Barbados for HM

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I am from thee and if you like someplace like Jamaica..you will LOVE barbados.

We went to Barbados for our honeymoon Sept. 1-13, 2004. It was so wonderful. We had both been to Jamaica for our 'first' marriages, but Barbados is way above and beyond. First of all, it has the highest literacy of all the Caribbean Islands. That means educated, polite, gainfully employed natives. The country has a rich mix of cultures and customs. Everyone is welcome and treated like a special guest. We stayed in a wonderful, intimate Hotel, one of the Leading Small Hotels of the WOrld. I travel extensively and can tell you that Barbados was truly a wonderful find. Nobody pesters you to buy anything, there is none of that in-your-face stuff found on many of the Islands. The restaurants are some of the top in the world and there is a great mix of tourism as well. We stayed at the Coral Reef Resort - we could go snorkeling, waterskiing, diving, etc. right on premise for no extra charge. The beach is surrounded by a coral reef so you don't need to travel to snorkel. I can give you more info if you like but in the meantime, here are just a few pics...

Hi
i am so happy you read my post. We were thinking of the same resort...Coral Reef. Tell me anything you can about it. How big was it? How were the rooms and what kind did you stay in? Food???? Was there alot to do? IS there any direct flight? I hope you don't mind all of the questions but it's nice to finally find someone who has been there. We were also thinking of the Ritz Cartlon on St. Thomas, Westin in Cayman Islands and maybe Aruba. What is your opinion????
If you don't mind me asking, (hope you don't think it is rude) how much did you spend and was that w/ all inclusive? We were thinking of going for 7-10 days depending on how expensive it was. Any info would be great!!!!!! Thanks!!!!

The Coral Reef Resort was absolutely PERFECT. We had a Jr. Luxury Suite, looking directly out to the Carribean. I believe we spent about $4000 for a week, but wound up staying 2 extra days because Hurricane Frances had all the flights cancelled. This was the Sun, Moon & Stars package, all inclusive.
The food was AMAZING. Some days they brought breakfast up to our room and set it up on our HUGE balcony. Other days we went downstairs to the buffet, with fresh fruits, juices, omelette stations, etc.
They have 2 pools and a lovely beach. You can get waiter service on the beach. You have to dress for dinner, which is nice because it keeps out the beer-guzzling wife-beater-wearing types out.
The hotel is small enough to be intimate and cater to your every desire, but not so large as to make you feel like just a number (Aruba I heard is huge).
I can't recommend this place enough. It was just so perfect for what we wanted - some days we spent touring the island, and others just lazing by the pool or the beach. We went for a motor boat ride up and down the coast almost every day, and kyaking, and out on a catamaran tour....We NEVER felt threatened or intimidated even in the towns or city, and this is rare for a Carribean Island.
If you give me your regular email I can send more pics - they are too large to post on here. Also check out www.tripadvisor.com. Coral Reef has the highest score on Barbados, better even than the exclusive Sandy Lane (where Tiger Woods just got married), because they are not snooty at Coral Reef.
We got a direct flight on American and flew business class from JFK to Bridgetown, then the resort paid for our taxi to the hotel. Same on the return. Oh I can tell you the best things to see and restaurants and everything!! It was just the BEST trip ever!!