The Sandpiper

The repeat guests have been coming back for 30 years or more, so it can feel a little cliquey. There’s no TV in the room, though there is a TV room. We were told by the reception manager that drinks would be served to us on the sunbeds, but in practice we got a pitcher of water and a sorbet, not much of a drinks service. The reception staff were excellent, always helpful and cheerful, especially olena. The food was amazing, and the breakfast chefs were really friendly. Terrell at Harold's bar was personable and friendly, and Jerome at the evening bar was happy to chat and offer recommendations. The other waiters weren’t all like that.

A red sunset greeted us on arrival, and then we found out we’d been upgraded to a beachfront room for our golden wedding anniversary. It was a fantastic start to nine lovely days. The staff were caring and helpful, and nothing seemed too much trouble. Little touches made it special: iced water appeared when we settled on the beach, sorbet came around at 11am, and there were biscuits at bedtime. All the rooms are lovely, but the beachfront suite was especially good. It had a huge patio and kitchen, with bifold doors separating it from the sitting room. The bed was enormous and very comfortable, there was lots of storage in the dressing room, and we had both a walk-in rain shower and a freestanding bath. The cheerful housekeeping team kept everything immaculate.

Coming back feels like coming home. The hotel has had some lovely updates since our last visit, while still keeping the familiar feel. The beach is beautiful and quiet, with clear, calm water, and the location is perfect. The staff are what make the stay so special. Many have been at the Sandpiper for over 30 years and feel like family. It’s always hard to leave. The water sports team were great and took us to the shipwreck and out to swim with turtles. We hope to be back very soon! Love the Mundays.

The beach incident was frightening. I left my wife alone for a moment, and a random Rasta man was allowed to approach her, touch her, and rub her legs while claiming to be a doctor. Nobody stepped in. The area around the resort also felt run down, noisy, and full of construction, with cement dust in the air. They even tried to charge us for a ride to a place we never visited. We booked nine months ahead for my 50th birthday, but there was no acknowledgement until we mentioned it, and then all we got was a handshake. Nothing was done to make it special. Every day, the staff seemed not to know who we were. The introduction to the property was awkward and disorganized, like they weren’t used to welcoming new guests because everyone else had been coming for years. The staff seemed aloof about guests’ needs. The resort calls itself five-star but has no spa, and management felt complacent, as if it could count on repeat guests for good reviews. When I ordered a drink, bartender Harold looked irritated, as though my presence was an inconvenience. Asking for service seemed to surprise people. The place felt more like an old folks’ home with a pool than a luxury destination. When we brought up these problems, the staff got defensive and told us we could leave if we didn’t like it. So we left. If you’ve never been here, don’t come. They don’t want you anyway.