There are many all-inclusive resorts in Barbados to choose from but the O2 Beach Club and Spa elevates all-inclusive to another level. Named after the life-giving oxygen, this sophisticated beach resort is a place to breathe in all that Barbados has to offer.
Paradise is included in the O2 Beach Club. Eating and drinking are all taken care of morning, noon, and night. “Your place, your way” is the O2 mantra and the beach club gives you the freedom to holiday exactly as you choose.
The 116 all-suite 5 * hotel on Barbados’ South Coast is good rhythm, optimistic and trendy. There is an edgy contemporary tone to the decor that uses vibrant flashes of deep sea blue, hibiscus, sunset and tangerine.
Welcome
After our luggage was picked up, chilled towels and welcome drinks delivered, we were given a slick tour of the property by a Beco hotel ambassador.
He introduced us to the beach, the swimming pool, restaurants, countless bars and The Oasis where we could grab a coffee or a snack.
Finally, they took us to the suite where the bellman “Mr Unstoppable” dropped off our bags. O2 Beach Club and Spa staff never lack confidence.
Suite
In the Sunset building, opening in November 2021, Junior Oceanfront Suites look out onto the pool, beach and sparkling Caribbean. A mat in the shape of a hibiscus flower dominates the lounge of the two-seater sofa and wicker chair.
On the wall, a colorful portrait of an octopus, close to cerise, contrasts with the lighter gray of the turtle. Behind the super-sized double bed, the wall features a geometric tropical leaf design.
Out on the balcony, two luxurious sun loungers look out over the white waves breaking onto the white sand. There were even electrical sockets in the balcony to charge our devices.
Rum and gin are available for the minibar with top beer and mixers daily.
The bathroom
Adjust the light level to your mood. Choose between a refreshing rain shower or a tranquil soak in a free-standing bath.
Marble effect tiles bring an indulgent aura to the bathroom which, with plenty of towels and a White Linen bath, ticks all the boxes.
Facilities
The day begins, early or late, with a breakfast buffet at Elements. Start with the magical orange juice freshly squeezed by the Zumex machine. It’s a breakfast that crosses the border with Bajan fries, tropical fruit, pancakes and maple syrup, and of course bacon, eggs and sausage. During lunch, Elements is a buffet restaurant, in the evening it alternates between buffet and a la carte options.
Through the resort, the range of cuisine from th large picture window gives spectacular views of Barbados’ South Coast in the high-ceilinged Oro. This is a great dining spot for delicious food such as lobster tail and Rum Gunung Gay rum crème brûlée.e Flying Fin on the beach for an easy lunch to Oro gourmet on the 9th floor of the Sunset building.
In addition, above the neighboring Sunrise building, by another pool, Brisa offers a bar and a selection of tapas to accompany the perfect sunset spot.
Located on the eighth floor of the Sunset building, Acqua is a full service spa. Floor-to-ceiling windows give guests the opportunity to enter a state of tranquility while receiving personalized treatment. In addition to the only spa treatment room Hamman in Barbados.
On the second floor of the Sunrise building, there is a serious 24/7 gym: well-equipped bikes, free weights, treadmills and machines for hands, back and legs.
The location
O2’s 1000 feet of pure white sand beach is simply stunning, great for morning walks or romantic strolls at sunset. The west end offers safe swimming and activities including snorkelling or kayaking for the more active. On the shoulder of the St Lawrence Gap, the O2 Beach Club and Spa is well placed to drop into the bustling local bars and clubs.
The concierge will arrange visits to any of Barbados’ attractions: catamaran cruises, flower cave diving or historic Bridgetown.
Another nice touch
The O2 Beach Club and Spa also offers great inclusions. Stay five nights or more and you are entitled to a free round of golf, including club hire, at the Barbados Golf Club, 75 US$ Spa Credit per person as well as access to sister hotel Sea Breeze Beach House. When you book direct you also receive free collection and return to the airport.
Every evening there is live entertainment somewhere in the Resort, perhaps on the dance floor by Elements or sky high in the Oro restaurant.
Throughout the day, staff deliver chilled towels, drinks and ice cream to guests around the pool.
During the day, check out the fun ‘How To’ classes that give you an insight into Bajan culture whether you’re learning to paint a landscape, make the best rum punch or play dominoes like a local.
Teenagers have a lounge with table tennis, table football, large television and many board games.
Cost
Luxury Ocean View Junior Suites start from £6115 for 7 nights all-inclusive.
The best
The Bluefin tiki hut, complete with a swim-up bar for premium spirits and cocktails, is a great spot. Surrounded by palm trees and the Garden of Eden, Bluefin is open for lunch from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Serves casual dining with light lunches such as bul jol bowls, burgers, cutters, salads and steak sandwiches.
Like a chameleon, Bluefin turns into a pizzeria in the evening on some days. On other evenings it hosts an Indian, Italian or land/sea buffet when it is open as an evening restaurant.
The final verdict
The O2 Beach Club and Spa is an exclusive yet inviting destination to relax and unwind in a sophisticated setting that has a true sense of place.
The moment you arrive at the O2, you feel like a member of the coolest beach club in Barbados.
Disclosure: Our stay is sponsored by O2 Beach Club and Spa.
Michael Edwards
Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, England. Although Michael had his first travel piece published almost four decades ago, he still finds new luxury destinations to visit and write about.
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