I’ve been wanting to go to Barbados for years and when the chance got here up a few months in the past, I didn’t have time to analysis resorts and resorts. We lucked out thanks to some contacts I made via my years at IMM and the New York Occasions Journey Present who knew the lay of the land, so to talk, and advisable a couple of nice choices. We stayed at one of many Ocean Accommodations properties and dined at others. We additionally frolicked on a number of of the properties’ seashores and of their swimming pools. Let’s have a look.
02 Seaside Membership & Spa
Ocean Accommodations in Barbados has three properties positioned on the South Coast. Though they’re a brief drive from one another, they couldn’t be extra completely different. We cherished our expertise at 02 Seaside Membership & Spa, which presents an all-inclusive expertise the place you keep in conventional rooms or one or two-bedroom suites. Under is without doubt one of the primary swimming pools that winds round among the rooms in addition to a swim-up bar, which was fairly enjoyable. On the finish of the pool, you have got sweeping views of the seashore and ocean past.
On the next stage, there’s a smaller pool that’s fairly unique and for adults solely. There’s a bar on this stage and a cheerful hour interval which is at all times a enjoyable expertise.
Under is a view of the seashore in entrance of the property – we each walked and swam right here and did I point out that we additionally sipped on Pina Coladas all afternoon as effectively?
The property has 1,000 toes of a powder-white seashore, 130 Luxurious Rooms and Suites together with swim-up rooms, three swimming pools, two of that are grownup solely, six eating choices (each indoor and out of doors), and 7 bars (two swim-ups, one on the roof deck (above) and one late-night one). There’s additionally a full-service spa which we tried, whirlpool tubs, and an Eighth-floor roof deck terrace (additionally above), a teen lounge, and a 24-hour gymnasium.
Under, children participate in an arts and crafts class outdoors dealing with the seashore.
Of their Luxurious Assortment, there are fashionable, spacious Junior Suites for adults solely, with gorgeous ocean views, king mattress or double queen configurations, designer touches and candy facilities. These are positioned by the adult-only river pool and swim-up bar. Of their Concierge Assortment, there are one and two-bedroom suites with ocean-front views, and add-ons corresponding to spa remedies, customized grocery service and unique Masterclasses for these fascinated by studying. Under is considered one of their extra elaborate choices.
Under is one other room model on the property . . . slightly smaller however nonetheless beautiful and a fantastic possibility for a pair.
Downstairs within the informal sitting space between eating places.
Drinks are a part of the bundle, entry to eating at any of their eating places and non-motorized watersports. Additionally they have a complimentary shuttle at their Sea Breeze Seaside Home property and golf. We sampled meals and drinks at two of their eating places. The alternatives embody Components, which presents a fantastic mimosa breakfast, in addition to themed menus from across the globe for lunch and dinner; Oro, which is their fine-dining expertise with a classic fashionable model and beautiful views from the ninth ground, Bluefin (the place we had lunch), which presents an informal open-air beachside grill and pizza oven, and Brisa, which has a comfortable, nautically themed rooftop tapas lounge with small bites and nice cocktails, superb rums and liqueurs, all with a tremendous 270 diploma view.
Lastly, Oasis within the poolside lounge has specialty coffees, spiked mochas (YUM) and sweets. Additionally they supply a singular customized expertise at their Chef’s Desk with rum or wine paring for {couples} or teams of as much as 12 for an unbelievable gastronomic occasion.
For extra data on the property together with the way to ebook, go to their web site. Be sure you additionally learn our Barbados for Foodies article.
The Crane Resort
Because the oldest repeatedly working resort within the Caribbean, The Crane Resort is all about luxurious. Their facilities vary from cascading cliff-top swimming pools and award-winning eating places to a child’s membership and Crane Seaside, which we had been advised is slated to be some of the stunning seashores on the earth.
That is the infamous seashore we famous above and I’ve to confess, it was spectacular. We didn’t need to depart.
They boast 5 swimming pools, considered one of which is named the Cliff Pool Complicated, a 1.5-acre cascading pool space that features a kids’s wading pool, a waterfall pool, and an alfresco Jacuzzi spa pool. Different choices are extra hidden in case you like, with extra privateness.
They’ve personal swimming pools as effectively, nook tower plunge swimming pools; ground-floor swimming pools of as much as 28 toes, many with an infinity edge and breathtaking ocean views; or 12-foot swimming pools in penthouse suites with rooftop backyard decks. Wow, proper?
