Settlers' Beach

In Depth

Settlers' Beach has an air of tranquillity and an informality that grow effortlessly out of its prime beachfront location on Barbados’ illustrious West Coast and its expansive gardens. Since the 1960s the small resort has endeared itself to a host of discerning, independent travellers of all ages, many of whom return year after year. It is one of a dying breed of resorts in Barbados, which retain a subtle sense of a more traditional Caribbean, of simpler days before tourism in the island really took off, when unobtrusive service and friendliness were the most vital ingredients. Settlers' has successfully retained this original style and ambiance, while injecting the contemporary through modifications and improvements.

There is also an element of community about the small resort which gives it great personality as a home away from home. You can mingle if you wish, but there is no pressure to do so. It is popular with families and groups of friends, but also, unusually, it is one of the few places where a single traveller can chill out without feeling out of place. There is a friendly bar and restaurant, and the weekly manager’s cocktail party for those who like a bit of social interaction. At Settlers you will have a feeling of being cocooned from the outside world and once you enter the grounds and privacy of your own villa, you will feel immediately at ease.

The hotel sits just back from the main west coast road just north of Holetown. You enter a small but cheerful-looking area with the Front Desk (where you can arrange activities and excursions) and the reservations and management offices and from here you pass into the excellent gardens, following a paved pathway among the simply designed white villas and the lawns, palm trees and sprays of bougainvillea of the gardens. The gardens look particularly good when lit up at night.

At the heart of the gardens, almost hidden from view by the profusion of tropical shrubs and palms, is a large freshwater swimming pool, which makes for a cool and tranquil spot to sit out and relax. Overlooking the beach is the open-sided restaurant and bar, Spago. This is independently run and popular with outsiders as well as guests at Settlers' itself. The view of the sea and the curve of the bay is framed by the hotel’s excellent palms and shrubs. Next door to it is the air-conditioned TV lounge (thus far Settlers' has decided against putting TVs in the villas). Two short flights of stone steps, one either side of the restaurant, lead down to the shorefront and its sweep of golden sand. This is a popular stretch of beach. It has excellent swimming and is good for strolling. And of course, west-facing, it is also a fabulous spot for watching the setting sun.

Settlers’ 22 villas, which are either two storey cottages or bungalows with an inner courtyard, are set in linked clusters in a general U-shape, the open end of which faces the coast. They are individually decorated but all follow a basic white and neutral theme, on which there is the occasional splash of colour in the soft furnishings. Kitchens are fully equipped, bedrooms air-conditioned with en suite bathrooms, and there is a good size open plan living/dining area. All have been renovated and refurbished over recent years to provide more up-to-date interiors, which remain pleasantly understated and are both convenient and comfortable to live in. Each villa has its own patch of lawn with couple of sun loungers, so you needn’t bother going any further afield.

The gardens play a large part in the atmosphere of the hotel and they are literally brimming with all manner of tropical blooms and a whole array of palms - sago, golden, fan, Christmas, bamboo palm and coconut. In the middle of the garden, a neatly trimmed lawn is shaded by a variety of mature trees, mostly mahogany but also flamboyant, a striking African Tulip (which produces an impressive flamed colour bloom) and breadfruit trees, which provide plenty of welcome shade. This is an ideal area for children to play and for older guests who prefer to avoid the full strength of the sun.

Settlers' Beach has an unaffected air, in which it feels right to kick off your shoes and go barefoot. It offers both the independence of a villa and low key, hotel-style services and facilities but omits the more traditional activities and entertainment which you will find in many Caribbean hotels, something which its followers are more than happy to forgo.

Beach & Swimming

Settlers' Beach is set on a strip of golden sand that sweeps along the bay towards Holetown on Barbadoss excellent West Coast. The sea is generally very calm and the swimming is excellent. The sand (which can vary in depth throughout the year, depending on sea conditions) shelves steeply for the first few feet from the waters edge and then deepens more gradually within the roped off swimming area (a no go area for motorised watersports), where there is a swim-up platform. On the sand itself, shade is provided by a range of palms and mixed shrubbery. Beach chairs are available for guests. This is a good section of beach to stroll along and heading south you can walk right down to Holetown itself. The Folkstone Marine Park is located just to the north of Settlers' Beach and features good snorkelling with an underwater trail.

A good-size freshwater swimming pool (50ft x 24ft with steps into the 3ft shallow end and ladders each side of a 7ft 5 deep end) sits behind the restaurant and bar. It is surrounded by a paved terrace where there are loungers. Swimming instruction is available for children and it is Settlers' Beach own in-house instructor Aubrey, who has taught at Settlers for many years. Swimming clinics are laid on for children during the summer holidays.

