How to Get Pampered and Have ‘Me Time’ in Barbados

For most visitors, coming to Barbados is all about having a little ‘me time’. It’s about relaxing and getting away from the stress and hassle of our daily routines back at home. And while lapping up the sun and sipping away at a delicious rum cocktail is certainly one way to kick back, for many, a holiday here is the perfect time to indulge in some blissful pampering or take part in your favourite wellness activities. If that sounds like you, here are our tips on the best places to unwind in Barbados.

Spas

Visiting a spa to improve the well-being of the mind and body is something that humans have done for millennia. Here in Barbados, we have spas aplenty offering exceptional treatments in sumptuous surroundings to helping you achieve the pinnacle of relaxation. One of the most exclusive is the Sandy Lane Spa. Here you’ll find they’ve taken the Roman spa theme to another level, creating a Romanesque-style treatment centre that’s marbled to perfection. It’s imperially sized, too, with its 4000 sq. metres of space providing a sauna, hydrotherapy pool, crystal-filled cold room and an oriental steam bath. As you would expect, treatments galore are on supply for head to toe pampering.

If you prefer something more private than a busy resort spa, more intimate indulgence can be had at the many smaller, independent spas around the island. The Indulgence Spa, at Mullins Beach, is an Elemis specialist, offering personalised Elemis treatments in its state-of-the-art treatment rooms. In nearby, Holetown, you’ll also find the Body Clinic, the Glo Spa Salon, the Loft Spa and the Atera Boutique Spa, all of which provide everything from single treatments to full day sessions.

Natural therapies

Besides traditional massages and spa treatments, some of the spas and wellness centres in Barbados now focus on offering a range of natural therapies. The Sandbox Tree Spa, in St James Parish, uses holistic and ayurvedic methods alongside pure botanical products to treat the mind and body of its guests. The Spa at the Coral Reef opts for more indigenous ingredients, using locally sourced plants and fruits for its treatments, alongside the Vitamin C and oxygenated Natura Bissé treatments.

Yoga and wellness

The newly opened Singita Wellness Centre, at Mullins Beach, has been specifically designed for the Royal Westmoreland resort. Here, guests will find a harmonious and inspiring environment where they can receive personal guidance and training to develop and enhance all aspects of wellness. Its four treatment rooms provide a variety of massage and healing treatments and there are also classes in yoga, Pilates, athletics, body sculpting and ballet barre. There is also gym equipment, including cardio machines, a cable machine and free weights, together with the assistance of a trainer, if required.

Other excellent yoga classes are to be found at Sunshine Kula Yoga, run by Pamela Harris, near Holetown. These include early morning beach classes as well as sessions which take part in a studio. Further down the west coast, you’ll find Bawa Yoga, which also mixes Yoga with surfing lessons. Both these schools offer a range of different classes in different styles and for people at different levels.

Sunshine Kula Yoga also offers Pilates sessions and for those who enjoy this form of exercise, there are several other providers such as Move 2 More and Rezden Pilates, both of which are near to the island’s capital, Bridgetown.

Gyms and training

You’ll find most resorts and larger hotels in Barbados have their own gyms and many offer personal trainers if you need help with your fitness routine. However, if you are looking for the most well-equipped gyms offering a wide range of fitness activity, there are a few that deserve special mention.

One of the leading health clubs in Barbados is the Surfside Wellness Centre, near Bridgetown. Visitors will find its state-of-the-art equipment is on par with any of the gyms they have seen internationally and their wide range of exercise classes and personal training is delivered by highly qualified, experienced professionals. Classes range from Active Seniors to Zumba, with everything in between – boxercise, Rep Reebok, circuit training, cardio blast, boot camp… you name it.

A similar range of activities is on offer at First Fitness, near Oistins. This spotlessly maintained gym provides an excellent atmosphere in which to train, having a stunning ocean view and natural lighting on its open floor layout.

Further north, in St James Parish, The Sanctuary Gym at the Royal Westmoreland provides facilities that rival most specialised gyms. With state-of-the-art equipment, pool, jacuzzi and personal trainers available, it’s a great place to maintain your fitness regime while you are away.

Summing up

When it comes to relaxation and looking after the mind, body and spirit, Barbados has everything you need. From the moment you step off the plane, you’ll feel the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the island relax you. However, if you want to be deliriously pampered, need to find your inner calm or have the urge to pump some iron, you’ll find everything you need in abundance.

If you are looking for exceptional villa or apartment accommodation together with all the benefits of a luxury resort, take a look at the accommodation and facilities here at the Royal Westmoreland.