The Colony Club by Elegant Hotels – the name alone says it all – luxury, opulence, exclusivity… this is a resort even the stars flock to in Barbados.
The Colony Club is perhaps the most beautiful place I’ve stayed in since starting my travel blog, or indeed – ever! I was on a sponsored trip to the West Indies with Viking Cruises, and our adventure began here, in a tropical paradise.
Feeling slightly jaded after an 8-hour flight from the UK, my first breath in that thick tropical air at Grantley Adams made the chilly start at London Gatwick seem a distant memory.
It was minutes later when we arrived at The Colony Club under the scorching mid-afternoon sun that we were given refreshing cocktails and towels to wipe away the sweat and last bits of tension.
“A stunning turquoise blue that you see on the brochure covers”
THE COLONY CLUB, BARBADOS | POOL AND BEACH
The Colony Club is bewildering, walking around the curvy rock pools, plush deck chairs and cabanas I watched the tall palm trees sway as the path turned into crunchy sand beneath my feet. The alluring beach is just metres away from the hotel and the ocean is a stunning turquoise blue that you see on the brochure covers.
I spent a few moments just enjoying the complete tranquility of the waves lapping up onto the shore and listening to the quiet hum of frogs, crickets and birds. The noises of nature was so surreal it sounded almost dubbed – perhaps I’ve been spending way too long in the city!
THE COLONY CLUB, BARBADOS | THE SUITE LIFE
The room I stayed in had twin beds, a drinks bar, large bathroom and private balcony with a pool view. Before I had chance to unzip my suitcase there was a knock on the door and I was handed a jar of fudge.
As much as I wanted to wrap myself in the white robe and star fish on the bed with a jar of free fudge, I had a dinner to attend at The Colony Club’s sister resort, Treasure Beach.
Further Reading: Exploring the West Indies with Viking Cruises
TREASURE BEACH, BARBADOS | DINING EXPERIENCE
Seeing as my first impressions of Elegant Hotels was so high, expectation levels were raised even further for dinner. The ambience was gorgeous with the warming glow of candlelight leading the way to the pool-side dining area beneath a starry sky. The dishes were presented beautifully, full of flavours and colours that showed off the best of the island’s home grown delights. The jet lag definitely kicked in by dessert and I retired to my pillowy bed for a blissful nights sleep.
Double room at The Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels
I had no idea Barbados is often considered the ‘culinary capital of the Caribbean‘ until I was invited to celebrate their year of culinary experiences back in London in April. The UK is one of the island’s biggest markets and 19,000 extra flight seats to Barbados will be provided this winter, including more flights by Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and regional operators such as TUI from Cardiff for fly-cruises.
Bajan culture is all about embracing life and happiness, and ‘Taste of Barbados’ is our way of bringing a taste of our tropical paradise right to your doorstep. – Cheryl Carter, UK Director of BTMI
BARBADOS – THE YEAR OF CULINARY EXPERIENCES
One fact that I was particularly impressed to learn at this event was Barbados being crowned #1 of 144 countries last year for guest satisfaction in a survey by DSI. Staying at The Colony Club left a lasting impression on me, from the friendly faces to the enviable chic setting, I can see why so many people rated this island so highly.
Why should you visit Barbados? The food, the weather, the hotels, the people… I could on. Highlights include the annual Fish Festival over Easter Weekend and the Food and Rum Festival in October. The only question I’m left asking is, when can I go back?
For more information visit The Colony Club website or call (UK) 0800 234.6013.
Disclosure: I was a guest with Viking Cruises however I was not obliged to write about my experience. All opinions are my own and photos marked [NP] are by Miss Nicklin/Nutty Pear.