Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Holiday Hotspot – Elegant Hotel’s Barbados
www.eleganthotels.com
Barbados was the only island in the Caribbean to remain under the flag of one nation throughout its 300 year colonial era, and as a result there is still a strong sense of Englishness here. Now, one of the most highly developed islands in the region it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists with its white-sand beaches, world-class rum and wide variety of accommodations suiting a range of all tastes and budgets. Elegant
Hotels in particular offer a premiere “Bajan”experience with a unique collection of luxury properties perfectly located along breathtaking beaches on the West and South Coast and resort ambassadors catering to your every need. Turtle Beach a nesting spot for sea turtles is their all-suite, all-inclusive hotel perfect for parents looking for style, relaxation and kids looking for fun. The Caribbean is known for its infectious music and the Caribbean Goes Global Dance Show at the resort is not to be missed, taking guests through different genres of regional music throughout the years,
Turtle Beach from Elegant Hotels Barbados.
covering everything from calypso and soca to reggae and gospel. Also watch out for the Ricky Brathwaite Jazz Quartet. Families will love the children’s pool and playground, water sports and kids’ club for three- to 12-year-olds. Kids will adore the Bajaninspired activities, such as dominos, calypso dancing and road tennis. Teens can enjoy the pool table, football, Nintendo Wii, internet, TV and DVD players. Babysitters are on hand if you fancy a night out in nearby hotspot St Lawrence Gap. Hugging the shoreline in the south coast parish of Christ Church, St Lawrence has earned itself the title of Barbados’ liveliest spot. In fact most of the action centres on the ‘Gap’. It’s a 1.3-kilometre stretch of road that’s lined with bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as street stalls hawking everything from beaded neck-
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laces to chicken and rice. Another Elegant property “Tamarind” on the west coast is as family friendly as it is an exclusive adult’s hideaway and a preferred destination for groups. An inviting blend of contemporary Mediterranean design and Caribbean Tamarind Acco charm, accommodamodation from tion features include Elegant Hote ls Barbados. pool garden or ocean views and a private balcony or patio which give it a distinctive personality. Tama- Hotels can participate in Caribbean. Tamarind rind’s bespoke coast to coast the “Taste of Elegance Dine is located near Apes Hill and island tour invites guests to Around programme”, which the Barbados Golf Course – take in the sights and scen- allows them to dine at other two ideal golf experiences ery of Barbados. The tour participating group hotels for both serious and casual begins with a visit to historic with transport provided by golfers. For best rates www. attraction and rum distillery, a water taxi service between eleganthotels.com Grantley St. Nicholas Abbey, where the properties. Beside El- Adams International Airport adults can enjoy rum tast- egant’s wellness programme, services most major carriing and during cane season, Tamarind also offers a vari- ers, with direct flights to Lonchildren will be thrilled to ety of complimentary water don and several cities in the view the grinding of sugar sports, which include water United States via Dublin aircane first hand. Then it’s on skiing, banana boats, paddle port. www.barbados.org to picturesque Cherry Tree boarding, snorkelling and Robert Walshe is a travel Hill and then to Bathsheba sailing. New for 2016 enjoy on the East Coast where the a complimentary seasonal broadcaster with Q Radio family enjoy a leisurely lunch babysitting crèche service in Network and Travel Editor amidst striking views of the May, June, September and No- for River Media newspaundeniable beauty of this vember. Golfers can choose per titles across the island coast. All guests of Elegant from among some of the best of Ireland. www.robertwchampionship courses in the alshe.com