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This summer Elegant Hotels opened the Waves Hotel & Spa, the group’s sixth in Barbados. Andrew Doherty journeys to the new property for a Bajan adventure
Standing in the lobby of Waves Hotel & Spa, I have unobstructed views of the ocean and take in a scene straight from a movie; palm trees sway, the sun sparkles on azure waters and a speedboat zooms along in the distance. It is a world away from life back in London and I cannot wait to dive in.
Set within St James Parish on Barbados’s west coast, the newest property in Elegant Hotels’ portfolio opened in August 2016. The 70-room hotel has a focus on wellness and mindfulness, and provides up to four complimentary spa sessions on top of its all-inclusive concept, depending on room category and duration of stay.
I’m staying in a spacious en-suite Pool view spa guest room equipped with free Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers. It is in the adults-only section of the property, meaning peace and quiet plus plentiful sun loungers. Should clients with children wish to take a dip there is another a pool, albeit smaller, in the main section of the hotel.
The hotel’s overall design has a retro-chic feel, with 60s-style bucket seats and groovy yet tastefully patterned rugs. Beyond this a neutral palette prevails and fixtures are styled to give a driftwood effect.
The main chill out space is located in front of the Seascape bar, and for clients looking for respite from the sun, this is the place to be. The bar is not air-conditioned but the Kyma Coffee Bar & Deli connected to it provides cool surroundings and delicious iced lattes. Kyma is also open in the evenings for special events such as rum tasting or culinary workshops.
Gina Milani, director of marketing for Elegant Hotels, informs me this space is unique in the portfolio. “Waves is the first of our properties with a dedicated coffee area. We want guests to sit and relax, use the Wi-Fi or simply take in the views with a cup of tea or coffee,” she says.
Also high on the agenda for the group as a whole is romance. One can’t forget the lure of the Caribbean as an ideal place for weddings, explains Milani. “We offer a wedding package at all of our properties.
If clients book 10 rooms of any category they get a free wedding. This includes 12 beachfront chairs, a minister and also a small cake.”
I end a perfect first day at the hotel with strawberry daiquiri in hand on the oceanfront veranda, the setting Caribbean sun providing a spectacular backdrop. It’s certainly a romantic spot.
After breakfast at the Mediterranean-inspired Seascape restaurant, I head down to the beach for a spot of paddle boarding.
The instructors provide plenty of encouragement and I’m standing up in no time. Complimentary watersports also on offer include sailing, snorkelling, water skiing, kayaking and tubing. I try my hand at the latter and spend an exhilarating 15 minutes skimming along the picturesque coastline.
The hotel also offers a fitness programme with yoga, Pilates and kickboxing available plus access to the onsite gym. Should clients book for seven nights or more they also enjoy three complimentary rounds of golf at the Barbados Golf Club.
Worn out from my morning of watersports I make my way to the hotel spa for a much-deserved relaxation session. Here guests can choose from seven treatments ranging from the Express Pedicure to the Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow as part of the complimentary package. There is also an extensive menu of paid treatments. I go for the Head and Scalp Massage and its half an hour of sheer bliss.
Sufficiently pampered, yet not averse to more treats, I head to Daphne’s restaurant for a gourmet fix. Only a 10-minute drive from Waves, the restaurant is part of Elegant’s portfolio and next door to The House, another of the group’s properties.
The menu is a combination of Italian and Bajan-inspired cuisine with an extensive drinks list. I can highly recommend the local spiny lobster washed down with Daphne’s champagne cocktail.
I cannot leave Barbados without discovering some of the island’s local treasures so I venture to the Mount Gay distillery to try some of its world-renowned rum. The 45-minute Signature Tasting Tour is priced at $10 and includes a short sampling session.
I can’t overlook Barbados’s water-based appeal either, so jump onboard the Tiami Luxury Lunch Cruise, a catamaran excursion priced at $90pp, which incudes transfers, a light snack and unlimited drinks. The most exciting part however is the chance to swim with sea turtles.
Once in the water I spin around to find a turtle has come right up to me. I can’t stop beaming as I swim alongside it. One of the local crew alerts us to the fact that she is an expectant mother – “she’s pregnant,” he shouts. The trip lasts around five hours and the boat makes two further stops; one to snorkel at a shipwreck and another for us to swim off the private beach at luxury resort Sandy Lane, holiday home to Rihanna and Simon Cowell.
I feel as if I’ve enjoyed my own celebrity status over the last few days with blissful massages, sunset cocktails and luxurious surrounds and, as the trip comes to an end, I don’t feel ready to give it up just yet. If you’re looking to make your clients feel special, the new Waves Hotel & Spa should be on your list.
Book it: ITC offers a seven-night stay at Waves Hotel & Spa from £2,585pp based on two adults sharing a standard room. Prices include flights from Gatwick for January 2017 departures.
