With the past few days of rain in New Jersey, I was really looking forward to my trip to Barbados. The alarm went off at 3:20am, just two hours after going to bed, but it was all good. Instead of driving up to the city like I always do, I decided to treat myself to a comfortable limo ride from Ross Limousine. I was up for about a half an hour before stretching out on their very comfy leather seats and dosing back off to bed. Jeffrey was right on time, actually a bit early, and was such a gentleman! He really made my ride very comfortable and convinced me this is the way to go from now on!
After an easy five hour flight on American Airlines, we were cruising over the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. 86 degrees and sunny we were told by the captain…nice! I was waiting at the baggage carousel and my suitcase was laying above all the others, so it was hard to reach. I tried the first time and couldn’t grab it. Second time it came around and I triumphantly held tight and pulled it over all the other suitcases. I think the handle went into my hand and I just remember thinking, ouch, that hurt, but it’s 86 degrees…I’ll be ok! And then I looked down and saw my left middle finger swelling up instantly and turning purple. Ok, I guess I caused some damage. But it can’t be broken…I have surf and polo lessons coming up over the next few days! So for now, it’s ice, advil, and wrapping.
After we checked into The Colony Club, we went to dinner at the Fish Pot at Little Good Harbour. It was such a quaint restaurant right on the water. As you’re eating dinner in the semi-enclosed area, the open spaces allow you to see and hear the waves of the ocean crashing. I always love trying new foods, so tonight I tried the conch cakes, alligator skewers, and Barracuda! The only encounter I’ve had with a barracuda is swimming really fast away from one while snorkeling, but I definitely enjoyed their taste!
After dinner, it was back to the hotel, with the left hand in a bucket of ice in hopes of getting it healed for surfing this weekend. I love the shower in my room….so spacious and also doubles as a heart shaped tub. The room has a great terrace for relaxing and looking up at the stars. Tomorrow should be a fun day filled with culture, beach, and more great food…stay tuned!
The treatments themselves were also amazing. I chose a facial and my mom, a massage. We arrived at the spa a half an hour before our appointments, changed into our robes, and had the opportunity to enjoy the steam room, an antioxidant drink, or champagne and truffles in the lounge. During my facial with Debbie, she looked over my skin, discussed my questions, and then chose the perfect blend of antioxidant products. The combination of massage and steam was so relaxing and helped my face and body feel completely rejuvenated. My mom chose the Chardonnay Vinotherapy Massage, which was just one of the many creative treatments offered. Afterward, we met in a common area where we rubbed our feet in salt and then spun our chairs around and soaked them in warm water, while sipping more champagne and indulging in truffles!
In the afternoon, my brother and I took the free shuttle over to the family friendly Minerals Resort and Spa, also part of the Crystal Springs Resort, which caters to families, and has a large gym, tennis, basketball, and racquetball quarts, and seven indoor and outdoor heated pools. Although I’m more of a pilates than a yoga girl, I decided to check out the yoga class, which catered to all levels. 
We then came back to the Grand Cascades Lodge and met my parents at the Biosphere, and spent some time in the indoor and outdoor heated pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. I almost had to remind myself that I was in NJ, as the biosphere gives off a Caribbean resort vibe, as everyone was having fun and sipping frozen drinks prepared poolside.
