Tamarind by Elegant Hotels and Antigua

There are three swimming pools (including one at the spa for adults only), a fitness center and a wide range of complimentary motorized and non-motorized water sports including waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding and banana boats.

Tamarind also offers weekly Pilates and aqua aerobics classes, as well as beach games including cricket and volleyball.

For golfers, preferred tee times can be arranged through Tamarind for the nearby Apes Hill Club, an 18-hole championship golf course. Tennis courts are available at one of the nearby sister properties.

Barbados has a number of dive sites including many wreck dives, hard and soft coral and plenty of marine life.

Although there is no dive shop on site, the Tamarind team will be happy to arrange a scuba diving trip or lesson suitable for your skill level with a nearby operator.

Tamarind spa and adults-only pool is set in a peaceful area in the middle of the hotel, offering the perfect place to relax. The Tamarind Spa offers a full menu of spa services using organic and ethically sourced ingredients. Massages are also offered in the comfort of your own room.

Antigua is said to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, but the island also boasts an impressive historical pedigree. No less a sailor than Admiral Nelson based his fleet here, and the easy-going Caribbean ambience of the island is complemented by a tangible British influence. The historic Nelson’s Dockyard is testament to this colonial history, though the luxury yachts bobbing in the water hint at a more glamorous side to modern day Antigua.

The people are incredibly friendly, and the island comes together to party every Sunday night as the sun sets at Shirley Heights, an old naval garrison overlooking the majestic English Harbour. The brightly colored buildings and duty free shopping of the capital, St John’s, make for an interesting half day excursion, while the south west of the island is home to a picturesque landscape of rainforest, ruined forts and old sugar mills.

The beaches range from bustling stretches lined with lively bars to little visited bays and secluded coves. Escape the crowds by taking a trip over to sister island Barbuda, blessed with miles of unspoilt pink sands, or tread the road less traveled and explore Antigua’s rugged east coast, where conditions are ideal for a whole host of water sports. The more tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea, meanwhile, offer ample opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

The west coast of Barbados is a popular destination with a wide range of resorts lining the coast. Tamarind is set on a stretch of white sand beach, known for turtle sightings just offshore.

There are several bars and restaurants within easy reach, while Holetown is only a few minutes away in a local bus or taxi and here you’ll find shops, bars, restaurants and the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre.

Barbados’ sought-after west coast is known as the ‘platinum coast’, a nickname earned after the shade of the sand — or the credit cards owned by the rich and famous that live in the gated villas along the shoreline. Tamarind sits in the midst of the action, on Paynes Bay Beach.

This contemporary resort is a bit of an all-rounder, suitable for both families and couples. It’s the little touches here which will add to your stay, like the beach and pool Ambassador service, providing scented cold towels, refreshments throughout the day, homemade sorbets and other surprise treats. As part of the Elegant Hotels Group, guests can make use of the facilities at the sister properties Colony and Crystal Cove, which can also be reached by complimentary daytime water taxi.

The Tamarind has a real family focus with plenty of places for children to play — and adult’s only space for those wanting a little more relaxation.

The Flying Fish Kids’ Club caters for children aged 3-12 years, whilst Club Tamarind Family Lounge is available for older children and adults and features a large screen TV, Wii games and a range of activities on and off the resort.

The family friendly restaurants provide healthy kids’ menus, and there are also nannies available to babysit smaller children.

Set on an unusually long beachfront on Barbados' sought-after west coast, Tamarind is a good value hotel with a convenient location and a huge range of complimentary activities.

The hotel overlooks one of the island's best swimming beaches, its calm seas and white sands perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. You'll be treated to cold scented towels and refreshing drinks or sorbet as part of the hotel's complimentary 'Beach & Pool Ambassador' service. Inside, the hotel is crisp and contemporary and caters to both families and couples with a lively kids' club and dedicated adults-only pool. There's a choice of restaurants on site, you can wander next door to Daphne's — one of the island's best dining spots — or try a selection of bars and restaurants nearby. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of activities with a choice of water sports, a fitness center and spa, three pools, weekly pilates and aqua aerobics classes and plenty of beach games. The hotel also provides live entertainment several nights a week with local steel bands and musicians playing a variety of music.

There are 104 spacious rooms and suites with contemporary decor featuring splashes of Caribbean color. All have a balcony or terrace with views of the pool, garden or ocean.

Antigua is renowned for its beautiful coastline and gorgeous beaches. Sailing has always been important for the island and today you will still see gleaming yachts moored at harbor or scattered across the sea while many international races take place there. Discover the 18th century Georgian dockyard at Nelson’s Dockyard and explore the island’s secluded coves, historic sugar mills and peaceful villages.

South Point’s spacious and contemporary accommodation is located in the heart of Antigua’s English Harbour with enviable views across the marina. Historic Nelson’s Dockyard is within walking distance and the hotel’s restaurant and suites overlook the visiting yachts moored in the marina. The 23 condo-style apartments are smart and spacious with fully-equipped, modern kitchens.