We’ve got a pretty solid track record when it comes to sending holidaymakers to Barbados. In fact, Mike and Geraldine Parsons were so taken with their stint at Waves Barbados that they decided to commit the whole proceedings to the written word. Thus follows the story of Mike and Geraldine as they embark on a Bajan adventure.
The dark damp nights have returned, reminiscent of earlier in the year when we booked our trip to Barbados with Christina at Blue Bay Travel. In the intervening months I don’t think we’ve ever looked forward so much to a holiday as this one, constantly checking weather forecasts, web cams, and the latest reviews.
Finally, the date arrived, and on a Friday morning we flew from Gatwick to Bridgetown with Virgin. As usual, the flight was good, comfortable, had plenty of in-flight entertainment, and surprisingly good aeroplane food. We’d booked seats on the left side of the plane so got to see nearly the whole of the island as we approached the airport.
It took around 30 minutes to get to our Hotel, Waves Barbados, and the sun was out as we had our welcome cocktail and were shown to our room.
Getting started
We were lucky to have a superior beach front room (thanks Blue Bay!). It was spacious, clean, and definitely exceeded expectations. And what an amazing view from our own balcony. Wow!
We spent the rest of Friday and the weekend relaxing at the hotel, mostly lazing on the beach by day and leisurely exploring the coast as far as we could. Waves have a small beach immediately in front of, and below, the hotel. There was a good selection of water sports equipment available to use freely. I discovered a new love of paddleboarding whilst my better half continued her favourite holiday past time: relaxing in the sun.
Getting around
We hired a “moke” for a couple of days, and if it doesn’t rain (luckily for us it didn’t) this has got to be the best way to see the island.
First we got lost in Bridgetown, but eventually we found a way out and headed to Crane Beach on the South coast. This is widely reported to be the best beach on Barbados, but in our opinion the best is right next door between Crane Beach and Ginger Bay, nestled between towering coral structures. You have to walk through a dark cave to get there, or battle the currents and swim around a small headland, but hands down we thought it was the most beautiful piece of beach we’ve ever been to.
From here we headed north to Bathsheba, midway up the east coast, where we found the iconic outcrops of coral and the rugged Atlantic coastline, with big waves and surfers. Amazingly, as we were told but didn’t believe, we got lost again whilst heading back across the island. The occasional sign would help but these are a rarity it seems. Eventually, with a petrol gauge showing empty for much longer than I had liked, I gave in to my male resolve, and we stopped and asked for directions to the nearest petrol station. An extremely friendly local, on his way home from work, offered to take us as it was easier than giving directions. He did this purely to help a pair of lost tourists, not for any gain.
Don’t let this put you off hiring a car and seeing the island at your own pace though! There’s no danger, and you’re missing out if you don’t do it. If you are of a nervous disposition, keep the fuel topped up!
Getting curious
For the remainder of our week we reverted back to relaxing at the hotel, taking advantage of the free spa treatments (heavenly) and making the most of the beach. One morning we noticed another couple very interested by something further along the beach. Being inquisitive we had to have a look, just in time to see a baby turtle making its maiden voyage to the sea. Now, on previous holidays we’ve swum with dolphins but you can’t beat seeing a baby turtle in its natural environment, nothing gets better than that. You think? Well, later that evening after we took a stroll in the dark along the beach and came across a turtle in the process of burying its eggs and returning to the sea. The circle of life, what a day!
We also enjoyed a couple of days snorkelling from the hotel beach. There are numerous coral outcrops teaming with all kinds of fish. We also discovered paddleboard snorkelling, a much more leisurely way to explore what lies beneath.
Getting down to business
A few words about Waves. What a brilliant hotel! We normally stay at much larger resorts, but this is so much better. The food was spot on, with buffets for breakfast and lunch, and an alternating choice of restaurants at night. The selection was extensive without being overwhelming: we never had a bad meal, and generally (ok, always) had a second plate from the buffet selection. A number of people staying there were returning guests, with some having been several times. Would we go again? Abso-whopping-lutely! There’s a little bit of both of us left on a secluded beach in Barbados.
Mike and Geraldine 2014.
