Barracuda B8

jun. 2016

This place was amazing. Better than advertised.

Went on a trip with 5 other friends for our first time in Antigua and we could not have asked for a better place to stay. The rooms were beautiful and suitable for 6 adults.

The view is amazing and having access to our own beach just a few steps away was great for morning swims and runs.

There was construction but we were not bothered. There was a slight smell from some salt thing but we lit candles and got used to it.

Wi-fi was good. Air condition was nice. Cable was clutch as we watched game 7 of the NBA finals in the Villa.

You are close to many points of access to the beach. You can even find your own secret beach if you want.

Gillian the property manager was very helpful and accessible for whatever we needed which wasn't much. Noreen our concierge was so helpful as well and booked every activity we wanted.

The people on the island are soooo friendly and helpful. Don't expect fast food service. They like to take their time preparing food but it is well worth the wait. Just ensure you have good drinks and better company.

Things I would suggest:
-Rent a car. It make life so much easier. Get used to driving on the left side.
-Hire a private chef on the last night. Great way to bring everybody together and share the memories from the trip with having to go out.
-Buy candles. NOt only for the smell but for the mosquitoes.
-Buy groceries closer to the airport or the town if you can. Prices by the villa are high.
-Take a catamaran tour!

Overall great experience. if you have any doubts Noreen can help smooth them away.

We will be back!

abr. 2016

The villa is spread over 3 floors. The top floor has 2 king bedrooms with massive walking closets and one twin bedroom. We were two families with 4 adults and 3 children aged 4-10. One child slept with the parents in the king bed and the other kids slept in the twin bedroom. Sleeping worked out really well - and every morning started with a relaxing swing on the hammock the was placed on the very large balcony outside the two king bedrooms -stunning views to wake up to.

Their was another bedroom with a king bed that was part of the games room. That room was however two floors below the other bedrooms and only accessible by going outside. I don't think that bedroom is suitable for children but could work well for a couple that wanted their own space slightly removed from the rest of the party.

The main floor was very open plan, chic and modern looking. Decent modern kitchen that at first glance did seem to be a little light on plates and cooking utensils but in the end, provided we started the dishwasher each night, we had pretty much whatever we needed and took fully advantage of the kitchen.

We had a small problem with the ice maker in the fridge and with getting the bbq started the first night - but any minor problem was addressed very quickly and efficiently by the villa staff. They always seemed to arrive quickly, followed up to make sure things were still OK and always came with a smile.

The open plan main floor opens out onto the covered, outdoor seating area and infinity pool. The setting and views are spectacular. We stayed two
weeks and we were as taken with them on the last day as the first. We ate at the outdoor table most nights and found it a perfect setting. (The outdoor table fits 6-7 while the indoor one could fit 10).

The infinity pool is stunning and a great place to relax and take in the view.

There are two beaches close by to the villa.

Darkwood beach is visible from the Villa and is the easiest to get to with kids. It does require a 5 minute walk to get to either on a road without a pavement or on a rough grass walkway - alternatively, for adults or older children, it is possible to enter the sea just below the villa and walk through the water to the beach - the water goes just above waist height. Getting to the beach is a small hassle but the beach is beautiful, the water stunning, and getting to it is only a minor inconvenience.

The other beach near the villa is called Frye's beach. Darkwood is beautiful but Frye's is a dream beach. It is however more difficult to get too on foot. There are three choices: 1) Walk around the road for about 15 mins (for adults). We found it too far that way for young kids. 2) Walk up the hill through the area of Tamarind Hills that is under development and then down the other side of the hill. This took about 5 mins and was by far the fastest and easiest. (When the whole complex is finished accessing Frye's beach will be a breeze). 3) enter the water below the villa and walk around the point via the water (in the same way we got to Darkwood beach but just going the opposite direction).

We did 2 and 3 a couple of times each and always thought that it was worth the effort.

We didn't eat on Darkwood but did eat at Dennis' restaurant on Frye's. Great food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Supermarket and restaurants all really need a car to get too. That said, we didn't rent a car and instead used "taxis". Taxis are more like private drivers and usually take you where you want to go and wait (often for hours) until you are ready to go back home. If you want to do lots of touring you may want to rent a car, but if it's just to restaurants, supermarkets and the odd day trip then you probably aren't going to pay much more to take taxis than to rent a car.

jul. 2015

El lugar en donde esta ubicado el departamento es paradisiaco, entre 2 de las mejores playas de Antigua, Darkwood a 100 mts y Ffryes beaches a 300 mts.
Si les parece que las fotos del departamento no dicen la verdad, tienen razon. El departamento es mejor que las fotos!!! El borde infinito de la piscina se proyecta sobre el mar 10 metros debajo y deja una placentera sensación pasar la tarde en la galeria. Las habitaciones son muy amplias y decoradas con el mejor gusto.

feb. 2015

If you are going to book a stay on the beautiful and endearing island of Antigua, this is THE place to stay. It is meticulously appointed as a fine home with great attention to detail. Whether it's the modern fixtures, the infinite pool, the spacious rooms, the option for an indoor/outdoor shower, or the location itself perched over the beach, it's a fabulous place to call home during your stay. We will be going back. I highly recommend Tamarind Hills!