Luxury Travel Advisor recently toured just about every West Coast Villas property on the island of Barbados and came back with the skinny on a trio of luxury gems that will surely please VIPs heading to the tropics.
Aliseo Villa
This nine-bedroom villa was our hands-down favorite. It pulls out all the stops for the perfect luxury getaway for families heading to Barbados.
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| Aliseo Villa comes with a karaoke machine in the living area. |
Aliseo has its own personal staff including longtime butler, Edmund, who attends to VIPs’ every need from unpacking and packing to grocery requests, transfer arrangements and more. Note: This is an all-inclusive villa. Everything from Edmund’s personal service to private, in-villa dinners are included in the rate.
If Mother Nature gets in the way of a sunbathing day at the villa’s private swimming pool, don’t get too disappointed because it also houses its own movie theater. There is also a karaoke machine in the living area. The villa comes with a separate recreation room, which has a full-size pool table. Celebrity Sighting: The late, famous singer, Amy Winehouse, once stayed at this villa.
This villa is ideal for large families and groups. It is also perfect for smaller weddings. The best room here is The Bajan Suite, which is the villa’s master suite. It is done in lots of whites and light blues and yellows. There is nothing too shiny or loud about the décor of the room. The suite comes with a master bedroom; plenty of space; large, flat-screen TVs and more; but the main draw is the balcony, which spans the entire length of the room and offers impressive views of the swimming pool and garden. Hint: This room also has one of the largest walk-in closets we’ve seen in the Caribbean.
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| Smuggler’s Cove includes wide open living spaces and terraces. |
Nice Touch: Of the nine rooms, there are several that are designed just for children. The Sandals Suite, for example, has pictures and drawing of sandals throughout the room. But, unlike other themed rooms that we have seen in the Caribbean, these rooms are very subtle and the design is not overwhelming. Note: The study on the first floor can be converted into a 10th room.
Aliseo is roughly 20 minutes from the Grantley Adams International Airport. VIP Luxury Airport Service—which handles arrivals, departures and in-transit services—is available. The villa staff will arrange luxury transfers to and from the villa.
Note: The villa’s spa, Elements Spa, is located off property, but in-house treatments can be requested. Advisors should book treatments at least 24 hours in advance.
The Swedish Massage and Prestige Facial are two frequently requested treatments. For young girls, the villa offers “Mini Princess” treatments and kids’ manicures and pedicures.
Smuggler’s Cove
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| Smuggler’s Cove has tropically landscaped grounds and includes a communal pool and sun deck. |
The seven-apartment Smuggler’s Cove is situated on arguably the best beach in Barbados. It offers facilities like a beach bar, swimming and water sports and is within a short walk of the famous Sandy Lane hotel. Celebrity Sighting: R&B star Rihanna once stayed here.
Note: Golf at Sandy Lane or Royal Westmoreland and numerous fine dining oceanfront restaurants are also just a few minutes away.
The apartments include luxury bedrooms and quality European kitchens. Nice Touch: The developers used natural woods, coral stone and marble along with attractive architectural features and wide open living spaces and terraces. The building includes 24-hour security and property management, and the tropically landscaped grounds include a communal pool and sun deck.
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| Tradewinds’ pool and deck area includes an entertaining gazebo with a bar. |
As far as rooms go, Nos. 5, 6 and 7 are four-bedroom apartments while Nos. 1, 2 and 4 are three bedrooms. The best apartment, however, is No. 7, the Penthouse, which is the most private unit and offers by far the best view in the villa. Butler service can be arranged.
Grantley Adams International Airport is just 20 minutes away. Tip: VIP Luxury Airport Service can be arranged upon request. The villa can also arrange luxury transfers to and from the villa. Note: Car hire services can also be arranged for VIPs.
Treatments from Elements Spa can be arranged in the villa. Advisors should book all treatments at least 24 hours in advance. Tip: The Wedding Package at the spa includes hair, makeup and nail treatments. Like Aliseo, the spa also offers treatments for children.
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| Tradewinds is a golfer’s dream as it is situated on the Sandy Lane estate. |
As far as dining goes, the villa comes with a personal staff that can prepare just about anything upon request. Hint: Although all dishes are excellent, VIPs will be missing out if they didn’t try any of the excellent fish dishes made with local produce.
For weddings, all aspects of wedding planning can be arranged through West Coast Villas’ offices. Note: Smuggler’s units are not suitable for weddings; however there are a number of locations around the island that can be chosen, which the villa’s wedding coordinators can also assist with.
The most difficult time to book this villa is from December 15 to January 15 (the Xmas/New Year period). It is best to book six months to one year in advance as the villa has many repeat visitors on island at this time.
Tradewinds
This five-bedroom villa is a golfer’s dream as it is located on the Sandy Lane estate. In fact, the villa’s Great Room offers a perfect view of the 5th fairway of Sandy Lane’s Old Nine golf course.
Nice Touch: The master bedroom suite spans the entire top floor of the building and includes east- and west-facing balconies, providing views of the Sandy Lane golf course and the Caribbean Sea. VIPs have access to the Sandy Lane Beach Facility with private cabanas as well as the use of tennis courts and the golf course. Note: Butler service is available.
Perhaps our favorite part of this villa was the pool and deck area that includes an entertaining gazebo with a bar that has some incredible speakers for some light tunes. Tasteful, framed black and white pictures of famous musicians decorate the walls.
Like Aliseo and Smuggler’s Cover, Elements Spa, located off property, is the centralized facility for all treatments, but they can also be done in the villa.
For dining we were told that the best dish to order from the personal staff is any of the excellent curry dishes.
Tip: If you have VIPs looking for some shopping, tell them about the Limegrove Lifestyle Center or the Sunset Crest Mall. Note: There are no complimentary shuttles or transportation, but vehicles can be easily hired and taxis are also readily available.
West Coast Villas Contacts
For room inquiries and reservations, advisors should contact either Rentals Manager Sherry Marshall ([email protected]; 246-243-0713) or Rentals Agent Michelle Haynes ([email protected]; 246-230-5019).
Spa treatments can be booked by contacting Spa Manager Sarah Bowen ([email protected]; 246-432-6826).
For other inquiries, advisors can contact General Manager Andrea Brome ([email protected]; 246-230-3670).