Sands Suites Resort and Spa

I visited Sands Suites to celebrate 40 years of friendship with two wonderful friends. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for a special stay. The hotel staff were welcoming and so friendly and that continued throughout our stay. Ruddy was perhaps the most attentive staff member I’ve ever come across, smoothing out pur towels, cleaning our sunglasses and appearing with snacks on a regular basis. The hotel is much smaller than some of its neighbours but a beautiful setting, with an infinity pool overlooking the gorgeous beach. Watching the sun set with a cocktail in hand was a particular highlight. And a morning walk along the beach was lovely - we managed to persuade staff at the Buddha Bar to make us coffee before we headed back.
As there were three of us, we had a two-bedroom suite with an amazing terrace balcony (room 201). The breakfasts had everything you could want and the lunch menu by the pool was good too. The evening buffet had a great salad bar and choice of desserts - the main options were a little less impressive but you have the option of eating in two other restaurants as well as those in the nextdoor hotel - the giant prawns on the a la carte menu at Pink Peppercorn were truly delicious! We visited Cilantro at the nextdoor hotel (with staff taking us there by golfbuggy) and had the most delicious chicken murgh makani dish. The Japanese restaurant also looked good but we didn’t have time to fit that one in. We’d wholeheartedly recommend the day’s catamaran trip booked at the boathouse at the hotel. We enjoyed the aqua aerobics with Chris and Win most days - a good way to work out off a few of the extra calories! There were only a few little improvements we’d suggest - a couple more toilets near the restaurants, better coffee at breakfast (Ruddy got us some cappuccinos from the bar that were better!), the overhead shower pressure wasn’t great (but no issues with the handheld one that we were able to put up high enough), testing the batteries in the remotes for a/c and TV, maybe a fresh-cooked fish dish at each buffet dinner would be nice. It would be great to have a bit more music by the pool - maybe just for the sundown hour so it doesn’t disrupt the relaxation too much. The DJs were a bit too mellow in the evening (and also too much French music for us) but we did manage to start the dancing a couple of nights! All in all, a fabulous relaxing break at a lovely hotel with wonderful staff.

GUSH WARNING ...................

We were really sad to leave this beautiful hotel, it was a special holiday and everyone at the Sands made us feel Special; the location of the hotel is absolutely amazing right on the beach with Amazing Sunsets and if you are mobile there are some lovely walks with stunning views. The sea was lovely, cool in the morning but it warmed up during the day and was so needed as the sun was really hot, it was cloudy sunny most days but boy did you need the clouds for respite.

We had room 133 on the ground floor, we requested a ground floor room due to my mobility issues and they were able to accommodate with this brilliant room. The room was on the beach to the right of the hotel (looking from the beach at the hotel). The Room was really large and the bed was so comfortable and you could choose your pillows. The bathroom was amazing with a bath, shower, double sinks and a walk in wardrobe. Slippers, spa thongs and robes were there to use, special touches all around. We had amazing views of Tamarin Bay, Le Morne, the Beach, Sea (watching the Dolphins in the morning through binoculars but you could see them with the naked eye at times) and Sunsets. We regularly sat on the patio watching the birds and Fruit Bats which were amazing. Many thanks to "Batman" who sent me the great Bat photos as my phone camera did not do them justice.

The Room was cleaned twice a day including a nightly turn down service, plenty of water 4 bottles a day and a mini bar and snacks if needed (at a charge) we used it as a fridge.

The food in the Tamarind Terrace was great with different themes every night and great breakfasts with so much choice, we had continental room service twice as we had early excursions and this was included in the package. We ate in the Pink Peppercorn one evening, the food was lovely in a romantic setting on the beach. The Dolphin Bar was great for lunch, snacks and pre dinner drinks (with a canape) and most evenings we ended up there for a few cocktails after dinner watching or listening to the entertainment and chatting to the friends we had made from around the world.

All the staff at this hotel cannot do enough for you - they go out of their way to ensure that you have the best time. We can not mention all of them by name but thank each and everyone.

Big shout out's go to:-

Krishna and His Front Office and Reception Staff All of the Beach Boys who work so hard to look after you on the beach, tidying up your towels, bringing you what you what to eat an d drink the beach, including tapas morning and afternoon, special shout out to Haidar who also kept our sunglasses clean. The Sari Ladies, who showed you to the tables, especially Alexia who made me cry when she presented us with an anniversary cake and card from the management. Selven and Saanvi who looked after us in the Restaurant ensuring we had everything we needed including the same table with my pink cushion. Gino who helped me select my wine and keep it safe for the next day (if there was any left). Last but not least, the lovely Jayshree who works in the Dolphin Bar

I told you it was a Gush but we would recommend this Hotel 100%