Turtles make a splash at Sandy Lane!

May 2007…/Along one of Barbados’ most spectacular beaches, some regular visitors are causing quite a stir amongst guests at the Sandy Lane Hotel. Rare Hawksbill Turtles have chosen the clear blue Caribbean waters in front of the hotel as their top spot to swim, and can regularly be seen playing and feeding along the inshore reefs, causing much excitement from children and adults alike!

These amazing turtles are very sociable, friendly creatures, making it possible to actually swim in the water alongside them. Sandy Lane’s fantastic children’s club, The Treehouse Club, arranges swimming and snorkelling with the turtles, an experience that is proving very popular. The water sports team take a boat out to a spot five minutes away from the hotel, where a knowledgeable “turtle tutor” will be on hand to answer all the children’s questions and educate them about the endangered species as they enjoy swimming with their new companions. The Treehouse Club also arranges many more activities for children aged 3-12 years - the staff provide art & crafts, drama, sports, games, and themed dinners in the Treehouse dining room, and there is a Den for young adults aged 13 and older. Of course, mums and dads can tag along too! The water sports team can arrange for the whole family to swim with the turtles together on a daily basis.

The clearly discerning turtles have also been known to choose the sanctuary of Sandy Lane’s pristine beach to lay their eggs. Most turtles lay their eggs during the peak season between mid-May through mid to late October, however sightings of the hatchlings scuttling back to the sea are possible year-round, mostly at night. To help guests keen to experience a sighting of the hatchlings, Sandy Lane is working with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, who operate a 24-hour “Turtle Hotline”. If staff receive notification that a turtle or hatchlings have been discovered on Sandy Lane beach, they will contact the hotel who will in turn notify guests to make sure they do not miss them.

Swimming with the turtles can be arranged all year round. Sandy Lane offer a Family Fun Package (valid from 1st May to 31st October 2007) including unlimited use of the Treehouse Club, one family Sunday Brunch, Breakfast each morning, and return airport transfers. Parent’s room rates start from £1,800 for a five night stay in an Orchid Room. Children’s room rates start from £1,150 for a five night stay in an Orchid Room. 3 children under 16 years old in a connecting room pay 50% of their parent’s stay.

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For further information, please contact either Joanna Cadbury Joanna@grifcopr.com;  Kathryn Peel Kathryn@grifcopr.com; Emily Wilson Emily@grifcopr.com; Emma Powell Emma@grifcopr.com or Claire Griffin Claire@grifcopr.com on 020 7385 7090.

About Sandy Lane

Sandy Lane is located on the western coast of the island of Barbados.  Originally built in 1961, Dermot Desmond, J.P. McManus and partners purchased the property and golf course in 1996 and completely rebuilt and expanded, opening in March 2001. 

This exclusive 112-room resort has stylish lodging in rooms that average 900 square feet, a five-bedroom villa, luxury Bentley airport transfers, four restaurants including the signature restaurant L’Acajou, five bars, a 47,000-square-foot spa and three distinct golf courses offering guests the best golf in the Caribbean.  Two of the courses are Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole courses including the Green Monkey Course. 

Rates for 2007 at Sandy Lane range from £465 to £1,900 for rooms, £820 to £2,880 for suites, and £1,840 to £4,790 for penthouses, and £4,100 to £13,000 for the Villa at Sandy Lane.  For more information and reservations, visit the resort’s website, www.sandylane.com or call Sandy Lane at (246) 444-2001 or toll free at 866-444-4080.  Sandy Lane is a partner of Virtuoso and a Member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts.