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 accommodations and resorts. We lucked out thanks to a couple contacts I made via my years at IMM and the New York Instances Journey Present who knew the lay of the land, so to talk, and really helpful a couple of nice choices. We stayed at one of many Ocean Lodges 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 Seashore Membership & Spa
Ocean Lodges 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 liked our expertise at 02 Seashore Membership & Spa, which affords an all-inclusive expertise the place you keep in conventional rooms or one or two-bedroom suites. Beneath is likely one of the predominant swimming pools that winds round a number of the rooms in addition to a swim-up bar, which was fairly enjoyable. On the finish of the pool, you may have sweeping views of the seashore and ocean past.
On a better 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.
Beneath 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 properly?
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 fitness center.
Beneath, youngsters participate in an arts and crafts class outdoors going through the seashore.
Of their Luxurious Assortment, there are trendy, spacious Junior Suites for adults solely, with beautiful 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 reminiscent of spa therapies, customized grocery service and unique Masterclasses for these involved in studying. Beneath is certainly one of their extra elaborate choices.
Beneath is one other room fashion 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. In addition they have a complimentary shuttle at their Sea Breeze Seashore Home property and golf. We sampled meals and drinks at two of their eating places. The alternatives embody Parts, which affords 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 trendy fashion and beautiful views from the ninth ground, Bluefin (the place we had lunch), which affords an informal open-air beachside grill and pizza oven, and Brisa, which has a comfy, nautically themed rooftop tapas lounge with small bites and nice cocktails, high-quality rums and liqueurs, all with a tremendous 270 diploma view.
Lastly, Oasis within the poolside lounge has specialty coffees, spiked mochas (YUM) and sweets. In addition they supply a novel customized expertise at their Chef’s Desk with rum or wine paring for {couples} or teams of as much as 12 for an unimaginable gastronomic occasion.
For extra info on the property together with methods to e-book, go to their web site. Be sure you additionally learn our Barbados for Foodies article.
The Crane Resort
Because the oldest constantly working lodge 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 Seashore, which we have been instructed is slated to be one of the vital 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, certainly one of which is called 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 should you like, with extra privateness.
They’ve non-public swimming pools as properly, 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 beneath.
Here’s a bigger extra family-friendly pool.
And the way about this one? Breathtaking, proper?
We have been transferring 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 high-quality eating, cafes and bars.
They’ve rooms and suites. The fashion is way more conventional, as you’d anticipate from its historic previous. For instance, this 1,000-square-foot one-bedroom deluxe suite encompasses a spacious balcony overlooking lush tropical gardens, an artisan-crafted mahogany king mattress, outsized plush sofas, a fully-equipped granite kitchen, and a personal marble rest room with double self-importance.
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 absorb (or ought to I say, breathe in?)
Two thumbs up. For extra info, together with methods to e-book, you’ll want to go to their web site.
Sea Breeze Seashore Home
Additionally a part of the Ocean Lodges is the Sea Breeze Seashore Home on the South Coast. The lodge is located on a stupendous 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 most interesting out of doors eating restaurant adopted by dancing to dwell music, cocktails and occasional.
Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seashore 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 Seashore 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 once you’d wish to get some relaxation or learn a e-book.
View of the property from the water. Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seashore Home
Like its sister property 02B Seashore Membership & Spa, Breeze Seashore Home is an all-inclusive resort, however extra boutique in fashion. You’ll be able to lounge about at certainly 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 properly with completely fabulous cocktail choices.
View of the pool and ocean past. Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seashore Home
Right here, there are 122 rooms in two classes: 78 Traditional Assortment rooms and 44 luxurious suites, all adorned in a up to date Caribbean fashion. They’ve hardwood flooring with a method that brings within the ocean vibe and the encircling gardens. There are 4 bars, six eating experiences, 4 of which provide ocean views, weekly rum tastings, and nightly leisure with dancing underneath the celebs, the latter of which we skilled one night time till fairly late.
Their Traditional Assortment rooms are located in three areas throughout the property and so they are available 4 completely different room classes. All Traditional Assortment rooms have air-con, ceiling followers, lined non-public balconies, flatscreen TVs, giant bogs that includes a soothing rainfall bathe, premium linens, safes, iPod docking stations, and mini-fridges. Their Luxurious Assortment, additionally known as the Mahogany Suites, contains very spacious choices with nice ocean views.
