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#1
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
I do not see much posted here....
BUT I just found out on Friday, that I WON a five day, all expenses paid trip to one of the Almond resorts in Barbados!!!. Still don't' know which one or all the details BUT I was hoping perhaps to get a little digging done in case I do get to register some preferences. For example, I see a variety of different opinions on the "Club & Spa" resort versus "Almond Village"...I have read the more recent reviews on Trip Advisor and for the most part nearly all seem disappointed. And I understand there was a lot of renovation done/being done? Any pointers anyone has about which resort is better OR which room to request, better beach, dining pops, etc. I would really appreciate it. Certainly not going to complain too much regardless, after all it is a gift horse -just curious AND the more I know the more I can ask for if the opportunity presents itself. I am very familiar with Barbados, so I am sure we will have fun. GUYS??? |
#2
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
I can not give updated info of any of the two hotels. I have been to both,
but it is so long time ago, and times have changed. So has the hotels. But if there is any Barbados info you need, I am here for you to ask all sorts of things. What things would you like to know about? Leif |
#3
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
I see you get no replies, so let me try:
You know Barbados, right? So you know where those two hotels are located. You know one is in Sunset Crest, and one right outside Speightstown. One is quite large, one is not so large. The beach Village is aparently more family orientated, and have a lot of facilities for children and families. While the Almond beach club is more targeting couples. Renovation... I was in Barbados in november/december, and A LOT of renovation is going on at hotels. Competition is getting harder I guess, and they are also prepearing themselves for world cup cricket in 2007, that Barbados will host. I did not move around a lot in Barbados this time, I did not even bother to go up to the west coast. But I saw that Caribee hotel, Sierra Beach Hotel and Casuarina were all closed for renovation. Lots of others were open while renovating. Among them were Accra. Coconut Court was just finished with their renovations. I think you had better contact the two hotels to ask before you make up your mind. Living in a construction site is hardly ever a great idea. Leif Arild Norway |
#4
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
thank you Lief. I was surprised when reading here that there was not
much feedback even in the past. Oh well. Again, it is free. The reviews seem to actuall favor the village (slightly) I will have to keep digging. thank you so much for your thoguhts! |
#5
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
well - we have decided on the club and spa instead. By all means Lief
- what are the MUST see's MUST dos'? We will rent a car for sure. Your input is apreciated! we love to explore and it has been a few years since I have driven areount the island. |
#6
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
"blue" wrote in message ups.com... well - we have decided on the club and spa instead. By all means Lief - what are the MUST see's MUST dos'? We will rent a car for sure. Your input is apreciated! we love to explore and it has been a few years since I have driven areount the island. Well, Barbados has not changed much for the last few years. Some few new hotels, and lots of rebuilding of existing hotels, a good upgrade of St.Lawrence Gap on the south coast, a little more development of Sunset Crest (where your hotel will be). I have recived information that construction at Almond Beach Village is over by the way. Exept for those things, there is not much to tell of new things. Must sees? I dunno what to say. It all depend on what kind of things you like. The things I like the best, is not the things normal tourists do at all. But let me give you some things that all kind of people like: Oistins fish market is always a sucess. Friday night is the most lively. Lots of people, local as well as tourists. There is buses going straight from your hotel to Oistins every half an hour. Probably about fifteen to and fifteen after. Lots of people, lots of music, lots of good fish. Catamaran cruises is a classic. I love those trips. If you have not been on them, take a ride. It is nice! East coast, Batsheba, but dont forget to pass up by Cherry tree hill. It is a very good place to go for the most spectacular sceneries Barbados has to offer. It is not far from Barbados Wildlife Reserve. But if you get to BWR you have come to far, and need to turn around and drive back for 2 minutes and take the road that goes to the right, and just follow that road for some few minutes. I think Harrisons Caves also is a must. I went to Baxters Road one night in december, and that was actually quite fun. But trust me, that is those things that _I_ think is fun, and no one else. That is why I have never seen any other tourists there ever... Baxters Road used to be a very popular place to go, and things were going on to the early hours. It was called the street that never sleeps. I have been there to sunrise some few times. But times has changed, and it is not so busy anymore. And not recommended unless you want to do something completely completely different. Go ahead and ask, if there is anything I can do to help, I am here as usual. Leif Arild Norway |
