BARBADOS — Turquoise sea, soft white sand and lush surroundings provide the perfect setting for the 02 Beach Club & Spa, a new all-inclusive luxury resort on Barbados’ south coast. Formerly the Ocean Two Resort & Residences, this family-owned property officially opened in November 2021.

“Our plan was a reimagined Ocean Two that would see the property move from an excellent 4.5-star property to an exceptional five-star, luxury boutique all-inclusive resort,” says Patricia Affonso-Dass, CEO and Group General Manager of Barbados-based Ocean Hotels Group.

Offering unparalleled dining, wellness and relaxation options, O2 Beach Club & Spa reinvented itself by adding 42 luxury junior suites, three restaurants, a river pool, reception building, full-service luxury spa, 1,500 square feet of meeting space and an enhanced beach. It also employed 75% more team members to ensure quality, customized service. O2 Beach Club & Spa guests also have access to the Sea Breeze Beach House, a sister property that is a two-minute transfer from the hotel.

Affonso-Dass adds that all these additions were enhanced by Bajan culture: “We have used local talent, craftsmen, suppliers and materials. All of the art used in our rooms and public spaces is locally sourced and created just for us, including the work of Sian Pampalone, Jeena Chatrani, Vanita Comissiong, Michelle Rodrigues Bowe, Yasmin Vizcarrodo, Jon Farmer photography and the stunning wall finishes, murals and sculptural pieces by Sandy Layne assisted by Sonia Burke.

“This product is all about us understanding what our guests want and helping single travellers, families and multigenerational families. We asked ourselves: How do we help each of those people have the best experience?”

ROOM CATEGORIES

The revamped five-star hotel now features 130 oceanview and oceanfront suites divided into three collections: Club, Luxury and Concierge. The Club collection includes king and twin beds with ensuite bathrooms and rainfall showers; guests who stay five days or more can enjoy a complimentary game at the 18-hole Barbados Golf Club.

The Luxury collection rooms are contemporary adult-only suites with private balconies and included amenities such as concierge, bottle of champagne upon arrival, beach bag, $75 spa credit, unlimited access to Sea Breeze Beach House including one dinner reservation (subject to availability) and a complimentary round of golf with a minimum stay of five nights. Luxury guests can reserve a swim-up suite with access to the adult-only river pool.

The Concierge collection includes spacious one- and two-bedroom suites with upgraded coastal décor furnishings, full kitchens, Concierge Ambassador service with complimentary concierge phone with data upon request and in-room check-in, beach bag, $125 spa credit, in-room stocked grocery items on request, unlimited access to Sea Breeze Beach House and a complimentary round of golf with a minimum stay of five nights. Guests who stay between May and October are eligible for unlimited golf.

Hotel guests can relax on the resort’s expansive 1,000-foot stretch on Dover Beach, dip into three pools including the island’s only rooftop pool, and choose from seven bars including the H20 swim-up bar. The rejuvenating 5,600 square-foot Acqua Spa, located on the resort’s eighth floor, features sea seaweed products and the island’s only hammam.

DINING & SPA

There are five dining options on site, including the open-air Elements featuring three daily meals and a crescent bar overlooking the beach, and Oasis, open daily for coffee, snacks and afternoon tea. The Bluefin Beachside Grill welcomes swimsuit-clad guests for fast-casual daytime dining (or tasty meals delivered to the lounger too), while rooftop bar Brisa is the destination for tapas and sunset- or star-gazing cocktails.

Located on the resort’s ninth floor, fine dining can be enjoyed at Oro, home to 270-degree views, European cuisine with a Caribbean twist and air-conditioned comfort. Each night Oro hosts a sunset celebration with champagne and canapes on its sky terrace. For special occasions, guests can reserve the Chef’s Table for bespoke beach dining.

For an elevated pampered experience, 02 Beach Club & Spa has Service and Experience Ambassadors. “Their role is to get to know what the guests want – whether its hiking, watersports or off-the-beaten track adventures,” says Affonso-Dass.

AMENITIES

Visitors who arrive between April and September may get the chance to witness sea turtles as part of the resort’s turtle program. During this time period, green, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs; resort staff not only preserves the habitat but also keeps track of their eggs, helping the babies once hatched get to the sea.

“We kindly ask our guests to turn off their balcony lights after 10 p.m. to help protect the turtles,” adds Affonso-Dass.

Additional resort amenities include a fully-equipped fitness centre, teen lounge, the Pink Mango retail shop, complimentary non-motorized watersports and daily how-to classes, such as how to play dominoes, steel pan drum lessons or Bajan cooking classes.

TRAVEL AGENT RATES & COMMISSIONS

As part of the new Loyal Treatment program, travel agents who book directly with the hotel will receive 12%-14% commission. The Ocean Hotels Reward program also benefits agents by allowing them to earn points towards free nights.

In addition, the resort has announced special travel industry rates, effective immediately. Agents can book one of three room categories anytime between now and Feb. 28, for travel anytime through April 17, 2022:

• Club Collection: US$228 per person, all-inclusive
• Luxury Junior Suite: US$354 per person, all-inclusive
• Concierge One Bedroom Suite US$524 per person, all-inclusive

O2 has advised that industry partners are welcome to invite friends and family to join them at these same special rates. Space is limited and subject to availability. For full details contact Canlink Travel at (905) 235-9091 or info@canlinktravel.com.

All-inclusive rates at O2 Beach Club and Spa begin at Can$735 for a Club Room, $986 for Luxury Suite and $1,108 Concierge Suite.

Canadians can book the hotel’s O2 Beach Club & Spa, Sea Breeze Beach House and South Beach Hotel through Air Canada Vacations and WestJet Vacations, or reach out to Canlink Travel Representatives. Please visit the website at o2beachclubbarbados.com