I fell in love with Barbados long before I even stepped foot on its shores. The tranquil blue water and sugary sands had been my guilty pleasure screen saver for months in advance.
Interestingly enough, the many beaches of Barbados reveal its many faces and personalities. The southern coast of the island is wild with rolling turquoise oceanic waves–an ideal setting for surfing or taking a wildcat wind surfer out into the warm waters. The western side of the island is peaceful and quiet with smoother waters, light breezes and very few waves. This duality makes Almond Resorts a supreme getaway, with three properties from which to discover the many delights of this small isle. Discovering the divergent aesthetics and subtle nuances of each resort makes the trio at Almond Barbados come alive with fresh experiences.
Perhaps the most enticing appeal of the Almond experience is the all-inclusive nature of the resorts. Forget your preconceived notions about “all-inclusive” travel with tacky buffets and well-brand liquor. Almond Resorts offers a high-class getaway, including premium spirits and á la carte menus with succulent dishes, meaning you never have to bring a wallet with you anywhere. That’s easy to get used, too. Additionally, guests at any of the three resorts triple their experience by having all of the resort facilities and restaurants at their disposal, regardless of where they lay their heads at night. Although the entire island seems to operate on its own clock according to “laid-back time,” the prompt shuttle service between all three resorts makes each property just a quick scenic trip away.
STAY
Almond Beach Club & Spa
The beachfront Almond Resort property is truly a boutique-resort experience. Located in the St. James district on the west coast of the island, the beaches of the small property share the same coastline and waterfront with the famous Sandy Lane resort. Guests of the Almond Beach Club & Spa can stroll along the “gold coast” with ease, marveling at the magnetizing sunsets that are perfectly orchestrated each evening, as if designed solely for this unbelievable coastline.
The smallest of the three Almond Resorts in Barbados, this adults-only property is situated on a cozy 10 acres, with only 161 rooms providing for a very intimate atmosphere. Symptomatic of this setting are the couples of all ages who come from around the world to visit here, most of which are vacationers migrating back each year. Gardens surround the property, lining walkways that connect the beach, lounge, restaurant and rooms.
Another superior feature of this property is the luxurious spa. The fully equipped gym makes it easy to stay in beach-body shape should you choose to spend your time that way. The nail salon is comfortable, clean and relaxing. Enjoy a spa pedicure, where you can choose from a fantastic array of colors, making you worthy of those open-toed sandals. The top floor of the facility is where you’ll find the cozy, tranquil treatment rooms. If you’re sharing the day with someone special, a relaxing couple’s massage is perfect after a sun-drenched day. Facials, scrubs and other treatments are also available so you can sample the best services the spa has to offer. After your treatments, enjoy the sauna and just unwind.
Almond Casuarina Beach Resort
In the St. Lawrence Gap, Almond Casuarina Beach Resort features the bluest aquas, which fade into tropical deep hues. The sand is soft, like walking on powdered sugar. On this side of the island, the waves are high and full of energy, making it a hot spot for windsailing and surfing.
Although this is a family property, and a fantastic one at that, the resort is also conducive for couples or singles. The layout of the premises makes it easy for people to meet other guests, mix, mingle and enjoy their vacation with new friends. With bars lining the pool (one you can even swim up to in the water), at all times of the day you will see men and women grabbing a refreshing glass of rum punch and meeting a new friend at the bar. Additionally, there is a cookout every day on the beach for guests to grab a plate and enjoy the taste of the ocean while marveling at the remarkable view of the white-tipped waves. Barbecue chicken, flying fish and mahi mahi are popular grill-out dishes, which taste light and refreshing plated next to any of the fresh salads on offer. This communal dining also tosses in that opulent community feeling that Casuarina effortlessly exudes.
Another very fun aspect of Casuarina is its proximity to what the locals refer to as “the Gap,” which is the stretch of bars, restaurants and nightclubs just a short walk from the resort property in the St. Lawrence Gap. The heated energy of the Caribbean nightlife has definite appeal for singles and couples alike. Check out the reggae clubs for a unique and fierce local experience.
Almond Beach Village
This is the largest of the three Barbados resorts, and the sheer enormity of this property is a marvel. Located on an abundant 32 acres along the Platinum Coast, there are several pools, restaurants, bars and communal areas. It’s undoubtedly the most fitting resort in which to reside if you choose to bring the entire family. But even if you select a different resort at which to spend the night, it’s worth lounging for at least one day on these beaches–it is arguably the best property to go snorkeling, with coral reefs lining the resort’s shores. Snorkeling gear rentals are free, so it’s easy to grab a mask and flippers and get lost hovering over the white corals and following alongside schools of tropical fish.
The abundance of lush greenery throughout the Almond Beach Village makes it feel like a tropical jungle. The staff is friendly and ready to assist with any of your needs and desires. The facility is a casual scene overall with a very laid-back feel, making it an ideal spot to travel with children, friends and family.