#7
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
No, thank you - thank you
In fact, I'd just as soon hear abotu the things you like. I am glad to hear more (if you don't mind) because, like you, we lenjoy things that are NOT always the tourist stuff. For example, one of my biggest regrets my last trip was NOT seeing the caves. I think they day we were going to go it was raining. I recall seeing a beautifully landscaped seminary of sorts (theological school?) - I loved driving up the coast of Bathsheba and exploring some of the older churches etc. Breahtaking views and incredibly stunnign surf agains the rocks,...We went way out of our way one afternoon to have a flying fish sandwinch at a restaraunt on the East Coast. Because my last trip was a 2-week visit (we stayed at Sam Lord's) I drove around quite a bit but oddly enough did not explore the other side of the island (the actual tourist side) as much. Of couse we drove across the isalnd quite a bit just to get the gap and eat. We love the little pieces of history and the out-of-the-way places. We usually stay way from the glitz and the hotels and will often pack a lunch and drive. I currently have some health considerations so the hotel amenities are more appreciated than ever, but our whole gig is usually quite, beautiful, relaxing places.....We will often give up the little bennies of a resort for location adn soemthign unique. I have NEVER sat a pool side when I can sit at a stunnign beach. I do NOT need a foo-foo drink with an umbrella or even a chair IF I can sit on my towel and take in somthing that is pure raw beatuy. Do tell the secrets if you feel like it. We are goign to extend our stay, I think so I am all ears and Baxters, to me, sounds like a "must see". |
#8
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
"blue" wrote in message ups.com... No, thank you - thank you In fact, I'd just as soon hear abotu the things you like. OK, you make me start on something that I dont know where will end and how long it will be. I will just let my fingers work as my mind goes from place to place. Lets start in Bridgetown. A town with two main streets, Broad Street and Swan Street. Most tourist places are in Broad street, but you can some times find better offers in swan street, most shops there are owned by indians... Bridgetown is not much to talk about when it come to nightlife. You have Boatyard just a 3 minute walk from the Bridge that is a very good place, especially on friday nights. And for the very speical ones, you have a street named Baxters Road. I would not really recommend it to people, but it is the kind of place I like to go myself. But I am a different person than most others, and I dont think lots of regular tourists would think it is so cool as I do. So dont take a taxi from west coast to go to Baxters Road. But if you rent a car, you can pass there on your way home from Oistins or somewhere else. It is not a big street, but there are women selling fish fried over open fire, small rum shops and places like that. My kind of places.... You also have another lively and even more special street in Bridgetown at night. Nelson Street. Well... what can I say. You find a lot of small bars, but if you go there, make sure you dont bring any children, or neither your wife. It is not a street to recommend. But if you are looking for something really really different... you can take a walk up the street in day time, and get a small idea of what it is like. It is very very different. And not so clean. Eating in Bridgetown: most tourists find their way to Waterfront cafe. It is a nice place. But actually, if you want the best of local food, just take a trip upstairs in the mall called Cave Sheperd. Not that fancy place to sit, but I mean: The food is exellent and cheap. no wonder why there are long lines there when the locals have lunch. Cave Sheperd is the largest mall in Bridgetonw and is easy to find. Note that outside that mall is the most popular place to stand and watch people go by. Sometimes I feel there is as many people standing outside to see who is going in, as it actually is inside the mall... Not far outside Bridgetown you will find Carlisle Bay, the bay between Bridgetown and Hilton. There are lots of govermental buildings, and if you see a statue with a man, you will see the stone that the fundament is made from shine in a very special way. It is a unique stone, only found one place in the world. And that place is about 15 minutes