Editor Claire Ridley jetted to O2 Beach Club & Spa and The Rockley on the vibrant south coast Beautiful BARBADOS 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 islandinspired 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. Scan to view video 82
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