Just back from Barbados
Jan 9th, 2003, 01:13 PM
#1
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Just back from Barbados
A thank you to everyone who has posted here, especially Lois. I did most of my research on this site (the rest on where2stay.com). <BR><BR>Our family spent a week after Christmas at the Bougainvillea, on Barbados' south coast. The beach was very pretty, lovely sand, nice surf, easy to walk out beyond the breakers. The gardens were quite nice and the pools, though not large, again were pretty. There is a nice swim up bar in one pool and two happy hours every day with a 2-for-1 deal.<BR><BR>We had a 1 BR penthouse suite. The two rooms were quite big. They were pleasantly, tho not elegantly, furnished. Frankly, they could use a bit of sprucing up, at least for my taste, but they were nice enough. There is a kitchen, and an ample balcony. <BR><BR>The staff were all very pleasant and helpful.<BR><BR>Lanterns is the restaurant at Bougainvillea, and Water's Edge at the sister hotel, Sand Acres. According to other reports in this site, Water's Edge is wonderful, but we never ate there. Lanterns is acceptable, but not more than that. I will give them credit, however: they did a very nice job on the New Year's Eve Buffet.<BR><BR>Since we were travelling with teenagers, we were glad to see families of all ages. Babies, kids, teens, college students, plus of course honeymooners and seniors. Most were European. A nice mix of folks.<BR><BR>A few highlights - Sunday brunch at The Crane. NOT for the food (just adequate) but the gospel singers and the setting. The Island Safari Tour was a big hit with everyone. Beautiful scenery and a funny funny tour guide. Everyone was happy. And a top notch dinner at Carambola. It was absolutely perfect - an unforgettable evening -- and the one time we felt that we'd gotten what we'd paid for (in terms of dining.)<BR><BR>The Gap certainly had several restaurants, but perhaps someone else can say if the better restaurants are all indeed on the west coast. Although I liked the Bougainvillea's quiet location and lovely beach, perhaps staying on the west coast is worth it for access to restaurants. . .? I don't know.<BR><BR>Anyway, we had a great trip, thanks to all (Yay, Lois!) who have taken the time to post here.<BR><BR>
Jan 9th, 2003, 01:18 PM
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Hi Jenn,<BR><BR>Thanks for the comments. Glad you had a great trip. Especially glad you enjoyed Carambola -- it's one of our favorites.<BR><BR>Yes, I do believe all of the best restaurants are on the West Coast. We usually drive each evening from the South Coast to the West Coast specifically for that reason. It's a pleasant drive, so we don't mind it. We do enjoy staying on South Coast, tho -- bit more of a breeze we think. But your spectacular restaurants for both setting and food are all West Coast.<BR><BR>Hope you'll get back some day to experience more of the island.<BR><BR>Regards, Lois
Jan 10th, 2003, 01:20 PM
#6
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Weather was perfect. 84 degrees, a nice breeze, warm evenings. Lovely.<BR><BR>We didn't take Barbados dollars. Everyone accepts American money, or you can exchange anywhere. We were running low on cash, tho, and had to look a while for an ATM that would work. Most banks are Canadian or local. Finally found one that took our Visa card.<BR><BR>We thought the Carambola dinner was divine. It had been raining off and on that evening, but they kept the cushions dry, wiped off the chairs, etc. The service and food were excellent. Manhattan prices, yes, but New York quality. The restaurant was stylish, sophisticated and truly memorable.<BR><BR>
Jan 21st, 2003, 05:58 AM
#10
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Credit cards were accepted everywhere. Our Island Safarti tour took plastic as well. You need cash for taxis, sundries and your airport exit tax. We did use cabs quite frequently -- wherever you stay on the island, you're bound to want to eat/explore in some other part.
