Paradise is one of many words often used to describe Barbados. A destination that’s exotic and breathtakingly beautiful, drawing you straight in with its distinctive charm. With an array of tropical beaches, you are spoilt for choice. Relax, unwind and enjoy the soft golden sand, clear turquoise waters and the occasional sea turtle.
Relax, unwind and enjoy the soft golden sand, clear turquoise waters in Barbados
The Royal Westmoreland, located on the rolling hillsides of St James on the renowned west coast of Barbados, is a luxurious multifunctional resort that has something to suit all visitors. From its exceptional service to its par 72, 7,045-yard golf course with striking views of the surrounding tropical landscape – the only downside is having to return home.
Arriving with our factor 50 in tow, we pulled up outside our luxurious Royal Palm Villa and were immediately impressed. Boasting four spacious bedrooms (equipped with huge comfy beds!) and each with an en suite bathroom, every room has been carefully designed to complement the villa’s generous open spaces. The decor was subtle and sophisticated, with the open plan living/dining area leading out to our private infinity pool.
Architectural villa at the Royal Westmoreland
With the villa came a personal golf buggy for getting around the 750-acre estate. It’s a fun way to explore the resort and see the wonders that The Royal Westmoreland has to offer. Our first port of call was the Rum Shak, located a short buggy ride from our villa, passing immaculately landscaped grounds along the way. The Rum Shak is themed on the traditional Bajan beach shacks that can be found across the island and serves a variety of spirits and delicious local dishes. We were welcomed with a rum punch – of which the Caribbean is known for – and enjoyed tasty flying fish cutters (Barbadian sandwich).
The Rum Shak
A shuttle service runs from the estate down to Mullins Beach, where you’ll also find the Beach Club and Singita Wellness Centre. The staff were welcoming and attentive, supplying us with a bed metres from the sea, it was heaven. Admiring the Beach Club’s menu, we decided to enjoy lunch overlooking the panoramic sea views. The food was flavourful and delicious, so much so that we decided to dine here four times during our stay, trying everything from the Famous Chicken Roti to seafood risotto, all equally delightful.
Singita Wellness Centre is run by health and fitness expert Michelle Jamieson. With her 30 years of experience, the peaceful surroundings and friendly, personalised service, it’s truly one of Westmoreland’s little gems. Treatment rooms are set around a serene courtyard, complete with a lily pond inhabited by a flurry of carp. I can confidently say I left the spa feeling relaxed and revitalised.
The draw for many of Westmoreland’s visitors is the golf course, one of beauty and recognition. It is faultless in every way, the running greens, tropical landscape, stunning views, perfectly presented fairways, local wildlife and the collection of par 3’s being challenging but always leave you wanting more.
Westmoreland’s golf course
On our first excursion we were taken to the northern tip of the island, where the Atlantic Ocean’s waves pummel against the rocks. Under the cliffs sits the Animal Flower Cave, full of fascinating colourful formations and natural rock pools – it’s also a great place for whale watching, with February being prime viewing time.
Another experience we enjoyed during our stay on the island was the Silver-Moon Cruise. A small group of 12 people alight this 45-foot long catamaran for a 5-hour trip cruising around the island’s scenic coastline. If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucket list, this is definitely the way to do it.
For me, one of the highlights staying at the Royal Westmoreland is the option to enjoy an expertly cooked dinner in the comfort of your villa. One of my favourite meals was cooked by the talented Winston, one of their many treasured employees and a world-class chef in his own right. The prawn starter was one of the best meals I’ve ever had, full of flavour and wonderfully fresh.
Having visited Barbados three times before, this stay secured my love for the island. Staying at The Royal Westmoreland offers the slice of paradise you imagine when thinking about visiting the Caribbean. From sunrise to sunset, you’re completely looked after and your every need catered to. A place that allows you to fully switch off, relax and simply enjoy this remarkable country.
The Royal Westmoreland
The Royal Westmoreland does more than just holiday accommodation. It’s a community, and you can really feel this when visiting. Fractional ownership means you can return to your favourite villa every year, included is a club membership and the world-class amenities with long-term benefits of owning a villa. Additionally, why not secure your own location and design and build yourself a villa that meets all your personal tastes. For more information please contact, kim.goddard@royal-westmoreland.com and for anything else please visit, royalwestmoreland.com.
Flights
Fly with Virgin Atlantic, London Gatwick to Barbados from £600 (return). For further information or to book your Virgin Atlantic flights, visit virginatlantic.com