Barbados
The Caribbean in general, and Barbados in particular, seem to be immune to the goings-on in the wider world. The waters are still crystal clear, the beaches are straight off the cover of a travel brochure, the people smile a lot and the weather is almost always perfect. That's not to say that the island hasn't changed. Half a century ago Barbados was an upper-crust retreat, it was White Mischief with sand – on the beach instead of the plantation. it's certainly no longer the preserve of the British elite, Barbados's sea, sand and sun are within easy reach these days, and are especially appealing at those times of year when back home you are more likely to find yourself holding a snow shovel than a vodka and tonic. Yet for all its easy-going Caribbean-ness Barbados is one of the first islands in the region to have understood, astutely, that for many of these urban voyagers, sea, sand and sun are not enough, They also want to sample different restaurants and do a bit of shopping.
2 hip hotels in Barbados
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Barbados, Caribbean
First opened in 1961, it was a success from the very start and in 1998 the property was rebuilt from scratch in order to provide for the modern standards of luxury demanded such as a world-class spa and championship golf. In rebuilding this famous hotel, the porches, the staircases, the walls, the symmetry, the columns -every characteristic Caribbean Georgian detail – were carefully adhered to. The end result is a hotel that looks like it hasn’t been touched on the outside but with a thoroughly modern hotel on the inside. The hotel is distinguished inside and out by its render of crushed coral limestone. It is unashamedly luxurious.
In the sleepy, laid-back Caribbean, Sandy Lane is almost a miracle. The place is a well-oiled machine that seems to operate without hiccup or glitch.
Focus on the many ways you can be spoilt. Because for the true hedonist, Sandy Lane is very hip indeed.
Photos of Sandy Lane
Prices:
From £2595pp in Low Season (Apr-Jun) / From £3385pp in High Season (Feb)
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Barbados, Caribbean
With only 34 rooms and suites, the proprietor’s chose the name to suggest the ambience of renting a villa as opposed to staying in a hotel. Only, in this adults-only villa, they serve up complimentary Champagne breakfasts and assign each guest a personal ambassador to cater to every whim!
On a design front its combination of, ornate Persian-style screens with teak furniture and floors, is suitably exotic. It's a beautifully intimate place with plenty of privacy for romantic dining. For food lovers the House may be one of the best hunting grounds on the island, because the most acclaimed addition to the Barbados restaurant scene is the adjacent Daphne’s. Located bang on the beach, this satellite of the famous London restaurant, is regarded by many as better than the original.
The House is the beachside version of a hip downtown hotel.
Photos of The House
Prices:
From £2049pp in Low Season (Apr-Jun) / From £2299pp in High Season (Feb)