For unrivalled charm and sophistication, look no farther than the West coast of Barbados; the beautiful Platinum Coast and particularly Glitter Bay. Glitter Bay was the site where Sir Edward Cunard, founder of Cunard shipping, first fell in love with Barbados and built a beautiful villa that later became the Glitter Bay hotel. Today it is a 7 acre tropical garden leading down to the white sandy beach and glistening Caribbean Sea. The gardens now have the addition of two swimming pools, 2 tennis courts flood lit at night, table tennis, gym and a beach bar. We can put you in touch with a fantastic tennis coach, water sport instructor and fishing instructor.
IT'S SIMPLY THE BEST, BETTER THAN ALL THE REST
Shak Shak is a private villa in the Glitter Bay Estate that is run like a boutique hotel and a mere 35 minutes drive from Grantley Adams International Airport.
At 2500 sq ft the beautiful 3 bedroomed villa sleeps 8 people comfortably and has a large terrace with a garden gate leading out onto the gardens and pool. Life in Shak Shak could not be easier. Enjoy the peace and quiet sitting on the terrace surrounded by tropical plants whilst watching the sea or stroll 20 paces to what is arguably the best stretch of beach in Barbados.
The villa, the largest in Glitter Bay and all on one level with no complicated stairs to navigate, has a big airy living area and an extremely well equipped open plan kitchen. Two of the bedrooms can sleep 3 in each, perfect for families and there is a master bedroom. There are three bathrooms, two with walk in showers and one with a bath. All rooms have air conditioning. The villa has a tumble dryer and washing machine and plenty of storage space.
There is a complete housekeeping service, beach service and concierge service.
THE GOOD LIFE
After an early morning swim and energetic walk along the white sandy beach, put your feet up and be waited on or head to the swimming pool. There is a shallow pool for younger children and a larger swimming pool complete with a wooden bridge and tropical plant surround.
As the midday sun approaches you will find a welcome relief in the villa on the large, shaded terrace complete with dining area for alfresco lunches. Relax and watch the humming birds dart between the tropical foliage.
The terrace takes on a different atmosphere as the sun goes down and the tree frogs come alive. The candle lit terrace rivals any of the beautiful restaurants along the coast.
Create your own delicious suppers or ask the housekeeper to provide some local Bajan dishes.
WHERE TO GO OUTSIDE GLITTER BAY
Glitter Bay could not be more peaceful but bustling Holetown is a short 5 minute drive away with its beautiful Limegrove shopping area and local restaurants offering Caribbean flavour or International cuisine, the famous Sandy Lane hotel with its world renowned golf course and incredible Sunday buffet, the convenience of a 24 hour medical centre and a supermarket where you can get just about anything you need. Heading in the opposite direction towards Speightstown you can visit the fish market for your daily supply or continue your journey and drive around this amazing, beautiful island just 21 miles by 14 miles.
The bay itself is home to the Royal Pavilion hotel, Ju Ju's famous beach shack and The Lone Star restaurant — all a couple of minutes stroll along the beach from Shak Shak and all offering amazing breakfasts, lunches, candlelit dinners or cocktails. Literally bare-foot living at its best!!
NATURE ALL AROUND
It is not uncommon in the summer season to see the hawksbill turtles nesting along the beach or the hatchlings running to the sea — both an incredibly memorable sight. During March and April the hump back whales can sometimes be seen in the distance circling the island with their young.
The green tail monkeys frequently run through the gardens much to the delight of Glitter Bay residents and the local mongoose never fail to bring a smile to your face.