This luxury all-inclusive resort on Barbados’ south coast boasts several restaurants, a wonderful, attentive staff, pools and beachside location.
OVERVIEW
Twilight, and joyful alignment — the moon overhead is full as I float in mauve water warmed all day by the sun, not a single wave perturbs this natural saltwater pool. A step away is Sea Breeze Beach House a 122-room, family-owned, all-inclusive, and part of a three-hotel portfolio. It achieves what the best stays are meant to — making you want to linger in sublime relaxation whether at its several restaurants and pools, chatting with staff or simply enjoying a rum punch on your balcony.
DESIGN
Following a recent multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel has emerged as a bright, fresh and light-filled foursome of buildings, including a new 44 luxury suite tower. A few traditional Caribbean gabled structures are interspersed throughout its 3-acres.
Overall Sea Breeze manages to feel intimate and still impress. Consistently, shades of cheerful blue juxtaposed with vibrant orange echo ocean and sky. The design forgoes a centralized theme in favour of vignettes: Adirondack chairs neatly lined up to take in ocean views; curtains that transform sitting areas into a stage; a pentagonal gazebo angled just so for weddings vows.
LOCATION
A stroll to Oistins in one direction or St. Lawrence Gap in another places the hotel near the centre of Barbados’ south coast. Sophisticated rather than bohemian, there are lots of little nods to local culture including the unmistakable De Rum Shop.
THE STAFF & GUESTS
The warmth and generosity of staff makes this hotel. Steve, the bartender, who remembers just the drink I am looking forward to trying, Peggy who rearranges my appointments with autonomy and initiative, Sheree the supervisor at Mahogany who inquires after my evening canapé (one of the perks of staying in the tower), Jeremy who ensures my evening at Cerulean is “five star service.”
DINING
A choice of three restaurants makes dining here an endless surprise. Local cuisine has not been abandoned either. While I am here I sample a lovely black belly lamb stew, plantain, breadfruit and of course, flying fish. Do not discount Mahogany’s buffet either – the grilled cheese station alone makes it worth it.
MAKE IT EVEN BETTER
A technical glitch meant that the television listing the week’s activities was a month behind. There are lots of things going on here and I certainly did not want to miss out.
BEST AMENITIES
Apart from the weekly calendar of events including classes and tastings, there are daily water sports (sailing, kayaking, body boarding and snorkelling) available from the beach kiosk. There is a small gym and although there is no spa, in-room treatments (my massage is excellent) are available on request.
THE SPECS
Sea Breeze Beach House By Ocean Hotels
Number of Rooms: 122
Number of Restaurants: 3
Maxwell Coast Road, Christ Church, Barbados, +1 246 428 9441;
This original hotel article first appeared in the Winter 2019/2020 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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