drive from where I live here in Norway. That stone is to find also other places in Barbados, among those, on one of the bridges in town. You will se "the pledge" written in the same stone type. Larvikitt as we call it. From Larvik Norway. Carlisle bay is a good place to go swimming, and you will find some wrecks located in the bay on shallow water. You will also find Barbados smallest bar (must be) across the road. It has seat for two persons and standing place for one more. you will also find a building in that neighbourhood called George Washington Building. George Washington was only overseas once, and that was when he were ill, and someone recommended him to to to Barbados, because the climate there had a healing effect. Washington went, and got better.... Walk a little further away from Bridgetown, and you have the horse race track on your right. Take in that road, and you have Barbados Museum on the back of it. I like the museum, but must admit that it is a long time since last time I was there. One funny thing about Barbados, and the local neighbourhoods, is that some people sell things from their home. May be you dont see it so clear from outside, but it is fine to go to those "shops" and buy stuff. One of those shops I have found, is near the race track. Next to the stables, there is a rum shop painted in Heineken colors. Just opposite the heineken bar, there is a small house. If you knock on their window, you can buy fresh baked round breads! No signs that they sell things, but they do. I have found another shop like that not so far away. In St Mathias Gap. Follow the main road and pass hastings Police station. There will be a church on your left side after some few hundred meters. I was once walking in that street, seing a sign on a house saying "obey your thirst - sprite". I knocked the window and asked if I could have a beer. Out of the window came a cold banks beer, and the price was low. hehehe. Funny things, right? Walking in neighbourhoods is one of my favorite things to do. You see people you dont meet on the beach. They are very eager to talk, and always welcoming you. You walk and hear things, see things, and experience bajans life in a different way. I recommend to do that. Walk a place where people live close to each other. It is so cool! I have cycled around most of Barbados, and where I have not been with my bicycle, I have walked by foot. I know every corner of the island. And I have been met with open arms all places I have been. The real bajans are very nice and friendly. Oistins on a friday night is a must. Lots of good food, drinks, partying and fun. Lots of loud music also. You can go to Oistins also other nights, it will be more quiet there then. I am glad to hear more (if you don't mind) because, like you, we lenjoy things that are NOT always the tourist stuff. For example, one of my biggest regrets my last trip was NOT seeing the caves. I think they day we were going to go it was raining. The caves is a must in my opinion. If your tour guides name is Hyacint, please tell her hello from Life, her white boyfriend from Norway. hehehe. I recall seeing a beautifully landscaped seminary of sorts (theological school?) That is Cordrington College, yes. - I loved driving up the coast of Bathsheba and exploring some of the older churches etc. Yes, churches is a nice place to visit. You probably passed St.Johns church. The one with the beautiful scenery. I walked to that one from Farley Hill once. Farley Hill is also a very nice place. Just across the street of Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Farley Hill was an old plantation house. The man that built it brought a lot of floweres and trees to the island and planted them there. The place is today a reserve, opened by the queen of england. The plantation house itself has burned down, and only the ruins are left. But it is a nice place to stop and admire the view. You will notice that the heat are not that bad in the height. you will be about 275 meters over sea level if I remember right. Stunning views over the east coast and the scottish landscape as they call it. My favorite viewpoint is Cherry Tree hill. not that far drive from Farley Hill. Go a little towards the west coast, and take the road in to right after a couple minutes drive. There is a sign there saying cherry tree hill. I am just as amazed every time I come out of that forest and seing the view from the top there. Spectacular! You had stayed at Sam Lords, right? Then you probably know the history of that place, and also the beaches in the area. Plenty nice beaches like Bottom Bay, Crane Beach and so on. Beautiful places... Oh well.... I could talk and talk and talk... But one time I have to end it. And since its after midnight, I guess its time to end it now. Wish you a good trip. And I hope you will enjoy it a lot. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Leif Arild Norway |
#9
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
Oh I love it! Kindred souls. The bread being sold out of a window.
