DESTINATIONS BARBADOS | CARIBBEAN exper expert ASK THE
“Barbados is so much more than dazzling, white- sand beaches and turquoise
ABOVE: A ‘reggae reggae’ bus in Holetown, southwest Bardados PICTURE: Shutterstock/Frank Fell Media; Autosync Media
within the island’s high-end hotel scene, differentiating itself from the plantation-style hotels and the all-singing, all-dancing resorts.
SEA CHANGE
Jacqui also believes the reopening of O2 marks a step change for the island. A new wave of premium hotels on the south coast is slowly disproving the myth that the only place to stay is on the glitzy Platinum Coast. The four-star, all-inclusive Sands
Barbados opened three years ago on the south coast, located 15 minutes from the airport and the lively island capital, Bridgetown. InterContinetal Hotel Group’s Hotel Indigo brand is set to open on the island’s Richard Haynes Boardwalk, replacing what was once the Caribbee Hotel on Hastings Main Road in Christ Church. And not far from Bottom Bay and The Crane Hotel, a new 450-room Wyndham Grand hotel is being built on the site of the former Marriott Sam Lord’s Castle, which was burnt down in 2003. Sandals Royal Barbados has also added two wellness-inspired restaurants, plus a new wing with swim-up suites and two extra pools.
travelweekly.co.uk
Already known for the fishing village of Oistins and its Friday Fish Fry, and upmarket restaurants such as Champers, the south coast is a good base to access all that the island has to offer. From O2, we enjoy a tour in a 4x4 Jeep with local company Island Safaris, visiting key spots like the fishing village of Bathsheba, home to the iconic, mushroom-shaped Three Boys’ Rock; Morgan Lewis Windmill, the oldest surviving cane mill in the Caribbean; and, of course, Rihanna Drive, where the singer grew up.
WEST SIDE GLORY The south coast is only a short drive from the west coast too, meaning all of its new product is within easy reach. The House by Elegant Hotels has renovated its food and drink offering, making room for a fresh dining space and full-service kitchen, while a new hotel that recently broke ground in Carlisle Bay near Bridgetown is expected be a new Hyatt Hotels property under its family-friendly Ziva brand. The renowned Cliff Restaurant closed during the pandemic and was bought by British-born
Barbadian resident and fintech entrepreneur Michael Kent. The property underwent a huge renovation and has reopened under the leadership of celebrated Italian chef Antonio Mellino, offering restaurant Quattro Passi at the Cliff and a bistro-style sibling, QP Bistro. Former Cliff Restaurant executive
chef Paul Owens has set up his own venture, oceanfront Paul Owens at The Beach House, which serves the chef’s signature dishes as well as a weekly Bajan Sunday lunch. There’s beachside bolthole Sea Shed in exclusive Mullins Bay, which opened in 2019, and The Local & Co, a new farm-to-table dining experience in the island’s northernmost town, Speightstown. Improved product, combined with the island’s new independence, means Barbados is having one of its busiest years. Though the pandemic was tough, there’s a feeling that the events of the past two years have shaken things up. Like using cardboard instead of a paintbrush, travellers to Barbados might well wish to do things differently too – and staying on the south coast is a great place to start.
TW
water. The island teems with culture and history, including its nearly 400-year-old capital, Bridgetown. It’s a foodie’s paradise, and we encourage visitors to try everything, from our fine-dining spots, such as Quattro Passi at the Cliff, to our boho-chic beach bars, such as La Cabane and Sea Shed. Our bountiful street food is a must-try, from Oistins Fish Fry to authentic Bajan fare at any of our 1,000 rum shops.” Lennon Chandler, business development officer, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc
“Upsell clients to the Concierge Collection Suites and
new Luxury Collection Junior Suites to earn yourself extra commission from the higher- priced rooms. Your clients will get breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea as well as a host of additional inclusions.” Jacqui McDermott, sales and marketing manager, Ocean Hotels Group Barbados
BOOK IT
Caribtours offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at O2 Beach Club & Spa from £3,125, based on two adults sharing a new Luxury Ocean View Junior Suite in June. Includes flights with Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow and private transfers.
caribtours.co.uk o2beachclubbarbados.com
17 MARCH 2022 37
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