Barbados

15 Affordable Caribbean Hotels to Stay Warm at this Winter

by Kristina on December 14, 2012

Winter may be firmly upon us now in the Northeast, but that doesn’t mean we have to write off warm weather entirely. The Caribbean isn’t too far away (especially for us East Coasters), and some island hotels are featuring wonderfully affordable rates this time of year. You may have to forgo a few luxuries to stay on budget, but designer toiletries are highly overrated, right? So pack your bags and get ready to hit the beach for a few days — or a few weeks! Oyster has the skinny on the Caribbean’s best value stays.

Rockhouse Hotel, Jamaica

Dive right into the Caribbean Sea from your room at the Rockhouse.

The Rockhouse is a lush, laid-back Jamaican resort offering gourmet dining, morning yoga, a premium spa, and best of all, a gorgeous cliff-side location on Negril‘s coast. Sure, there’s no fitness center and rooms lack TVs and Wi-Fi, but its unplugged vibe is just why some guests come. Plus, with rates usually falling below $200, it’s a steal compared to similar resorts — such as the slightly chicer Caves — in the area. (NB: Children under 12 are not allowed on the property.)

Tagged as: Aruba, Barbados, Beach Hotels, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Turks and Caicos, Value Hotels

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Photo Fakeout of the Week: Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa, Barbados

by Jane on November 15, 2012

Here at Oyster, we pride ourselves on intensively visiting, photographing, and reviewing every single hotel we feature on our site. Our photos are undoctored and honest, but on our travels, we’ve found that the hotel’s marketing photos can be heavily retouched or cropped mysteriously. Our Photo Fakeouts are legendary — just look at the Sexy Lady Phenomenon — and we felt it was only appropriate that as we expand our coverage, we expand our Fakeout repertoire, too. So today, check out our new find: a shrinking Jacuzzi at the Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa in Barbados. See for yourself »

Tagged as: Barbados

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5 Sexy Ideas for Your Honeymoon, Courtesy of Your Hotel

by Rachel on September 19, 2012

Sometimes the honeymoon isn’t about the locale (OK, well maybe a little bit), but rather about the hotel itself. Some of the finest properties around the globe are offering up unique, sexy services to ignite their burning desires (and/or fires). And rather then spend every last minute planning your honeymoon when you have SO MUCH ELSE to do, we figured we’d finagle the deets for you in advance. So brides, sit back, relax and enjoy these ideas brought to you by hotels across the globe. You can thank them later when you’re just positively glowing.

1. Book your stay at an adults-only resort.
Try: Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados

Beach at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados

The beach's umbrellas seat two. Coincidence? We think not.

Sprawling across 11 acres on the west coast of Barbados, the property is situated closer to the waterfront than others in the area, due to it being built before legislation forced future resorts to build further inland. The pink Colonial-style Fairmont Royal Pavilion feels quite romantic thanks to its design and offers two restaurants and bars, as well as free afternoon tea on the terrace. Because there are only 72 rooms, the beach never feels crowded. Excellent amenities include an outdoor pool , tennis courts , and free non-motorized water sports. Plus, NO ONE under the age of 18 is permitted at the resort. Did someone say bliss?

Tagged as: All-Inclusive Hotels, Barbados, Boutique Hotels, Cancun, Jamaica, Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, Resort Hotels, Romantic Hotels, San Francisco

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5 Luxurious Destination Wedding Escapes

by Rachel on September 12, 2012

As obviously travel-biased folks, we cannot understand how a bride can spend an average of $30,000 on a wedding — instead of on an incredible vacation. But hotels these days are making it easier than ever to do both, that is, honeymoon and wed at the very same location. Check out five of the most luxurious destination wedding escapes around — brides, we promise you’ll be drooling to get away instead.

1. Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

El Puerto Restaurant at the Fairmont serves up delicious Mexican grub.

The adults-only infinity pool is perfect for soaking up some sun post-nuptials.

With beautiful architecture and grounds, the Fairmont Mayakoba is the most picturesque spot to wed on the Playa del Carmen in Mexico, and few properties in the area can match the unrivaled level of privacy the resort offers. Although rooms are set amidst lagoons and tropical forests, they’re well-equipped and modern featuring upscale bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and separate jetted tubs.

Tagged as: Bahamas, Barbados, Destination Weddings, Luxury Hotels, Maui, Napa Valley, Riviera Maya, Romantic Hotels

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Monday Morning Ahhh: Sandy Lane, Barbados

by Rachel on August 20, 2012

Decked out in its signature pink, the Sandy Lane in Western Barbados is the creme-da-le-creme of luxury hotels around the world. While its superb service and long list of amenities are all top-notch (there’s even a Rolls Royce available to chauffeur you), Sandy Lane’s highlight is no doubt its white-sand strip of beach. So pretend you’re in one of those lounge chairs — with a matching fruity cocktail — take a deep breath, relax, and soak in the Monday morning goodness that is the beach at Sandy Lane.

