Sugar Hill holiday apartment

My wife and I have just returned home from a wonderful stay at Coral Sands, Sugar Hill and wanted to share how good a time we had.

The property was far better than we ever imagined it would be. Amenities ranged from heaps of plastic children’s cutlery to the comfiest bed in the world - not that we needed the children’s cutlery as we're now very able to use the grown-up stuff but the bed proved a very useful (and comfortable) place to sleep each night. There is even an ice dispenser on the fridge - not something we have ever had before but very useful in a climate like there is in Barbados. It is also very spacious and could easily fit 4 adults, plus probably a baby in each bedroom as well if needs be.

The setting of the apartment within the Sugar Hill complex is perfect. Right by the "second" pool so I would imagine families with children can allow the kids to play in the pool while still being in earshot of the apartment. It is also just a 2 minute walk from the main clubhouse and tennis courts.

As a development, Sugar Hill is perfect - all the properties are nicely spaced out so you don't feel cramped as can often be the case in a hotel. At the main clubhouse there were wonderful facilities - a gorgeous infinity pool with a stunning view down to the Caribbean Sea, drinks service by the pool, the tastiest restaurant we ate at anywhere on the island during our stay, a gym and excellent reception facilities. You also have the services of a 'Villa Manager' who is on hand if there are any problems as well as being able to act as something of a concierge, helping with restaurant recommendations and day trip bookings.

You also get the use of the Royal Westmoreland Beach Club where you feel spoilt and pampered with their super-comfy sun loungers and on-the-beach drinks service - very luxurious!

We felt this property had all the benefits of a hotel without any of the pitfalls and the often "pompous-ness" of some of the nice hotels in Barbados, and gave you much more freedom to do as you please.

The one recommendation we have if you stay here is to hire a car - but then with so many places to go to and so much to see you should do this wherever you stay in Barbados.

We have been telling everyone who will listen how lovely this property was and we will continue to do so, so get booking before there's no space left! If you're about to book or have booked already, I'm very jealous of you....

This is one of those apartments within a resort where the reality is actually even better than what is promised. The unit is beautifully appointed with lots of attention to detail and full of little extras such as Dvd's (for adults and kids), loads of games, tennis rackets (and balls!), even a cooler to take to the beach. The layout - with the reception rooms in the centre - means the bedrooms (plus separate bathroom for each, both well sized) feel like they are in separate wings, so there is lots of privacy, even though you are close. We have two children and it was perfect for them, although we would have enjoyed it just as much as a couple. The resort is fabulous, two lovely pools plus Sassafras restaurant which serves great food. Coral Sands is the perfect base to explore Barbados, especially the west coast. Our entire experience from start to finish was a real pleasure and I really cannot recommend this place enough. The owner is a delight and really helpful.
Barbados is a wonderful island with so much to offer compared to it's smaller neighbours. The sea is truly turquoise and the sand white. Try the local rum punch, coconut water fresh from the coconut (sold alongside the road), flying fish and any locally caught fresh fish, its delicious.
There are boat trips to snorkle and swim with turtles or dive on wrecks; surfing on the east coast or calm caribbean waters on the south/west coasts.
Travel to the south coast and lunch or dine at Champers or travel north to the Fishpot and host Manny will take great care of you.
All in all, the best place ever for a holiday!