I experienced the same star treatment as Rhianna in some of Barbados’ most luxurious hotels – The Scottish Sun

SO, the lady on the next sunbed couldn’t resist asking what had brought us to Barbados.

She wasn’t wholly pleased when I explained I would be penning a feature on the multitude of attractions in this sun-kissed Caribbean paradise.

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“Please don’t make it sound too good. We really don’t want everyone flooding over here,” she pleaded.

Well, I’m sorry Elizabeth, but I’m contractually obliged to tell no lies.

And the truth is this island was wonderful, welcoming and charming in equal measure.

Of course, Barbados is famed for giving the world Rihanna, rum and rapid bowlers.

But what a delight to discover some of its hidden treasures during stays at two luxury all-inclusive escapes.

We met Elizabeth at the boutique Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels, on the west coast of Barbados – just a six-hit from Rihanna’s home town of St Michael.

Our sunbed chats were squeezed between the resort’s lagoon-style pool and platinum-sand beach.

With just 88 rooms – including our one with its cute pink front door, split-level accommodation and balcony hanging over the white sands – it possesses a real homely charm.

Not only did we bump into Elizabeth but also hotel manager Raj Ganguly – there to attend to every need – and other guests who looked as though they’d been back at Crystal Cove time after time.

As part of the All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, Crystal Cove offered the perfect island base to relax in style.

At the Flying Fish Kids Club, children can discover the island’s flora and fauna.

There were also plenty of games, from table tennis, to car racing to air hockey available in the club’s playroom.

I especially liked the swimming game where I’d dash from the sunbed across the pool to the swim-up bar and return with a full bottle of Banks’s lager. This game is not suitable for children.

For those who prefer more adventurous pursuits, there was also the opportunity to explore the ocean depths with a submarine tour.

Local attractions include the Crystal garden tour, rum shop initiation (on the rocks, with cola, anyway you like it) and glass-bottom boat trips to investigate the turtles, rays and sea life of the area.

Culinary options include Bajan a la carte, seafood buffet, BBQ buffet and steak night on different evenings in the restaurants.

Afternoon tea on the terrace isn’t to be missed either. Imagine savouring tea, scones and cakes while gazing out to the Caribbean.

Crystal Cove also organises beach clean-ups and assists the Barbados Sea Turtle Project with turtle handling and collection.

Speaking of turtles, we’d actually arrived at Crystal Cove from its sister hotel, Turtle Beach, at Christ Church on Barbados’ south coast.

Just a short drive from Grantley Adams International Airport (we flew from Glasgow via Heathrow) this is another all-inclusive gem from Elegant Hotels.

It’s funny what catches your eye at places like Turtle Beach – and I don’t just mean the Banks’s or the Mount Gay rum.

Some folk would clearly be taken by the 29C temperatures or the warm waves lapping onto the white sands.

Others would love the spacious rooms with stunning views over the palm trees and across the ocean.

My wife liked the gluten-free station and, wait for it, the gluten-free toaster in the breakfast room.

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Sometimes it’s the small things that can make all the difference and provide a little slice of happiness.

Turtle Beach is just minutes from the vibrant St Lawrence Gap, close to where we’d honeymooned back in 1998.

In some ways, it hadn’t changed a bit. That’s what our friend Elizabeth likes about Barbados.

It somehow marries a colonial charm from yesteryear with up-to-date style and service – and everything you’d need for a family holiday today.

The stunning Turtle Bay resort sits against pristine beaches and brilliant turquoise sea and offers guests inimitable dining experiences through its concentration on local flavours and cuisines.

Aptly named for the sea turtles who commonly nest in the area, the resort also boasts an array of sports activities across both land and sea. I had to walk to get my Banks’s this time.

Families can enjoy snorkeling tours to discover Barbados’ famous sea turtles and flourishing marine ecosystem.

A shuttle takes you the short trip to Bridgetown – or stay back for yoga, the spa or water sports.

How about romantic dining under the stars with a four-course a la carte dinner – or even a personal waiter to ensure all your dining needs are met at Turtle Beach.

Kids seeking to learn more about the culture of Barbados are given the opportunity to become an ‘honorary Bajan’ with a fun-filled course where they can learn the local lingo and try their hand at cooking Bajan dishes.

Oh yes, and the food.

One of Turtle Beach’s chefs – on discovering my wife observes a gluten-free diet – tore up that night’s menu and cooked dinner especially for her.

As I say, the small things can make all the difference.

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Elizabeth knows that, too, That’s probably why she wants to keep Barbados as the best-kept secret of the Caribbean.

Travelling between Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach, we passed the world-famous Kensington Oval – home of the West Indies cricket team.

We drove through the island’s capital, Bridgetown, and the busy port in which so many cruise ships dock.

There was a warm welcome at every turn, including from the young driver who collected us at the airport.

She explained that her own holiday plans involved a trip to Scotland this May to sample the Speyside whisky experience.

We agreed it wouldn’t be dissimilar to our own Mount Gay rum experience.

Where the holidays differed, of course, was the temperatures and hours of glorious sunshine.

During our stay in late February and early March, the mercury never dipped below 29C during daytime and rarely below 23C at night. Just perfect.

And, so, too was the accommodation.

The Elegant Hotels portfolio – seven stunning properties in Barbados, owned and operated by Marriott International – is currently undergoing a series of renovations with re-openings and rebranding to take place across 2024 and 2025.

The properties include adults-only The House and Treasure Beach, wellness-focused Waves Hotel & Spa, and charming Tamarind which are set to join the Autograph Collection.

There’s even a water taxi to whisk you over the waves between Crystal Cove, Tamarind, Waves and the Colony Club.

After our Crystal Cove chat, Elizabeth was heading for lunch at Tamarind and returned with tales of delicious food and spectacular surroundings.

It seems it’s okay for her to tell everyone how great Barbados is. Just as long as I keep my mouth shut…

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