Venue Spotlight: Hilton Barbados
Barbados sits to the eastern extreme of the Windward Islands. I just got back from 86 degrees, blue sky and sunshine every day (first week of April). The beaches are beautiful and tranquil on the West and to the East, or windward you will find prime surfing waters. I stayed at The Hilton Barbados which is located at Needham's point St Michael. It has 350 guest rooms all with ocean views that are extremely clean and comfortable. The properties east coast white sandy beach has a tucked in swimming area which can still be a bit rough, but beautiful. Hilton Needham's Ballroom is 6217 sq. ft. with a lovely covered foyer. At the point within a 17th century military fort is a beautiful backdrop for wedding ceremonies and group themed events. Another highlight is that almost every night, the Hilton has happy hour and live entertainment at the pool bar.
St. Lawrence Gap is famous for its restaurants; Primo and Mexican fare at Café Sol are two stand-outs. A few more must experience dining locations are waterfront dining at Tapas, superb sushi at Naru, Zen or Fusion and for an upscale dining experience, check out Champers. (Make sure you reserve ahead to get a table right on the waterside deck).
Driving along the West Coast, we past the famous Sandy Lane with its pink umbrella's and then stopped for lunch at Mullins Restaurant nestled on a beautiful beach and continued all the way to the North Point, St. Lucy. Here you see amazing views of the massive waves crashing into the cliffs. The Cave guide there made us laugh with the quote, "the only dangerous things in Barbados are the Rum Punch and the Yellow buses". Another day we ventured to the 1832 Round House Restaurant in Bathsheba for a relaxing lunch. On the way I had to stop and walk the grounds of The Crane fine Resort Hotel. Opened in 1887, the 38 acre property is breathtaking with luxurious accommodations, pools, beach, gardens, restaurants; spa and meeting space for your group, the largest space is the Town Hall offering 2,712 sq. ft.
We went on a great catamaran cruise with Tiami Cruises. The Tiami II Cat we were on had a front ladder and two rear ladders making is easy and quick to get on and off the boat. The staff was professional and fun and honestly, getting out on the aqua blue water makes a trip to the Caribbean perfect.