PARADISE FOUND The tide is high! I set sail on a luxury catamaran cruise with a buffet lunch and unlimited drinks to see the stunning west coast, where I caught a glimpse of Barbadian singer-songwriter Rihanna’s beachfront villa! Sunset cruises and private charters are alternative options, and snorkelling is a must! I had the opportunity to explore a shallow shipwreck as I swam with tropical fish, and I even spotted a sea turtle. (US$110, coolrunningsbarbados.com) Saddle up! A memory that will stay with me forever is my morning visit to Ocean Echo Stables on the east of the island in the parish of St. John, where I was to discover Bath Beach on horseback. Aries, a polo horse, became my adorable companion, and, along with tour guide Rico, we rode to the beach through an unspoilt nature trail. We passed the Newcastle Plantation, fields of sugar cane and locally grown produce, including plantain and banana plants, and avocado and pomegranate trees. Another romantic option perfect for honeymooners is the Full Moon ride, and a visit to the stables can combine horse riding with a 75-minute yoga session at the neighbouring Ocean View Yoga Retreat. (Prices for the horse rides start from US$75 per person, oceanechoadventures.com) Midnight in Barbados! Don’t miss a visit to Oistins, a bustling fishing town in the Christ Church parish, which hosts the popular Friday night Fish Fry. Fresh grilled seafood and Bajan street food are specialities here, and the area enjoys a carnival-style, street party vibe with local musicians and entertainers. A shuttle is provided to and from O2 Beach Club & Spa (US$18), where I couldn’t resist a rum punch nightcap in the bar at Elements afterwards! (visitbarbados.org/whats-ina-town-oistins) 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! Rates start from US$580 (approx £431) per night based on two adults on an all-inclusive basis. Airport transfers are complimentary for stays of four nights or more when booking direct. o2beachclubbarbados.com instagram.com/o2beachclubbarbados facebook.com/o2beachclubbarbados Scan to view video HONEYMOONS 93
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