Aug 17, 2011 10:00:09 PM
Summary:
Having last visited Barbados over 20 years earlier without children, we promised ourselves a return before the children flew the nest. This was that holiday and we were not disappointed.
Cassia 11 is exactly as depicted in the pictures, and was a wonderful, comfortable relaxing place to stay. Peter, the owner, gave us plenty of information before our visit. I agree with all of the previous reviews regarding the facilities so won't repeat those except for one. Ann, the housekeeper, is an absolute treasure. Since we stayed during the Crop-Over festival, she was able to give us tips on where to go, as well as looking after us extremely well. Nothing was too much trouble. Its the first time ever, we've returned from holiday with suitcases full of clean, ironed clothes.
If you are a golfer, you will enjoy this course which is immaculately kept and which will seriously test your handicap.
Mullins beach is nice,with plenty of facilities and the complimentary sunbeds and beach towels are welcome, but there are many other beaches on the island. It is still possible to find a beach completely empty, except for yourselves. We did, right next to Crane Beach on the south coast, reputedly one of the best beaches in the world. The beaches on the south coast tend to be wider than those on the West, although the sea is rougher. Great for wind/surfing.
If you want to explore the island at will, a car is essential, although there are companies offering a variety of tours to all the attractions.
We would recommend Stoutes, who can deliver, or you can pick up at the airport.
Harrisons cave, Bathsheba, Holetown, Bridgetown, Orchid world( a must for gardeners), Mount Gay rum tour and St Nicholas Abbey(more rum!) are all worth a visit.
For the active, there are plenty of watersports at Mullins, as well as cruises for snorkelling and turtle watching departing from Bridgetown. The children and I learnt to scuba dive, in Carlisle Bay at Bridgetown, with Barbados Blue who are based in the Hilton car park, and can thoroughly recommend them. Learn the basics in the hotel swimming pool, and then it is a short boat trip to dive over the wrecks in the bay. It is teeming with tropical fish, and the occasional turtle. Thoroughly enjoyable.
We visited during the Crop-Over festival and the Bajans know how to let their hair down. They are still the most polite and helpful people we have ever met.
It is a very different pace of life.
Just chill, relax and enjoy. We did!
Bill G.
Apr 30, 2010 12:40:03 AM
Summary:
My kids and I stayed at Cassia 11 March - April 2010. We had an awesome stay. The kids enjoyed being at the pool and playing tennis. There is a shuttle to the beach but I rented a car so we drove to the beach. It was great not to have to think about where to park - we enjoyed the Westmoreland parking across the street from Mullins Beach where you can jet ski, read a book on a comfy beach chair, or have something to eat at the restaurant there.
You must vist Holetown and all the shops and restaurants In Holetown. I shopped at Super Centre supermarket - one stop shopping - you'll find everything you need there. The banks are in Holetown so when I got low on cash thats where I headed.
The highlight of our vacation was the monkeys - they came to visit us every day. Hint - don't feed them bananas - they won't want to leave. The kids enjoyed having them visit and I didn't have to take them to the Wildlife Reserve - it was like having the Wildlife Reserve in our backyard which was the golf course - absolutely magnificant.
I enjoyed sitting outside on the terrace and having breakfast in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening after a long day of fun with the kids. I almost forgot - I got up early to workout at the gym - it was wonderful - state of the art equipment - the new equipemnt got me out of bed at 6 a.m. to work-out. Imagine getting up at the hour on vacation - I did and it was great - I didn't gain any weight despite all the eating out we did - Just Grillin was one of my faves because the food was quite healthy - it didn't make sense to workout and then eat like Miss Piggie later. Working out made me really pay close attention to what I ate and drank.
The staff at Westmoreland were very friendly and knowlegeable. Ann, the maid was fantastic - my daughter looked forward to chit-chatting with her as she worked. She did an awesome job.
This was a fantastic vacation and we would love to visit again!! Thanks Barbara and Joan!!
Mar 26, 2010 06:40:00 AM
Summary:
We stayed at the villa from 13/3/10 to 20/3/10 and had a wonderful time. The property is very light, spacious and most importantly, comfortable. The view from the living area/terrace out onto the 10th tee is simply lovely. We had a very relaxing and enjoyable holiday and would fully recommend Cassia 11 without hesitation. We hope to stay at the property again next year and would like to thank Barbara, Joan and Ann (the housekeeper) for ensuring that our holiday went without a hitch.
Feb 20, 2010 09:20:09 PM
Summary:
Our stay at 11 Cassia Heights has been very enjoyabale. The house is of a high standard, well appointed and very clean located centrally on the Royal Westmoreland resort near the pool, gym and golf club house. The shaded veranda has a great view looking down the 10th fairway of the golf course where the occasional monkey can be seen. Various birds frequent the plants near the house and a regular visit from hummingbirds was a novelty for those of us from the UK.
Did not play golf on the course which looks immaculate although challenging for the average golfer and was expensive compared with good UK courses.
It was a pity that there were no facilities open on site into the evening apart from the quiet 'Rum Shack' bar near the entrance. Its location away from the centre did not encourage its use. Eating out in Barbados is not cheap by European standards but the well equipped kitchen enabled us to enjoy some nice meals 'at home' on the veranda some evenings.
A car is really a must although we saw buses leave from the entrance of the resort. Holetown is a 10 minute drive away as are a number of west coast beaches including those in the Paynes Bay, Porters and Sandy Lane areas. Bridgetown is about 25 minutes along the coast round. Car paking is either free or very cheap even in central Bridgetown. The roads were quiet even during the February high season and easy driving by UK standards for anyone worried about driving !
