History
The Sandpiper was built in 1970 by Budge and Cynthia O’Hara, who had come to Barbados from England, in the 1950s, spending their honeymoon on a passenger cargo ship. Budge came to be General Manager of Coral Reef Club for three years, and they loved the island and the people so much that they made this their home, having three children in Barbados and devoting their lives to the hotel business. They had two sons, Patrick and Mark, and a daughter, Karen, who spent happy childhood years growing up in these beautiful surroundings and more time in the water than out! They went on to be educated in the UK and, one by one, returned not only to the island, but to the family business, with their spouses. There are eight grandchildren who are young adults now, making their own way in different fields.
Patrick and Mark, along with their spouses and sister Karen, run Coral Reef Club, whilst Karen also is involved at The Sandpiper. Her husband, Wayne Capaldi, and General Manager, Ken Flockhart, run The Sandpiper.
Budge died in 1995, leaving behind a tremendous legacy. The younger generation forged ahead with their ambitious plans, rebuilding much of hotel and bringing it into the 21st century, all the while preserving the personal service and family atmosphere for which the property was renowned. With an exceptionally high rate of repeat guests the family continues to strive to maintain all that makes the property special.
Location
Located in beautiful tropical gardens and set in the middle of a large bay on the beautiful West Coast beach, The Sandpiper is set in a pretty white sandy cove. Just a 2 minute drive or 5 minute walk from historic Holetown with local restaurants, boutiques and supermarket. Located in the middle of the West Coast, The Sandpiper is at most 15 minutes’ drive from all of the best restaurants and beach bars in the area.
Policies
Minimum Stay Requirements
There are minimum night requirements for stays within or overlapping the following periods:
February
01 – 28 February 2025 7 nights
01 – 28 February 2026 7 nights
November
22 – 29 November 2025 7 nights
21 – 28 November 2026 7 nights
December
20 December 2024 – 08 January 2025 10 nights
20 December 2025 – 08 January 2026 10 nights
However for guests departing the hotel on or before the 27th December there is no minimum stay requirement.
Child Policy
Children are welcome year-round. Children under 16 years cannot occupy a room alone (not applicable to interconnecting rooms). Children under 5 years of age are not allowed in the restaurant or lounge after 7.00 p.m. The Lap Pool is unsupervised by staff. Children under 12 are not allowed from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Closure Dates
The hotel will close for annual refurbishment and staff holidays during the periods 16 August 2025 – 30 September 2025 and 15 August 2026 – 06 October 2026.
Half Board
Half board can be purchased for 3 consecutive nights and is not available between December 19th 2025 and January 11th, 2026.
Dress Code
In the Restaurant, our dress code is elegantly casual. At breakfast and lunch, we ask that ladies wear cover-ups and gentlemen wear a shirt. After 7.00 p.m. gentlemen are required to wear long trousers in the Restaurant but may wear tailored shorts in the Cocktail Lounge. There is no formal dress code at Harold’s. On New Year’s Eve the dress code is smart.
Pets
No pets allowed including service or support pets.
Room Rate Levy
There is a Government Room Rate Levy of US $17.68 (Bds. $35.00) daily. The levy is paid locally prior to departure and appears as a nightly charge on your account.
Standard Cancellation Policy
We recommend that our guests take out insurance against cancellation fees which are follows:
9 January 2025 – 18 December 2025
12 January 2026 – 18 December 2026
For cancellations within 30 days of arrival a charge of 50% of the total room rate will be charged. In the case of early checkouts 50% of the remaining stay will be applied.
15 December 2024 – 08 January 2025
19 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
For cancellations within 30 days of arrival 100% of the total room rate will be charged. In the case of early check outs 100% of the remaining stay will be applied.
No Show Policy
No Shows 100% penalty will apply. Therefore, the remaining 50% room rate will be charged to your credit card.
Deposit Policy
For confirmation of bookings:
1 to 3 nights: full payment is required.
4+ nights : 50% of payment is required.
This can be paid by Wire Transfer, Credit Card or International Debit Card.
Guest Reviews
We have returned home to New York and both Susan and I want to thank you sincerely for the wonderful time we had at The Sandpiper. From our first interaction with Kay in reservations, the experience was top notch. The staff, property, meals and entertainment were all outstanding. Your attention to detail and warm welcome was much appreciated. This was our first time staying at The Sandpiper, but it most certainly we will not be our last, Susan is already trying to find a time for us to return!
Many thanks once again for making our 35th Anniversary holiday special.
- Mr and Mrs. Kaye