Almond Beach Village, Heywoods

I stayed at the Almond Beach Village (ABV) from 15 October 2007 for two weeks. I don't quite understand what all the fuss is about as I absolutely enjoyed my stay there.

I have read reports that ABV is not a 4 star resort, but you have to remember that you are in a Caribbean country so you will not have the same 4 star quality there as you would in the UK. Isn't that just plain common sense? The staff were great and we made some really good friends who were an absolute joy!

Location
ABV is in St Peter's which is the top end of the island. It is about a 40 minute drive to Bridgetown (capital and main shopping hub) but it's only about 10 minutes away from Speightstown. I must say it is a bit far out, but as ABV is all inclusive you don't necessarily need to leave the complex. Therefore I don't think it is too much of an issue.

Driving in Barbados is easy, it's exactly the same as here, however, you have to watch out for the yellow buses which can drive a bit erratic! Also remember that when a horn is tooted it's usually to warn you of something or to say thank you.

Rooms
We were on the first floor of apartments beginning with 6 (so you could say block 6) which was right by the baby pool and very accessible to the main courtyard area. Taking the stairs (2 flights of 6 stairs) with a buggy was not too much of a hassle, especially as I had my younger brothers around to help me out! The bed was huge, but we discovered that it was two bed put together! We did not mind as the room (including the bathroom) was spotless clean.

The room also came with a fold up sofa, wicker chair, TV, kettle (on request), fridge (on request) and vanity unit. They came in and made the bed and changed the towels everyday. You could have the bed linen changed daily if you want, but they have a scheme to reduce their carbon footprint so they encourage you to keep your linen and they will change it after 3 days. Now I have no problem with that because it's not like I change my own bed linen every day!!

The bathroom was of adequate size, but you've got to remember their toilets are a lot lower than our own - I did fall at least once in the night!!! All in all the room suited our needs and there wouldn't be anything else I would add to it.

Service
We ate at the onsite restaurants the majority of the time, apart from La Tasca. The service at The Reef and Enid's was good and you don't have to wait too long to be seated (The Reef takes reservations); however at Horizon there was always a queue! (reservations needed). Booking our reservations was pretty easy as we booked up for 3 or 4 days at a time. I must admit that the service and food at Horizon was good and we made friends with a few of the staff there.

However, even thought the food at The Reef and Enid's was ok there was about 2 times where the food was cold at both these restaurants, but once we asked nicely to change it the food was ok. All the members of staff at the restaurants were nice and we made good friends with the chef at Enid's - he prepared us a really nice goodbye meal!

As you do in an all inclusive we spent many, many, many days sitting at the bar getting steadily tipsy and the bar staff were happy to cater to all our needs. We had a good rapport with the staff at Tommy's Bar and the bar in the Courtyard. When you go to the Courtyard bar you need to ask Michelle or Sherilyn to make you a BBC (baileys, bananas and coconut), which goes down a treat at 11am in the morning!! Plus Michelle does a very special cocktail which will knock your block off, it's called 'Devil's ride' and trust me; the devil rode me the night I had it!!! If you get Michelle makes it for you tell her Nicole and Julian says hi!

Kids Club/Nursery
My 9 month old absolutely loved the nursery! I must admit we had him for about 5 days before we decided to use the nursery and once we did he was there practically every day! Even though it's nice to have the kids with you on holiday, they need to have a release too. The nursery allowed my boy to intermingle with other kids and play with loads of toys. It is also air conditioned in the nursery so it got him out of the heat.

My brothers weren't so keen on the Kids Club, but I think that is because they are at an age where it gets hard to please them - not a child but not a teenager. They did have activities there that they went to and they can sign themselves in and out, provided you are still in the complex. They really enjoyed the tie dying sessions and playing water games, but you have to be aware that the schedule can change depending on the weather conditions. I think the nursery and kids club are worth chucking, sorry, putting your kids into as it gives them a break away from you drinking at the bar!!

Other amenities
I know ABV quotes 10 pools, but they are interlinked. So they don't actually have 10 separate pools, but like 4 pools that have adjoining pools. But that does not detract from the fact that you have pools, but who needs a pool when you are right on the beach front anyway!! The beaches in Barbados are not privately owned so you will get locals selling you goods, but if you politely say no thanks they leave you alone.

We booked two excursions through the hotel and I would recommend the 4x4 tour of the island. You really see some breathtaking sights. The booking system is easy and once you've paid a deposit the remaining balance is added to your room for you to pay when you check out (or you can pay it off before then).

There is an onsite nightclub called Rachel's, but I didn't manage to go to it. My other half did and I think it's fair to say that not much guests use it!

There is golfing and spa facilities on site, but we did get round to using them because we had some much fun either chatting to the staff (while drinking!) or going on the beach.

There is a complimentary shuttle bus to ABV's sister site, Almond Beach Spa - which is for adults only. We didn't visit Almond Beach Spa but we had feedback that it wasn't as nice as ABV.

There is live entertainment most nights and would definitely recommend their Manager's cocktail night (Tuesday) and their Beach BBQ (I think Wednesday). There is also entertainment in Horizon, which is ok most nights but I can get a little cheesy as they tend to sing the same songs.

Non-motorized watersports are on site and you can snorkel, waterski or even ride the banana boat - which is great fun by the way!! Definitely recommend!!

Overall
All in all my family enjoyed our stay at ABV and would go back every year if we could (it is a bit pricey I know but well worth it!) and the staff were courteous in every way especially as they would say good morning or afternoon whenever you walked past. You have a good variety of food on offer (especially the morning buffet!) and you can order a picnic buffet if you are going out on an excursion.

The general tidiness of the hotel was exceptional, especially the lawns; however the pools could be cleaned of leaves a bit more frequently. The staff at the kids club and nursery are lovely and show understanding and patience with the kids. I would definitely recommend ABV to family and friends.