Ocean Breeze - The house
For that special luxury Caribbean holiday at an amazing price. Ocean Breeze is an immaculate, spacious, newly built townhouse in Christ Church, Barbados. It has been designed to be your holiday home from home with all the comforts you could desire.
The house benefits include an air-conditioned king room, with Jacuzzi en-suite, walk in wardrobe and a private balcony with panoramic sea views. Two further bedrooms, one double and one twin, both with built in wardrobes, ceiling fans and portable air-conditioning if required.
The family shower room and downstairs cloakroom, open plan Modern granite topped kitchen with side-by-side fridge freezer, microwave oven, dishwasher, oven, hob, washing machine and tumble dryer, separate living and dining areas all make for easy living. The spacious patio leads to a private dip pool and landscaped enclosed gardens.
Ocean Breeze is baby-friendly equipped with stair gates, travel cot, highchair, pushchair, car seat, toys, change mat and a sterilizer, bottles, iceboxes, plates and cutlery. The outside area has a gate to the pool, non-slip mats and an inflatable kid’s pool. There is even a beach tent and various beach clothing & footwear for baby/toddler usage.
Your comfort is our priority and Ocean Breeze is fully furnished with high quality local furniture, Satellite TV, DVD player with films and a stereo hi-fi system, iPod charger and connections, sun loungers, broadband, telephone, safe and interior and exterior dining options, including BBQ add to your enjoyment. All crockery and cooking utensils are supplied as are irons, hairdryers, bed linen, towels and beach towels. Smoking is not permitted inside the house.
Ocean Breeze - The location
Ocean Breeze is on the southernmost tip of the Island, close to South Point Lighthouse. It is in a quiet residential area, with local professional neighbours, Dr’s etc. It is only about a ten minute drive or taxi ride from the airport, but is well away from the flight path or aircraft noise.
The local beaches are a two minute walk away, the nearest public beach is walkable, but is a ‘hike’ in the hot weather. A three minute drive is preferable. This beach is situated by the popular tourist spot of Oistins, with its famous fish fry evenings. This is also where the local banks, petrol station, shops and supermarkets are found.
There is the lovely ‘Surfers’ bar and a couple of Bajan or Italian restaurants within walking distance, as is the ‘Virgin’ Silver Sands resort, which again has restaurant facilities. St Lawrence Gap, with its popular night life and restaurants is only a 10 minute drive away.
I would recommend a hire car, however there are many buses and minibuses that are regular and very cheap, that stop on the coast road about a minutes walk from the house. Taxis are also numerous and inexpensive.
For car hire, I always use Stoutes Car Rental Company with whom I have negotiated a 15% discount for customers. They are very reasonably priced, local and I have always had great service from them, they have an office at the airport to complete the paperwork and then help you with your luggage into the car. You then simply drive to the airport on departure day, leave your keys in the office and fly home.
Barbados - The island
Barbados is arguably the most beautiful Island in the Caribbean. The strong colonial links, magnificent beaches and fine cuisine make it the most desired destination for the discerning British holidaymaker. Many attractions are easily accessible and the friendly residents are always happy to offer help and advise.
Money - Barbados or US Dollars are accepted everywhere on a straight 2BDS for 1USD exchange rate. I take mainly US but draw out Bajan from cash machines. Its worth checking with your own bank if they have any affiliated branches in Barbados who dont charge for foreign withdrawals, i.e. Barclays customers can withdraw from Scotia Bank with no commission cost.
All beaches are public and time spent driving out looking for a spot to picnic and relax is seldom wasted. The East Coast has many picture postcard beaches, but the strong sea currents require respect. Don’t forget the sunscreen and shades! It seldom drops below 27°C so sunburn is always a risk if not properly protected, even on the odd cloudy day
Swim with wild turtles in Carlise Bay. You really will see them swimming around in this calm bay very close to Bridgetown. Diving and snorkelling are very popular here.
Water sports of all types are generally available. Nearby Silver Sands is famous for its wind and kite surfing, Jet ski, sailboats and hobbycats are available to hire at most of the popular beaches.
Enjoy the awesome Harrisons caves. Ride on an electric tram through the subterranean stream passages of this natural limestone wonder. A must do trip to the islands most famous site.
Beautiful Orchid World has thousands of orchids of every imaginable colour nestled in a tropical garden, with waterfall, stream and fountains. A favourite spot for weddings.
Magnificent Sunbury plantation house is a superb example of a Barbadian sugar estate great house, where every room is open to the public. Full of antiques and collectables, steeped in history and very interesting.
Visit the Flower Caves and the north tip of Barbados, walk through the underground tunnels and view the sea anemones that gave name to the caves and take a dip in one of the natural pools. Outside there are some spectacular rugged cliffs and sea views.
Ocean Park is a family orientated facility, with water fun and pirate themes. See sharks, rays and barracuda swimming in massive tanks, walk under simulated ocean scenes, or learn about the projects to preserve and protect the marine environment around Barbados.
The Malibu rum distillery, gift shop and beach provide an opportunity to taste a cocktail and learn the history of this world famous drink. Take away a souvenir key ring or t-Shirt, always a conversation starter.
There are many rum shops in which to try the local beverages. You could also try a guided tour of the distilleries, the Mount Gay Tour being a favourite, or maybe a trip to the Banks Brewery to taste the Island’s beer.
To get a different view of Barbados, helicopter flights leave from Bridgetown, or several companies lead guided 4-wheel-drive tours through sugar cane fields taking you to places of stunning beauty, whilst giving an informative overview of Bajan culture and history.
Have a punt at The Garrison races, or simply watch from the sides. Or take in a cricket match at The Kensington Oval host of the 2007 Cricket World Cup Finals....Barbadoss equivalent to Wembley Stadium!
Boat cruises are reasonably priced and leave from Bridgetown harbour. Most provide lunch or day trips with food and drink provided. You will be taken to exclusive bays and have the chance to snorkel with turtles.
Finally the Barbados wildlife reserve is a great day out for the family. With the opportunity to mingle with Bajan monkeys, otters, deer, tortoises, caimans and exotic birds. Have fun and understand why Barbados is the British holidaymakers’ most desired destination. We fell in love with the island on our first visit and decided it was the island for us to return to year after year.