The RW Indulgence Spa is located at Mullens beach which is 10-15 minutes drive away. We did not use the spa but the car park can be used if visiting Mullens beach (opposite) with your own vehicle although there is also a shuttle bus every 2 hours from the resort. Note there are limited free RW beach sun beds at Mullens, which is also quite narrow so can get quite cramped, so get there early if visiting during a busy time of year.
A visit to the east coat is a must away from the busy west coast. The Bethsheba area has some wonderful beaches where you can walk, horse ride or watch the surfers. The waves are very large here and not for swimming! Nearby are the Andromeda Gardens which, although small, have some nice plants and trees. If you are a UK National Trust member take your card with you as entry to the gardens (andf other NT properties) is then free.
The service provided by the owner Barbara and her assistant Joan prior to the holiday was excellent and the house would be recommended for anyone wishing to visit Barbados
Dec 4, 2009 06:35:15 PM
Summary:
My husband, children and I were recently at this home and had just a wonderful time there. We had all the luxuries and comforts of home, while being at walking distance to all of the amenities available at Westmoreland. The home was clean, airy and spacious. My children had their own room and bath, my brother-in-law had a cottage with a private bath and my husband and I had our own room and bath. We really did not want for anything, from internet service to beach towels... all was provided and spelndid! A great stay for anyone on vacation... and with great views of the golfcourse.
Jun 7, 2009 04:20:02 PM
Summary:
Quiet location with a beautiful view. You can sit out on the deck and enjoy the warm breeze. The layout of the place allows privacy for all three bedrooms. Also a great pool and workout centre is within a 2 minute walk from your door.
Jun 7, 2009 04:20:01 PM
Summary:
We had the most wonderful time at Cassia 11 in Royal Westmorland. It was so nice to have a "home" to come back to at the end of the day. We began and ended every day on the patio, watching monkeys scamper on the golf greens and sipping coffee or a glass of wine (depending on the time of day).
The Cassia is beautifully maintained and can easily accomodate 3 couples - each with their own bath, so there is still plenty of privacy. While it is not on the beach, we found this irrelevant as a shuttle ran constantly - it was easy and we didn't have to worry about anything.
It is very close to Holetown, where everything is available. It was easy access to anything we wanted to do. We did not rent a car and found that taxis were easy to obtain and relatively inexpensive.
We would go back in a minute.
Jun 5, 2009 04:20:01 PM
Summary:
I have stayed in Cassia Heights #11 several times over the past few years. I find it to be an excellent launching point for our daily adventures, which take us all over the island. Its proximity to Holetown makes it easy to stock up, or find excellent restaurants nearby. The beach at Mullins Bay is one of our favorites and the amentities provided there are excellent. The house itself is very clean, pleasant and quiet. The grounds of Royal Westmoreland are very well kept and the gym is one of the better ones I have seen in any club of its kind. Well worth a visit.
Jun 4, 2009 03:40:03 PM
Summary:
What a beautiful piece of the Caribbean. Lovely grounds, terrific golf course and clubhouse, excellent and spacious villa with all amenities we could want. The Sanctuary was splendid with its pool facilities and fitness centre and games area and bar. The Rum Shak was a treat and the Indulgence Spa was superb. Access to the beach was easy and the beach attendants were most helpful and accommodating to our group. I would definitely return to this villa.
Dec 18, 2008 01:38:26 AM
Summary:
As seasoned travellers there are few places we've taken such an immediate liking to as our recent rental accommodations at #11 Cassia Heights. I must confess, our group of three couples was somewhat reluctant to try a Villa holiday after many years of enjoying all inclusive resort vacations. Who wants to prepare meals while on holiday, after all? But to our surprise and delight we found that not being tied to a set meal schedule fit our style perfectly. The early risers in our group put on a pot of coffee and relaxed on the shaded patio (a few drops of Baileys in the old Java helped) chatting or reading from #11's eclectic library (I particularly enjoyed the Science Trivia book). When the late sleepers finally honoured us with their presence, a leisurely breakfast of toast, cereal or fruit was prepared. It was all rather civilized actually compared to the crowded resort cafeterias. The accommodations are actually outstanding. Three very large, comfortable bedrooms, each with its own ensuite provided everything we'd expect in a good hotel, including air-conditioning and privacy. The common areas -- kitchen, dining room, living room and patio are spacious and modern -- but not air conditioned. This did not pose a problem because of the almost constant gentle breezes associated with Barbados. Most meals were eaten 'round the large patio table. Jan, #11's housekeeper, is a gem. She kept the house spotless for us and even washed and folded our laundry while we spent the rest of the day at the beach or exploring Barbados. Consequently, we realized that a vacation at Cassia Heights requires far fewer clothes than two weeks at a resort. We will pack much lighter next time. As for Westmorland Heights itself, the gated community is clearly well managed. In fact, my one and only criticism relates to its cleanliness. Ground crews start work every week day morning at 7 and some days their power tools seemed excessively noisy -- but the place is spotless! My routine started every morning with a brisk 25-minute walk along the golf course's cart path. At that time of the morning I shared the course with Westmorland's plentiful monkey population and the greens keepers. The course is set among rolling hills with spectacular views of the ocean and the island, not to mention the stunning homes. This was one of the most enjoyable aspects of this getaway -- a quiet walk in the early morning beauty of Barbados. A great pool is very close by.
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