The exotic islands of the Caribbean conjure up scenes in our minds of vigour, vibrancy and vivaciousness when we consider how our tropical holidays will unfold beside the sea. The long, dreamy stretches of sand, freckled with palm and coconut, bearded fig and silk cotton trees, bowing over the beaches and extending their branches into the eternal blanket of blue. Old towns with bougainvillea lanes leading to heritage homes and jovial jazz bars, betwixt fancy restaurants hovering over the water’s edge where manta rays glide through the lapping tides. The long, sunny days wading about in crystal-clear waters, cycling along the bays in the warm sunshine with your hair flapping in the breeze as pungent scents of Caribbean spices waft through the salty air. The affectionate smiles and genuine cheers of a happy day being wished your way, as you meet the passing locals en route to your next stop. There’s no urgency in any of your holiday happenings. It’s just you and your favourite people hopping around the island, barefoot frolicking through days of sublime living. Or, it could also be you in a kaftan and sunhat, bouncing about in a jeep, exploring the island’s dirt roads. Whatever you’ve depicted in your mind, Martangie Villa encapsulates that narrative perfectly. Where you’ll tap into a blissful existence, on the beautiful shores of Reeds Bay, on the West coast of Barbados.
Resting immediately on the water’s edge, on two elegant levels of living, dining and reclining spaces, a TV lounge, a mammoth hallway from which every room pivots, fold-back French doors leading out onto lovely long terraces and an outdoor lounging area beside the swimming pool, this hideaway is the perfect spot for you and your clan to bring your Barbados dreams to life. With its four ensuite bedrooms and ample entertaining space, its cozy reading nooks seduced by the trickling fountain outside, you’ll be at liberty to gather together around the tables, the bar and open living spaces, or tuck yourself away for some necessary quiet time whenever you choose.
You’ll begin each day with a hot brew on the private terrace, watching the water come to life with snorkelers and swimmers, water-skiers, sail boats and paddlers welcoming the morning with the ocean’s wildlife. A gentle stroll along baby Reed’s Bay adjacent the property then back to the villa for an al-fresco brunch on the terrace as the Green Heron nests in the bougainvillea, the Frigatebirds sweep through the skies and down for some fishing as the Caribbean land crabs scramble along the shoreline. Some days you’ll venture into town for lunch or to one of the many lovely seaside restaurants for a seafood feasting. Lunch is a very popular past time on the island, so you’ll spend hours around the table, savouring the flavours of Caribbean food. Simone’s Bajan mobile kitchen in Lower Carlton will entice you to dine on the beach and enjoy delicious homemade meals. Perhaps an afternoon stopover at Thunder Bay Beach Bar with the local residents where you’ll tap into the culture, the cordial nature of the people and revel in the festivities of the area. You might enjoy a day out cruising the ocean and neighbouring beaches on catamarans, sailboats and larger yachts. Dive with the turtles and majestic ocean wildlife. Then home to Martangie Villa for a little rum punch sundowner on the terrace as you witness the sun settle its early evening colours across the sky. The manta rays are swimming in the clear waters below and the stars are out in all of their glory, adding to the romance of your Caribbean dream unfolding.
What we love!
- Barbados is all about the chill, all about the people, all about the culture and of course the magic of the blue warm waters all year round.
- The main artery of the home – the hallway – that is all encompassing when you walk through the front door and enter into the long, impressive corridor from which everything flows.
- The commissioned artworks by English painter, Philip Kearney that adorn the walls, weaving a story of the island together, bringing vibrant colour and depicting cultural Caribbean scenes.
What you need to know…
- Martangie Villa offers a Concierge Service under the management of Blue Sky. There is a property folder with all of the recommendations required for the area, including activities and dining. Daily housekeeping is tended to by the lovely Rachel – known for her incredible smile and for having the biggest heart in Barbados! A cook is included in your stay. Extra housekeeping services can be arranged prior to your stay.
- There is enough parking on the property to accommodate as many as five vehicles.
- Martangie Villa is situated on what is considered to be the Platinum Coast of Barbados, where high-end resorts including Sandy Lane Luxury Resort and Fairmont Royal Pavilion, settle themselves along the West Coast. The property is only a 20-minute drive from Bridgetown and a 45-minute drive from Grantley Adams International Airport.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie