Barbados - ALMOND BEACH RESORTS is comprised of two all-inclusive resorts on Barbados -- Almond Beach Club (couples only) at St. James and Almond Beach Village in St. Peter. Both are located on the “sunset” Gold Coast. They are Barbados' premier all-inclusive resorts and have a blend of British heritage and Bajan culture. The Village is set on 32 acres, formerly a sugar plantation dating back to 1865. The original sugar mill still stands and is a favorite spot for weddings. New and improved wedding and honeymoon packages are readily available right to the last detail.

There are a total of 515 at both properties. Standard rooms are located around tropical gardens, deluxe pool view rooms are located on all floors and deluxe ocean-front rooms are on the beachfront, a few feet from their mile-long white sand beach. Pool-view, ocean-view Jr. Suites and one-bedroom suites are an added plus. Families with children are always welcome.

The dining facilities at the Village are First Class. The open air Horizon Restaurant has a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean. Dinner is a la cart from a different menu each night, with an international buffet on Tuesdays and a barbecue on Saturday nights. La Smarrita is the Village's Italian gourmet restaurant. The Reef, which specializes in seafood, is their beach casual restaurant where guests can dine in full view of the ocean.

My favorite was Enid's where Gina Lee Johnson is head chef. All the tradition of Barbados is captured in this authentic Bajan restaurant with its rustic and colorful atmosphere. You don't need to go to town to find original Bajan food, as this restaurant serves it all! Guests staying for a seven-night stay are encouraged to take advantage of their dine-around program with an evening at off-property Bajan restaurants. I attended Enid's Cooking School which is held several times a week.

I have never experienced an "all-inclusive" that went to such great extent, right down to hair braiding at the beach! Everything is complimentary -- catamaran sailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, reef fishing, aquacycling and banana boat rides. Also, a 9-hole executive golf course can be played from 7am till dark. Clubs and pull-carts, as well as green fees are include but special balls and tees can be purchased in the Promenade shop. Free clinics are held Monday through Friday! Each evening has live entertainment and three extravagant floor shows are held weekly.

The only charge is for an all-day island tour or their party boat offers a variety of activities such as day cruises with snorkeling and lunch as well as sunset cruises with calypso music.

Guests can enjoy their newly opened $2 million spa just recently completed. A wide variety of treatments are available -- everything from a deep cleaning European facial to a herbal body wrap or aromatherapy massage.

Their sister property, Almond Beach Club, is located a few miles south and is a couples-only property. Guests are welcome to use the facilities at both locations. I experienced them both and would certainly encourage travel agents to book either property!

Travel agent rates are available based upon availability. Minimum 3-night stay and no maximum.

Call (800) 425-6663 to request rate.

Anne