EAT
All of the Barbados Almond Resorts offer top-notch restaurant service and selections with Caribbean flair. Unlike at many other all-inclusive resorts, the quality of food is that of a fine-dining restaurant. While there are breakfast buffets each morning and other celebratory buffets offered sporadically throughout the various properties for which the selection of cuisine and quality is very good, the majority of the dining offerings are á la carte. This doesn’t mean that you pay á la carte (it’s included!); you just order your food in this fashion. Arrive at one of the many different Almond Resort restaurants, and get ready to be pampered. Order wine, soup, salad, appetizer, an entrée and dessert for a five-course meal filled with delectable flavors each night. Better yet, between the properties there are so many restaurants from which to choose, you’re in for a new and fulfilling experience every evening.
The restaurant roundup includes Sunset, Enid’s Restaurant and Water’s Edge at the Almond Beach Club & Spa; the Reef, the Horizon, La Smarrita and Enid’s Restaurant at Almond Beach Village; and the Waves, Dover Grill and Enid’s Restaurant at Almond Casuarina Beach Resort.
The restaurants Sunset, the Waves and the Horizon are the main dining options at the respective resorts that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here you’ll find buffets and a variety of continental cuisine on a preset menu that changes daily.
Although there is an Enid’s Restaurant on every property, the Almond Beach Club & Spa location is the flagship model. It is larger and far cozier than the other locations on the island. The bright red walls and bold Caribbean artwork offer the ideal setting for fierce flavor combinations and fiery spices of the “bajan” cuisine. Flying fish is a specialty here, and once you try it at Enid’s you’ll want to order it again and again.
Water’s Edge is al fresco dining at its best, literally at the water’s edge. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood by candlelight under the stars at this intimate seaside restaurant. Though fish is the primary star on the menu, the lamb is so succulent and full of flavor, you won’t believe your taste buds. With service for only 20 each night, reservations must be made to partake in this elite dinner spot.
Dover Grill is an open-air restaurant situated directly adjacent to the beach at Casuarina. The menu features a variety of fresh fish, meats, soups and salads each day. I recommend dining here at least one night for a truly delightful treat. Fresh seafood coupled with the warm Caribbean breeze is wonderfully relaxing, and you can even hear the sound of the waves as you dine.
The Reef is a gorgeous dining venue with magnificent views of the bright, colorful Almond Village beaches, just a few feet away from the al fresco dining area. On the menu, you’ll find mostly seafood items, soups and salads. Try the refreshing chilled cucumber soup–it’s a guest favorite.
La Smarrita, the fine-dining Italian restaurant at Almond Village, is highly recommended. You must try this fantastic restaurant at least once during your stay, although I’d plan to go back a second time. The elegant surroundings, exceptional service (they wait on you hand and foot) and scrumptious menu of Northern Italian favorites make it the most popular restaurant of all the Almond Resort properties. You will have to make a reservation days in advance to get in, but it’s worth the wait. The beauty of the restaurant is romantic and sophisticated–perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Here the tables are topped with embellished linens and tea-light candles, which accent the red walls and Roman décor. The ambiance is spectacular, but it doesn’t even compare to the food. Choose from homemade pastas, steak, lamb, chicken, vegetables and a variety of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth–do not miss the decadent tiramisu.
PLAY
The activities are essentially endless, with all three Almond Resort properties at your disposal.
Take your pick of water sports, which include windsurfing, aqua cycling, water skiing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, reef fishing and banana boating. Other fun ways to spend your time include table tennis, volleyball, billiards, hard-court tennis and squash. If you are longing to learn something new, try some individual instruction or one of the many classes offered, such as aerobics, windsurfing, tennis, sailing, West Indian dance lessons, yoga, golfing and “bajan” (Barbadian) cooking classes. They are fun and unique ways to schedule your time and meet other guests in the process.
LOVE
Almond Resorts in Barbados is a dreamy place to fall in love over and over again. In fact, a majority of the guests are repeat couples who come back to re-discover their personal spice and adventure on a getaway. Since the scenic backdrop alone is like visual poetry, Almond is often a location for proposals, weddings, vow renewals and anniversaries. There is a fully trained staff dedicated solely to the orchestration of these types of occasions. Romantic dinner for two in your room? The Champagne’s already chilled and waiting by the time you get back. Want to propose to the love of your life? Live musicians, photographers, rose petals and chocolates are at your disposal, orchestrated to your every desire, like a symphony playing your song for your special day. Who could say no to that? It’s not unusual to spot a blushing bride walking down to the beach, hair held up in striking ringlets, bouquet in hand, off to meet her family and friends for the most important day of her life. No wonder so many people come back to celebrate the special moments; this place is overflowing with romance.
So I fell in love with Barbados, in person this time. And I’m already planning to make my way back to this island paradise, full of all the excitement, savory tastes and delights for which a true Caribbean vacation is meant. But now I have a picture I took myself of the tranquil blues and sugary sands as my computer’s screen saver to remind me of what I have to look forward to when I return.