A Touch of Barbadian Luxury by Gabriele Scholes

A TOUCH OF BARBADIAN LUXURY

Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick, convenient if you’re in the South, and a great start in the Virgin Clubhouse Lounge! Spacious and quiet, lots of seating and a treatment area for a facial or a manicure before your flight, a space for children and a business corner if you need to work! The food is lovely and all made to order, the drinks include Champagne and various other ‘Signature drinks’ – really a great start!

I arrived with plenty of time for some airport shopping and finally I was off and settled in my Premium Economy seat. Arriving in Barbados, I was fast tracked through the formalities as a VIP. It was wonderful not having to join the queues, and a great welcome from my host – ITC – a luxury tour operator and a standard service for all their clients!

My first night was at The Coral Reef Club, which is on a beautiful stretch of beach. The resort is laid back and relaxed, intimate with a good restaurant, some watersports, pool, a spa and beautiful villa style suites or ocean view rooms. There are no televisions in the rooms, or coffee/tea making facilities (but room service is available if you like your early morning tea)

The west coast of Barbados is most popular, lovely sandy beaches and good swimming – the east coast more dramatic – it’s the Atlantic Ocean! The sea is wilder, the coastline rugged.

This is where you’ll find The Atlantis Hotel, perfect if you want to get away from it all, relax round a pool and if you enjoy walking, this is your place. But combine it with its sister hotel Little Good Harbour on the west coast. When you book 3 nights at the Atlantis, you get free half board and a free transfer to Little Good Harbour, a chance to experience both of Barbados’ moods.

True to its famous reputation for luxury class, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion lived up to its name. I was delighted to see it in brilliant sunshine. Every hotel room is sea facing and the ground floor rooms have a decking out onto a walkway and to the beach. The sand glittered in the sunlight, and the beach, curved to the bay like a stunning white arch. The restaurant also faces the sea, and the bar is between that and the pool complex – it’s compact and lovely. The food was good, and the Rum Punch was to die for!!

Briefly, I saw the Sandpipers Hotel, and especially enjoyed a hosted dinner after a beautiful sunset. I loved that hotel, especially the new villa complex which opened in December 2015. Very comfortable rooms, a lovely setting and outstanding food and wines – highly recommended.

Who has not heard of The Sandy Lane Hotel? Luxury, with a capital ‘L’! A sea of sophisticated pink greeted us… it looked beautiful. The rooms had everything one could wish for, the beach stretch was stunning and the food was fabulous. I was particularly impressed with the spa and the children’s facilities and clubs. Utter sophistication and something to indulge in without feeling guilty!

To indulge a little more, another treasure in Barbados is The House, part of The Elegant Hotel group. Dinner was a special occasion here and perfect after some sunset drinks. So, dressed up to the nines, I was greeted with champagne and then had dinner, served in a romantic setting on the beach – the menu from Daphne’s, their famous restaurant. It was truly a memorable evening. Another of their properties is the Colony Club, just five minutes away from The House. Absolutely 5 star, with a beautiful, lazy river winding its way through the property. They use produce from their own organic garden, so the food is wonderful! The rooms are faultless too so again highly recommended.

I think it’s worth mentioning an all inclusive hotel, the Turtle Beach Hotel on the south coast. The sea is rougher in the south, but Turtle Beach has lots of other activities on offer. It is a lovely 4 star all inclusive hotel, and all rooms are suites and have garden/pool or ocean views.

Close by is Ocean Two – a modern, luxurious apartment hotel. Both Ocean Two and Turtle Beach are in walking distance of St Lawrence Gap commonly known as ‘The Gap’ which is a great place for fine restaurants, lively nightlife and good shopping!

Of course Barbados doesn’t have to be all five star luxury… but, just once, wouldn’t you like to try it – indulge and spoil yourself… you’re worth it!

Glass of champagne in the gallery?
Meet you there dahling!