Afternoon Tea At Sandy Lane, Barbados

Holidays Sunshine Sandy Lane Barbados 4

What’s it really like to go for afternoon tea at Sandy Lane in Barbados?

This guest post was written by Sarah Connolly

Some hotels are known globally, be it for the guests they host, a long standing reputation as a leading hotel, impeccable service, the destination of a high profile wedding, or just as somewhere people aspire to go to. I’m thinking of places like The Ritz, George V, Beverly Wilshire, or in my case Sandy Lane.

Holidays Sunshine Sandy Lane Barbados 2

The word luxury is thrown around a lot and used far too often when it comes to hotels. Luxury to one person may not be luxury to another but having been to Sandy Lane I am 100% confident that this hotel wholeheartedly deserves to be deemed a luxury property, and that all those who have stepped through its doors would agree.

I was in Barbados for a week staying at a nearby hotel and booked to have afternoon tea at Sandy Lane. From the gated entrance to the long and winding driveway, everything plays a role in creating a really exclusive and beautiful setting. On arrival we were led to the lower level of Bajan Blue; an alfresco restaurant looking out to the beach, scattered with the famous pink sun loungers and even more famous guests.

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Travelling To The San Blas Islands, Panama

San Blas Islands, Panama

It’s time to travel to the San Blas Islands in Panama – a highlight of my time in Central America.

“The most content people on the planet”.

That’s what the article in Wanderlust magazine said. It was talking about the Guna Yala – the indigenous people living on the San Blas Islands just off the east coast of Panama. My plan? To capture some of that happiness to take home!

The draw of this archipelago is more than just spending a day lazing on a deserted beach; it’s to witness the Guna Yala culture first hand. These indigenous people live in a handful of places in Panama and Columbia, with the islands of San Blas being the most densely populated. It’s fair to say, this Guna Yala region is particularly special.

San Blas Islands, Panama
San Blas Islands, Panama

Panama’s government has tried to control and change these communities against their will. After a few revolutions, there is now a treaty in place, which permits them to have a certain degree of autonomy. Some islands are tiny, with little more than a dusting of sand and a few palm trees, others have small shacks or basic hotels, while a few are more developed and home to large communities with their own schools and churches.

How To Get To The San Blas Islands

First things first, this San Blas Islands map will help you get your head around where the islands are…

If you research how to visit, you’ll find a lot of websites offering expensive package deals. They collect you early in the morning from Panama City, transport you by 4×4 to the water taxi port where you then take a boat to the island you’re visiting.

If you want to stay overnight, that can be arranged, otherwise you return in the evening. These San Blas islands tours are pricey and you’re restricted to a rigid itinerary, not to mention travelling with a bus-load of tourists.

We looked at other ways to get there, but felt nervous about the options. Many forums said that you could be stopped from going along the road to the port, and that some of the roads were in such bad condition they might be difficult to navigate even in a 4×4. Add to that, the main road wasn’t even listed on Google Maps!

Misty views on the way from Panama City to the departure dock for the San Blas Islands, Panama
Misty views on the way from Panama City to the departure dock for the San Blas Islands, Panama

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The Relationship Between Music and Travel

Enjoying The Bale Beach Club, Nusa Dua, Bali

I believe music and travel and interconnected…

Music. It’s such an important part of our lives. We have an emotional connection to it. It has the power to make us happy or sad. It motivates us to exercise or work harder. It relaxes and calms us. It’s hard to think of anything else in the world that has this power.
Plane window view
For me, I can’t remember a time without music. My dad is a composer and my sisters all play instruments. I grew up with classical music coming from one room in the house, folk music from another and Top of the Pops on TV in another. There was no avoiding it! After university I worked in the radio industry, then the music business.

Over the years I’ve developed my own taste, and now have an eclectic mix of songs on my iPod. As I’ve travelled the world, I’ve collected songs and my playlists have become longer, and more varied.

Enjoying Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Enjoying Nusa Dua Beach, Bali

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