Port St. Charles

It may seem strange to give Port St Charles only 4 stars but it's more to do what there is to do, or not as the case may be. Firstly the secure access, security guards, reception area and staff are all first class. Really helpful and friendly and totally professional. We we concerned we hadn't paid enough when we arrived because the place is immaculate. I have no idea how many staff work there but the grounds staff outnumbered the guests by a substantial ratio whilst we were there. It may get busier in the high season but during our visit it was lifeless. We felt as though we had left our holiday and swapped to living in Barbados whilst at Port St Charles. We can't complain about the accommodation - it was simply amazing. Everything was catered for, there were even Massey shopping bags in the cupboard. Laundry equipment was provided, literally everything. There was a welcome pack of bread, butter, beers (nice), bacon, eggs - what could be better. It really was home from home - and I think that was the issue. We were on holiday - not living there. The few people that were there were obviously long termers as they played tennis together, went to pier one together, sat on the beach together, you get the idea.. So we were alone - not a bad thing - we love each others company, but we do like a bit of socialising when away from home. Pier One only opens for dinner from Thur - Sun, We arrived late on Saturday, already had a booking in Speightstown on the Sunday, and then left the accommodation on the Thursday so we didn't get the chance to eat at Pier One so can't comment. The water taxi seemed like a great idea but we never used it as the resort is small enough to walk around in about 10 minutes. The beach is beautiful. The security staff will put out loungers and parasols, and a relaxing time can be had in beautifully calm waters. You can walk from the resort to Speightstown along the beach in about 15 minutes which is fabulous for light bites and beers if that's your fancy. Going out for an evening meal is more of a challenge though in that you either need to arrange a taxi or, if you have a hire car, do that (and stay sober). As I say - giving 4 stars isn't for the accommodation or the resort - it's purely because there is nothing to do and it's a shift from being on holiday to 'living'.

Pier one. Very nice lunch. Decent brasserie style food. Service was efficient and friendly. Very good fries, nice burger and a lovely beef sandwich. The music was quite loud so it was difficult to have a conversation. You can use the pool if you wish - Sun loungers are fairly limited in number.

This is my favourite place to stay in Barbados after visiting the island 7 times, having tried a few hotels and apartments on the west coast. We had a lovely large apartment with 2 bedrooms and bathrooms, a large lounge and kitchen. Outside there was a large terrace and plunge pool. All of the staff at reception we met were extremely friendly and helpful. Hainsley was on the beach most days and set up loungers and an umbrella for us and was very nice to chat to. After several visits to different parts of the island we felt that this was the nicest beach we had been on. We also liked the large roped off swimming area which meant we didn’t have to worry about passing jet skis. We managed to see turtles whilst snorkelling on most days as well as lots of fish on the reef. Speightstown is very close to Port St Charles and there are quite a few good options for drinks and dinner. We particularly enjoyed the live music at Little Bristol and dinner on the beach at Local and Co. Looking forward to returning in the future.