Personal Pool. Courtesy of The Crane.
There’s additionally the adult-only Historic Pool. This one is all about tranquility and rest and it’s framed by a row of basic Doric columns, and constructed proper on the cliff’s edge.
One other pool on the grounds under.
Here’s a bigger extra family-friendly pool.
And the way about this one? Breathtaking, proper?
We had been shifting round an excessive amount of so we didn’t have an opportunity to dine at this beautiful resort however they’ve each inside and out of doors seating choices. Romantic, decadent, elegant and stylish are all phrases to explain their eating places. There are eight choices in complete together with superb eating, cafes and bars.
They’ve rooms and suites. The model is far more conventional, as you’d anticipate from its historic previous. For instance, this 1,000-square-foot one-bedroom deluxe suite includes a spacious balcony overlooking lush tropical gardens, an artisan-crafted mahogany king mattress, outsized plush sofas, a fully-equipped granite kitchen, and a non-public marble lavatory with double vainness.
One-bedroom suite. Picture courtesy of The Crane.
As a result of there’s a lot historical past right here, it’s dramatic simply to stroll the grounds. In truth, there’s a lot to soak up (or ought to I say, breathe in?)
Two thumbs up. For extra data, together with the way to ebook, make sure you go to their web site.
Sea Breeze Seaside Home
Additionally a part of the Ocean Accommodations is the Sea Breeze Seaside Home on the South Coast. The resort is located on a lovely seashore and has a beautiful pool, sundecks, and jacuzzis. We didn’t keep on the property, however we did spend time right here, together with an extended, leisurely dinner at their best out of doors eating restaurant adopted by dancing to reside music, cocktails and low.
Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seaside Home.
The primary seashore is spectacular. We walked alongside this white sand gem after which had cocktails within the afternoon earlier than dinner.
Pure luxurious proper? Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seaside Home.
Providing over 1,000 toes of white, sandy seashore which is nice for swimming, it’s located on the south coast. You’ll be able to select from two seashores relying in your temper – one is nice for watersports and adjoins the household pool and the opposite one is a little more secluded while you’d prefer to get some relaxation or learn a ebook.
View of the property from the water. Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seaside Home
Like its sister property 02B Seaside Membership & Spa, Breeze Seaside Home is an all-inclusive resort, however extra boutique in model. You’ll be able to lounge about at considered one of three swimming pools on the property, together with an adults-only pool and whirlpool tubs. Sure, please. There’s an all-inclusive poolside drink service as effectively with completely fabulous cocktail choices.
View of the pool and ocean past. Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seaside Home
Right here, there are 122 rooms in two classes: 78 Basic Assortment rooms and 44 luxurious suites, all adorned in a up to date Caribbean model. They’ve hardwood flooring with a mode that brings within the ocean vibe and the encompassing gardens. There are 4 bars, six eating experiences, 4 of which provide ocean views, weekly rum tastings, and nightly leisure with dancing below the celebrities, the latter of which we skilled one evening till fairly late.
Their Basic Assortment rooms are located in three areas throughout the property and so they are available in 4 completely different room classes. All Basic Assortment rooms have air-con, ceiling followers, lined personal balconies, flatscreen TVs, massive bogs that includes a calming rainfall bathe, premium linens, safes, iPod docking stations, and mini-fridges. Their Luxurious Assortment, additionally known as the Mahogany Suites, consists of very spacious choices with nice ocean views.
One of many room choices. Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seaside Home.
The rooms supply upgraded furnishings and facilities, luxurious bogs, and complimentary privilege inclusions corresponding to a pre-stocked mini bar, nightly turndown service on request, complimentary seashore bag, upgraded in-room espresso service, and a personalised concierge service.
Their 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom suite is made up of 2-interconnecting Oceanfront Junior Suites. They every have an en-suite lavatory and are nice for households wishing to remain collectively. There are two spacious furnished balconies as effectively . . . nice for sipping your morning espresso over a spectacular view of the ocean under.
A two-bedroom suite. Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seaside Home
There’s additionally a vibrant children and teenage program, watersports, health room, seashore actions program, separate assembly room, a personalised concierge service for specialised teams, weddings and occasions.