Sports & Recreation

A wide range of watersports can be arranged directly from the operators who ply their trade along the beach and complimentary non-motorised watersports facilities are available on property. If you want to go deep sea fishing or on a sailing cruise up and down the coast, the Front Desk can make the arrangements for you. A short drive away you will find Folkstone Marine Park, a recreational underwater park with a snorkelling trail, interpretive centre and marine museum, plus basketball courts and a playground.

Guests at Settlers' Beach can use the tennis courts at the nearby Divi Heritage Beach Resort, and special arrangements have been made for complimentary use of the gym at the J&S Health, Fitness & Sports Academy, Holders Hill. Massage therapy in the privacy of your own villa is available on request. The closest golf course is at Royal Westmoreland, just north and inland, though tee times for outsiders are limited. Two other golf courses are available to visitors at Sandy Lane, whose club house is about fifteen minutes drive south and inland.

As none of the villas have TVs, Settlers has set up a TV in the air-conditioned lounge located next to the restaurant. This is pleasantly furnished with comfortable cushioned wicker sofas and chairs, occasional glass topped tables and a large flat screen TV with cable service.

Staff

Settlers' offer daily hotel-style maid service. They will do your laundry. The services of a cook are available at additional charge.

Settlers' Beach has a dedicated team of long serving staff headed up by General Manager, Vanesssa Sumpter. Originally from New Zealand, Vanessa returned to her former post in April 2011, having been at the helm two years previously. Sonia Frederick is now House Manager, having been promoted from the position of Reservations Manager in 2003 following 15 years of looking after bookings. Aubrey Corbin is the propertys in-house swimming instructor who has been teaching the younger guests to swim for many years.

The villas

There are 22 villas at Settlers' and they run in a horseshoe pattern around the central gardens, pool and restaurant. The original fabric of the buildings and layout of the hotel has remained unchanged since its construction in 1969, however over the years all of the villas have been refurbished and upgraded to meet the expectations of todays travellers. White and neutral tones are the keynote of the main dcor and the walls and woodwork are painted a fresh white, set off against a profusion of tropical plants.

The clusters of the buildings alternate between a two-storey cottage and a single level bungalow. Cottage #5 is the only stand-alone cottage and it sits on the waterfront facing south. Inside, all of the villas have a simple design and are well equipped with good living space. They are bright and airy with louvered windows for through breezes and ceiling fans. The bedrooms are air-conditioned. Each villa has its own section of lawn at the front which is flanked by tropical greenery to shield it partially from the villa next door. This provides a semi private area right outside your own living area in which you can relax or sunbathe. Finally, there is also a single, one-bedroom apartment located above Reception which has views over the central gardens.

There are two types of villas. First there is the one-storey bungalow, which has an open-plan living area with the kitchen at one end, a breakfast bar and double glass sliding doors giving onto central gardens. Opposite these another set of doors leads to an inner courtyard with a partial pergola that can be used for sunbathing, relaxing and dining. These inner courtyards vary in style. Some have more roof-cover than others, but all are of identical size. Two bedrooms, each with their own entrance (no inner connecting door) are located off the courtyard. The two-storey cottages have an open plan living area downstairs with the kitchen in one corner, which can be shut off with louvered doors. Again, glass sliding doors open to the gardens and a rear door to a parking area. An inner stairway leads to a landing with a balcony. From here there are sliding doors to the master bedroom and a normal door to the second bedroom. There is an interconnecting door between the two bedrooms.

All the villas have a light, Caribbean style, with exposed wooden roofs that have been whitewashed, neutral floor tiles laid with handcrafted straw mats, and locally made, very traditional Caribbean wooden furnishing throughout, some white others with a pickle-pine effect. The soft furnishings all differ in colour, according to the individual owners choice, which gives each villa a slightly different twist. The villas at Settlers' are very easy on the eye and easy to relax in.

Dining

The restaurant and bar at Settlers' Beach has been run independently for many years, changing its name occasionally as new operators take over. It is now home to the popular Italian restaurant, Spago (there is another in Holetown) and has an unfussy decor within the peak-roofed pavilions. It is completely open-sided and gives out onto Settlers excellent gardens, with glimpses of the Caribbean Sea just a few feet away and has an easy going, congenial atmosphere.

In recent years, Spago's sea view deck has been enlarged for additional dining space and the decor transformed into something cosier and more welcoming, with several stylish touches added, such as chandeliers within the pavilion and large umbrellas on the deck. With the Spago Restaurant dining packages guests can now choose from a range of special meal options, some of which include complimentary wine and drinks, plus discounts up to 15% if booking 7 days or more. Spago has created a special breakfast buffet, and a la carte lunch and dinner menus which include both local and international dishes.

