Review: 02 Beach Club and Spa, Christ Church, Barbados

There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts in Barbados to choose from, but the O2 Beach Club and Spa takes all-inclusive to another level. Named after its life-giving oxygen, this sophisticated beach resort is the place to take in all that Barbados has to offer.

Paradise is included at the O2 Beach Club. Food and drinks are provided in the morning, afternoon and evening. “Your stay, your way” is O2’s mantra and the beach club gives you the freedom to holiday exactly the way you want.

In this 116 suite 5* hotel on the south coast of Barbados the rhythm is chic, cheerful and trendy. There are sharp, contemporary tones in the décor that use vibrant flashes of deep ocean blue, hibiscus, sunset and tangerine.

The welcome

After our luggage has been taken, chilled towels and welcome drinks have been delivered, we are given a strict tour of the building by hotel ambassador Beco.

He introduces us to the beach, swimming pools, restaurants, numerous bars and The Oasis where we can grab a coffee or a snack.

Finally, he takes us to our suite where doorman “Mr Unstoppable” delivers our bags. The staff at O2 Beach Club and Spa never lacks confidence.

The sequel

In the Sunset Building, opened in November 2021, Junior Oceanfront Suites overlook the pool, beach and sparkling Caribbean. A mat in the shape of a hibiscus flower dominates the lounge area of ​​the two-seater sofa and the wicker armchair.

On the wall, a flamboyantly colorful portrait of an octopus, bordering on cherry, contrasts with the more subdued gray tones of a turtle. Behind the super-sized double bed is a wall with geometric tropical leaf motifs.

On the balcony, two luxurious sun loungers overlook white waves crashing on white sand. There are even sockets on the balcony to charge our devices.

Rum and gin are provided for the minibar and beers and mixers are replenished daily.

The bathroom

Adjust lighting levels to suit your mood. Choose between an invigorating rain shower or a serene dip in a freestanding bath.

Marble effect tiles give a luxurious look to a bathroom that, with sufficient towels and toiletries from White Linen, meets all requirements.

The facilities

The days start sooner or later with a breakfast buffet in Elements. Start with divine orange juice, freshly squeezed through the Zumex machine. It’s a cross-border breakfast with Bajan fritters, tropical fruit, pancakes and maple syrup, and of course bacon, eggs and sausage. During lunch Elements is a buffet restaurant, and in the evening there is a varied buffet and à la carte restaurant.

Above the resort, kitchen areas offer spectacular views of the south coast of Barbados from the large windows at the high ceiling Oro. This is the gourmet location for delicacies like lobster tails and a strong Mount Gay rum crème brûlée.e easy Flying Fin on the beach for lunch to the gourmet Oro on the 9th floor of the Sunset building.

Similarly, Brisa, on top of the neighboring Sunrise building, offers another pool, bar and tapas option to accompany the perfect sunset spot.

Located on the eighth floor of the Sunset Building, the Acqua is a full-service spa. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to enter a serene state of mind while receiving their personalized treatment. Next to the spa’s treatment room is Barbados’ only hamman.

On the second floor of the Sunrise building is a serious 24/7 gym: well equipped with bikes, free weights, treadmills and machines for arms, back and legs.

The location

O2’s 300 meter long, pure white sand beach is simply breathtaking, great for invigorating morning strolls or romantic sunset strolls. The western end offers safe swimming and activities such as snorkeling or kayaking for the more active. On the shoulder of St Lawrence Gap, the O2 Beach Club and Spa is ideally located for hitting the local, vibrant bars and clubs.

The concierge will arrange visits to all Barbados attractions: catamaran cruises, diving in the flower caves or historic Bridgetown.

Other nice touches

O2 Beach Club and Spa also offers great inclusions. Stay five nights or more and you’ll be entitled to a free round of golf, including club hire, at Barbados Golf Club, US$75 Spa Credit per person and access to their sister property Sea Breeze Beach House. If you book direct you will also receive free airport pick-up and return.

Every evening there is live entertainment somewhere on the resort, perhaps on the dance floor at Elements or sky high at Oro restaurant.

Throughout the day, staff deliver chilled towels, drinks and ice creams to guests around the pool.

Throughout the day, check out the fun ‘How to’ classes that provide insight into Bajan culture, whether that’s learning to paint the landscape, make the best rum punch or play dominoes like a local.

Teenagers have a lounge to themselves with table tennis, table football, large television and an abundance of board games.

Costs

A luxury ocean view junior suite starts from £6115 for 7 nights all-inclusive.

The best part

The Bluefin tiki hut, complete with pool bar for premium spirits and cocktails, is the place to be. Surrounded by palms and vegetation from the Garden of Eden, the Bluefin is open for lunch from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. It offers casual dining with a gourmet take on light lunches such as buljol bowls, burgers, chops, salads and steak sandwiches.

Chameleon-like, the Bluefin turns into a pizzeria late in the afternoon on some days. Indian, Italian or country/seafood buffets are served on other evenings when it opens as an evening restaurant.

The final verdict

The O2 Beach Club and Spa is an exclusive yet inviting destination to relax and unwind in sophisticated surroundings with a real sense of place.

As soon as you arrive at the O2 you will feel like you have joined the coolest beach club in Barbados.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by O2 Beach Club and Spa.

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Although Michael published his first travel stories almost forty years ago, he still finds new luxury destinations to visit and write about.