Coral Sands Beach Resort

This small-scale hotel is not for the young party crowd. It tends to attract older repeat guests keen to read a good book by the ocean. The lobby is warm and welcoming with British Colonial features, big Georgian windows, and elegant beachy decor. The indoor restaurant serves breakfast and lunch daily but is rarely busy because every room has its own kitchen.

Outside areas remain uncrowded and include a freeform pool surrounded by a large sundeck with plenty of deckchairs and a poolside gazebo bar overlooking the sea. Guests -- typically a mix of chilled out singles and couples read books by the pool, admire the view from their balconies, and meander on and off the beach through a keyless security door providing direct access. With sunsets to die for, postcard-pretty Worthing beach is a big part of what keeps bringing guests back.

Coral Sands is on the lively south coast, yet its quiet side-street location keeps the property free from traffic and crowds. St. Lawrence Gap or “The Gap” -- a one-mile-long area of restaurants, shops, and bars -- is 10 minutes away on foot, but the most notable part of Coral Sands' location is Worthing Beach -- a serene spot that sees more sea turtles than people. It’s a 15-minute drive from Grantley Adams International Airport, a seven-minute drive to Bridgetown, and nine minutes to Oistins Fish Fry. It’s a four-minute walk to Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary; there’s a convenience store at the end of the street; and a choice of restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and other necessities nearby. 

All of the resort's studios are similar in layout, size, and decor with very spacious interiors and king or two double bed configurations. Light-colored wicker furniture, and botanical prints and bedspreads provide a British Colonial aesthetic that’s elegant, though it does feel somewhat dated. Each studio has a huge furnished covered balcony (or patio), and every room -- even those on the first floor -- has a view of the sea. Higher rooms do get better views, but ground-floor rooms step right onto the pool area. Kitchens come equipped with every necessity to self cater (minus an oven). They feature large refrigerators, microwaves, electric stove tops, toasters, coffeemakers, kettles, coffee and tea supplies, and usual kitchen implements. Bathrooms are large with generous twin vanities, walk-in showers, and free individual toiletries. All rooms are outfitted with large closets, flat-screen TVs, dining settings, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, and safes.

Coral Sands lacks the big features of a typical resort, but kicking back and doing nothing is the idea here. The main highlight is beautiful Worthing Beach upon which the hotel sits. Ease of beach access is provided through a security door that takes guests to a dirt alley leading to the sand. The pool, gazebo bar, and sun deck provide plenty of sunbeds, and dining tables and chairs -- which rarely (if ever) become crowded. Food can be ordered from the bar, and Aurora Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch, although most guests seem to self cater. An elegant sitting room located between the lobby and the deck invites guests to relax on a comfortable lounge setting with a book or a drink. There’s a book exchange shelf in the lobby; free Wi-Fi is available (although it can be unreliable); and free on-site parking is available.