David and I just returned from two weeks in Barbados, an island I love and have visited over 22 times. The resort we previously stayed at was fully booked, so we identified another for Yellow Bird Hotel in the popular St. Lawrence Gap.
The reviews were excellent, we decided to book a deluxe suite at this small hotel with the expectation that it would meet our needs. It exceeded all our expectations.
The rooms were sparkling clean, spacious, plenty of storage room, sturdy furniture, very comfortable beds, attractively decorated, with original art by Jeena Chatrani and international acclaimed artist and the owner’s daughter. The bathroom featured marble tiles and a walk-in shower, and the kitchen was equipped with a fridge, stove, and microwave, providing the option to dine in when preferred.
Our patio offered a magnificent view fringed with palm trees swaying in the warm breeze, an aqua blue sea dotted with fishing boats and ocean waves gently breaking on a sandy shore. It was such a peaceful beautiful scene. We were happy to have chosen this place, but there was more to come.
My first visit to Barbados was in 1984 for my late husband Stuart’s 50th birthday. Year earlier when at college enrolled in a two-year Early Childhood Education program, the woman in the 27-bed dormitory next to me was Wendy. She was from Barbados and found the damp, grey, and noisy city of London in October to be overwhelming.
Each night she would describe her island to me to help her get to sleep. Her detailed description of the sweet scent of frangipani blossoms, clear sunny skies, welcoming beaches and variety of the landscape of this small island made me fall in love with it long before I ever visited.
Wendy and I became fast friends, during breaks between terms she came home with me. For several years we were inseparable, shared our hopes and dreams with one another.
Once we had completed our course and graduated, Wendy went travelling and I found a job in London, sadly over the years we lost touch.
On my first trip I was determined to find her. We visited the address where she had lived, asked in shops and restaurants, but to no avail. Disappointed but the island's lush landscape, steel bands, and welcoming people made for a wonderful first visit.
In 1989 out of the blue Wendy phoned me at our Main Street home in Cambridge. She had returned to England to search for me and spoken with my niece who gave her our address. I was delighted to hear from her, we arranged to meet as soon as possible.
I learned she and her husband had emigrated from Zambia 16 years earlier and now lived in Thornhill. We had visited one another’s birthplace when we were only an hour apart.
We have since vacationed in Barbados together. Wendy introduced me to her close friends from school Anne and Geoffrey Cave, owner of the prestigious island department chain Cave Shepherd.
Geoff was a strong advocate for tourism and in November 2016 on Barbados 50th anniversary was knighted for his outstanding contribution to business and tourism. We have been fortunate to have shared many times with them all.
When I met my husband David, one of the attractions for me was that he and his late wife also loved Barbados and visited frequently. Two years after we met, David and I had our first trip together in Barbados.
On Feb. 4, 2015 at the well-loved Champers restaurant, overlooking the ocean and watching the sunset, David proposed. A romantic magical evening.
Ten years later, we returned. Unbeknownst to me, David had arranged with the Champers restaurant manager by phone from Canada to book the same table at the same time and date.
Featured on our menu we found the photos from our engagement on our menus along with a personal message. The table was decorated with glittering hearts and Happy Anniversary confetti. I was moved to tears by this unexpected gesture.
Once back at the hotel we shared our evening with the staff. The owner, Geeta Chatrani, and the manager, Cecile, of Yellow Bird Hotel, took copies of our anniversary menu and created a Valentine's video for their Facebook site. Within a few days, it had garnered nearly one thousand views.
Geeta, who managed Yellow Bird for 25 years, trained her staff to provide excellent service regardless of the hotel's star rating. We enjoyed the five-star service, the staff, who became like family were so thoughtful and caring, every little detail immediately covered if the slightest thing was not perfect.
Should we return, we would not hesitate to rebook. Most of their guests are repeats and I understand why.
Many people from our city visit Barbados regularly so if you are thinking about a future visit, check out the Yellow Bird Hotel site. Now whatever the weather brings, our memories will keep us warm until the spring. Happy to be home.
