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Little Good Harbour, set in an old fort and in pretty gingerbread cottages north of Speightstown, is a is a delightful, small Barbados hotel. It also has one of the island’s loveliest restaurants, the Fish Pot. It is small, very low key and friendly, but for all its geographical proximity to the famous West Coast of Barbados it is a world away in spirit (and in price aswell). Little Good Harbour it is ideal for independent travellers who are not impressed by the ‘scene’ on the West Coast, but who would still like to enjoy the island for its own unpretentious charms.
If you would like to buy a villa at Little Good Harbour, please follow this link.
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KEY FEATURES
| Quaint among Barbados hotels and resorts, pretty, local beach, 21 one, two and three bedroom suites, one 3-bedroom villa, all with self catering, well-known Barbados restaurant, the Fish Pot. |
STYLE
| Delightful, easy-going hideaway; traditional Caribbean gingerbread brought into the modern age |
CLIENT PROFILE
| Low key, independent travellers, often an interesting crowd |
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Little Good Harbour is an exception on Barbados. In an island of heavyweight hotels muscling in on all available beach front space, it is tucked away in the north of the island, on a pretty beach shared with a Bajan fishing village, away from all the development. It is an extremely laid-back property, ideal for hiding yourself away, though the location also brings a feeling of connection with local Bajan life that you don’t get in the other hotels in the area. The Friday night fish fry is a fun event to take part in.
Little Good Harbour has its own distinctively Caribbean style and charm. Some of the rooms are set in a series of cottages in traditional West Indian gingerbread style (they are recently built, so they retain the charm, but also have all the amenities). The restaurant, the Fish Pot, is actually set in an extremely old building, a former fort, whose hefty walls are adorned by pretty shutters. Set in the same building, right on the waterfront, are their two largest suites.
Of course, if you do want to venture into the social scrum that is the west coast of Barbados, then it is just a few minutes’ drive away. There are some lovely beaches on which to spend the day and by night there are some of the finest restaurants in the Caribbean. As it turns out, the crowds come to you anyway. The Fish Pot has one of the loveliest settings on the island and over the years it has created a good following as one of the best places to eat out.
You eat right above the sand, on a deck attached to the limestone walls of Fort Rupert, which is reckoned to be one of the oldest buildings on the island. By night it’s a hard call whether to sit outside on the deck, or inside, which with its white tablecloths offset against the fort’s ancient walls and the mint green louvres has a satisfying elegance. The restaurant is very much the heart of the place in season, but you can retreat to your room if you prefer to be by yourselves. All the rooms have their own kitchens and so you can cater for yourself as well
Most of the accommodation is across the road, hidden in a profusion of palms and tropical greenery. The one-bedroom suites are set in the gingerbread cottages, which stand in a line looking over the pool and to the sea (though some the views are interrupted by other suites). They are quite compact (and the four-poster beds seem to fill the bedroom upstairs) but you have all you need, with a sitting room and full kitchen downstairs and bedroom and bathroom upstairs. The furniture is mostly Indonesian. There are nice balconies (up and down) and they are surrounded by so much greenery that you are barely exposed when the other guests pass by. It is possible to order breakfast on the terrace.
There are two two-bedroom suites either side of the pool in the garden and then the last two (a 2-bedroom and a 3-bedroom) are set in the walls of Fort Rupert. These have exposed coral stone walls and, like the other rooms, they are decorated with Caribbean artwork. The views though the shuttered windows give right over the beach and onto the sea. The three bedroom house has a small garden with lawn leading off the side and is ideal for people with children.
An important issue about Little Good Harbour is that the two parts of the hotel, the restaurant and the rooms in the fort and the gingerbread suites are separated by a road. While it is not a major road, it is a bus route and sees a bit of general traffic. And with the speed of some of the Bajan bus drivers it sometimes sounds as though they are having trouble taking off…
Although Little Good Harbour is certainly less expensive than most of the hotels up and down the west coast, Barbados is still a fairly expensive place, so be aware that it is by no means a cheap place to stay. And finally, it may be ideal for self-sufficient travellers who are happy to hide themselves away (you have the ability to cater for yourself of course, if you prefer), they come out of the woodwork of course, and you never know who you’ll turn up there. Other independent travellers with an interesting story to tell, most like.