This is just the thing that we get a charge out of and the reason we ALWAYS rent a car is because we like to take in the neighborhood feel too. I think I remeber the two seted bar. I do recall many little 4 or 6 feet shacks with an open window that served beer. I remeber driving aroudn and there wer large tortoises eveywhere. They liekd to copulate on the few asphalted roads so if this was happening, (and I immortalized the event on film) a.) they were not quick about it and b.) you had to turnn the car around and find another route because there wer often irrigation-like ditches on the side of roads. Big laugh when I showed the pcitures coming home. Me, taking in nature. I do recall visitn a "zoo". Perhaps that is the reserve now? Once I got very sick in Tortola. Inevitably, I ended up going to a "doc-in-the-box" on St. Thomas, where for $200 he dispensed a very strong narcotic. He was a rela opoluar doctor on the isalnd Ha Ha. BUT, beofre that, the trip to the Tortola local clinic, as well as the trip to the actual hospital there, subsequent pharmacy, etc (where I could also buy a Maytag) was fascinating. At the hospital, for $35, I was seen in the ER. The building had no air conditioning and the nurse took my medical information down on an industrial tri-folded brown paper towel from a wall dispenser. There were also chickens walking up and down the corridor, becuase the doors were open. I was a foot from the lab, where they were watching the Flintstones and you got a Styrofoam cup with a paper towel for a urine specimen and lid. Had I not been so ill, it would have been much more interesting. At any rate. Talk baout rambling.....I am grateful to you because we WILL look for the "stone" and the forest and such. I recall the race track and there was some livley rugby games going on too. There was a mental hospital I think nearby, that looked very archaic and daunitng and I remember the distinct smell of the rum factory. I recall a restaeraunt in the Gap that was fighting over a shark that had been caught that day, in a bid with the other owenrs to see who was goign to purchase it and have a "shark" special that night! I am REALLLY lookign forward to this trip! My memory of the Bajans is the same as your take. They were very warm and loving towards me on my last trip to Sam Lords, (ballsy but lazy pirate huh?. If I recall the story is he hung lanterns in the trees and just sat back and waited for the ships to reef themselves and rowed out to loot)?The ladies wrokign at hte resrot and th vendors on th ebeach were very cute. They kept rtying to fee me because I am very small and thin. My boyfriend at the tim was 6' 7"and the rental palce woudl NOT let him drive the car. They er afraid he woudl break it. For some reason, another thing that stands out in my mind the year I stayed there was: there were tons of "Church's" Fried Chicken retailers. And I recall eating at one and they had condiments on each table. Soemthing that looked like honey-mustard nearly made my eyeballs bleed. Later, at one of the little "shops" en route across the island, I bough a bottle of "Lotties' Bajan" sauce. It was in a rehabbed 7-Up bottle with a handmade label. For years later, when I had visitors who claimed, "Hot, spicy stuff doesn't bother me", it was as if the gauntlet had been thrown. I would pull out Lotties sauce and watch their foreheads sweat! The infamous flying fish sandwich was served on Wonder Bread, hot and fresh on a little white house-type structure that jutted out of a hill on a seaside road. We had to drive a bit to get the "best" fish sandwich too, but that is the type of stuff I get a kick out of. The day I checked in to Sam Lords I had been stuck in Puerto Rico the night before. So, it was the day after OJ had been chased in the bronco. We had only one channel in the room and it was CNN. I saw that white bronco go down that highway over and over again. I remember the day I checked in, at he main house, the guest register had been signed (ha) by Nicole Simpson. People are sick. And a large monkey swept down from he trees and ate my granola bar right out of my hand. I also remember feeding the ferrets all the time. Funny the stupid things that stand out in your mind. OK a few more questions: 1.) Are there still monkeys? I went back on ship a few times, day trips, but didn't see any. As I mentioned we have five days for free and we are certainly going to extend our visit. It will likely be the week of the 4th of July since that is my birthday. 2.) So...is there another MUST have resort that we should switch to, for say 4 more days? DOES NOT HAVE TO BE 5 STAR. In fact, if I don't have to spend a King's ransom that is better. If nothing jumps out in your mind we will likely just stay put for convenience. 3.) Any particular car rental place better than the other? I will look for you friend at the caves. 4.) Is it possible to book that in advance? 5.) For a great birthday dinner, I will turn 44, what restaurant do you suggest? Doesn't have to be fancy. Good food supersedes but something nice and attractive is cool. 5.) Finally, BEST place for sunset? Thanks pal!!!!!!!! HEY if I am being a pin in the ass - no pressure, I'll find my way... |
#10
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Anybody been to an ALMOND in Barbados???
