When golfer Tiger Woods wanted to marry his girlfriend Elin Nordegren beyond the prying eyes of the paparazzi in 2004, the couple embarked on a luxurious yacht bound for Barbados’ flawless Sandy Lane resort. The celebrity couple stopped by for an oceanfront sunset ceremony and reception that featured spectacular fireworks and a performance by Hootie and Blowfish at the resort’s Green Monkey Golf Course.
For Woods and other couples, Barbados offers an inviting mix of cosmopolitan culture and low-key intimacy. The island has some of the most luxurious hotels in the eastern Caribbean and the most acclaimed restaurants, yet it stays far enough off the beaten track to allow honeymooners true privacy, especially in secluded getaway spots like La Extensive Bottom Bay on the west coast of Barbados. .
Barbados Wedding Owner Melba Wood recently planned a cliff top wedding ceremony overlooking Bottom Bay, followed by a champagne toast on the beach. “The color of the ocean is just incredible,” says the native “Bajan.” “I’ve had a few married couples there… or you can spend a day at the beach.”
The people of Bajan have a reputation for friendliness tinged with British sophistication (the former colony is nicknamed ‘Little England’), and both are reflected in the service at resorts like Sandy Lane, The Colony Club, Crystal Cove and The House. all of which provide a special welcome to newlyweds.
For example, Sandy Lane staff can fill your room with your favorite flowers; Custom dining can be arranged on your suite terrace or on the beach, and the hotel also offers tours of the island by car or Bentley helicopter.
Couples staying at the lush Colony Club, located in the parish of St. James on the west coast of Barbados, prefer the luxurious poolside rooms, with French doors opening onto the resort’s famous pool area. and freshwater lagoons.
With just 33 chic and elegant beachfront suites, The House is an intimate West Coast hideaway that specializes in barefoot elegance; Private dinners on the beach can be combined with a horse ride by the sea and offer fabulous cuisine prepared by the Daphne restaurant. Sister property The Tamarind Cove Hotel is appreciated for its tropical gardens, while the Crystal Cove has the most unique gathering place in Barbados: the Cave Bar covered with a waterfall.
Sea turtles and flying fish will be your only companions (besides the captain) on a private catamaran cruise, gliding through crystal clear waters for a snorkeling excursion or a private beach for sunbathing and tropical drinks. Jeep tours offer an adventurous look into the rugged forests of Barbados, while historic plantation houses like Sunsbury House provide a quieter detour (as well as a great backdrop for wedding or honeymoon photos).
At the end of the day, couples lucky enough to secure a reservation at The Cliff restaurant dine by the light of burning torches and flickering candles, savoring gourmet cuisine complemented by a remarkable wine list. The Cliff also hosts weddings, receptions and private dinners; other culinary favorites include Carambola Restaurant on St. James and Bridgetown’s The Tides.
Tiger and Elin purchased the 112-room Sandy Lane for their destination wedding, but Chicago couple Fera and Andrew Smith took a different approach to their May 2005 nuptials in Barbados, renting the private Cove Spring House for their ceremony. , reception and honeymoon. .
Around 50 guests stayed at the villa, one of the many luxury homes available in Barbados, and enjoyed an organized snorkel rental, a fish-fry rehearsal dinner and outdoor karaoke at The Tides, and a week of Pampering by the attentive staff of the villa.
“It was impeccable service, but very relaxed,” says Fera, who explains: “When you go to a resort, you end up getting married in a very public space. We wanted a place where we could stay and party afterwards. »In Barbados, the party is always there when you want it, but newlyweds looking for their first quiet hours together will find many islands of solitude in this Caribbean gem.
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