Beach at Sandy Lane; Barbados

Tagged as: Barbados, Luxury Hotels, Monday Morning Ahhhh

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Super-Savvy Honeymoons: Wallet-Friendly Spots That Won’t Skimp on Romance

by Jane on August 8, 2012

With the venue, caterer, florist, photographer, bridal party gifts, rehearsal dinner, hair and makeup, etc, etc, etc, even a wedding on a budget can end up costing a pretty penny. [Ed. note: Sorry to any bride-to-bes whom we may have just given major anxiety. But honey, that list was just the tip of the iceberg.] So often a super-luxe honeymoon to top it all off is out of the question. But hey, everyone deserves a honeymoon. After all the planning, prepping, and smiling for guests whom you definitely didn’t invite (“Oh, so your my mom’s neighbor’s daughter’s friend? I see!”), a romantic getaway will be just what you need to kick off your wedded bliss. That’s why we at Oyster have found five fabulous beachy honeymoon spots that’ll be kind to your new joint bank account. (Or separate! hey, we’re all about independence here) And just because they’re budget-friendly, it doesn’t mean these spots sacrifice style. They’re also some of the most quaint, peaceful, and romantic hotels around. So relax: Your wedding will be perfect (we promise) and no matter what, you’ll be able to follow it up with the romantic trip that doesn’t break the bank.

Book a Flight to: St. Lucia

We dieeee over the beach at The Still Beach House.

Stay at: The Still Beach House

Though this island of friendly people and gorgeous beaches has recently seen an influx of tourism, it maintains a sense of unspoiled, exotic beauty that gives it great appeal for a romantic getaway. The Still Beach House, along Soufriere Bay, is a quaint, budget-friendly inn perfect for penny pinchers. There’s little in the way of amenities — in fact, the only extras are direct access to a public beach (that’s, by the way, totally gorgeous) and a breezy restaurant and bar – but adventurous couples will find the hotel’s location exceptional and its accommodations satisfactory. Not only does the inn offers incredible views of Petit Piton — which appears at arm’s length from every room’s private balcony — the landmark is also within walking distance of Soufriere, so there’s lots of local flavor to be found. And with just five rooms, Still Beach guarantees newlyweds peace and quiet.

Tagged as: Aruba, Barbados, Boutique Hotels, Hawaii, Jamaica, Oahu, St. Lucia, Value Hotels

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Travel Like a Queen: Check Out the Luxury Hotels of Britain’s Royal Family

by Kristina on August 3, 2012

If there’s one thing we’ve learned this summer it’s that the Brits are classy. From the Diamond Jubilee to the ongoing Olympic games, it’s clear that Her Royal Majesty recognizes true luxury when she sees it (and isn’t afraid to parachute out of a helicopter, either…but that’s a whole other story). While we all might be wishing our way to London right now, it might be easier – and just as fabulous – to visit some of the Royals’ favorite hotels beyond the British Isles. They can’t take their castles with them when they travel, but Queen Elizabeth II and company do find some of the most elegant, indulgent properties to call home when touring the globe. Just don’t forget to pack your finery when traveling to these hotels – they are, after all, literally fit for a queen.

Home Away From Castle: Half Moon, Jamaica

Regal Entrance to Half Moon, Jamaica

Since opening in 1954, Jamaica’s Half Moon resort has played host to many a royal, including HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, HRH The Prince of Wales, and HRH Princess Margaret. This exclusive resort is built on a perfectly shaped crescent beach (hence its celestial name), and is known for its timeless, understated luxury across every nook and cranny of its 400 acres. Classic design, attentive service and quality cuisine are abound – even at the swim-up bar. But what truly sets Half Moon apart from other resorts is its endless breadth of activities. Guests can swim with dolphins in the resort’s private cove, play tennis or golf, windsurf, kayak, choose from a myriad of spa treatments…the list literally goes on for a bit. With so many options (even if HRH chooses only to soak in the Jamaican sun), the island’s status as member of the British Commonwealth, and Half Moon’s dedication to service and taste, it’s no wonder the royals feel right at home here.

Oyster’s Fave Royal Amenity: Half Moon’s Equestrian Center gets it major British brownie points. Polo is as British as tea and crumpets, and at Half Moon the boys (Their Royal Boys?) can work on their form, beach-side.

Tagged as: 2012 Olympics, Barbados, Berlin, Jamaica, Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Toronto, Washington D.C.

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5 Amazing Adults-Only Retreats (Leave the Kids at Home!)

by Carolina on June 7, 2012

Some hotels aren’t interested in catering to the baby-toting crowd, and we’re totally OK with that. In fact, we think it’s quite sexy that some resorts require their guests to be above the age of 18 — at least you know there’s no pee in the pool, right? (Well, let’s just assume.) Great for couples, empty nesters, or groups of friends looking for a quieter getaway, these five amazing adults-only vacations are sure to make even the lifelong 17-year-old in you crawl back into his bedroom for good. Check out our favorite steamy spots after the jump!

Tagged as: Barbados, Bermuda, Cancun, Jamaica, Los Cabos, Romantic Hotels

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Some of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches

by Carolina on May 21, 2012

The Villa Montana Beach Resort; Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

What’s more relaxing than hearing the sound of the waves gently lapping against the fine golden sand while you snooze under a palapa? (Answer: Nothing. Duh.) Whether planning a family trip, a romantic tryst, or a long weekend away with friends, choosing the best beach is probably as important — or more — as booking the right hotel for your vacation. But nobody said it was easy to decide, with the many gorgeous options we’ve curated just for your (rainy day) viewing pleasure.

Tagged as: Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Miami, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos

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Tea Time: 10 Proper Spots to Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

by Kelsey on May 14, 2012

Tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair

There’s really nothing more English than afternoon tea, and so in honor of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this June, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots to indulge — in London and the Commonwealth.

We found scones, clotted cream, and smoked salmon finger sandwiches, of course, but a few surprises as well — from poetry tea readings to a tea inspired by the royal jewels.

Pinkies up, please!