Highly recommend this newly opened resort, 15 min away from airport.
As others mentioned, the beach is rougher than other parts of Barbados, but it is swimmable - just don't go too far - the hotel crew cleaned the sorgossum every morning so we honestly did not notice at all. Diagonal to the water right in front of this hotel is a manmade rock barrier, which provides some comfort if you dip right in front of it (vs. facing open water). There's also lifeguard post right on the beach.
Turtle Beach provides non motorized water sports although we didn't take advantage of it. Could be an option.
The two adult pools are mid size - large enough for the guests while we were there as it was not fully booked, but I can imagine it may feel small if the hotel is packed. With that said, it's not a pool bar so I imagine people will not be hanging out in the pool all day. There is also a good sized kid pool.
The best part is the supersized hot tub. Having the pool and the hot tub to relax in after a long day exploring the island, with bar about 10 steps away in one direction, the ice cream shop 5 steps away in another direction, and the super friendly staff (who offers cold scented towel and ice cream bars during the day) was an amazing way to cap our days.
Almost all of the rooms will have view of the water. The ones farthest away from the beach at ground level will have their views blocked by the shrubbery and beach restaurant, so ask for higher floor, farthest away from reception. The resort is mid-size so farthest room will not be too far to walk to/fro.
We knew that the resort was newly remodeled before arriving, and it did not disappoint. The rooms feel very new and clean, the sofa bed is new, and we saw the outdoor lounge beds in other balconies still wrapped in plastic. Each room's balcony has a bistro table for 2, plus the one lounge bed that can fit 2 people (albeit tight), which was a nice touch that gives a luxurious feel.
Wi-fi is free and strong enough to watch TV from the balcony. The front desk is always helpful and picks up the phone promptly; they can arrange transport if you need.
I found that Barbados is still very much a cash-only island (Barbadian Dollars). Taxis do not always take credit card, but you can arrange for them to charge your hotel room instead. The front desk helped our family with this. It was helpful when we took one for longer rides and your cash is better spent elsewhere.
Lawrence Gap is the party scene - about 15 min walk from the hotel. For families, there are shops (including ATM, 5 min walk from hotel), and local cuisine to try. We did not see many souvenir shops - we bought all of our souvenirs at the airport, which is large and has many shops and food options.
Carlisle Bay, 15 minutes away from the hotel by taxi, has several beach clubs that you can pay with credit card for entry, beach chairs, and food. The water was calm and clear - like a pool, as my teen said - with floating trampolines off the beach. I thought this was a good complement to a stay at Turtle Beach, which as stated, has rougher water (as it is facing the south of the island). Turtles can be found slightly off the cost of this bay as well, although we didn't see any as we didn't go too far. The watersports nearby probably scared them all away. But you can take a short boat ride provided by the beach clubs for ~B$25 to visit the shipwrecks where the turtles often are.
But for turtles, I recommend booking a Calabazas (or similar) catamaran tours as the ride itself is part of the experience. We saw turtles and snorkeled along the Platinum Coast where the super rich have their homes, and enjoyed the sun, the calm water, and the Barbadian hospitality. Certainly a highlight.
Lastly, the "all inclusive" part of Turtle Beach - the bar is always staffed, bartender friendly, and the buffets were varied. Oxtail was yummy, sushi and Italian was good.
There is a Greek restaurant on the second floor where guests can make reservation and it is a sit down affair. It's cute, the staff (again) was welcoming, and the food is pretty good. This was also included in our stay.
All in all, this hotel was a win. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and Barbados in general, and we will be back.
