Bliss in Barbados: Romance and Weddings
With a smile as wide as the Sea and a forkful of perfectly seared ginger tuna, Ruth Emerson is the eternal romantic as she gazes at the rolling waves from her table at the Lone Star restaurant on the west coast of Barbados . “In my opinion, the Good Shepherd beach is the most romantic,” she says describing the sandy sliver named after the church that sits right on the waterfront. With no shortage of quixotic vistas, the sunny island in the Eastern Caribbean is, indeed, passion in paradise.
Little England, as it is sometimes called, Barbados is bordered to the west and south by the unruffled Caribbean Sea and to the east by limestone cliffs that stand guard over the rugged Atlantic Ocean. From stunning scenery to swanky spas, Barbados is the perennial favourite of Canadians tying the knot, celebrating anniversaries or simply making time for togetherness. With many scheduled flights, taking a break from the March winds has never been easier and with laws eliminating advance requirements, couples can say I Do on the day of arrival.
Leaders in the romance market, the trio of Almond Resorts arrange every wedding as if it were the first. “We limit the number we conduct in a day, “, says Wendy Cole VP Sales and Marketing, “There’s nothing worse than standing in line, only to be the 12th bride of the day.” At the Almond Beach Village, wedding bells ring on spacious balconies (note to couples – views from suite 3210 are postcard-perfect), at the Sugar Mill or beachfront gazebo.
Vanessa and Peter Lemvig traded the gloomy winter in Denmark for a sun-kissed wedding on the beach. “I dreamed of getting married with the turquoise sea as a good luck charm,” Vanessa beams getting ready for the seaside ceremony. Ann Jackson is Almond’s wedding coordinator and arranges everything from the boutonniere to the bridal suite. “The only thing I can’t guarantee is the weather.” For couples who like a pre-ceremony cuddle or two, Guest Manager Philip Griffith is the resident expert. “Our top snuggle spots are beachside or on a comfy couch.” And when the sun sets, the action moves to Tommy’s where bartender Sakina Burnett shakes and stirs a potent Bajan rum punch. “I can spot newlyweds from across the room,” she smiles, “because they have the widest grins.” Packages include Weddings in Paradise which not only offers a gratis ceremony, bottle of bubbly and best man in the event the newlyweds forgot to pack one, but also a star named in honour of the couple courtesy of the International Star Registry.
High on an east coast bluff, the Crane is steeped in history with an authentic cobble-stone Bajan Village. White doves enhance the Deluxe Wedding package while romance blooms in the Zen sushi bar with chefs performing magic before a wall of glass fifteen meters above the sea.
Marrying Mediterranean décor with Caribbean chic, Sugar Cane Club may be the islands best kept secret. Hotel owner Roddy Weatherhead will tie the knot in June and says his fiancée appreciates the resort’s guilty pleasures. “Our massages with sensual vanilla and coconut oils are a must-have for every couple” he says seating newlyweds at La Salsa restaurant.
Fronting the south coast, Accra Beach Hotel is all about lapping waves and gardens draped with Bougainvillea and ginger lilies. Delectable receptions in Wytukai, the island’s only Polynesian restaurant ignite amour and when the party’s over, a tangerine scrub in the Chakra Spa is good enough to eat and too good to miss.
From greener than green gardens to barefoot on the beach, outdoor weddings are au rigueur in Barbados. In St. Joseph, Anthony Hunt transformed a natural sinkhole into one of the most beautiful garden in Barbados. Weddings are set amidst the guava and mango trees as classical music is piped in from Anthony’s house on the hill.
In St. George, love blossoms in Orchid World with thousands of lilac, yellow and pink orchids framing the winding paths. Built in 1658, St. Nicholas Abbey is an elegant plantation house with the four poster bed owned by Napoleon's second wife, Empress Marie Louise one of its rare furnishings. “Our coconut palms twinkle at night for an enchanting party,” says Events Manager Heather Stout. Hard to imagine but adventurous lovebirds can marry underground in Harrison’s Caves along side a cascading waterfall that plunges into emerald pools of crystal clear water.
Whether you choose dining under the stars or a snack by the side of the road, Barbados is a treasure chest of culinary delights. It’s no wonder Champers is an island favourite with mojitos that pack a punch and red snapper jazzed up with passion fruit. At the Tides, Chef Guy Beasley entices with taste bud pleasers like Little Sticky Toffee Pudding that’s so rich it comes with its own pre-nup. And in fashionable Holetown, the Mews dishes up delectable blackened grouper and a wine list that rivals the best in the world. Arrive early to get one of two balcony tables for a dreamy dinner pour deux.
Fall in love all over again on one of many beaches from the bustling south coast with sand that looks like it was poured from a sugar sack to the craggy east coast where surfing reigns supreme. Whether it’s diving in Maycocks Bay or a sunset cruise aboard a catamaran, Barbados welcomes with Caribbean hugs and gentle breezes.
Back at the Lonestar, Ruth Emerson is ready for dessert and as she devours a divine bite of raspberry cheesecake, she asks for a slice to go – after all, her sweetie is waiting on Good Shepherd Beach.
