Connoisseurs will know that Paynes Bay — aka the Platinum Coast — is a centrefold stunner, which makes this unbuttoned Barbados beachfront hotel a study in how to get things right. Child-friendly snorkelling is only a flip-flop away and there are shaded play areas, three gorgeous pools (two specifically for splash-happy families) and a water-sports centre that makes banana-boat rides cool for all ages. The full line-up also includes a video games room and wireless headphone parties.
What to Expect to Tamarind Barbados
A midsize beach resort on the popular and scenic west coast of Barbados. There is plenty to do for families and kids, but Tamarind is also a great place for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Resort Details at Tamarind Barbados
With an upscale, yet laid-back vibe, Tamarind has plenty to do for guests of all ages. Three pools, dedicated areas for kids, a gorgeous beach, complimentary motorized and non-motorized water sports and an on-site spa are enough to keep everyone happy and occupied from dawn until well after dark. Since Tamarind has only 104 guest rooms, it is much more intimate and less crowded than the all-inclusive mega-resorts. Guestrooms are available in three categories: Pool/Garden View, Oceanfront and Oceanfront w/sleeper chair. Suites are also available in Pool/Garden View Junior, Oceanfront Junior and Oceanfront One Bedroom. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges and safes. The décor is reflective of the island setting but not overdone so as to become tacky or kitschy.
Three dining options are available for guests. Rilaks Deck Bar features oversized umbrellas and plush lounge chairs in a relaxed beachside setting with light snacks and cocktails served. Lunch and dinner including fresh salads, pasta, local seafood and other local dishes—are available at 246 Restaurant & Bar. And Sugar Cane Room serves a full breakfast buffet each morning in open-air, tropical surroundings. A romantic, on-the-beach dinner can also be arranged with a personal waiter and full menu.
Nearby Attractions of Tamarind Barbados
Enter a subterranean world of underground streams, stalagmites and stalactites at Harrison’s Cave, located near the center of the island. The standard tour—on a tram —lasts an hour, and the guides are friendly and knowledgeable. Visitors are able to get off the tram at various points to look around and take photos. One of the most popular spots is The Great Hall, a cavern whose ceiling soars more than 50 feet above the cave floor.
Delve into Barbados’ fascinating past by exploring historic St. Nicholas Abbey, a 350-year-old plantation house from the days when sugarcane was first raised and harvested in the area. Rum is still made in small batches and the tour includes samples and a rum punch cocktail. The house contains various artifacts and antiques from Barbados’ colorful history.
Tamarind Barbados Location
The hotel backs on to a lovely long stretch of shaded golden sand towards the southern end of Paynes Bay, a contender for the very best west-coast beach. There’s good snorkelling directly offshore. It does, however, get busy in season, with catamarans bringing day trippers to swim in the bay. Flanking Tamarind are The House and Treasure Beach hotels, and Daphne’s, an upmarket restaurant, all of which are, like Tamarind, part of the Elegant Hotels group.
Service and Facilities
As at all Elegant Hotels, service is friendly and efficient. Staff bring round treats such as complimentary fruit kebabs and ice lollies to guests lounging by the pool or on the beach. A busy watersports centre offers kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, Hobie Cat sailboats, water-skiing and banana boat rides. Other facilities include three appealing swimming pools (one adults only) and a small spa.
Rooms
The contemporary styling extends to the 101 bedrooms, which have sunset prints on walls and striking floral-patterned cushions. Most bathrooms are modern in feel and come with mosaic tiling and powerful showers over baths. All rooms have a balcony or terrace, and are equipped with tea and coffee facilities and bathrobes. The cheapest accommodation are the rooms overlooking the gardens, while most expensive are oceanfront suites right behind the beach.
Food and Drink
Dining options are more flexible and varied than at most Barbados hotels. There’s an extensive all-day menu featuring the likes of salads, pasta, fish cakes and roti available at the 246 Bar & Restaurant, a fairly stylish but casual set-up on the wooden decking behind the beach. I can recommend the flying fish wrap for lunch. Themed nights happen on set days each week, with steak, seafood or West Indian dishes on offer, and live music such as jazz or a steel pan band. Breakfasts are substantial buffets in a separate (and somewhat less appealing) open-air dining room towards the rear of the property. The all-inclusive terms cover dinners at Daphne’s, an upmarket Italian restaurant next door – you choose from a menu tailored for Tamarind guests. You can also eat at no extra charge at other all-inclusives in the Elegant Hotels group.
Value for Money
Double rooms from US $475 (£381) in low season; and from US $798 (£640) in high, all-inclusive. Free Wi-Fi.
As well as food and drink, inclusions cover watersports (including motorised ones), weekly yoga classes and a water taxi service to other Elegant Hotels on the west coast.
Access for guests with disabilities?
There are several adapted, ground-floor bedrooms. Public areas have level or ramped access.
Family-Friendly?
Yes. As well as the fantastic beach with usually safe swimming, and watersports galore, there’s a children’s club offering activities for three to 12-year-olds, an appealing games room (table tennis, table football, air hockey etc), and children’s menus.