The Bottom Line
Pros
- Rooms in lush gardens ideal for families with children
- Walking distance or short cab ride to shops, bars, clubs and restaurants of lively St. Lawrence Gap
- No cloying entertainment staff, encouraging sophomoric bellyflop contests or the like
- Plenty of space and lounge chairs by beach and pool to relax, even for late risers
- Ocean has some surf, which is ideal for boogie boarding and body surfing
Cons
- Tide and current not ideal for young children or those who are not capable swimmers
- Not for gourmet foodies; meals are good, not lavish, but do include fresh fruit, salad
- Gym is small and tucked in back of resort
- Guests may use amenities at other Almond Resorts properties, but these are relatively distant
- Laid-back atmosphere may be too quiet for some
Description
- Address: Dover Beach, Christ Church, Barbados
- Phone: 877-202-9632
- Rates: $331-767/night, all-inclusive
- Dining: Three restaurants, plus access to five more at other Almond resorts; four bars; room service for lunch and dinner.
- Spa: Spa treatments available at the Serenity Spa
- Other Amenities: Snorkeling, kayaking, wind surfing, fitness center, tennis courts. Shuttle to other Almond Resorts.
- Rooms: 289 Rooms and Suites with garden or ocean views
- Website: http://www.almondresorts.com/the-resorts/almond-casuarina-beach/
Guide Review - Almond Casuarina Beach Resort
The resort is not sprawling, but intimate, in the sense that there is no fear of being lost or overwhelmed. Even if you choose accommodations in the garden rooms, the beach is but a short stroll away. A smaller pool area, with a separate shallow pool perfect for families with young children, lies amidst the jungle-like setting, while a larger pool located in front of the oceanview rooms is near the restaurants and bars.
A buffet breakfast is served in the main restaurant, offering some unusual items such as fried plantains and baked beans, as well as the expected fruit, muffins, omelets, eggs, waffles and pastries. Lunch consists of a beachside barbecue, with fresh fish, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and an array of salads and island-style sides such as mashed hicama, although a sit down lunch available at the Dover Grill. The a la carte restaurants Dover Grill, Enid’s and the buffet style Waves provide nightly selections.
The staff at Almond Casuarina Beach can arrange sightseeing excursions, dinner reservations, spa appointments, baby-sitting services or can accommodate any other request up to three months in advance.
This is not a high-energy resort by any means, so young travelers and spring-breakers may find themselves bored. However, if rest and relaxation in the sun is what you're after, the Almond Casuarina Beach Resort delivers on its promise.
