I must admit, Barbados has fallen off my Caribbean ‘it’ list so I decided to go back to see what-if anything-I was missing. I have to tell you that it is no longer your grandmother’s Barbados!!! The hotels are fabulous, the restaurants are fantastic, the shopping is upscale and there are so many hidden, off-the-beaten-track fun things to do, I am verklempt!
It feels good to be wrong sometimes…..
Hotels:
If you’re looking for a home away from home, but with great service and staff thrown in for good measure, go to the Fairmont Royal Pavilion
The Lure: Wayne Kafcsak, the General Manager, will make you feel special each and every moment you are there!
www.fairmont.com/royalpavilion
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| On the beach with Wayne Kafcsak |
If you’re looking for over-the-top luxury, go to Sandy Lane
The Lure: sensational spa and fitness center—it’s a resort unto itself!
www.sandylane.com
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| Standing with Sandy Lane's Resident Manager, Mario Bevilacqua von Gunderrode |
If you’re in a Miami South Beachy, sexy mood, go to The House
The Lure: For some people, no children allowed is a dealbreaker!
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| No Kids Allowed: That's one way to keep the all white couches clean! |
If you’re a wannabe Kate Middleton and Prince William, go to Cobblers Cove
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| waiting for my spot of tea at Cobbler's Cove! |
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If you’re looking for cool, go to Ocean 2
The Lure: located in South Barbados, where all the nightlife is!
www.oceantwobarbados.com
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| Photo: Courtesy of Ocean 2 |
If you’re looking for an affordable family resort, go to Coral Reef
The Lure: well-maintained family run cottage amidst beautiful gardens
www.coralreefbarbados.com
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| Courtesy of Coral Reef |
If you’re a surfer, go to Box by Box
The Lure: cheap - check out their expansive oceanfront porch
(word of mouth, no website, contact me)
Restaurants:
If you’re looking for the latest and greatest, go to Cin Cin
The Lure: on the waterfront with great views and the seafood is to die for…please don’t take me literally!
www.cincinbarbados.com
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| Cin Cin is "she she" |
If you’re a foodie, The Tides will not disappoint.
The Lure: great people watching, uber-sophisticated
www.tidesbarbados.com
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| Al fresco dining! |
If you’re looking for a local eatery no one knows about ( not even the locals), go to The Cove
The Lure: only open 3 times a week serving fresh, home cooked meals
(word of mouth, no website, contact me)
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| Today's special: Conch Salad at The Cove! |
Shopping:
If you’re looking for Ralph, Louis, Mac, Bulgari (I am such a name dropper!), go to the newly opened, elegant Limegrove Lifestyle Center.
The Lure: even the movie theatre is state-of-the-art; the seats fully recline and there are waiters to serve you food while you’re watching first run movies—this gives new meaning to the expression, ‘lounge potato’!
www.limegrove.com/exploreLG.php
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| Serious shopping at the Limegrove! Envy for LV! |
Just cool:
If you’re looking for historical with a twist, check out the St. Nicholas Abbey, an authentic rum plantation and private home that just opened up to the public.
The Lure: mahogany engraved ‘Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd’ toilet from the 17th Century-- now we know where the word came from…who would have thunk?!!!
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| Throne for king! but seriously, even the toilets are fab! |
The Lure: booking through Bear & Bear Travel!
FYI: not to be a ‘humblebrag’…not, but in December 2011, I reported on Palais Namaskar and Selman Hotels in Marrakech before they even opened. Sorry, Departures, old news!
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