Galley Bay Resort and Spa and Barbados

Galley Bay Resort and Spa

Set at the end of a long sweeping drive, Galley Bay overlooks a stunning stretch of white sand. The only property on the beach, it has a wonderfully secluded location making it a very romantic Caribbean hideaway.

This stylish but unpretentious all-inclusive resort is adults only and couples will love the relaxed atmosphere and spectacular sunsets here. Set in beautiful tropical gardens and surrounded by a bird sanctuary, it feels like you’re far from the bustle of everyday life. At the heart of the resort is a freeform pool with a rock water feature, therapeutic treatments are available in the lovely spa, and if you can muster up the energy, there's a range of non-motorised water sports available. The hotel has strong eco-friendly principles and produce for its restaurants comes from its own herb, fruit and vegetable garden. Dining here is a real delight with a choice of open-air, beachfront restaurants covering everything from casual grills to fine dining and intimate meals in a thatched cabana for two. And if you're here between July and October it may be possible to spot turtles on the beach.

The 98 air-conditioned cottages, rooms and suites here are tastefully decorated with dark woods and earthy colour schemes. Choose a delightful thatched cottage with private plunge pool or a spacious beachfront suite with sunken living area, huge windows and balconies.

Barbados

Renowned for its glamorous hotels and restaurants, famous visitors and pristine beaches, Barbados is a justifiably popular place. But beyond the white sands and chilled cocktails you'll find the British colonial architecture of Bridgetown, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gorgeous botanical gardens, and historic plantation houses. Explore caves, watch a cricket match, or learn to play polo, Barbados offers a multitude of things to do.

Equally good for couples and families, Tamarind is a stylish, contemporary hotel offering an extensive array of activities on a beautiful west coast beach. With bars and restaurants within easy reach, guests also have the option to enjoy local nightlife.

98 rooms, 4 restaurants, 1 pool

Description

Set along a long curve of white-sand, Galley Bay is an unpretentious, adult-only Caribbean hideaway. Surrounded by mature tropical gardens and backing onto a bird sanctuary and wetlands, it has a real sense of privacy that’s popular with honeymooners.

The resort sits secluded in its own bay, on a long beach that arcs round to a rocky headland. Overlooked by the ruins of an old sugar mill, the resort has been built in sympathy with the natural surroundings with low-rise bungalows and thatched umbrellas tucked between coconut palms and bougainvillea bushes.

With just 98 rooms and villas, this is much smaller than many other all-inclusive options through the Caribbean, but still has a huge range of activities and excursions to keep guests busy.

For families

All guests must be aged 16 years or above.

Location: Barbados

Skirted by 97 kilometres of contrasting coastline, Barbados is an island that rewards exploration. Along the southern and eastern shores you can expect dramatic cliffs, crashing waves and stunning ocean views, while the north and west of the island are lapped by the more tranquil waters of the balmy Caribbean Sea.

Culturally Barbados is a blend of West African spice and British tradition giving it a unique flavour. Islanders and tourists alike come together on a Friday night in the south coast village of Oistins for the weekly fish fry, a quintessentially Bajan experience, while historic Bridgetown, the capital, is a diverting destination full of colonial character.

The topography of the island interior is markedly less dramatic than the neighbouring volcanic islands of Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent, though the countryside of gently rolling hills and sugar cane fields hides brightly coloured, traditional wooden houses, quaint little churches, colonial plantation houses and the natural wonders of Harrison’s Cave.

Accommodation: Tamarind by Elegant Hotels

Tamarind sits on an enviable stretch of beachfront on the sought after west coast. This contemporary family-friendly resort is also great for couples, with plenty of places throughout the hotel to hide away and relax.

It's the little touches here which will add to your stay, like the beach and pool Ambassador service, providing scented cold towels, refreshments throughout the day, homemade sorbets and other surprise treats.

As part of the Elegant Hotels Group, guests can make use of the facilities at the sister properties Colony and Crystal Cove, which can also be reached by complimentary daytime water taxi.