Review by Liz Taylor for the Cheshire Magazine
Wedding planner, Liz Taylor is always on the lookout for luxurious, romantic locations. So we sent her to check out the exclusive Lone Star Boutique Hotel and Restaurant in Barbados.
When choosing a romantic getaway, few places can compete with Barbados. Waking up to watch the sunrise over the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea always feels special. Eating breakfast on a terrace overlooking the gorgeous beach takes that experience and magnifies it 100-fold. It feels like we’re a million miles away from the concerns of everyday life; almost as if we’ve stepped off the world for a few days and entered a paradise island.
The Lone Star is more luxury hideaway than luxury hotel. It has all the amenities of a five-star luxury resort, including flat screen 1Vs, ipod docks, WiFi, in-room spa treatments, a trendy cocktail bar and a first-class restaurant. The big difference is, this hotel has only six suites, which makes it the perfect size for an exclusive pre-wedding celebration or honeymoon escape.
In the 1940s the site housed the only petrol station on the west side of the island, and this history is reflected in the names of the suites: Cadillac, Lincoln, Buick, Studebaker, Shelby and Corvette.
We stayed in Corvette, one of two suites in the Beach House, which can be rented separately or as a three/four-bedroom house. What may sound like a little shack overlooking the ocean, is far from reality. It is a spacious, three-storey coral stone property, with a mixture of marble and mahogany floors, exposed stone walls, and painted wood ceilings with large overhead fans. It’s all stylishly decorated in the hotel’s signature colours, a complementary mix of blue hues and white, and effortlessly combines elegance with space and luxurious comfort. I love it.
The Beach House has a fully-equipped kitchen, and private dining can be arranged for up to 30 guests. Staff are on hand to cater for your every need, but otherwise it’s a comfortable home from home, where you can relax without worrying about anything from the outside world. I would, though, recommend that you eat at the hotel’s restaurant, nicknamed ‘The Ivy of the Caribbean’, open to non-residents, which has a lively atmosphere and an unrivalled location on the beach. It’s a wonderful spot for photos and if you were thinking of having a wedding party here, can seat up to 150.
It’s easy to see why Lone Star is a popular destination for Prime Ministers and stars like Simon Cowell and Mariah Carey – it’s private, discreet, luxurious and comfortable.
For added relaxation, spa treatments are available in your room. I tried out the Lone Star Signature Lava Shell Massage and Facial Cleanse alongside the Honey and Citrus Manicure, included in pre-wedding celebration packages. If I had any knots of stress remaining, that certainly cleared them. For couples, the hotel also offers a Journey Together spa experience that includes side-by-side massages, facials and Foot Bath rituals.
Once refreshed, the sea offers plenty of active adventures. Taking a personalised Catamaran cruise to swim with the island’s famous turtles is something I’ll never forget.
If you’re looking to create your bubble of romantic bliss – this is the place!!
The Lone Star Boutique Hotel and Restaurant is in the St James area of Barbados. Luxury transfers are available to and from the hotel. Prices for a pre-wedding celebration start from USD $750. 00 per person or USD $1,500.00 per room (double occupancy) for a minimum four-night stay. A Honeymoon Retreat break, including a bottle of champagne on ice, starts from USD $2,600. 00 per couple. Bespoke breaks are available.