"blue" wrote in message oups.com... OK a few more questions: 1.) Are there still monkeys? I went back on ship a few times, day trips, but didn't see any. Yes there are monkeys in Barbados still. When we were in Barbados in november, there was a wild monkey that came by the pool to the hotel. It stayed thre for a long time, and people ran to get bananas for it. But no, the monkey throw the bananas away and climbed up in a palm and took a lizzard there, pealed the skin and ate it.... Bananas? No thanks! One place you can be pretty sure to see wild monkeys is up by the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. They are both inside the reserve, but also many of them outside in the wood there. 2.) So...is there another MUST have resort that we should switch to, for say 4 more days? DOES NOT HAVE TO BE 5 STAR. In fact, if I don't have to spend a King's ransom that is better. If nothing jumps out in your mind we will likely just stay put for convenience. Why not spend the rest of the days up by Almond Beach Village then? Should be a good choce. Or take the trip down to the south coast and stay at Bouganvillea or something like that. Or Accra Beach is also a nice place. 3.) Any particular car rental place better than the other? I will look for you friend at the caves. 4.) We have used Coconut Car Rental, and been very satisfied with them. The owner there will never ever forget me. Here is a little story on the side of what you are asking about: I had been out a late night, and were robbed. (dont worry, I go places that is not so good, and you will very very unlikely end up being in any trouble). Anyway. I was robbed, and went to the police station next day to repport. They wanted to bring me to the main police station in Bridgetown. And me and some other policemen were went in the police car. I think 4 other policemen were in the car. On the way in, we were passing the office to Coconut Car Rental, and the owner spotted me and looked at me in, and looked very surprised to see me surrounded by policemen, while wawing my hands to him when we passed. That story is perhaps 6-7 years old, but every time I see him back, he reminds me of the time I passed in the police car. It was fun! Is it possible to book that in advance? Yes. 5.) For a great birthday dinner, I will turn 44, what restaurant do you suggest? Doesn't have to be fancy. Good food supersedes but something nice and attractive is cool. I dont know the west coast restaurants that well. Fathoms used to be good at least. And Carambola and The Cliff. One of those two has just closed their doors, but I can not remember which one of them. Both of them are located in the same area, and you have better book a table in advance. If you are going down on the south coast, try Josefs restaurant. Very very good, and very nice settings right by the water. Very romantic, very quiet and nice. Not crowded . My suggestion! Dont be fooled by the entrance and the front. You have to go in to see, and its best if you even go down to the tables by the edge to the water. If you dont find it romantic and nice there, you will not be satisfied any other places either. Trust me! 5.) Finally, BEST place for sunset? Take your wife on a walk to a quiet place on the beach on the west coast. You can just go out from your hotel and take a minute or two walk to the left, and you have a beautiful spot already. Staying at Almond Beach Resort, you dont have to go far for that! The beach right outside the resort is not that good by the way. But a couple minutes walk, and you have some of the most beautiful spots on the island. Anything else? Leif A Norway |
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