A luxurious and tranquil retreat on Barbados' exclusive west coast
Granted, holidays are intended to allow us to escape the humdrum of everyday life and take a break from our usual surroundings. But despite the change of scenery, we still always crave some home comforts – a home away from home, if you will.
The House in Barbados perfectly fuses the two, offering an exotic luxury experience combined with the comfort and relaxation you experience at home. Nestled on a postcard perfect stretch of the island’s ‘platinum’ west coast, the boutique hotel overlooks the pristine Paynes Bay beach and the calm azure blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Part of the Elegant Hotels group, which also counts the island’s Tamarind, Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach amongst its luxury hotel roster, The House is an adults-only resort that has a mellow residential feel, particularly in the communal areas, and is a hugely popular choice with grown-up travellers looking for some 'me' time.
Instead of the typical hotel reception or check-in area, there’s a decked lounging section with comfy armchairs and coffee tables where the hotel’s ‘ambassadors’ will tend to your needs. A small bar at the foot of the deck serves an array of soft and alcoholic drinks, including the island’s signature refreshingly-good rum cocktails, and there’s also a dining area where you can order food throughout the day.
The House, which recently underwent a revamp following an extensive five-month multi-million pound refurbishment, boasts a total of 34 suites, all with an understated and chic interior feel. The rooms are plush yet homely with super-comfy king size beds, a lounging area and sliding French doors that open onto your own private veranda that features a sun lounger and an outdoor table and chairs for al fresco relaxing.
All suites are contemporary in style and have been decorated with neutral creamy tones, touches of natural wood and a spattering of handcrafted Bajan sculptures by local artist Reggie Medford, which are available to buy, if you so wish. The rooms all come complete with large flatscreen TVs, wireless internet, air conditioning, iPod docking stations, in-room safe and minibar as standard. The adjoining marble bathrooms are luxe and roomy too, with deep tubs, power showers and his ‘n’ her sinks, as well as giant mirrors and hairdryers to allow you to groom with ease.
As guests of The House, you will also enjoy a complimentary ‘jetlag’ massage at a time of your choosing to relieve those travel weary aches and pains. Once you’re fighting fit again, you can hit the ocean and partake in an array of fun watersports – again all included in the price of your stay – such as kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing and sailing, to name just a few.
A scrumptious breakfast, with the option of champagne (don’t mind if we do!), is served on a decking area overlooking the beach, and afternoon tea with a selection of yummy sandwiches and scones is also complimentary for when you’re feeling peckish later on.
But the main draw of a trip to Barbados is the sunshine, hands down, and The House has plenty of sunbathing options, so there’s no need to reserve your spot with a towel here. As well as deluxe-style sun loungers on the beach, a number come with a wooden frame and drapes for some shade in the scorching heat. Off the sandy shore, there are plenty of spots to relax in beside the swimming pool, which is refreshingly chilly for much needed dips throughout the day. To ensure you keep your cool once out of the water, the hotel’s ambassadors pass regularly around the lounging areas with an assortment of free water bottles and ice creams. A nice touch.
If you’re seeking a delicious meal out, you’re in luck, because the luxury waterfront restaurant, Daphne’s, is situated just next door with a bumper menu of Italian-inspired and traditional Bajan dishes. And if The House sounds like a dream break, but you want to bring children along with you, why not give its sister hotel, the Tamarind a go? Situated next door on the other side of Daphne’s, the more affordable establishment is a bigger, more traditional resort, which boasts a total of 140 newly renovated contemporary guest rooms and suites. Designed in an Iberian style, with sandy-coloured walls and terracotta roofs, the hotel is a labyrinth-like series of walkways that interlinks the rooms to the two restaurants, spa, beauty salon and hotel shops. Throw in the bar, three swimming pools and a kids club, and the Tamarind caters to all of your holidaying needs for pure relaxation in one of the world’s most pristine beach spots.
How to get there British Airways offer seven nights at The House from £1,549 per person (saving £1,320 per couple) based on two people sharing, for travel between 5th May and 4th July. This deal includes return British Airways flights from Gatwick and accommodation with breakfast. BA also offers seven nights at the Tamarind from £1,029 per person (with a saving of £630 per couple) based on two people sharing, for travel between the same period. This deal also includes return British Airways flights from Gatwick and accommodation with breakfast. Book before 28th February to take advantage of these deals. For reservations visit ba.com/barbados or call 0844 493 0758. These holidays to Barbados can be secured online from as little as £300 deposit per booking when booked through ba.com/deposits. Final balance must be paid ten weeks prior to departure.