most guests' preference.
Purpose-built for romantics, these luxurious new lodgings will add a new barb to this hotel's long-popular honeymoon hook.
Like the Coral Reef, this hotel has a loyal following drawn by friendly service and genuine West Indian warmth. Well-heeled travelers with money to spare and a taste for traditional island style can't go wrong here.
