Sea-U in Barbados

Pssst! Here’s a travel tip this winter that won’t break the bank. Escape to a relaxed and stylish beach hide-away off the beaten track on the east coast of Barbados. Located in Bathsheba, the Sea-U Guest House is owned by a German travel writer who fell in love with the area while visiting and thankfully decided to stay. Set in lush tropical gardens on a cliff top overlooking the sea, this two-story Bajan-style Villa has lots of old-world charm and modern creature comforts. Listen to the waves break from one of the four studios accommodations available on the ground floor in the main house or from one of the two owner suites on the top floor. Mahogany furniture, rattan chairs, locally handcrafted clay lamps, batik art and decor pieces add to a cozy ambience that makes this a perfect summer retreat.

There are also two separate cottage studios available as well as the charming two-bedroom Mammy Apple Cottage, which can be rented as a vacation home. The property includes an intimate restaurant and bar that offers breakfast and dinner in an open gazebo setting with ocean views. Nearby, guests can enjoy world-class surfing or cool down in natural dipping pools at Bathsheba beach. The world famous International “Soup Bowl” surfing championships takes place here every year. There are many opportunities to mingle with locals in this small community, whether it is dancing to local Reggae music at night, enjoying fine Bajan dining or just swinging in your hammock on the Sea-U porch.

Look out for the Easy-Going-East-Coast Package: available from 3 nights on, upgrade to any room type possible. The package includes 3 nights or more in a Standard ocean view room with queen size bed (upgrade possible, additional charge), transfer from and to airport, welcome drink, daily breakfast buffet plus tropical fruit salad and eggs with bacon, 3-course-dinner for 2 pers. on 3 evenings, one 60-minute Swedish massage and a guided hike to Bath with refreshment and transfer back to the guest house. From US$845 tax incl. for 2 persons (Jan 6 until April 14, 2010).