As most of the reviews on here state, the people at this hotel are excellent and they play a huge part in it being so good. We had an ocean front and ground floor room, which was just perfect. Fantastic views, easy to nip out of it to grab a drink and/or a snack or watch the sunset with a glass of something. The room was very good with plenty of space and v clean as was the bathroom, which is spacious but only a shower. So if you need a tub/bath then you’ll be disappointed.
The people though – every day they were excellent. Some particular mentions to Pamela, Kenrick, Loreal, Jacobi, Christina, Sabrina, Mark, Jamal – the list really does go on and EVERY day they managed to have a smile and personality to match. Kim and Ryan clearly doing a great job with their team. Whilst they make a huge contribution to the holiday, Barbados is a wonderful island. Our 20+ trips to The Caribbean, with a different feel to many of the islands Barbados is one of our favourites. At Waves you are well located to go and explore, which we did, even though we’ve covered the island before. If you need a day out just look for “Sam the man” who will be on the beach some days offering his taxi driving services – he is excellent.
Back to the hotel though – the food, whilst very similar at breakfast (how could you make it different?) was always good and on some occasions it was excellent. The split between the 2 restaurant options is a good way to move around the 2 parts of the resort. As is a visit to the spa which we did 4 times, taking full advantage of our complimentary treatments.
We were originally booked in on the “adult” side and I’m glad we moved. When we went over their it was beautiful but felt quite small/cramped and a little out of the way. If that is what you want then it’s just right. (Quiet, relaxing but you could be anywhere). If you want to feel like you are actually in the Caribbean then I think you’ll be disappointed if you permanently base yourself here. Getting from 1 side to the other is an absolute doddle though so don’t have any fears of that.
You can obviously use both sides of the resort (and you should!) but it was disappointing to see some people reserving beds on both sides and not having any care that they were stopping others from using them for the hours they were left unattended. During our time, on the beach there was always enough beds and if not then someone would come and organise one with a “no problem” happy smile. When it was a high tide the beach became very small which is a niggle/problem for a couple of days over the 2 weeks we were there. On the beach you are kept well with a constant flow of drinks, cooling towels, drinks, frozen fruit, drinks, ice cream and drinks ???? Pamela is an absolute star here too. Although she is training Jacoby well.
The sea is as you’d expect, even a little better – it’s a good snorkelling opportunity. We saw a turtle twice as well as lots of other things that were interesting.
I relaxed a little too much on the beach and didn’t take advantage of the included activities which looked great fun and were well used by others. That said, relaxing was good ????
We didn’t really bother with the pool which is quite small and tucked away at the front of the hotel – not particularly inviting but certainly clean and another place to just chill out if that’s your thing.
Night times are quiet – the entertainment is certainly low key and a mix of solo singers and small groups. That was a little disappointing but again it’s a small niggle. The bar is well stocked but limited to 1 local beer on draft and bottle which could be improved upon. In addition there was usually just 1 person serving so you did need some patience occasionally before getting served, which is another niggle but not the bartenders fault. Some nights the “low key” entertainment was really very good too so don’t avoid it would be my advice.
Finally, from the hotel it is really easy to get out and around. The local “reggae bus” is cheap ($3.50 each Barbados to anywhere) and an easy way to get around. Sometimes its v busy and an experience but it gets you where you want to go and if you mention where at the outset they will even shout you as you approach. I do recommend exploring the island a little and don’t miss a chance to go to Oistins Fish fry, the Holetown street karaoke on a Sunday and a day out at Speightstown. Again all feeling really safe and welcomed.
Finally, take the water taxi as often as you want to explore the other hotels or even just to take a ride out on the sea for a change.
So, Waves Hotel & Spa I highly recommend. There are some niggles to be aware of but nothing that stops this being a great place to have your holiday really as you’ll see from all the other reviews too.
