Port St Charles

My husband and I had an excellent stay here early November just for a week. It was a British Airways holiday and upon arrival discovered we had been allocated a beautiful 2 bedroomed apartment in a superb position with huge terrace, on the second floor. We were expecting and had paid for a one bedroomed apartment. We felt as thought we had walked into somebody's home - well I suppose we had - with family photographs on display, books and also beautifully furnished and extremely spacious. As a previous poster said, we felt we hadn't paid enough money for such a lovely place. We also had a very welcome starter pack including beers!

We were very close to the North Beach which is where I used to walk for a swim rather than the main Heywoods beach. Both beaches are extremely quiet and there was always someone around to help with a sunbed and parasol. I only once got the water taxi when I had walked over to Heywoods just to have a look, and the taxi was there so he gave me a lift back to the apartment. We ate very often in Pier One and also at the other bar, both have swimming pools. We walked into Speightstown twice, takes around 20/25 mins, once for breakfast and shopping at Jordans (taxi back) and another day calling at Caboose for delicious fish cutters.

I can't remember exactly the opening hours of Pier One (this was the quiet time in November), but lunch goes on until around 5.00 pm so on the days they were closed in the evening, we had a very late 'lunch' at 5.00 which served as our evening meal, which with the time change worked quite well (jetlag!)

I knew it may feel a little quiet but that was part of the charm. Ideally it would be better to hire a car but we didn't bother, I knew the location and we decided if we wanted to go further afield we would take a taxi or bus. This really is a lovely place to stay if you want peace and quiet, extremely quiet beaches too. Our second week was spent at our favourite west coast hotel - Colony Club - which has just undergone a superb re-fit, so it was a little more lively and we were able to socialise with quite a number of guests.

When we arrived in Barbados it was late, we took a taxi from the airport and went straight to the apartment, the taxi driver was given our key at security gate. We walked round to reception the next day - they were very friendly and helpful as are all the staff and groundsmen who do a great job keeping the gardens immaculate. It feels a very safe place to stay.

It may seem strange to give Port St Charles only 4 stars but it's more to do what there is to do, or not as the case may be. Firstly the secure access, security guards, reception area and staff are all first class. Really helpful and friendly and totally professional. We we concerned we hadn't paid enough when we arrived because the place is immaculate. I have no idea how many staff work there but the grounds staff outnumbered the guests by a substantial ratio whilst we were there. It may get busier in the high season but during our visit it was lifeless. We felt as though we had left our holiday and swapped to living in Barbados whilst at Port St Charles. We can't complain about the accommodation - it was simply amazing. Everything was catered for, there were even Massey shopping bags in the cupboard. Laundry equipment was provided, literally everything. There was a welcome pack of bread, butter, beers (nice), bacon, eggs - what could be better. It really was home from home - and I think that was the issue. We were on holiday - not living there. The few people that were there were obviously long termers as they played tennis together, went to pier one together, sat on the beach together, you get the idea.. So we were alone - not a bad thing - we love each others company, but we do like a bit of socialising when away from home. Pier One only opens for dinner from Thur - Sun, We arrived late on Saturday, already had a booking in Speightstown on the Sunday, and then left the accommodation on the Thursday so we didn't get the chance to eat at Pier One so can't comment. The water taxi seemed like a great idea but we never used it as the resort is small enough to walk around in about 10 minutes. The beach is beautiful. The security staff will put out loungers and parasols, and a relaxing time can be had in beautifully calm waters. You can walk from the resort to Speightstown along the beach in about 15 minutes which is fabulous for light bites and beers if that's your fancy. Going out for an evening meal is more of a challenge though in that you either need to arrange a taxi or, if you have a hire car, do that (and stay sober). As I say - giving 4 stars isn't for the accommodation or the resort - it's purely because there is nothing to do and it's a shift from being on holiday to 'living'.

A wonderful place to stay with private beach access. Complimentary water taxis are available if you prefer not to walk, and they also provide free chairs and umbrellas for guests. The nearby port features a restaurant that’s easily reached by the same water taxi service.

The port area is safe, well-maintained, and offers free, convenient parking.

The ocean here is beautiful, and if you swim out a bit, you’ll discover an abundance of colorful fish—making it an excellent spot for snorkeling.