Wonderful Barbados

Damian Newell on 21 September 2013
I was lucky enough to be invited to Barbados travelling business class with British Airways and staying at three of the elegant hotels property is on the islands.

The first two nights we stayed at the Turtle Beach hotel on the south of the island close to Barbados airport. This is a four-star family orientated property offering an all-inclusive board and drinks arrangements. This hotel is a short walk to lively St Lawrence Gap. The hotel was very comfortable with spacious modern rooms. Main meals were taken in an outdoor restaurant next to the pool and beach and all meals were buffet service. There was always a good choice for both breakfast and dinner. The beach on which the hotel is located was pristine yet swimming from the beach could be restricted due to tidal conditions.

The second hotel we stayed at was the Crystal Cove. This is a delightful property and whilst small, it had endless charm and the service by the staff in both the restaurant and throughout the hotel was very relaxed and friendly. The rooms were fairly compact in size yet very comfortable. Many of the rooms did look a little tired and some attention to bathrooms was required (I understand this is part of an ongoing process of improvements).

All the rooms had easy access to the swimming pool area and also the small yet beautiful, pristine beach. The restaurant served an excellent buffet breakfast and in the evening, dinner was waiter service in the main restaurant. For a four star all inclusive hotel, the food served was of an excellent standard. The hotel had a small swimming pool on the beach side with a swim up bar. Most evenings around the pool side there was entertainment with local entertainers and the standard was exceptionally high. This property is ideal for couples of all ages, limited entertainment for children. The welcome and friendliness of the staff was exceptional.

The final hotel where we stayed was Tamarind. The hotel is located on a pristine beach and has lots of water sports complimentary to guests of the hotel. This property is offered on a bed and breakfast basis with the option to upgrade to half-board. There are a good number of restaurants close by but the option to take half-board is a good idea as the standards were very high and it will be a good saving overall. The rooms were undoubtedly the nicest of the three hotels we stayed at with modern bathrooms all recently refurbished and ample space in the guest rooms for couples or families.

During our stay we took an excursion zip wiring above the trees of the Barbados forest over 200 feet above ground. This was an exhilarating experience and is well worth doing if you are adventurous! We also went to play polo on horseback and visit the magnificent golf course at Apes Hill, one of the top golf courses in the world set amongst breath-taking scenery.

Another day we sailed up the west coast on a catamaran with the opportunity to swim with turtles, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. An excellent lunch was served with an endless supply of rum punch!

We also dined at both Champers and Daphne’s restaurants. These two restaurants are frequented by many famous people who visit the island and the food and service was exceptional, a real treat! Table reservations are essential. We also had dinner at Oistins which is the local fish market in Bridgetown. The market has numerous seafood stalls serving the catch of the day. Simple surroundings, but a seafood lover’s paradise!

Barbados is the most picturesque island with local people who were so delightful and friendly. A perfect retreat in the Caribbean sunshine with much more to see and do than I ever realised. Call me if you would like to experience Barbados or any other Caribbean island.