On 30th November 2016 the island of Barbados will celebrate 50 years of independence, and this is a truly momentous historical occasion for any Caribbean island. 50 years ago on this exact date under the leadership of the master orator, Errol Walton Barrow PC QC, who served as Prime Minister to the island, this little peace of heaven just 21miles by 14miles gained its independence.
It’s a long way from the sugar crop supplier (sugar was the main economical export). Now this island boasts at being one of THE top Caribbean destinations for guaranteed sun, relaxation and tranquility.
On a recent visit I took advantage of researching some amazing accommodation from the self catering apartment option, to the time-share, to the luxury villa.
Shades – http://www.shadesofbarbados.com
Let’s start with the apartments entitled Shades – where home from home is an understatement.
The moment that you drive through the electric gates and enter the parking area, “something” happens. There’s soft music playing in the pool area, and the Management are waiting to offer you a beverage to quench your thirst. It’s easy to forget the UK, or where ever your home is, once you are in the ambience of Shades. The warmth – not just from the sun – that embraces you is of a standard that leaves you hoping your holiday won’t start, because you don’t want it to end.
Shades boasts 2 one bed apartments, 4 two bed apartments and 1 penthouse which has 2 en suite bathrooms. All bedrooms are well air conditioned and have ceiling fans, and the large living area inclusive of kitchen leads to the balcony via double doors. Should you wish to exercise your right to not cook, after all you’re on holiday, there is a local chef on site once a week who provides a mouthwatering spread.
Enjoy a little work out time in the well air conditioned gym, or sit by the pool and take in a book or soft music, the speed and pace of Shades is zero!
Nestled on the west coast of the island 5 minutes drive from Sandy Lane, and if you drive a little further you reach Holetown, where the amazing Lime Grove is situated, complete with cinema and shopping centre accommodating such stores as Louis Vuiton and Michael Kors, this area greets you with Hollywood style shopping on the island.
The Crane Beach Apartments – http://thecrane.com/
Take a drive around the lush green area of St Philip and you won’t be able to miss The Crane. This historic building has been in existence since 1887 but is now a town within a town and once you enter you truly don’t have to leave should that be your preference. Penthouses and apartments can be bought outright or part purchased as a timeshare. The complex boasts a number of different apartments and penthouses complete with garden on the ground floor, balcony and roof top plunge pools and in some cases 2 bedroom apartments with 28ft swimming pool. The resort itself has many pools across the complex, inclusive of family and adult only pools.
You can shop within The Crane whether for food and toiletries at the General Store, or the more top class stores such as Cave Shepherd and Colombia Emeralds where you can conduct you Duty Free shopping without the hassle.
The Fitness Centre is a given, you would expect a complex of this size to have a fitness centre, but it was the Serenity Spa that I did regret not having the time to visit, that would have been the icing on the cake – or the rum to my coconut water! Manicures, pedicures, full body massages, facials ………….. embracing those treatments whilst enjoying temperatures of 85degrees plus would had completed my Crane experience.
The Crane is family friendly, with restaurants, and play areas for your children.
BlueSkyLuxury Villas – http://www.blueskyluxury.com
The is the piece de resistance…
I visited The Illusion Villa in Sugar Hill, housing 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 living areas, a hall with piano, a dining area overlooking the sea, a butler and a chef!
A Blue Sky Luxury Villa is something that needs to be experienced at least one time in your life.
Once you arrive at the accommodation there truly is nothing to do – it’s all done for you. From your food shopping, to your meals, everything is included within this package. UK TV, US TV even an Apple Mac should work duties call and an air conditioned state of art gym.
This was simply bliss.
Pictures speak a thousand words, all I can say is take a look at these pictures!
Read part two of my Barbados adventure here
