Sandy Lane which opened in 1961, ushered in a rebirth of Barbados when it emerged from a complete transformation in 2001. Guests feel coddled from the moment they check in; not at a desk but in their spacious rooms with blue-drenched vistas.

Everything is over-the-top luxurious: there are three golf courses and the island's largest and most renowned spa, but the warm service and a relaxing beach scene keep that unmistakable Barbados balance of barefoot-chic.