The property is taken into account a super location since it’s close to a bunch of South Coast points of interest together with St. Lawrence Hole (nice for nightlife), Oistins Fish Fry (meant to be superb though we didn’t have an opportunity to strive it), Barbados Golf Membership, the Concorde expertise and extra. For extra data, together with the way to ebook, go to their web site.
South Seaside Lodge
We stayed at a boutique property known as South Seaside Lodge, which is an all-suite resort nestled alongside Barbados‘ South Coast. BTW, it’s also a part of the Ocean Accommodations group. We love how handy the placement was — solely a stone’s throw from Rockley Seaside, which is famous to be one of many nicest seashores on the island. There are three completely different classes: Junior Suites and one or two-bed room Suite choices. This 4-star, 49-room property is oozing with a “retro stylish” décor and ambiance. That stated, it’s present process a renovation so later this yr, you’ll be seeing new model adjustments to the property, in and out.
Retro Stylish Design. Courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
Breakfast is included along with your keep and there’s additionally a full suite of concierge companies that can assist you throughout your keep. There’s a pool in entrance of the resort dealing with the road nevertheless it has numerous cushioned loungers, poolside food and drinks service.
Strolling via the property. Courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
Let’s check out the model of among the rooms.
The bed room space. Courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
The suite space. Keep in mind, all choices are suites right here. Courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
Loos. Courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
Exterior by the pool space. Our room wasn’t prepared once we first arrived, so we frolicked across the pool swimming and ingesting Pina Coladas.
The lounge chairs across the pool. Above and under, pictures courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
The pool space. Courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
The on-site restaurant features a continental breakfast buffet on a regular basis, with recent fruit, yogurt, scorching or chilly cereals, candy and savory pastries, and an assortment of bread, cheese, jams, jellies, espresso, tea and juices.
Contained in the on-site restaurant. Courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
The under pictures offer you an concept of the entrance of the resort.
Entrance of the resort. Courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
The pool dealing with the pool. Courtesy of South Seaside Barbados.
There’s additionally complimentary WiFi, a health room, and onsite spa companies. All rooms have kitchen amenities as effectively as lined balconies overlooking the pool deck and restaurant lounge, a lot of which have ocean views as effectively. Close by is the South Coast boardwalk the place there’s a wide range of bars and eating places to choose from on any given day or evening. And as famous above, Rockley Seaside is throughout the road, the place you possibly can go for lengthy walks and swim, which we did 3 times throughout our keep.
For extra data, together with the way to ebook, go to their web site.
ECO Way of life & Lodge
Lastly, for one thing slightly completely different, there’s a fantastic possibility for many who are into sustainability and eco-friendly properties. Meet the ECO Way of life & Lodge, which sadly we didn’t have an opportunity to go to throughout our keep. We’d like to evaluation it on a future journey. Positioned in Tent Bay, Bathsheba, this place is tucked away and really a lot off the overwhelmed path.
Certainly one of their suites (picture courtesy of the ECO Way of life & Lodge)
Overlooking the dramatic seascape of the East Coast, ECO Way of life & Lodge, which was as soon as known as Sea-U Visitor Home, was based by two New Yorkers. It’s extra rustic on the outside though their rooms and suites are tastefully and elegantly executed.
For extra data together with the way to ebook an possibility with them, go to their web site.
Different Sources
Renee Blodgett is the founding father of We Weblog the World. The location combines the magic of an internet tradition and journey journal with a worldwide weblog community and has contributors from each continent on the earth. Having lived in 10 international locations and explored almost 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural variety.
She can be the CEO and founding father of Magic Sauce Media, a brand new media companies consultancy targeted on viral advertising, social media, branding, occasions and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped firms from 12 international locations get traction out there. Recognized for her world and natural strategy to product and company launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an energetic person of social media, she helps shoppers navigate digital waters from all over the world. Renee has been running a blog for over 16 years and repeatedly writes on her private weblog Down the Avenue, Huffington Submit, BlogHer, We Weblog the World and different websites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Journal and is listed as a brand new media influencer and recreation changer on varied websites and books on the brand new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed because the sixth most influential lady in social media by Forbes Journal on a Prime 20 Listing.
Her ardour for artwork, storytelling and pictures led to the launch of Magic Sauce Pictures, which is a visible extension of her writing, the results of which has led to producing six picture books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee can be the co-founder of Touring Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to different international locations to share and be taught from friends, governments, firms, and most people so as to educate, share, consider, and promote progressive applied sciences.