Stop-press: Six new three-bedroom suites, along with a second larger swimming pool and an exercise and massage room, were completed mid December 2006, taking the total number of suites at Little Good Harbour to 21. Named the Vineyard Suites, they comprise three two storey villas, each of which contains an upper and a lower suite with three bedrooms. They are located on the hillside just above the existing one-bedroom suites. |
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Beach & Swimming
The beach at Little Good Harbour, actually called Shermans Bay, is a pleasant strip of sand that shelves gently into the sea. Facing west, it is usually completely calm (and there are revetments in the water to retain the sand). It is also very quiet. You are much more likely to be sharing the beach with local children than with hordes of tourists.
There are three thatch-roofed gazebos with daybeds for guests of the hotel. There are no watersports on Shermans Beach (though the hotel will arrange anything for you), but the hotel will lend you snorkelling equipment to explore the area.
There are two swimming pools. One pool is located in the garden across the road below the Garden Suites and is surrounded by a small sunbathing area. The second pool was added in 2006 and is slightly larger and located by the new Vineyard Suites. It has an infinitiy edge and surrounding sun deck. |
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Sports & Recreation
Golf and tennis can be arranged by the front office. There are four golf courses along the west coast, one at Royal Westmoreland and three at Sandy Lane, which allow some restricted tee times. Day trips and excursions can also be arranged – water sports, sailing, deep sea fishing, or an island tour.
Massages can be arranged in the suites from US$60 per hour or in the new massage room, which along with an exercise area has recently been added. |
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Staff
There is a small team at Little Good Harbour, but they form an important part of the experience when you are there. The hotel is owned and managed by Andrew Warden, an Australian who has lived in Barbados for many years. Once upon a time he ran the Shak Shak restaurant and bar. Margaret Schwaiger works in the office and will sort anything you need arranged. You will also meet Graham Dear, a Bajan who works as front of house in the restaurant many evenings. |
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The Rooms
The rooms are cool and comfortable, decorated in cream, white and neutral tones and the furniture is largely Balinese. You approach from in front and enter via your balcony, where there is a table and chairs and a piece of carved Balinese artwork on one wall. Louvered wooden doors with jalousie shutters lead into living area. There is a coffee table and seating with ceiling fan, and a portable CD player. The kitchen is to the rear, behind a breakfast bar. There is an oven, toaster, large fridge/freezer and microwave.
A corner flight of stairs leads to the bedroom and its en suite bathroom with shower (two heads, one high powered) and hairdryer. The bedroom, which has a wardrobe, large TV and a music centre, is dominated by a 4 poster bed with muslin net. It is furnished with dark stained colonial and bamboo furniture. French doors lead to the balcony with a couple of chairs. The bedrooms have both a ceiling fan and air-conditioning.
The three bedroom villa has a large open plan living room with a large well equipped kitchen to the rear (the road side). There are 2 bedrooms on the ocean side and one on the road side, all very pleasantly decorated with a strong Caribbean feel. |
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Dining
Set right above the sand of Sherman's Bay, the Fish Pot is small and intimate and has a very romantic feel. As you arrive you go through to the sitting area inside the fort to have a drink before dining, at low sofas around a low coffee table with magazines. There are about ten tables both inside and out and it is a tough call which is nicer in the evenings (by day it is probably better to be outside). Inside, beneath the stone walls of the old fort there are views of the black night through open shutters. Outside you dine under canvas on brightly painted ceramic tables imported from Bali sitting just above the beach and the wash of the waves.
The cuisine at Little Good Harbour is a good eclectic modern mix, at base French but with ingredients and tastes gathered from around the world, and using the best of Barbados's good supplies of food - crepes, terrines and goujons to start and then wholesome Caribbean fare as a main, Caribbean fish or lobster and meats mainly from the States. Priority is naturally given to hotel guests, but the Fish Pot is lively because it sees so many diners coming in from outside.
For something a little different, you can always join the Friday night fish fry at the other end of Sherman's Bay. The kitchen at the Fish Pot will give you the cutlery and a chilled bottle of wine and then you can go up to join the fun. Alternatively, chefs are also available to prepare a meal for you in your suite. |
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Weddings
Little Good Harbour is a lovely spot for weddings and the hotel will arrange your wedding at the property, but you will be on your own so far as going to the Ministry to complete the paperwork. They simply pass on costs of the licence fee and registrar’s charges as well as any extra costs such as for photography and flowers.
