Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands, with a warm and pleasant climate. It's prosperous, creative and naturally beautiful, which is why we think you will like it.
You can learn how to scuba dive, go snorkelling and take a trip in a submarine. Enjoy nature at Orchid World, The Barbados Wildlife Reserve or the Flower Forest. Equally popular are the underground lakes and waterfalls of Harrison Caves and the Animal Flower Cave.
The cultural life of Barbados is equally rich, with everything from the renowned Gallery of Caribbean Art to the Barbados Jazz Festival in January, and the Kensington Oval, one of the world's top cricket grounds.
Of course you'll need somewhere to stay. Somewhere like The Great House.
Located on the beautiful Turtle Beach, it was designed as a family house and fashioned from local coral stone. The house stands in one of the most beautiful gardens on the island, with grounds that spill onto the white sand beach, palm trees and blue waters of the Caribbean.
It accommodates 16 guests - eight in the main house and eight in the four chattel houses. However, an additional four guests may be accommodated for an additional daily rate.
The main house’s ground floor has a spacious entrance hall, reception rooms, Piano Room, wrap-around covered terraces and one bedroom suite.
The sweeping staircase leads up to a further three bedroom suites. Three of these have double beds, and one has twins.
All the suites are individually furnished and the beds, dressed in Ralph Lauren linen, are sumptuously comfortable. The upstairs suites have individual balconies, while the ground floor suite opens onto a cobbled courtyard.
The four chattel houses are arranged in two pairs - the Pink Chattels and the Blue Chattels, taking their names from the colours of their linens and fabrics. Each pair interlinks, making them ideal for families with younger children. They can be furnished with double or twin beds. The chattel houses have their own verandas, with the gardens beyond. Like the suites in the main house, all the chattels have en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, air conditioning and safes.
Children are most welcome.
The beach is just a few seconds stroll. Overlooking it are the Gazebo and the Boardwalk. Both perfect for romantic dinners or enjoying the sunset. The beach is also where you board our private boat to explore the neighbouring waters or indulge in your favourite water sports.
Big Josh, manned by our boatman, is at your service throughout your stay 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This 30ft Grady White pleasure boat, with twin engines, is both highly seaworthy and very comfortable. She has her own on-board shower and bathroom, a cooler that can be packed with refreshments, and a supply of cold towels.
Your boat can be used for watersports including water-skiing or towing our wake board, Half Pipe Tube or Six Man Sled. She can whisk you to another beach for a picnic, snorkelling, fishing or Turtle feeding. Or you can use her as a water taxi to take you to Bridgetown for shopping or lunch at a beachfront restaurant.
In addition to Big Josh, The Great House also has a single and double kayak and a Laser sailboat, with trailer, that guests are welcome to use.
The swimming pool area is a focal point. In addition to the main pool, there is a pool for children, Jacuzzi, poolside bar, sitting room and powder room.
The pool area may be used for more than swimming, sunbathing and general relaxation as guests also frequently use the pool area for dinner, dancing and evening entertainment.
There's plenty of options outside the house: fishing expedition, visit to a nearby town, or allow us to organise more formal entertainment drawing on the pick of the island’s considerable talent. Watch a floorshow, dance the night away to a steel band, or just listen to a singer during dinner.
In fact food is one of The Great House’s greatest pleasures and the menus cater for all tastes. Breakfast includes everything from fresh fruit to pancakes, smoked salmon and eggs to order. Lunch and dinner is an ever-changing menu of freshly cooked dishes, followed by an assortment of desserts and cheeses. Between meals, too, there's a parade of refreshing snacks such as mini-ice-creams, sorbets and sweet treats.
The approach here is based on sourcing local ingredients wherever possible - locally caught fish and the island’s seasonal fruit. What emerges is a culinary experience that combines the flavour of Barbados with the best of international cuisine.
Many guests find they rarely wish to leave the property during – or, indeed, at the end of – their stay. What they value is the way The Great House allows them to design their own holiday – as a special party, a spa holiday, a wedding or just a way to spend time being pampered in the lush, peaceful surroundings with family and friends.