It’s cold, and it’s only going to get colder. What better place to get away from the quickly shortening and chilly days than the Caribbean? With an average winter temperature in the mid-80s, a quick escape to one of these tropical resorts is just what you need.
BARBADOS
Located on the west coast in St. James, just a short ride from the airport, is The House. It’s a very exclusive, adults-only, 34-suite retreat that will chase away any of the chill or stress that you brought along with you. Arriving at The House even gives you the feeling of coming into your own private castle as you cross a small bridge over several beautiful Koi ponds. This is a very laid back and informal place — in fact, there isn’t even a stuffy front desk to check in at.
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Barbados
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Barbados
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Chris Militzer/Miliman12 Photography
Barbados
At The House you sit in the open air living room, may-be enjoy a welcome rum punch, and your check-in will be done as you relax and have your bags delivered to your room. This is also a good time to schedule your complimentary jet lag massage to help you get in a Caribbean state of mind. The massage is one of many inclusions that guests receive. Others include a champagne breakfast, afternoon tea service, evening happy hour canapes, motorized water sports and a water taxi service. The pool and hot tub are an excellent spot to enjoy the palm tree views, but my favorite has to be the beach front. Fairly small and private, the beach and covered cabanas offer a peaceful spot to lay back and let the sun bring you back to your summer glory.
Located next door to the property is Daphne’s, a highly acclaimed restaurant serving a mix of Italian-style meals mixed with island flavors. When you tell people you’re going to Barbados, the question most people have is “Are you going to see Rihanna?” After hearing that a few dozen times, I had to laugh that Daphne’s is apparently the place where I would have had the best opportunity to run into the superstar, as she is a frequent guest. With seriously delicious items throughout the menu such as linguini with Caribbean lobster, fresh tomatoes, basil, chili, and garlic, you’ll see why RiRi stops by!
OTHER SPOTS TO SEE
Animal Flower Cave. In the northernmost area of Barbados, there is an ocean cave with pools of water containing sea anemones, cave walls of green and brown from oxidation, with several openings to view the ocean. This in itself is worth the visit, but for me, the cliff area above is one of the most amazing places I have visited. Seeing these high cliff walls with the ocean churning beneath in colorful blue/green pools is a view that should be on your bucket list!
Chris Militzer/Miliman12 Photography
Barbados
The Rum Vault at Colony Club. Barbados is the birthplace of rum, so no visit could be complete without trying a collection of rums from across the country. Even better, try one of their pairings with in-house made chocolates and combinations such as Mount Gay Black Barrel with a Scotch Bonnet chocolate to compliment the spicy rum! The Rum Vault is located at Colony Club, a sister property to The House, and an excellent choice for a stay as well.
ST LUCIA
Just a short 45-minute flight away, lies another lush green tropical oasis with sugary sand beaches and beautiful blue skies. Located on the northern shore of the country in Rodney Bay is a family-friendly oceanfront resort, The Landings Resort and Spa.
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St. Lucia
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Chris Militzer/Miliman12 Photography
St. Lucia
Filled with 1, 2 or 3-bedroom suites, this luxury property spoils you while you lounge around soaking up the sun. With private, furnished balconies and views of either the luxury yacht marina or the beach, four-poster beds, high quality linens, and a 7,000 sq. ft. spa, the whole family will feel like royalty. Spend your time lying on the beach, hit that spa for a massage, or go for a guided hike through the rainforest.
There is no shortage of things to do around The Landings. Personally, my vote is for the beachfront bar and grill, Callaloo. Directly on the beach, it’s a great spot to grab a burger and a beer, or even a coconut fish salad. Whatever you choose, be sure to request some Karaoke from the best bartender and chef team around — Sweet Caroline has never sounded so good.
For more fine dining, try something from The Palms restaurant on site. With an open air patio and view of the marina, herbed lamb chops, fisherman’s pot en croute with a pastry lid, or even some-thing from the seasonal lobster menu is an excellent choice. This is definitely not a place that will leave you looking for a late-night snack when you get back to the room.
Just a few minutes from the resort by car or boat is Pigeon Island, featuring a historic naval garrison, museum and hilltop lookout. Also on the island, you can snorkel, scuba or even snuba out to find a sunken car out off the coast. (And I thought the D.C. area had bad drivers.)
While at Pigeon Island, grab a bite to eat at the ocean view restaurant, Barnacles. When they say they serve fresh seafood, believe it. While there I witnessed two fishermen bring in freshly caught octopus in exchange for a little money and two shots of the house made spiced rum. The catch promptly became the catch of the day, and I promptly needed to try that spiced rum! The shrimp creole is spicy, flavorful, and delicious, and the curried crab on the menu was a must try being from the D.C. area. It did not disappoint. This was one of the most fun places I’ve eaten in the Caribbean.
So while you’re cursing the change in the weather, or looking at gifts to give the family, consider adding one of these destinations to your list. They are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face, including summer you.