Alternatively, you might like to enjoy the services of dedicated wedding organiser such as St. James’s Travel & Tours who have a specialist wedding department. The cost of complete wedding plan including a cake, flowers, a bottle of champagne and a cake, all the fees, return transfers to the Ministry would start at around US$750 but it can get as complicated as you like. Please refer to our Wedding information or St. James Travel & Tours for further information. |
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Useful Hints
Little Good Harbour is quite far north on the West Coast and it is secluded with a more local flavour. If you are looking for the famed glitzyness of the ‘West Coast’ then this may not be the place for you. The hotel also leads in its restaurant and so it is best that you are self-contained.
Obviously the two parts of Little Good Harbour are separated by a road. It is not a main road, but it is used by buses that can get up quite a speed. |
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Practical Facts
Annual Closure Dates: 01 September - 01 October 2008
Dress Code: Casual, dress for dinner is casual/elegant
Facilities: Fish Pot Restaurant and Bar, 2 swimming pools, beach access, beach gazebos, exercise and massage room.
Complimentary: Room service is possible subject to availability
Other Services: Reception. WiFi throughout property. Personal cook available for lunch and dinner from US$100 per day. Provisioning service - see here for Food Stock Order Form.
Accommodation: 15 villa suites comprising: one 3-bedroom fort suite, one 2- bedroom fort suite, three 2-bedroom suites and ten 1-bedroom villa suites.
Room Types: All suites have a separate living room with French doors leading out to a terrace or balcony, fully equipped kitchen with fridge, oven and microwave. Dishwashers are available in the 3-bedroom Fort Suite and two of the 2-bedroom suites. The Master bedrooms have queen size 4-poster beds (king size in the 3-bedroom suites) and twin 4-poster beds in second/third bedrooms (Queen 4-poster bed in second bedroom of 3-bedroom suite). Each offers air conditioning (bedrooms only), ceiling fans, hair dryers, iron and ironing board, stereo with CD and cassette, cable TV, DVD (American DVDs only) and VCR. The bedrooms all come with en suite bathrooms.
10 x Two-bedroom Garden Suites in five semi-detached villa style cottages across the road from the main building/restaurant and behind the 3-bedroom suites. All suites are on 2 levels with the living room and kitchen downstairs, and the bedroom and bathroom upstairs, with terrace and balcony. Maximum occupancy: 2 persons (plus one extra adult or child U12 yrs on a rollaway bed). 3 x Two-bedroom Garden Suites, sea facing in detached cottage style villas across the road again from the main building/restaurant and situated near the swimming pool. One suite is on two levels with the main bedroom upstairs and second bedroom downstairs adjacent to the living room. The other two suites are on one level with a bedroom either side of the living room. All suites have a large terrace with dining table and chairs. Maximum occupancy: 4 persons (plus one extra adult or child U12 yrs on a rollaway bed). 1 x Two-bedroom Fort Suite located on the upper level above the restaurant on the water’s edge directly overlooking the beach and the sea, with access to its own private roof top terrace. Maximum occupancy: 4 persons (plus one extra adult or child U12 yrs on a rollaway bed). 1 x Three-bedroom Fort Suite (beachfront) situated adjacent to the restaurant and part of the original fort building with private terrace, garden and immediate beach access. Maximum occupancy: 6 persons. 6 x Three-bedroom Vineyard Suites in three, detached, two storey buildings located on the hillside above the original suites. Master bedrooms have separate shower and tub, and others with shower only. Open plan sitting room with fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar, and large veranda for dining.
Children: Welcome and there is no charge for up to one child extra on a rollaway bed except in the three-bedroom suite. Babysitting can be arranged at around US$5 per hour.
