Seascape

In Depth

Set off the tree-lined main road just south of Speightstown on the West Coast of Barbados, Seascape is one of a number of holiday homes in prime beachfront locations in the leafy area of Gibbs. This coastal strip of St Peter has a much quieter feel to it than further down the coast in St James. Traditionally it was the choice of visitors seeking a retreat from the more fashionable beaches, and it remains so today. The most noticeable feature of this part of the island is that there is not a single hotel along the beaches of Gibbs and Mullins. All you will find are villas and smart homes, although one or two of them are large enough to be considered mini hotels in themselves. Although there has been some development within the area over recent years, not much has changed. The only activity of note takes place around the former Mullins Beach Bar, as it has done for decades.

Seascape is a well-appointed coral stone villa which is has an eclectic but nevertheless charming mix of styles. Part Caribbean beach house and part English country house, it is set on probably the loveliest stretch of beach in St Peter and has excellent sunbathing and swimming just steps from the sun terrace. The cosy and well furnished sitting room, guarded either side by rather imposing statues of torch-bearing Moors, has brightly painted and covered rattan seating to one end and a study area at the other. This features a small bureau with upper cabinet displaying a collection of china and one of number of antique maps to be found around the walls – one particular map of Barbados is dated 1657. Sliding French doors push back to extend the main room out to the enclosed veranda, which has another sitting area with padded wicker chairs, a dining table and wet bar with fridge. The veranda has open sides made secure with wrought iron work, and a gate that opens to give access to a paved sun terrace below. The sun terrace, which has a well-positioned hammock, is built just above the beach, giving the villa excellent uninterrupted views of the sea beyond. It is also another dining area.

Seascape has four bedrooms. The downstairs twin room, features green rattan and wicker furnishings, a private patio with partial sea views, a collection of books, a dressing room and en suite bathroom with shower only. Upstairs a north bedroom has two twins pushed together with an unusual mirrored headboard, featuring turquoise painted furnishings, a balcony with sea views and en suite bathroom with tub/shower. The main master bedroom, is in the centre of the villa upstairs, and is carpeted, with a king-size four poster canopy bed, en suite bathroom with separate tub and shower, and a private balcony with fabulous views of the beach and sea. The secondary master bedroom (bedroom number four) is located a couple of steps to the rear (south) and has an exotic air, featuring a king-size bed with green and pink wood lattice headboard, with green and white rattan furnishings, a private balcony and en suite bathroom with tub/shower. 

Beach & Swimming

Seascape is situated on one of Barbados' best beaches, Gibbs Beach on Mullins Bay which runs into Mullins Beach and boasts a long stretch of glorious golden sand and some of the best swimming on the West Coast.

Sports & Recreation

The nearest golf course is Royal Westmoreland about 15 minutes drive away, which has some tee times open to outsiders in the mid morning. Otherwise there are two courses open to the public at Sandy Lane, about 20 minutes away. The nearest tennis courts are located at Sugar Hill about 12 minutes drive away. Watersports are available from Mullins Beach.

Locality

Seascape is located on a small shared drive with a small office and private holiday apartment, and with neighbouring homes and holiday villas nearby. It lies just south of Mullins Bay and the popular Mullins Beach Bar. Speightstown, the island's second largest town, is a very short drive away (about 5 minutes). Once known as Little Bristol because of connections to Bristol on the west coast of England, Speightstown still has a feel of old time Barbados about it. There is a small fish market on the seafront, fruit and vegetable sellers known as "hucksters" on the road side, a couple of local restaurants and bars and a smattering of shops, as well as a reasonably well stocked supermarket.

The nearest good restaurants to the north are Mangos By the Sea, The Terrace at Cobblers Cove hotel and the Fish Pot at Little Good Harbour. To the south try Lone Star.

Useful Hints

Ask your travel organiser or the management company (if booking direct) for initial food and drink supplies to be laid in for your arrival. The cook will then prepare a welcome meal. Thereafter, staff will shop for you during your stay if you wish to delegate this chore, but a 10% service charge + VAT will be added to all shopping bills. Rental rates for villas in Barbados do not include 'tips', about which you will find advice in the guest information book at the villa.

Airport Meet & Greet

If you are booking direct ask the villa management company to send a taxi to meet you at the airport. Your airport transfers are paid for locally and take approximately 50 minutes. 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.

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

Although most things are relatively close at hand and Speightstown can easily be reached by public transport, a hired car is strongly recommended for all private villa holidays, unless you prefer staff to call taxis for you as required. A car will be useful if you want to dine out at night or do lots of sightseeing and particularly when it comes to shopping for groceries. Book car hire via your travel organiser or direct with Stoutes Car Rentals and ask for your vehicle(s) to be delivered to the property approximately three hours after your scheduled time of arrival on Barbados or the following morning. Vehicles can be returned at the airport or be collected from the property at a pre-arranged time on your departure day.