Beach View

Beach View appears small in size upon arrival, but it is deceiving to the eye. The length of the complex, past the security gate, is surprisingly sprawling, and reveals just how large the individual 36 units really are. Rooms are set over three levels in a series of buildings with tasty tropical names like Avocado, Paw Paw, and Sea Grape. Guests will likely be welcomed by one of the employees working in the small reception building to the left of the parking lot. The managing family, including Robyn and his daughter Carrie, are often on-premise, providing friendly family-style service and insider knowledge of Barbados.Although all units contain their own patios and kitchens, many guests take advantage of the beautiful pool, cafe, and garden walkways winding through the property with giant lily pad pavers. Beach View rarely feels crowded, with the exception of the popular Monday night barbecues -- a great way to meet other guests and be part of the "family," if you so choose.

Beach View is perched right next to the main coast road that winds its way around the island and gives guests easy access to nearby sites and beaches. The property is a 30-minute drive from Grantley Adams International Airport. Payne’s Bay Beach is directly across the road; and a convenience store, plus some restaurants are located within walking distance. The center of Holetown -- a hub of gourmet restaurants and shopping, including the Limegrove lifestyle complex, which features high end designer stores like Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton -- is a five-minute drive from the hotel. The capital city and port of Bridgetown are located a 10-minute drive away. Take a right on Highway 1, and within a five-minute drive you'll find the spot where Brits first landed in Barbados in the 17th century. Other nearby highlights include Sandy Lane Old Nine Golf Course and Country Club (four minutes), Royal West Moreland Golf Course (eight minutes), Harrison’s Cave (15 minutes), and Flower Forest Botanical Gardens (15 minutes). A car is recommended (there’s plenty of on-site parking), and the local, “cheap as chips” bus stops outside the resort. Beach View can arrange hotel transfers on request, for a fixed fee.

Unlike the typical resort room, Beach View has one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts that are designed to accommodate groups and families in spacious apartment-like surroundings. Units are individually decorated in understated coastal decor. Each comes equipped with a large kitchen, living/dining room, and washer/dryer. Granite kitchens contain large refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, toasters, blenders, kettles, coffeemakers, and all of the necessary implements for cooking and eating a meal. Coffee and tea are also included. Living rooms feature flat-screen cable TVs, DVD players, and iPod docks. Each bedroom and living area is outfitted with individual air-conditioning units. These are sensor operated so guests don't have control, but the units get the (cooling) job done. Rooms are also outfitted with irons and ironing boards, safes, hairdryers, telephones, and beach towels. En-suite bathrooms contain tub/shower combos, while additional bathrooms (in two- and three-bedroom layouts) feature stand-up showers. Individual toiletries are provided. Many apartments open onto generous terraces, and some feature enclosed sunrooms with floor-to-ceiling glass beautifully showcasing the bay views. Units face west for beautiful sunsets, and the upper levels take in sweeping aqua views of Paynes Bay. 

The huge pool area provides the centerpiece to the resort grounds. The large area is divided into two sections for adults and children, separated by a wooden bridge. A wide pathway surrounds the pool with plenty of sunbeds, and kids’ pool toys are available. There’s also a separate deck area with tables and chairs for poolside dining. A clean, calm stretch of beach is located across the (busy) street and is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear can be obtained from reception. Even though all units contain full kitchens, The Hut cafe serves a good selection of meals for breakfast and lunch -- with daily specials, along with beer, wine, and other drinks like an excellent rum punch. The Hut features outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery beneath shady trees. On Monday evenings, the space lights up for a popular barbecue, giving guests a chance to socialize with each other. There’s also a Sunset Bar located atop one of the buildings, which opens some evenings for gorgeous sunset views over the water. Grocery starter packs, wine and cheese plates, and Prosecco breakfasts for two can be arranged in advance with reception. The Hut also sells a range of pre-made gourmet frozen meals. Weekly cocktail parties are held at the manager’s home. A range of in-room spa services from massages to facials to nail treatments can be arranged from a mobile spa service. Private yoga and Pilates sessions can be arranged in-room, amongst the garden grounds, or on the pool deck. Aquacise classes are offered twice a week, for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout. Plenty of secure on-site parking is available.