Simply Amazing. This is the best stay we have had in Barbados without doubt. I've read the negative reviews about the hotel and I can understand the points people are making about it not being true All Inclusive, that there is no lift, and that sometimes there are drinks that aren't available - but this is Barbados... It's a small Island with an ever increasing tourist population and they rely on Rum and fishing, so if you don't like Rum and you don't like fish....
We arrived at the hotel and knew it was going to be small and intimate - we were the only guests at reception so check in was swift. We were offered a glass of champagne whilst we went through formalities and then it was time to go to the room. There is no lift. I repeat, there is no lift. We were on floor 4 (top) in room 401 and our luggage was carried up to the room for us by the security staff - walking 4 flights wasn't difficult and to be honest it became a welcome relief to at least get some exercise after eating the wonderful meals and sampling the beverages on offer at the bar.
Our room was very spacious, had all of the provisions we required, and was extremely clean. The hot water provided in the room is heated by solar so there is no temperature control on the shower - you get what comes from the tap - sometimes this can be hot, other times (if it's all been used by other guests) it can be quite cool. It never caused us an issue as we knew how the system worked so managed our shower times around it. A cool shower after a day in the baking sun is sometimes a nice relief.
Food is served from 7am - 10am, 12pm-3pm, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, there is also afternoon tea from 3:30pm - 4:30pm but never saw anyone participate. Food is provided on a menu basis, the breakfast menu never changes but gives you options of fresh fruit, porridge, yoghurt, granola, Bajan offerings, omelettes, all manner of egg options, basically enough to satiate any hungry traveller.
Lunch and dinner are again provided via a menu but the menu changes every two days. The food prepared is very good and extremely fresh. There are dishes which contain bones (Oxtail, chicken) but doesn't detract from the dish - it's just their way of preparing the meal. If you can manage a desert after a starter and main then they're just as good. We even introduced Affogato to the staff by taking their wonderful Rum Raisin ice cream, asking for a very strong coffee and a healthy shot of Mount Gay Eclipse from the bar. The staff were intrigued but boy what a great desert.
I'd like to call out Shane (bar tender), Trudy (room management/cleaning), and Michelle (bar and rum tasting). I couldn't fault any of the staff, always helpful, always smiling, and always willing to provide the best experience possible. Treat the staff with respect and courtesy and it is reciprocated 10 fold.
Some drinks did run out in the bar - but they were replenished as quickly as deliveries could be made - it's a small hotel and sometimes the guests hit the bar hard when the party mood kicked in - it was never an issue, we just switched to something else or breathed a sigh of relief that we'd be spared a hangover :)
Michelle organised a rum tasting session - Wednesday morning at 10:30am. Oh boy what an experience. The bar was packed - we were all singing and laughing, everyone got to know each other and in general it really helped build relationships between the guests at the hotel.
The pool is quite small but never got busy and the loungers with parasols offer plenty of shade. The beach is quite small and there isn't much room for loungers. There are a few stones in the shallows but the man made reefs just offshore offer calm waters to wallow in and an abundance of aquatic life for the avid snorkeller.
My wife and I introduced Spicy Margaritas to the bar staff repertoire - and these were taken aplenty by other guests willing to try the new tipple.
As said in my opening to this review, this was the best stay we've had in Barbados. It is what you make it. Roll with the shortcomings, enjoy the fact that you're in one of the friendliest countries in the Caribbean, the Weather is amazing, you're on holiday, and the staff are working with what they have. The other guests also make it an enjoyable experience, mingle, chat, share stories, enjoy the rum, and be merry. We met some of the loveliest, most pleasant people we could have hoped to holiday with. We were really sorry to leave - but we'll be back.
