I booked this quite last minute. Sitting under the cold, grey skies of Switzerland, I desperately wanted some sunshine and found a great deal with British Airways. I have only the highest praise for this resort. I arrived around 2am. At first I didn’t realize there were several buildings and couldn’t find how to check in. I panicked and thought I would spend the night sleeping in the rental car, but then I found the reception area and everything I needed to move into my beach facing apartment (room 413). I had a wonderful sleep in a comfortable bed. While I made it, my luggage didn’t and I had arrived in Florida in my Swiss winter clothes. Luckily, there is a Walmart that opens at 6am so the following morning I was able to go get a bikini. Then the fun began, the most beautiful beach (not crowded), swimming pool with a heated spa (jacuzzi to us Swiss), a beautiful apartment and, best of all, my balcony overlooking the ocean.
The staff were so friendly. There is a basket system where you can tick what you need and drop off your towels etc to have them replaced. I kept asking for coffee. My room service man was incredible, I explained I was Swiss and the coffee they have says it is for 3-4 servings, but that is just one serving for me. He stocked me up with plenty of coffee. Meanwhile, the views from the balcony were stunning. It is as though the sunsets have been pre-ordered to be beautiful.
Regarding the three buildings, there is one with balconies overlooking the swimming pool. This is absolutely ideal for families, especially if their kids are going to be in the. Pool but they still want to keep an eye on them - and can’t maybe hear them as well. My room was top floor with the beach, so every night I would leave the doors wide open and listen to the waves crashing as I went to bed. There is air on but I switched it off as there is also an overhead fan in the living area which was sufficient for me (Switzerland is still in the dark ages when it comes to aircon).
Additionally, it is just a short walk to St John’s pass, with lots of little shops, restaurants and bars. My foot, 5 minute walks. Having spend some of my adult life in a wheelchair and a lot on crutches, I would say 10 minutes max and very easy access for anyone with mobility issues.
I found that the people staying at the hotel were really respectful, including families who would have their children in the spa (which is supposed to be for 18+ years old) but would immediately tell me that they could take their kids out if I wanted to use it on my own. I love children so it wasn’t an issue for me, but the fact that they had the respect to ask and make sure that all children were really well behaved was a blessing. There is plenty of seating around the pool, in the sun or under a parasol, as well as towels. Since my luggage hadn’t arrived, the hotel were really kind and let me take some towels to the beach, even though they would get covered in sand, but then there is an area to put the towels for cleaning after you have used them.
I don’t think you could find a better location. Last time I was in Florida it was up the road in North Reddington which was lovely, but at Barefoot Beachclub, there is so much more on your doorstep and all within walking distance.
Finally, before going there I had read reviews that the parking was tight or quite full. I never had that problem. There was plenty of parking and plenty of space. I felt safe, as a single woman traveler, I felt happy and relaxed and thanks to the excellent wifi, I came home with a few more intelligent brain cells after watching lots of documentaries on YouTube while soaking up the sunsets at this fabulous resort. I will definitely be coming back and want to say a huge thank you to all of the staff who made my stay so pleasant, took care of my suitcase when it finally arrived and provided enough coffee to keep a Swiss lady happy.
