Set in 4 acres of tropical gardens on the stunning west coast of Barbados, The Club Barbados Resort and Spa has the feel of an exotic friendly paradise home from home. Nestled on a rock formation fringed with white sand beaches the hotel offers panoramic views of the crystal clear Caribbean sea.
The hotel is one of the few all-inclusive adult only resorts on the glamorous west coast and pretty much everything is included in your package price, offering affordable luxury. It's clear from the warmth of the staff and the way that some of the guests greet them like long lost family, that the hotel has many returning guests.
If you're looking for fun filled fitness a wide range of activities are on offer including water skiing (I was a novice, and wasn't quite the natural I hoped I would be, but still enjoyed the experience!), reef fishing, boat rides, snorkelling, wind surfing, hobbie cat sailing, and paddle boating.
If watersports don't float your boat there's still plenty to enjoy including fitness sessions, abs classes and upper body workouts. Also on offer are Caribbean cookery classes and rum tasting!
Not one for serious yogis and detoxers but a perfect resort if you're are looking for some wonderful spa treatments, incredible views and partial to the odd rum cocktail!
The Spa
The spa offers 5 treatments rooms, a manicure station, sauna and a fitness facility. The wide spa menu offers treatments from luxury organic skincare brand Pevonica Botanica (Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz are apparently fans) and locally sourced aromatic products. Look out for the 'early bird' specials available on select massages indulged in between 9 and 11am.
The Treatment
The Couples Massage is a Swedish massage performed in one of the spas twin treatment suites. The soothing candle lit room instantly makes you slow down your pace and thoughts. The rejuvenating pressure point and deep kneading massage uses local aromatic oils - a gorgeous blend of sweet chocolate and refreshing peppermint. The treatment ends with an invigorating pressure point head massage. Pure bliss.
Other Treatments:
The Green Coffee Cellulite Wrap - which literally feels like a silk body polish, Tranquility Facial, Bamboo Massage, Four Hand Massage.
The Room
We stayed in a one bedroom ocean front suite. What a view! Our room had an open air colonial style lounge and was furnished with dark wood and colourful artwork. What better tonic to erase the stresses and strains of modern life, than watching and listening to the ocean on the large terrace engrossed in a good book - this was also my perfect haven to watch the world go by. All rooms offer complimentary wifi.
To Eat
The sunset restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and lunch, a menu of afternoon snacks, afternoon tea and dinner in an open style interior with ocean views. You definitely won't go hungry here! Dinner is served as a bbq, a la carte or buffet style depending on the day. There is also a fab Caribbean style à la carte restaurant and a bar with an extensive cocktail menu - my favourite was Summer Dream - made with coconut cream, pineapple juice, dark rum, banana and grenadine. Sans alcohol it also makes a great smoothie.
Don't Miss
One of the few activities that isn't included is swimming with turtles. It's 60 BDS - approx £20 and is worth every penny. The speed boat whisks you out to the reef where you can snorkel up close with these incredible giant green turtles. An experience to remember and a definite photo opportunity.
The Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere and to sample the freshly cooked local cuisine.
Words: Amanda Camilleri
The Deal
Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 7 nights on all inclusive at the 4-star The Club Barbados Resort & Spa, Barbados in an exclusive Kuoni spa superior garden view room*, including flights with British Airways from Gatwick and group transfers in resort. Lead-in prices for 2016 are from £1,548 per person, based on two sharing. To book please quote: CB0051
* Kuoni spa superior garden view room - These superior garden view rooms offer exclusive extras including three spa treatments within a one week stay and a turtle trip.
Other room features: air-conditioning, ceiling fan, bath/shower, television, Wi-Fi, alarm clock radio, tea and coffee making facilities, 41m².