Barbados

3* Almond Casuarina

Recently acquired by popular Almond Beach Resorts, this beautiful resort, set in tropical gardens, is a member of the Green Hotels Association. Children are very welcome here and you'll sense that as soon as you walk into the lobby as there are numerous board games piled up and ready for action. The restaurant has several little tables for tiny-tots and the kids' club (2-12 years) is decorated with colourful paintings by past guests. The Dover location, just 5 min to St Lawrence Gap, is perfect.

Casuarina Hotel is set amongst eight acres of tropical gardens which boast a wide variety of vegetation. Flowers abound, Casuarina trees border the 900 ft white coral sand beach, and coconut palms are seen as you glance up from your pool side lounger. The fruit bearing Bajan Cherry, Sea Grape and Banana trees offer you a taste of the tropics.

The private art collection of Casuarina is one of the best on the island and original works of art can be found in each room. There are special touches around the Barbados hotel which create the ambience of a "home away from home". The lobby area is elegant yet relaxed with a mixture of antique mahogany furniture and hand-painted rocking chairs.

Although the Casuarina Beach Club is officially a three star property, their standards are closer to that of a four star property. The resort started out as an all studio hotel, however, recognizing the need for larger accommodations one bedroom and two bedroom (townhouse style) apartments were added.

There is an excellent children's programme at Casuarina (please check for opening hours as this may change from time to time) and a small play area with a doll's house with fret work like the Chattle Houses which are part of the Barbadian landscape.

The Casuarina Beach Club is suitable for singles, couples and families. It offers great value and their staff will welcome you warmly again and again.