The weekly managers cocktail party with live entertainment is held in the restaurant.

Weddings

Settlers' Beach is a delightful spot for a memorable yet low-key Caribbean wedding. You can choose to tie the knot right on the beach of the exclusive West Coast of Barbados or within the immaculate gardens with a backdrop of palm fronds and tropical blooms. A selection of packages are on offer, which can be adjusted to suit your specific requirements.

Spago Restaurant offers a wide range of wedding options on the catering front. Please contact the resort for further details.

Children

Settlers' Beach is a favourite of independently minded families with children of all ages, especially during the school holidays, when swimming lessons are laid on with Aubrey, the in-house swimming instructor. The hotel has also introduced seasonal activities for two weeks during the Easter and Christmas holidays, with an activity planned every other day. Popular events have included movie nights with popcorn, an arts and crafts day, an Easter Egg hunt, a Mad Hatter tea party, kite flying (at Easter), carol singing, Santa games and a visit by Father Christmas. And of course there are plenty of other youngsters around with whom your children can make their own fun.

The gardens, enclosed by the villas and front desk, give parents a sense of security and enable them to keep a watchful eye from a distance. The hotel has cricket, volleyball and soccer sets which can be used on the lawns, and for the pool and beach there are floats, snorkelling gear and sand toys. Babysitting can be arranged (see below) and families staying 7 nights or more can enjoy a nights service (3 hours) on a complimentary basis.

Nearby is the Folkstone Marine Park, a recreational underwater park which is a fun and educational spot for children with a snorkelling trail. On weekends and bank holidays it is a popular area for local families who spend the day swimming, playing beach games and using the picnic area. There are also tennis and basketball courts and a simple playground.

Useful Hints

An initial supply of groceries can be pre-ordered and placed in your villa for your arrival so that you can prepare breakfast on your first morning, or have enough to keep you going for your first 24 hours. This service is subject to an additional charge, which will be added to your room account along with the cost of the items purchased, and should be paid for locally. A cook can be arranged from US$50 per meal.

If you are looking for a property with lots of activities, nightly entertainment and a buzzing, bustling atmosphere then this is not for you. Settlers' Beach is like a small community. Its easy-going, friendly atmosphere also makes it an ideal choice for single people to relax without fear of feeling out of place.

Practical Facts

Annual Closure Dates: 01 to 28 September 2012

Dress Code: Casual, although beachwear is not acceptable without cover-ups in the restaurant and bar. In the evenings dress is smarter though still fairly relaxed.

Facilities: Swimming pool. Restaurant and bar. Watersports hut. Air-conditioned lounge with cable TV and a PC for internet access. WiFi access throughout the resort.

Complimentary: Welcome drinks on arrival. Non-motorised watersports - boogie boards, sea bed and snorkelling. Weekly managers cocktail party with live music. Use of the gym at J&S Health, Fitness & Sports Academy, Holders Hill. Use of the tennis courts at Divi Heritage Beach Resort. Use of PC with internet access in guest TV lounge. Board games.

Other Services: Front desk will arrange island tours, activities, lunch cruises, day trips to neighbouring islands and car rental, and provides a foreign exchange service limited to small transactions only. WiFi. Daily hotel style maid service with turndown service. Personal laundry service is available and is priced on a per item basis note villas feature self-service washer/dryers. Cooks arranged on request at a cost from US$50 per meal. Swimming lessons arranged. Gas barbecue available on request.

Children: Welcome year round. High chairs, cribs and roll-away beds available. Baby sitting can be arranged at a cost of US$7.50 per hour during the day and US$12.50 per hour at night, with a minimum booking of 3 hours. You must provide a taxi home for your babysitter from 11pm. Seasonal activities arranged.

Weddings & Honeymoons: The Bride & Groom Only Wedding Package from US$2,875 includes all the basics plus Champagne, a cake, flowers, solo plan player, photography, and hair and makeup.

