Tamarind By Elegant Hotels

Tamarind has a broad appeal, and it's not hard to understand why. It strikes the right balance on numerous fronts. With 104 rooms, it's not too large to allow for personal attention, but it's also not so small that it skimps on features. And while some Barbados resorts are either adult-only or very kid-friendly, Tamarind is a happy marriage of both, drawing both families and couples in around equal measure. And there's plenty to please both groups. For the kids, there is a large, well-staffed, free kids' club with tables, mats, books, and games, as well as Club Tamarind, a room just for teens with couches, computers, foosball, pool, and a TV with a sound system. Having dedicated kids' areas helps ensure that the resort is not overrun with screaming children, and couples can appreciate the tame ambience and adult-only pool. There's also plenty of privacy, since the property is reasonably spread out, with long, open-air hallways, green tropical gardens, and plenty of space. If romance is of paramount importance, however, guests can also consider the adult-only Crystal Cove or The House (which are more expensive), both in the Elegant Hotels chain.

In terms of the layout, Tamarind is made up of light yellow, three-story buildings with white balconies. The lobby is located towards the back of the main building, through a circular concierge room and down a long open hallway with a landscaped garden on each side. It is stylish with a long white couch, red and orange accents, and modern lighting. There are three seating areas, two shops, and a scenic, enticing view of the beach through its archway.

The North pool is located to the right of the lobby and near the restaurant and bar. A popular area of the resort, the pool offers great views of the beach. The resort also has a spacious South Pool with its own bar and extensive lounge area. The spa pool, located in the middle of the resort, is the quiet adult-only option. The beach is long but narrow and filled with palm trees that provide a good amount of shade.

For those looking for a smaller, more intimate property, Treasure Beach Hotel or Sugar Cane Club Hotel are still luxurious but have a boutique environment. The adult-only Little Arches Boutique Hotel with just 10 rooms is a bit cheaper, but it's not right on the beach. 

Centrally located on Highway 1 just a bit south of Holetown, Tamarind is in easy driving distance to local sights and restaurants. Buses and other public transport run frequently. Tamarind also has a beachfront location. 

• Five-minute drive to Limegrove Shopping Center
• Six-minute drive to Holetown
• Six-minute drive to Sandy Lane Country Club
• 14-minute drive to Bridgetown
• 15-minute drive to Speightstown
• 18-minute drive to Harrison's Cave
• 22-minute drive to St. Lawrence Gap
• 23-minute drive to Oistins Fish Fry
• 23- minute drive to St. Nicholas Abbey and Cherry Tree Hill
• 30-minute drive to Grantley Adams International Airport

Tamarind has 104 guest rooms, ranging from basic garden-view rooms to ocean-view one-bedroom suites. Both the bedrooms and the living rooms in the suites are spacious, though expect to see some minor wear and tear. The decor is contemporary, with subdued island touches -- such as colorful accents and depictions of flowers and plants in the fabric and artwork. The color palettes of green, red, and yellow feel suitably tropical, and red and green patterned rugs are paired with the yellow-beige couches in the livings rooms of the suites. The bedrooms have the same rug, red flower pillows, bright red and green art, and white bedding. The bathrooms are updated with glass shower doors, simple vanities, and clean tile. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, mini-fridges, and safes.

Tamarind has a 750-foot stretch of beachfront that is beautiful and scenic. Palm trees dot the space and provide plenty of shade. The water is clear, blue, and relatively calm. The beach by the North Pool is narrow, but has enough space to accommodate a row of brown cushioned loungers and umbrellas. The beach near the South Pool is a bit more spacious, with two rows of loungers. The hotel provides free motorized and non-motorized water sports.

The hotel has three pools, each with a different atmosphere. The North Pool is circular and has a great view of the beach. Located near the bar and restaurant, it is a popular space. There is a variety of funky, modern loungers around the pool including gray circular seats and more traditional orange cushioned chairs. There are also a few rows of loungers on a sundeck overlooking the beach. The South Pool, located on the other side of the property, is also spacious and has its own bar. There is a large, covered lounge with couches, chairs, and tables. The spa pool, located at the center of the property, is adult-only. It is beautifully landscaped with potted tropical plants, a waterfall, and its own loungers and deck.

The 246 Restaurant (named after Barbados’s area code) is an open-air restaurant with tables set up under an overhang and on a scenic deck by the beach. There is also an indoor buffet room. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is typically included in the rate, but guests have the option to purchase additional meal packages to cover dinner or lunch and dinner; beverages are not included. The food typically gets high marks from guests, and several commented on the quality of the cooked-to-order omelets at breakfast. 

There is a large, modern fitness center with multiple treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, strength machines, free weights, and balance balls. The hotel has a business center that is free to use.

Ying Yang Beauty Spa, located near the scenic spa pool, offers facials, massages, body wraps and scrubs, nail services, and waxing. They even offer a kids' package as an introduction to light treatments.

Tamarind offers multiple wedding packages that can include the ceremony, minister, photographer, flowers, wedding cake, and bridal hair and make-up. It also has vow renewal and honeymoon packages.