BASKING IN BARBADOS
Feel the warm, luxurious embrace of island
Ihad the chance to stay at “my friend's house in Barbados” recently, and the word of the day was: whim. My host was so gracious, I could pretty much get whatever my heart desired. “I never know what I want for a cocktail,” I lamented upon arrival. “Well then,” my soon-to-be favorite mixologist, Mark, said, “let's make one just for you!” (And he remembered the recipe for my entire stay). “I'd love a catamaran to swoop in and take me sailing out toward the sunset,” I said, and of course that happened later.
Sounds like the dream friend, right? Here's the great news: My friend is yours, too. The Elegant Hotels group, six resorts dotting the serene west coast of Barbados, makes you feel more like you're visiting a posh pal — one with luxurious accommodations, amazing food, a perfect location and lots of fun on the to-do list.
I hopped on a JetBlue direct flight out of Logan airport. After zipping through customs, I headed to the first of the two Elegant Hotels I'd be staying at, Waves Hotel & Spa, a “mind and
body” destination that takes “all-inclusive” to an amazing level.
No standing at a desk to check in — instead, a towel and cold drink placed in your hand, you hang out and chill until, like magic, your luggage is in your room, you're all checked in and it's time to soak in all the place has to offer.
The buffet meals are on point; high quality and varied from day to day. At Shiso, the resort's Asian fusion restaurant, you can get an upscale dining experience as well. There's also a great coffee shop and deli for lighter choices and a coffee drink pick-meup when needed. The resort also hosts an adult coloring session for teatime in the afternoon.
Most of all, there is the setting.
Beaches on the west coast of Barbados are tranquil, a perfect place to simply float on the sea, to sea kayak and to standup paddleboard along the shore. Waves — as well as the other Elegant resorts — offer all kinds of water sports. And just like at a good friend's house, you can grab a kayak, paddleboard, even sailboat at your whim. It's that easy.
Waves includes spa treatments with your stay at no additional cost. I opted for a scalp massage. A spa snob, I expected little (hey — it's free, right?) and walked out declaring it, on a scale of 1 to 10, to be a 14.
Each Elegant resort has its own vibe. A water taxi runs all day long, taking guests from resort to resort, a chance to experience everything.
I could stay at Waves forever, but my other friend was waiting for me — the elegant, enchanting House, a bit up the beach from Waves.
The House takes arrival to a higher level. A gate swings open just for you, and you roll up a boardwalk over a kind of moat. Once “inside,” (and I use that term loosely, as both Waves and The House are
very much an outdoor, fresh air experience), you don’t go to the desk to check in because there isn’t one. Instead, just like arriving at a friend’s home, you’re greeted by name at the door and escorted to your comfortable room.
The House is an adultonly property, with an open-air dining room and sitting area that spills out onto the beach. Pools overlook that same beach, and within minutes, it feels like every staff member knows your name. Plus, the staff greets the guests — every time — with hugs and high fives.
While not all-inclusive, The House does take care of you, offering an included champagne breakfast daily (where my host says, “If there is something missing from the buffet you desire, let me know. We can make a run to the store.”). It also offers a complimentary “jet lag massage” to each guest, given in a beautiful open-air spa “room.”
I wanted to visit a restaurant in another part of Barbados. Off I went, on their recommendation and with a driver, to Primo Bar & Bistro, a delightful marriage of Italian fare and seaside. The turquoise sea flows under me as I sip prosecco and dine al fresco.
I’d heard Barbados is a hotbed for polo. The House arranged for me (as it will for any guest) to head to the middle of the island for polo school at Apes Hill Golf and Polo Club (additional fee). Not an equestrian, I’m shocked when I take to it easily. Talk about a vacation memory.
There are so many memories at these “homes” of my friends, such as kayaking out far from the shore and then just floating. Or the magnificent Barbadian sunsets. Or sailing in a catamaran, the Seaduced, at a fast clip, the salty air just cool enough to refresh.
I remember the best moment of all. I was just offshore floating on my back, soaking in the perfect sea when above me, out of nowhere, a rare “upsidedown rainbow” appeared. Like a colorful letter “U” in the sky, it grew brighter. I shouted for others to look up, and they all did: amazed at the rare phenomenon. I didn’t run to get my camera, too worried it would disappear quickly. No photo.
But it’s in my mind, forever stored away as a perfect memory. Just like my entire visit to Elegant Hotels in Barbados. Learn more at eleganthotels.com.