When winter overstays its welcome and the want for sunshine makes itself heard, The Sandpiper in blissed-out Barbados is where you need to be. Pack light – quick-dry swimmers, wash-and-wear linens, sunscreen, an oversized straw hat and little else – and make for the west coast. White sandy beaches line the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and the scent of ripe summer fruit hangs ever so sweetly in the air. It doesn’t get better than this.

Stay …
Located on the glam west coast, The Sandpiper is the perfect seaside hideaway. Here, it’s all in the detail – think lavender-scented towels upon arrival, vases filled with native flowers, sleek interiors, a mosaic-tiled swimming pool and Egyptian cotton bed linen – made all the better by a warm Caribbean welcome. Sip on a complimentary rum punch while you settle in to the guest rooms with garden and pool views, or the beachfront suites offering everything you could want for and more. There is good reason guests of the hotel return year after year.

See …
While you could very easily spend your days salty and serene beneath the shade of the swaying coconut palms, there is much to see and do. The Animal Flower Cave located under the cliffs at the northernmost tip of the island is a must. As is St. Nicholas Abbey – a rum distillery, museum and plantation house built in the mid 17^th century that will take you back in time as you sample the distillery’s very smooth 18-year-old rum. And if beachside is where you’d prefer to remain, make the most of The Sandpiper’s water sports facilities and head out for an afternoon paddle board by sunset.

Taste …
Helmed by Australian chef Christophe Poupardin, The Sandpiper’s restaurant dishes out the finest and freshest European-meets-Asian fare with Caribbean inflections. Try the national dish of Bajan steamed flying fish with saltfish cou cou, or keep it simple and choose from the grill – Scottish salmon, Caribbean shrimp, local fish of the day and more.

Insider tip …
Taxis are expensive and the fares change from driver to driver, so if you want to save your pennies for rum and seafood, take the bus. It’s easy, costs just two Bajan dollars, and will ferry you around the island to the sounds of Rihanna ringing out over the stereo.