Photo compliments Ursula Petula
This May sees the highly anticipated return of The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a five day garden show filled with famous flower and landscape gardens. With London preparing to become a flower frenzy, Barbados is the perfect escape for horticulturists searching for a new scent. Having participated in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the past 28 years and winning an impressive 18 gold awards, Barbados marks its place as an authoritative voice on floriculture. Visitors can explore the tropical gardens, discover native plants and enjoy the sandy white beaches the island offers, while staying in one of our 120 iconic and beautiful holiday houses.
With a selection of flower gardens across the island, travellers will find it hard to decide where to visit first. Located in the lush hills of St. Joseph’s, Hunte’s Gardens is the creation of legendary horticulturist Anthony Hunte and a local attraction. Offering a multidimensional experience, guests will enjoy spotting the plants from the many different levels, with some growing from sunny and open spaces, and others found down in the depths of the Caribbean jungle. The Orchid World & Tropical Flower Garden is another floral landmark to visit. Situated in the countryside across six acres, surrounded by sugarcane, flower enthusiasts will enjoy walking through a coral grotto and past a waterfall where Vandas, Phalaenopsis, Calanthes, and Dendrobiums, can be found.
For the more active traveller, The Flower Forest, a botanical garden located in the Barbadian countryside offers exciting hillside pathways to further gardens with amazing views of the eastern coastline. For those planning to visit in June, the World Association of Floral Artists will be taking place. Hosted every three years, this forum offers floral arranging classes, competitions and inspiring discussions. With so many activities and places to visit, guests can take advantage of our Concierge Can, a personalized service, available to help create unique experiences throughout our guests stay. Read on as we share information on some of our best villas with stunning gardens.
Where: Eden, Sugar Hill
What: Set in an acre of tropical gardens in the exclusive Sugar Hill community, Eden villa has five colonial- style bedrooms, elegant marble bathrooms, walk-in closets and French doors leading onto an expansive covered patio. The covered terrace offers views of the extensive landscaped gardens and Caribbean Sea beyond. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool-side gazebo for al-fresco dining, where they will find several tropical species among the gardens. The exclusive Sugar Hill community includes access to many luxury amenities including a fabulous communal pool, fully equipped gym, restaurant and first class tennis courts.
Rates: From US$1750 per night
Where: Greensleeves
What: With access to two tranquil beaches, Greensleeves is the perfect accommodation for guests who enjoy being surrounded by tropical flowers and gardens. Golden bamboo-framed, Mongolian temple doors at the entrance, usher you over a Japanese water garden, brimming with colourful koi. Continue exploring and discover raised teak walkways that connect the pond and surrounding gardens. The free-form pool includes a mini island with coconut trees and a swim-up bar. The nine en suite bedroom villa is the perfect family destination offering an in-house cinema, a children’s wing equipped with its own jungle gym and nanny accommodation and a private chef.
Rates: From US$ 7500 per night
Where: Mullins Mill
What: Nestled on eight acres of tropical gardens that are home to many fruit and flowering trees is the enchanting Mullins Mill. The main residence is constructed around a 17th Century sugar mill offering guests not only eight bedrooms, an infinity swimming pool and floodlit tennis court but several areas to relax and unwind. One of these areas is the cosy gazebo that offers sweeping views of the ocean. With two adjoining guest houses, Mullins Mill is the perfect villa for guests to explore the miles of undeveloped coastlines
Rates: From US$ 2800 per night
Where: Fustic House
What: Built in the early 18th century,Fustic Housewas re-designed by celebrated English theatrical designer Oliver Messel. The villa offers unforgettable views of the Caribbean coastline with seven luxury suites, a lagoon-shaped pool set in the natural rock Cliffside and an incredible home cinema. The property is perched on a coral ridge with a park of mahogany trees amidst mature, lush gardens. Initially designed by landscape designer Todd Langstaffe-Gowan for the Royal Palace of Hampton Court; the garden has recently been updated by the owners, themselves avid horticulturalist. The surrounding grounds with a koi-filled lotus lake, provide a peaceful oasis to stroll or relax.
Rates: From US$ 3750 per night
Where: Gardenia
What: Ideally situated on the West Coast of Barbados, Gardenia is nestled among 3.3 acres of landscaped gardens. The 6-bedroom beachfront villa features a swimming pool, tennis courts, lily ponds and a bridge that leads guests to a cantilevered deck overlooking a natural gully.
Rates: From US$2900 per night
