I was invited to come and try out the new O2 Beach Club and Spa on the southern coast of Barbados. Newly refurbished, you can immediately sense that they have seriously considered what they want the property to exude: a fresh take on five-star all-inclusive in Barbados.

They make it easy for you to feel at home from the moment you arrive. The check-in is smooth and before you know it you are in your room and ready for the beach.

I was given one of their Luxury Collection suites – a swim-up oceanfront suite that allows direct access to the river pool lining the building. Two steps and you are in the pool, 20 steps and you are on the beach. Absolutely perfect for a morning or an afternoon dip. The suites are spacious and all feature a warm modern décor with locally made art showcased on the walls. And let’s not forget your own personal concierge service.

The bathrooms are spacious with a huge walk-in rain shower and a stand-alone bathtub. The large antifog mirrors are fabulous and I absolutely love The White Company toiletries. You will want for nothing in these perfectly designed luxury suites.

O2 Beach Club and Spa has four restaurants on the property; Elements, Oro, Brisa and Bluefin, all with a different vibe and menu.

Elements is situated in the midst of everything, with both indoor and outdoor dining. The beautiful beach, sea views and the fresh breeze make it the perfect venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast buffet is very nice, with both healthy lighter options, including fresh fruits, nuts and smoothies, and a chef ready to make your different egg options as well as local and Caribbean breakfast dishes. And if you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed either. Starting the day in Elements sets the tone for the rest of the day.

And to have an amazing day in Barbados, the options are many, including playing golf, a catamaran cruise, deep-sea fishing, horse riding, scuba diving and much more, which you can easily arrange through your personal concierge via WhatsApp or the front desk. Should you wish to stay “home”, O2 Beach Club offers a variety of water and beach sports options, daily “How-To” classes and “learn-To” lessons and of course, an amazing spa.

Acqua Spa is situated on the 8th floor with amazing vistas from every treatment room. The views, the décor, the peaceful energy and the subtle music give you a sense of serenity from the moment you enter. Hydration is key to wellness and you are welcome to the chilled infused water, a variety of teas and to use the hammam before your chosen treatment. Acqua Spa is the only spa in the Caribbean using the oSea product line, which is based on sustainably sourced organic Patagonian seaweed and botanical oils, a combination known to help to soothe, heal and reinvigorate skin.

My treatment started with an amazing foot scrub while watching the waves crash on the beach down below. The swaying coconut trees casting shadows increased the wholesomeness. I must admit that the combination of the view, tranquillity and the serene presence of the therapist was awesome. And the massage that followed left me invigorated and feeling on top of the world.

I decided to stay put for the day and the beach was calling. I knew that a dip in the sea followed by the combination of breeze and sun on my body while sipping a piña colada would be blissful. It was early but, surely five o’clock somewhere, right?

It didn’t take long after I was lounging on a sunbed that I was brought a bottle of chilled water and a little piece of tropical happiness. With subtle reggae music in the background, my book, the sound of crashing waves and the vistas, all I could feel was bliss.

If fine dining is your thing, make sure to experience one or more dinners at Oro restaurant, which is purposefully located on the 9th floor to take advantage of the 270-degree views of the south coast of Barbados. I had a reservation for the opening and was excited to try out the menu. And the chef did not disappoint. The smoked duck salad with zesty Cointreau dressing was delicious and so was the ensuing Dijon-mustard-marinated rack of lamb and Oro chocolate dome. These were among the highly recommended dishes from the very talented and attentive waiter. But if you are in a seafood or fish mood, the pan-seared local snapper or grilled lobster tail will also hit the spot. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

All in all, my stay at O2 Beach Club and Spa was amazing. The team is very friendly, highly trained, professional and personable. I haven’t covered all the food options but both lunch and dinner at Elements were great with Italian, Asian and Mediterranean evenings, with live jazz and a fire pit to set the ambience. Bluefin is great for an unpretentious lunch in beachwear and Brisa, the rooftop tapas bar and lounge features amazing sunsets and delicious nibbles. Truly the perfect setting for pre-dinner cocktails or an afternoon bite.

Note that chilled infused water stations are placed around the swimming pool area and should you wish for a more elaborate drink, why not hang out in the swim-up bar. And check out the Chef’s Table and bespoke beach dining experience for an al-fresco gourmet experience under the stars.

O2 Beach Club and Spa should absolutely be on your radar for your next holiday in the Caribbean. For more information and how to book:

A:   O2 Beach Club and Spa, Dover Road, St Lawrence Gap, Bridgetown Christ Church, Barbados
E:   Bookings
W:  O2 Beach Club Barbados

Written by Danielle Jacobsen for Luxuria Lifestyle Caribbean & Miami