TRAVEL
BOHEMIAN, BAREFOOT LUXURY: SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE, BARBADOS
IF YOU WERE TO CLOSE YOUR EYES AND PICTURE THE PERFECT DOWNTIME BREAK, THE SOUND OF THE OCEAN LAPPING AGAINST PRISTINE WHITE SAND SHORES, LUXURY YET LAIDBACK, ALL INCLUSIVE BUT WITH AN EMPHASIS ON QUALITY DINING EXPERIENCES, AND A REAL HOME-FROM-HOME FEEL, I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THAT A STAY HERE COULD BE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE … BY SAMANTHA READY
Tucked along the pristine shores of Barbados’ s free-spirited south coast, The Sea Breeze Beach House blends relaxed island charm with an effortless sense of luxury. An intimate, all-inclusive retreat, one of three unique South Coast offerings by the Ocean Hotels Barbados group, it offers a laidback yet refined escape, underpinned with chic coastal interiors, soft sandy beaches, immersive all-inclusivity and an ethos rooted in warm Bajan hospitality.
The resort is designed to cater to every kind of holidaymaker, cleverly ticking boxes for those looking for adult-only peace or families seeking an easygoing location that’ s big on waves and small on pressure. Split into different blocks of accommodation, each set around three stunning pools offering different experiences, from a tranquil adult-only oasis to a lively family-friendly option, all with breathtaking ocean views, the result is a subtle split of laid-back, intimate spots for swimming, sunbathing or sitting to watch the world go by, with a local-rum-drenched piña colada of course.
Following a considered refurbishment in 2017, the suites here feel like a home away from home- if that home offers uninterrupted views of the turquoise ocean and if your slumber is enticed to the backdrop of rolling waves and little else, naturally … Each room, of which there are just 121 at this boutique gem, offers contemporary neutral tones, ocean-inspired accents and private balconies that open up to those aforementioned views and offer the perfect sunrise spot. Whether waking to the sound of waves or unwinding with a sundowner cocktail, every moment here feels perfectly in sync with island life.
The‘ absolutely all-inclusive’ approach ensures that every detail is taken care of, from Luxury Collection room minibars offering premium spirits including local favourite Mount Gay rum as well as soft drinks and water which is replenished daily, to six restaurants and five bars with offerings ranging from barefoot beach tacos to gourmet Caribbean fine-dining refinement via poolside drinks service to- much to Mr R’ s utter delight- the resort’ s very own Rum Shack- yes, really.
Guests also have the option to enhance their stay with the‘ Stay in One, Play in Two’ experience, granting access to the nearby sister property O2 Beach Club for a small supplement( more of that over the page …) and doubling the dining, activity and relaxation opportunities.
In fact, aside from the honestly incredible views, faultless service and absolutely encouraged R & R, which was further enhanced by a superb Swedish massage in the aptly named Drift Spa, it was the dining here that made our stay a real standout experience.
If, like me, you shudder at the thought of the dreaded‘ all-inclusive buffet’, where seemingly hours of queuing clutching a slightly warmed plate results in repetitive, often indistinguishable underwhelm, Sea Breeze Beach House is a welcome saviour …
All-inclusive dining here is, in fact, a journey through bold Caribbean flavours, fresh seafood and innovative twists on classic dishes. We had the pleasure of dining around all of the main à la carte experiences over our short stay, mixing up lunches and dinners.
120 • www. insidekent. co. uk