DESTINATIONS WHAT’S NEW | CARIBBEAN Carlisle Bay


“Barbados remains our number-one destination,” says Paul Cleary, chief executive of specialist operator Caribtours, which is now running its biggest-ever programme to the island. He welcomes the steady


return of seven former Elegant Hotels resorts on the island, now renovated and run by Marriott, including “much-loved favourites” such as Crystal Cove (which opened on February 1) and Turtle Beach (opening May 1). Most of these revamped properties are all-inclusive, except Luxury Collection member Colony Club, which opened last July and comes with appealing lagoon-style pools set in mature tropical gardens. New resorts include the


five-star Blue Monkey Hotel and Beach Club in Paynes Bay


(opening in April), a boutique property with an exclusive feel thanks to just 28 suites, a Zen spa and signature Lebanese restaurant. Along the coast, the 220-room, adult-only Royalton Vessence resort will open beside the beach in Holetown on July 1, offering a buzzing rooftop, romantic late-night swims and even an art studio. Meanwhile, golfers’ favourite Apes Hill has added 14 hilltop villas and a beach club in Speightstown. Foodies can also delight in new epicurean experiences, including the rustic Hopewell Distillery, five minutes’ drive from Harrison’s Cave, which is now producing artisanal rum and gin; and the revamped Dine with a Bajan experience launched by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc in December. Designed to


connect visitors with an authentic, home-cooked taste of Barbados, this initiative is typical of a bustling, go-ahead island that is constantly adding new and exciting things to do. On my recent visit, Barbadian home cook Jools Jeffers laid on a generous spread that included punchy pumpkin soup and shepherd’s pie made with local black belly lamb. Then she brought out a bowl of her cinnamon- spiced pudding, capped with vanilla ice cream, as a deliciously decadent finale. “It’s basically rum with bread in it,” she joked. Book it: Caribtours offers seven nights at Colony Club from £3,499 per person, based on two sharing, including breakfast, transfers and Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow on March 10. caribtours.co.uk


Colony Club


complimentary treats clients can enjoy, including sunrise Pilates, sailing adventures, island hikes with transfers provided and afternoon tea delivered wherever guests wish. At nearby Curtain Bluff, an £8 million renovation has been completed, centred on 42 suites redesigned in a seaside-chic style with vintage prints. As an added bonus, its all-inclusive rate now extends to Taittinger champagne. Book it: Elegant Resorts has seven nights at Curtain Bluff from £6,265 per person all-inclusive, based on two sharing, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow on March 9. elegantresorts.co.uk


Barbados ² travelweekly.co.uk 5 FEBRUARY 2026 41


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