Sandy Lane To Receive Makeover

Sandy Lane is launching a $6 million renovation. That's what Travel Agent learned when we spoke with Claire Jordan, director of sales and marketing of the luxury property in Barbados.

According to Jordan, the upcoming refurbishments, which will force the property to close from August 31 to October 3, will include upgrades to bedding, draperies, patio furniture, light fixtures and TVs. (All 112 rooms and suites are ditching 55-inch TVs in favor of 70-inch varieties.) In 2009, the property will begin a second and more involved enhancement that will call for changes in the property’s architecture. The cost and details of that project have yet to be released. Jordan also told Travel Agent that the U.S. economy is having a mild influence on bookings at the resort. The property has received more last-minute bookings this year than it has in previous years, which have contributed to slight decreases in occupancy. Sandy Lane’s April occupancy rate is running at about 80 percent, 4 percent lower than its occupancy at the same time last year. Travel agent bookings, however, have remained constant. To date, the property has received about 20 to 25 percent of its bookings directly through travel agents, a number Jordan says has remained about the same from last year. Visit www.sandylane.com.