Pauline’s Educational Trip to Barbados

 

I was very fortunate to have been part of a Barbados tourist board educational trip to beautiful Barbados in July.It is not hard to see why the island is such a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With its lush sandy beaches, glorious sunshine, vibrant night-life and vivacious inhabitants it’s an intoxicating place to holiday. Whether you want a relaxing family trip, a honeymoon or even a wedding you cannot go wrong with Barbados.The pear shaped island has a great deal to keep the visitor entertained. The Caribbean West and South Coasts are calm and palm-fringed with gently lapping waves, whereas the Atlantic East Coast has rugged beauty featuring limestone cliffs. Whilst the capital, Bridgetown, has well preserved colonial architecture, various markets and green parks with drooping palm trees.Barbados’s paradisiacal setting is complimented by a wide variety of opulent hotels and resorts scattered around the island.  My trip involved visiting the best of what is on offer. The Tamarind resort, which is part of the Elegant Hotels group, is located on the west-coast, impressed me and my group immensely with its luxury and versatility.

It features 104 newly renovated and contemporary guest rooms on a prime 750-foot stretch of serene beach giving it a very unique setting. It caters for couples, families and weddings without sacrificing quality. I took a dip in all of three on-site pools and even had a massage. I left the motorised water sports such as Jet skiing to more adventurous members of the group. If you choose the Tamarind your children can join the Flying Fish Kids Club or the Club Tamarind teen lounge. I would recommend the Tamarind without any hesitation to most clients as it would suit a variety of people’s needs.Attached to the Tamarind and part of the Elegant Hotels group lays the House resort. The House, like the Tamarind holds a Trip Advisor certificate of Excellence, but is an adult only hotel. The House is a chic, tranquil retreat for adults to unwind and reconnect in a setting of understated elegance. We pampered ourselves with a complimentary jet lag revival massage in a beach cabana before enjoying complimentary afternoon tea and evening canapés. In the evening we dined in the famous Daphne's Restaurant. Visitors can even feast on a complimentary Champagne breakfast (I did) and then explore the beauty of Barbados. I took advantage of the water taxi ride offer which took me on a trip up the awe-inspiring coast. There are on site activities such as biking tours, deep sea fishing and even helicopter rides which I was not brave enough to do! If you require that extra bit of private space and exclusivity then the House is for you. Perhaps the Grandparents can stay in the House and the rest of the family in the Tamarind! 

Another stand out resort was the Southern Palms Beach Club. It has colonial style buildings and manicured gardens. It is perfectly located for the shops and restaurants of the nearby town of Oistins and is also close to an active turtle breeding ground. I was extremely lucky to swim with some on their way from the beach. The Crane, which is located on the south coast and is the oldest hotel on the island, was another stand out destination. It has been awarded many accolades including being in the BBC’s Top 50 Places to Go Before You Die. You have the most amazing views on the rooftop terrace looking down onto the beach, and if you prefer more of a village feel, then I would suggest The Crane. To finish our trip we went on a catamaran cruise (which are available on most popular beaches) before sunset.  We swam and had great food and drink (perhaps too much drink!).

With the sound of the gentle waves and perfect weather I wondered to myself when sunbathing on the deck on the boat ‘if there are more educational trips coming up.'