Romantic honeymoon, travel, staycation and minimoon ideas

How lucky was I to visit this eastern Caribbean island, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pure white sand. Nestled in the bustling St. Lawrence Gap area with bars and restaurants, just a fifteen-minute drive from Bridgetown Airport, sits the five-star, fully inclusive O2 Beach Club & Spa, where I fell in love with the pink poolside theme as soon as I arrived! Having opened in late 2021, it's one of three Ocean Hotels Barbados properties, a Barbadian family owned group that also includes The Rockley and Sea Breeze Beach House (guests can access the sister properties for a day, oceanhotelsbarbados.com).

ON THE SHORES OF BARBADOS
This honeymoon hotspot, which proudly promotes sustainability to help protect the natural environment, is split into an adult-only and family friendly area. The Sunrise building boasts the Luxury Concierge One & Two Bedroom Oceanfront Suites, fab for family-moons, while the Sunset side provides chic adult-only choices. This is where I checked into a Luxury Oceanfront Junior Suite, ideal for honeymooners with island-inspired décor boasting pops of tropical colour. Unspoilt beach views fringed by swaying coconut palms are enjoyed from the private balcony. Guests of these suites for four nights or more can enjoy a US$75 spa credit per adult, per stay, and one game of golf. Other honeymoon-worthy offerings are the Luxury Junior Swim Up Suites opening directly to the adult-only river pool with its super-comfy pink sun loungers, pink-and-white striped parasols, and swim-up bar home to a live DJ playing Bajan sounds – bar tender Dwayne and the friendly team kept the rum punch and piña coladas flowing!

YOUR STAY, YOUR WAY
Sun worshippers will love the rooftop sun terrace with loungers, a shaded pergola and whirlpool tubs suitably positioned to admire the views. Morning yoga classes take place in this secluded adult-only spot as part of the all-inclusive weekly activities, (instagram.com/yogawithjo.bb). These include aqua aerobics, a sip and paint class, rum and chocolate pairing at Oro restaurant, and road tennis on Dover Beach, where hawksbill and leatherback turtles often visit at night. For something really special, the helpful guest experience ambassador and dining concierge team can arrange everything from reservations and excursions to exclusive romance offers – my favourite was the bath butler who prepared a scented oil-infused experience with rose petals in the large freestanding tub! (US$100, Luxury Oceanfront Suites only).

CARIBBEAN QUEEN
Couples dreaming of a laid-back honeymoon with an emphasis on wellness can enjoy the eighth-floor Acqua Spa, where the hammam steam room experience is available to book privately, and the couple's treatment room features floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic ocean views. I couldn't wait to indulge in a gentle Swedish massage with lavender oil, which was customised especially for me by therapist Akayla. Other treats on the spa menu include the Bajan Body Blast, the Ocean Skin Brightening Ritual and the Sea of Life Facial – there's also a Gentleman's Revitalizing Facial that uses a detoxifying algae mask. Spa-goers can learn how to make a body scrub with therapist Victoria using brown sugar, honey and scented oils, a wonderful memento to take home!

BAJAN FLAVOURS
I was spoilt for dining choices, with everything from poolside pizzas and grab-and-go afternoon tea at Oasis, to fine dining. I started each day with an al fresco, poolside breakfast at Elements. The buffet lunch here showcases local flavours, think blackened fish, red bean coconut pilaf and Cajun-spiced grilled plantain. At open-air Bluefin Beachside Grill, the Bajan fishcake and pizza Caribbean, topped with jerk chicken and pineapple, are delicious lunchtime dishes.
Far-flung sea views greeted me on arrival at the rooftop tapas restaurant Brisa. This stunning all-white setting, created around an outdoor pool, exudes beach club vibes. It has been designed to reflect the natural surroundings and is such a romantic spot for stargazing at night.
Visitors to this dreamy destination shouldn't miss out on a reservation at Oro, with its chic ninth-floor setting enhanced by live music. Here, the emphasis is on à la carte dining combining Caribbean and European flavours (guests at Sea Breeze Beach House and The Rockley are invited to dine at Oro for a supplement). Menu highlights include slowcooked duck breast, and the tastiest lobster tail I've ever tried. A treat is the intimate beachside bubble dinner for two (US$350), which I enjoyed by candlelight in a softly lit dome to the soothing sounds of saxophonist Mylon. There are three set menus to choose from, and chef Tanmoy Kushary prepared roasted pumpkin soup, tandoori chicken salad and shrimp and filet mignon for me to enjoy - I couldn't get enough of the white chocolate Grand Marnier cream pie for dessert!

As I checked into The Rockley, a laid-back boutique hotel in the heart of the south coast, I was greeted with a warm welcome from Troy in guest services, and unbeatable sea views from its position opposite Rockley Beach. This thriving, free-spirited community is alive with souvenir stalls, tiki bars and the Richard Haynes Boardwalk framing one of the main nesting beaches of the hawksbill turtles - I'll never forget the spectacular pink sunset I spotted during an early evening stroll here.

SUITE DREAMS
I was excited for my stay in the One-Bedroom Penthouse Suite with its two balconies, kitchen and dining space, sitting area with a sofa, freestanding bathtub perched next to the comfy king-size bed, and one of the best rainfall showers I've ever experienced! This room with a view is one of 49 charming suites situated across five floors, which, along with the lobby and public areas, are decorated with colourful artwork and furnishings capturing Bajan references. Work by local artists, that can be purchased, portrays the essence of the island through landscapes, seascapes and flora and fauna - I adored the quirky local bus stop paintings! Other romantic offerings that are perfect for honeymooners are the Junior Suites with private balconies, pool views and a kitchenette. Overnight stays at The Rockley are on a bed and breakfast basis, and the hotel offers a Dine & Sign programme with selected restaurants where guests receive a complimentary drink and can add the bill to their room.

TYPICALLY TROPICAL
The hot buffet breakfast is served in The Rockley Restaurant, a relaxed indoor-outdoor setting where diners can spot island references in the hand-painted monochrome mural that decorates the air-conditioned interior. Bajan delicacies change daily, and the coffee and banana fritters are worth rising early for! The pool deck and bar allow for balmy evenings spent chilling to the sounds of a live steelpan (with the resident whistling frogs joining in!) Themed dining events, part of the activity schedule enjoyed here, include Pasta Night every Tuesday, Saturday Traditional Bajan Souse, and a Bajan Sunday Lunch. The popular Manager's Cocktail Party hosted between 6 pm and 7 pm every Tuesday has complimentary canapés and cocktails, and local vendors selling quality souvenirs. I was spoilt for choice with the menu, where the tapas selection serves juicy pineapple and chicken skewers. Indulgent main courses like the island veg curry, grilled steak and shrimp tacos are highlights - the tacos are so good that I ordered them twice! Happy hour takes place twice a day here at lunchtime and again from 6 pm – 7 pm, with a premium selection of local beers, wines and spirits. During Mixology Monday, guests can learn how to create colourful cocktails!

IT'S ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME AT THE ROCKLEY

• Lounging poolside is a must, with the outdoor pool stretching the length of the hotel.
• In-room spa and beauty services can be booked, with The Two Become One experience including side-by-side body massages with express facials.
• The Rockley play space is great for a game of table tennis or pool.
• Rockley Beach is a safe spot for snorkelling – complimentary towels, loungers and umbrellas are provided.
• Learn to paint with a local artist.
• Book a jeep safari, a Coast to Coast island tour, or a Foursquare Rum Tour.
• A bottle of sparkling wine and sweet treats are offered to honeymooners.
• The self-guided audio Star Bathing experience is available to all guests of Ocean Hotels Barbados.