One of many room choices. Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seashore Home.
The rooms supply upgraded furnishings and facilities, luxurious bogs, and complimentary privilege inclusions reminiscent of a pre-stocked mini bar, nightly turndown service on request, complimentary seashore bag, upgraded in-room espresso service, and a customized 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 rest room and are nice for households wishing to remain collectively. There are two spacious furnished balconies as properly . . . nice for sipping your morning espresso over a spectacular view of the ocean beneath.
A two-bedroom suite. Picture courtesy of Sea Breeze Seashore Home
There’s additionally a vibrant youngsters and teenage program, watersports, health room, seashore actions program, separate assembly room, a customized concierge service for specialised teams, weddings and occasions.
The property is taken into account a great location since it’s close to a number 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 attempt it), Barbados Golf Membership, the Concorde expertise and extra. For extra info, together with methods to e-book, go to their web site.
South Seashore Resort
We stayed at a boutique property known as South Seashore Resort, which is an all-suite lodge nestled alongside Barbados‘ South Coast. BTW, additionally it is a part of the Ocean Lodges group. We love how handy the situation was — solely a stone’s throw from Rockley Seashore, 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 mentioned, it’s present process a renovation so later this 12 months, you’ll be seeing new fashion modifications to the property, inside and outside.
Retro Stylish Design. Courtesy of South Seashore Barbados.
Breakfast is included along with your keep and there’s additionally a full suite of concierge providers that can assist you throughout your keep. There’s a pool in entrance of the lodge going through the road but it surely has a lot of cushioned loungers, poolside foods and drinks service.
Strolling via the property. Courtesy of South Seashore Barbados.
Let’s check out the fashion of a number of the rooms.
The bed room space. Courtesy of South Seashore Barbados.
The suite space. Bear in mind, all choices are suites right here. Courtesy of South Seashore Barbados.
Bogs. Courtesy of South Seashore Barbados.
Outdoors by the pool space. Our room wasn’t prepared once we first arrived, so we frolicked across the pool swimming and consuming Pina Coladas.
The lounge chairs across the pool. Above and beneath, photographs courtesy of South Seashore Barbados.
The pool space. Courtesy of South Seashore Barbados.
The on-site restaurant features a continental breakfast buffet on a regular basis, with contemporary 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 Seashore Barbados.
The beneath photographs offer you an concept of the entrance of the lodge.
Entrance of the lodge. Courtesy of South Seashore Barbados.
The pool going through the pool. Courtesy of South Seashore Barbados.
There’s additionally complimentary WiFi, a health room, and onsite spa providers. All rooms have kitchen services as properly as lined balconies overlooking the pool deck and restaurant lounge, a lot of which have ocean views as properly. Close by is the South Coast boardwalk the place there’s quite a lot of bars and eating places to choose from on any given day or night time. And as famous above, Rockley Seashore is throughout the road, the place you’ll be able to go for lengthy walks and swim, which we did 3 times throughout our keep.
For extra info, together with methods to e-book, go to their web site.
ECO Way of life & Lodge
Lastly, for one thing slightly completely different, there’s a fantastic possibility for individuals 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 evaluate it on a future journey. Situated in Tent Bay, Bathsheba, this place is tucked away and really a lot off the crushed path.
One in every of their suites (photograph 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 carried out.
For extra info together with methods to e-book an possibility with them, go to their web site.
Different Assets
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 range.
She can be the CEO and founding father of Magic Sauce Media, a brand new media providers consultancy targeted on viral advertising, social media, branding, occasions and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped corporations from 12 international locations get traction out there. Identified for her international and natural strategy to product and company launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an energetic person of social media, she helps purchasers navigate digital waters from all over the world. Renee has been running a blog for over 16 years and frequently writes on her private weblog Down the Avenue, Huffington Put up, 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 sport changer on varied websites and books on the brand new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed because the sixth most influential girl in social media by Forbes Journal on a High 20 Listing.
Her ardour for artwork, storytelling and images led to the launch of Magic Sauce Images, which is a visible extension of her writing, the results of which has led to producing six photograph 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, companies, and most of the people to be able to educate, share, consider, and promote modern applied sciences.
