Lush Luxe Lesser Antilles – Barbados Luxury at Sandy Lane
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A blazing sun, a cool breeze, and soft white sand create the perfect prelude to evenings that are cued for love, as if someone had orchestrated the brilliant full moon featuring Venus just below and to the right. Intricate constellations glisten above as the ocean pushes and pulls in its rush to high tide, wrapped in the fragrant aroma of profuse Bougainvillea, Frangipani, and Ginger Lily blossoms on the romantic island of Barbados.
Set entirely upon a bed of coral rock and limestone from which many of the island's buildings are erected, Barbados, home to some 270,000 Bajans, is the most eastern of the Lesser Antilles. At a scant 24 miles long and 14 miles wide, this tropical paradise has a treasure trove of romantic escapes from which you will be eager to explore your most passionate dreams. Elegant resorts and private villas are nestled along its shores with something to suit every whim and desire.
Starting with the most impressive of the luxury accommodations is the recently restored Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Club. Set in a mahogany grove, this outstanding premier property originally opened in 1961 and has hosted royalty, movie stars, as well as many of the world's leading dignitaries and business personalities. In March 2001, The Sandy Lane once again spared no expense for their grand re-opening. Dark mahogany accents set an elegant tone against the cream coral stone of the Palladian-style building, while marble lends a sense of coolness to this classically furnished resort, reflecting a sophisticated ambience throughout.
Pampering begins soon after you land in Barbados with a chauffeured limousine transfer via the "Bentley" or another of their luxury cars for the scenic thirty-five minute drive to this illustrious West Coast resort. Upon arrival you're greeted with a chilled ice towel and invigorating tropical fruit punch before being whisked away to your room where you will enjoy personalized in-room registration. A private butler will be happy to serve your favorite cocktail as you relax on the verandah while he takes care of unpacking before helping to guide you through state-of-the-art facilities.
Spacious and uniquely designed each room features plasma flat screen television, DVD and CD players with control panels, including reading lights on either side of the bed. Large, well-equipped bathrooms have specially designed multi-spray showers, heated mirrors and a make-up room. Electronic "Do Not Disturb" signs and parabolic speakers will help to ensure your privacy while keeping you tuned-in on the verandah or in the bathroom.
When you're ready to hit the beach you're welcomed with a refreshing combination of sorbet and fresh fruit. Just choose a place to settle in — display your service flag for beachside refreshment delivery and make sure to hydrate often as you relax in a comfortable beach chair.
The white sand beach forms a crescent of tranquility and seclusion, or if you're inclined, there is a full range of water sports available at the Beach Club. Should you find yourself greased up with sunscreen and can't see out of your Ray Bans, take advantage of their sunglass cleaning service.
It's easy to work up an appetite sweating under a hot sun, replenishing sunscreen and raising the service flag. Fortunately, Bajan Blue is located at beach level and is easily accessed, offering an all-day extensive menu of Asian, Mediterranean, and Barbadian dishes. Scrumptious, artfully exhibited buffet tables of fresh lobster tails, giant prawns, oysters, mussels, and swordfish, vegetables and grains, roasted chicken, pork, and beef, all vie for your attention before you succumb to the scenic dessert table display overflowing with chocolate eclairs, creme Brule, fresh fruit, and other delicacies, insuring that while you're a guest at The Sandy Lane you won't, at anytime, go hungry. Rather, you may need to make a visit to their state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
Which brings us to The Sandy Lane Spa!
The Sandy Lane Spa is the jewel in this island crown. Featuring 47,000-square-feet housed in marble, granite, and warm cherry woods. This superlative facility has much to offer the weary traveler. From a 2,500-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness room to VIP treatment suites that feature mood-enhancing light, private showers, bathroom and change rooms, including some with private gardens, others with hydrotherapy rooms and skylights — combined to make your experience at The Sandy Lane Spa one of tranquil luxury.
Get Your Yoga DVD hereAfter the steam room, a personal favorite is the Ice Cave, a real treat for cooling down after a rigorous workout. I must admit the hydrotherapy room with underwater massage bath and the Blitz Jet room were also high on the list of enticing features. For those interested in keeping Chakras tuned up there is a Chakra therapy room with a heated plinth. There are private rooms for relaxation, yoga, or meditation, as well as a private Pilates exercise room. The free-form swimming pool offers up 7,500-square-feet of water to refresh and relax in or to enjoy lunch and drinks at the swim-up bar and cafe just outside the spa entrance.
There are an abundance of treatment options to choose from: Face Therapy, Body Envelopments, Waxing, Holistic Hand and Foot Treatments; full-day Spa programmes: Mind & Body, Ayurvedic Holistic Body Treatments, Bajan Synchronized Massage, and Shirodhara; or half-day treatments: Purify Herbal Linen Wrap with hot stones, Marine Hydrotherapy Bath, or the totally blissful back, face, and scalp treatments. All are designed with your personal needs in mind; surely there will be something to entice you to take advantage of the unique treatment options offered at The Spa.
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Kris King , Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com
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About the Author
Kris King, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave Your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter