I'M EVER SO SLIGHTLY WEAK AT THE KNEES FOR ... SEA BREEZE
We all have a weakness. Something we can’t ignore when faced with it head-on, something that gets us every time. Colin Firth as Mr Darcey in Pride and Prejudice. I can’t even talk about it. A toasted crumpet with strawberry jam. A John Lewis Christmas ad - the one with Monty the Penguin! Maybe your weakness is an ice cold beer. Or a Jaffa Cake. Who can just have one? Maybe you can’t say no to another stiletto heel. Roast chicken with bread sauce does it for me every time. And holiday wise, well the thought of Barbados just makes me giddy.
I first went to Barbados on my honeymoon. We stayed at The Fairmont Royal Pavilion and then moved onto Petit St Vincent, The Grenadines. Without a doubt this was my favourite holiday in the world! You might love a stay at Sandy Lane, Cobbler’s Cove or The Coral Reef Club, I agree it’s hard not to, but I have a new weakness. A new crush. It’s called Sea Breeze and I just can’t stop thinking about it.
When all is said and done, Sea Breeze wins. And here’s why. As a rule I swear by hotels. I don’t want to squeeze a teabag or unload the dishwasher and we all know that a hotel breakfast buffet ideally still served at midday is the best. But Sea Breeze is not your bog standard villa. Rather it feels like you’re residing in a luxury hotel; in an exclusive deluxe pavilion complete with its own bedrooms, dining areas, bar and living areas but you’re privately secluded in luxury with your family and friends.
Perched on the exclusive Calijanda Estate Ridge, its location is magnificent. The views are sublime. Breathtaking. It’s on the west coast of Barbados so expect fine white sand. And the sea really is aquamarine with patches of bright white, interspersed with coral.
This private home has recently been ridiculously beautifully refurbished. The whole feel of the place is all Hamptonesque with dappled light, whitewashed walls with white shutters and a beachy, calming vibe. Unlike most houses and properties in Barbados, the owners have abandoned the whole pearly coral thing. There are no bird of paradise prints hanging on the wall or gathered bed skirts. And unlike many tropical hotels, there are no framed shell collections. The whole house is decorated with impeccable taste and you’ll feel like you are in a James Bond film.
As soon as you arrive at Sea Breeze you’ll feel a bit trembly. From the arched entrance you are met with a picture postcard view of the sea through the reception area and the swimming pool beyond. Sea Breeze is ginormous. On the ground floor there’s a media / library room, a family / reception room a modern and fully equipped kitchen and the best bit – a social bar area. This is the focal point to the villa and you can sit at the oversized bar on smart padded bar stools and drink your fresh juice and eat your sliced mango. Here you can gather with friends and host rum based cocktails, play your guitar, sing, eat tiger prawn risotto and watch the sun go down. This all looks out to a sun deck and extraordinary large and deep swimming pool which is bordered by tropical plans and navy padded sun loungers. All very Ralph Lauren.
Sea Breeze has four en-suite bedrooms on the lower level all with easy access to the pool which you get to via an enchanting indoor outdoor corridor. A sweeping wooden staircase ascends to the master suite with his and her bathrooms and dressing rooms. Note to self - the bedroom looks out to the ocean and has a private terrace where you can quietly ready a book or play cards.
If you have teenagers into gadgets they will be eternally grateful. There’s a media room, with iPod stations, speakers and a plasma TV including swivel armchairs, cosy throws, rugs and footstool trays.
Those of you who enjoy sweating, lifting things and getting out of breath will find on the lower level a gym with weights and cardio equipment.
A fantastic lady called June visits the villa every day. Take it from me June runs the show. Would you prefer freshly made pancakes with your mango for breakfast? Do you take your coffee strong in the mornings? Shall I make arrangements for a chef to prepare reef-fresh sashimi? None of this is a problem for June.
Sea Breeze comes complete with housekeeping, laundress, a gardener, beach towels, speedy internet and cable TV. All the bedrooms include ceiling fans and air conditioning. It also has a concierge team – again can I remind you it’s really like being in a hotel. Organised deliveries can include a car or a spin bike. Guests have the benefit of private beach access at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion. We can organise hiking trails, swimming with native Hawksbill Turtles and an abundance of watersports.
So there it is. Sea Breeze does it for me in capital letters. Book it. Now, there’s a very attractive proposition!