Accommodation: 22 villas and 1 apartment

Villas: All villas are individually furnished, have ceiling fans, air-conditioned bedrooms with twin beds which can be made up to a king-size bed, clock radio, direct dial telephone, safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and en suite bathroom with tub/shower. Villas include an open plan living/dining area with fully equipped kitchen with a full size cooker, American style fridge-freezer with ice maker, microwave, toaster, kettle, and washing machine with dryer. 1 x Three-Bedroom Beach Villa (#5) is a two-storey cottage with sea views, three bedrooms (third bedroom downstairs) and is the only stand-alone cottage within the resort. It sits opposite the restaurant on the north side with south facing balcony and patio. 1 x Two-Bedroom Beach Villa (#4) is a two storey cottage with sea views set opposite the restaurant, just above the beach. It sits on the south side at the end of a link of four villas and faces north. 20 x Two-Bedroom Superior Garden/Pool Villas form a U-shape around the pool and central gardens with 9 bungalows alternating with 11 two storey cottages set in linked clusters a row of 6 west facing sit at the back of the gardens, two sets of 4 are on the north side and a set of 3 and one of 4 (ends with Villa #4) on the south side. Views take in the gardens and those nearer the beach will have partial sea views or glimpses of the pool. Note that the bedrooms of the bungalows do not have inner views of the property. The two-storey cottages have two bedrooms upstairs accessed via an inner stairway from the living area to a balcony (lockable door to top) which overlooks the gardens, with separate entrances (master has sliding doors and the guest bedroom regular doorway) and inter-connecting doors. Downstairs has an open-plan living/dining area with sliding doors to the gardens. The kitchen sits opposite the dining area and can be concealed behind folding/sliding louver doors. Single level bungalows feature an open-plan living/dining area with kitchen to one end with a breakfast bar. Glass sliding doors lead either side, one to the main gardens and the inner to either a paved courtyard garden with partial pergola and sun patio or an atrium style courtyard (all individually set out) and used for sunning or as an additional dining area. The two bedrooms sit across this inner area to the rear of the bungalow, each with separate entrances - these do not feature inter-connecting doors. 1 x One-Bedroom Apartment is located above reception with a west facing balcony and views over the gardens, and features an open-plan living/dining room with kitchen, bedroom with en suite bathroom with tub/shower. Maximum occupancy of 2 persons in the one bedroom/one bedroom villa and 5 persons in a two bedroom villa.

Credit Cards: VISA, MasterCard and American Express.

Locality

Settlers' Beach lies just north of Holetown, where the English first landed in 1625 and came back in 1627 to settle (hence giving their name to the hotel, of course). There are two shopping centres in the town, which is within walking distance, the smaller Cave Shepherd Plaza and the larger West Coast Mall in Holetown itself. Here you will find a large supermarket, bank, photo centre, duty free shops, video rental, and various shops and boutiques. Opposite the mall is a gas station (as petrol stations are known locally) which includes a convenience store and fast food outlet that open beyond normal business hours. Next door the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is a recent addition with a range of designer shops, an art gallery, bars, cafes and restaurants. Close by is the Chattel House Village, a series of shops in traditional looking Bajan style. They sell mainly souvenirs, except The Gourmet Shop which stocks speciality foods and wines. Outside the Sandy Crest Medical Centre and pharmacy, there is a small stall where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables. As a local community, Holetown has all you would expect to find police station, post office etc. In February a festival is held to celebrate the arrival of the original settlers and Holetown becomes a hive of activity with a street fair, concerts, parades and performing arts.

There are a good number of restaurants within just a few minutes drive of Settlers' Beach, some of them within walking distance. North of Speightstown are the Fish Pot, which has a lovely setting in Shermans Bay. Coming south you will find Mangos By The Sea and the Lone Star. In Holetown itself, you will find The Mews, Nishi and Cafe Indigo, as well as Patisserie Flindt. Further south there is The Tides and about ten minutes drive away, The Cliff and Cin Cin By The Sea. 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, Elbow Room, Spago and Lexy Piano Bar.

Meet & Greet

Airport transfers can be arranged by Settlers' Beach. The ride from the airport is around 40 minutes, depending on the traffic. Alternatively, if you would prefer private limousine transfers, St James Travel & Tours offer a range of services that can also include a Concierge Service.

If you are booking through a travel organiser, it is likely that their representative will be at the airport to meet you. This service and your return airport transfers should be included in the cost of your holiday. Please check at the time of booking.

Getting Around

Hiring a car to explore the island or go to a different beach for the day is easily arranged. Book via your tour operator or direct with Stoutes Car Rentals. Ask for them to deliver your vehicle to the property, where they can also issue your local driving licence. Be aware that at the height of the winter season there is often a shortage of cars, so you are advised to book yours 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. Taxis are readily available through reception. It is also easy and quite fun to take buses along the West Coast main road.

Video

Sara Macefield talks to Mark O'Hara, Director of Coral Reef Club, The Sandpiper and Settlers Beach, about their plans for Settlers Beach over the next 3-5 years.