Barbados

4* Tamarind Cove

Tamarind Cove has an interesting history. Originally established in 1969, the property is the evolution of a hotel built by the daughter of a British newspaper tycoon in order to entertain her friends who flew to Barbados for polo matches. It is now part of the Elegant Hotels Group, the largest hotel operator in Barbados. Designed with pale-pink walls and recently updated air-conditioned rooms, this Iberian-style hotel sits beside St. James Beach one-and-one-half miles from Holetown.

Tamarind Cove has 105 rooms, each with either a pool/garden view or an ocean view. The spacious rooms have their own private balcony or patio and are decorated in soft tropical colors and with rattan furnishings. The honeymoon suites even have their own private plunge pools. All rooms and suites feature air conditioning, bath and shower, hairdryer, satellite television, clock radio, minibar and personal safe.

Daphne's, the London restaurant long a favorite haunt with celebrities, socialites and even royalty, opened its first restaurant in Barbados at Tamarind Cove. Daphne's Barbados combines the fine cuisine and eclectic menu associated with this culinary icon together with a truly idyllic beach side setting. Daphne's, a London landmark, retains its well-known identity and excellent reputation but unites it with the relaxed atmosphere of the Caribbean to provide a unique combination of sophistication and simplicity. The restaurant has secured the talented British chef Kelly Jackson, who previously worked with the Four Seasons Hotel Group and has experience in London, Australia and the Caribbean. In addition to Daphne's Barbados, the hotel has two restaurants, Tangiers and Sasso. Eight nicely landscaped pool areas offer refeshment and free water sports are offered while tennis, golf, horseback riding and yes, polo, are available nearby.