Weddings & Honeymoons: 7 nights in a 2-bed Luxury Fort Suite including daily breakfast, French champagne on arrival and dinner for two once during stay. US$2995 for two inclusive of tax and service (excluding 16 Dec-15 Apr) or book 7 nights or more in a 1-bed Garden Cottage and receive a dinner for two, complimentary bottle of champagne and 3 days’ mini-moke hire (excluding 16 Dec-15 Apr)
Credit Cards: Visa or MasterCard |
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Rates
| | 30 Apr- 15 Dec 2007 | 16 Dec- 07 Jan 2007-08 | 08 Jan- 31 Mar 2008 | 01 Apr- 15 Dec 2008 | | Meal Plan | EP | EP | EP | EP | | 1 bed Garden Suite 1-2 persons | 237 | 399 | 333 | 237 | | 2 bed Garden Suite 3-4 persons | 324 | 558 | 466 | 324 | | 2 bed Luxury Fort Suite 3-4 persons | 407 | 671 | 587 | 407 | | 3 bed Luxury Fort Suite 5-6 persons | 544 | 895 | 755 | 544 | | 3 bed Vineyard Suite 1-6 persons | 407 | 895 | 755 | 450 | Rates include a welcome pack (tea, coffee, milk) and are quoted in US$ per suite/night and are subject to 7.5% government tax and 10% service charge. EP= room only. All rates are subject to change without notice. A 3-night deposit secures a reservation but if you are booking for less than 7 nights, full pre-payment is required. Deposits are non-returnable if you cancel within 28 days of arrival; 14 days in summer. There is a minimum stay requirement of 10 nights between 21 Dec-07 Jan. |
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Special Offers
HONEYMOONERS
Complimentary bottle of French Champagne for Honeymoon couples staying at Little Good Harbour, plus a FREE suite upgrade to the 2 Bedroom Fort Suite subject to availability on arrival. Offer valid year round. |
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How to Book
If you wish to make further enquiries or a reservation, please use the WEB LINK or DIRECT EMAIL ENQUIRIES facility at the top of this page to make contact with Little Good Harbour, or if you wish to telephone them, please click on TELEPHONE CONTACT to reveal the number. |
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UK Tour Operators
If you wish to book through a tour operator or travel organiser, please follow the TOUR OPERATOR link below.
See List of UK Tour Operators
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Locality
Little Good Harbour is a few minutes’ drive north of Speightstown and at least fifteen minutes’ drive from Holetown beyond.
The other restaurants of the west coast are fairly easy to get to. The closest is La Mer, inside Port St Charles. As you head down the coast you can also try Mango's by the Sea, the Lone Star, The Tides in Holetown, Daphne’s or Scarlet in Payne’s Bay and then The Cliff and Calabaza, which are about twenty minutes away by car. Holetown itself has a huge rnumber of lively bars and places to eat out. There is also good nightlife in Holetown with lively weekend gatherings in 1st and 2nd Street, where the restaurants and bars stand shoulder to shoulder, with some providing live music. Drinkers tend to spill out into the street to mingle, creating an easy-going ‘street party’ type of atmosphere. The current ‘hot spots’ are The Mews, The Elbow Room, Spago’s and Lexy’s.
The nearest shopping is obviously in Speightstown, and there is a supermarket there, but you may prefer to head down to Holetown. Here you will find two larger malls, the smaller Cave Shepherd Plaza close to Sandy Lane, and the larger West Coast Mall in Holetown itself, which has a large supermarket, bank, photo centre, duty free shops, video rental, and various shops and boutiques. Close by is the Chattel House Village, a series of shops in traditional looking Bajan style, which sell mainly souvenirs, the 24 hour Sandy Crest Medical Centre, and a market stall where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables. As a local community, and has all you would expect to find in a small town – police station, post office etc. |
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Meet & Greet
If you are travelling independently, taxis are usually available at the airport and will cost around US$55 each way. The ride from the airport is around 50 minutes, depending on the traffic. Alternatively, if you would prefer to be taken care of from the minute you arrive at the airport, with a range of services that can include limousine transfers, a Concierge Service is offered by St James Travel & Tours. (Click through to their page on our site) |
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Getting Around
If you are limiting yourself to nearby beaches and the restaurants up and down the west coast you can survive on taxis, which are readily available through the hotel reception. It is also perfectly possible to use the efficient system of buses that race up and down the west coast main road.
However, for maximum freedom you’ll probably want a car, at least for a couple of days, to visit other beaches by day and the restaurants in the evening. Definitive Caribbean recommends Stoutes Car Rentals. Be aware that in the winter season, particularly over Christmas and New Year, all the hire cars become booked up, so you will need to reserve one well in advance. If you want a car for a week or more the rates can also be better. Vehicles can be returned at the airport or be collected from the property at a pre-arranged time on your departure day.
Little Good Harbour is well positioned for a trip to the dramatic Atlantic coast and the many gardens and plantation houses in the area. You are very likely to get lost in the canefields, but consider it all part of the fun. The Bajans are extremely friendly and will point you in the right direction, so just stop and ask the way. |
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All the information on this page comes to you free of charge. Please remember to mention DefinitiveCaribbean when you talk to this delightful small Barbados hotel, Little Good Harbour or deal with St James Travel & Tours or Stoutes Car Rentals .
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