Behind a chic but unassuming converted 1940s garage exterior on the west coast of Barbados lies a true gem of a boutique hotel.
As soon as you pass through the narrow reception of the Lone Star, the building opens out into a verandah bar and restaurant simply furnished with white sofas and linens against rich mahogany floorboards – all selected to frame the star of the show…. the white sands and azure sea of Barbados.
The breezy tropical chic interior of Lone Star boutique hotel – set in a former 1940s garage – is the perfect setting to enjoy the white sand and azure sea of Barbados
What awaits is a haven of laid-back luxury, and with only six perfectly-appointed rooms, the place has an intimate and glamorous vibe with the advantage of minimal crowds – unlike some of the bigger resorts on the island.
The butlers on hand to tend to your every need certainly help with settling down to a very relaxing holiday.
Each morning, sun beds are prepped before you wake, ice cold jugs of water are delivered post swim and 11.30am becomes known as ‘sorbet time’, where a selection of home-made ices are presented to you.
Before it’s transformation into a chic boutique hotel the Lone Star was a 1940s garage by the same name. The hotel still retains many nods to its history including some retro-chic decor in the bar, and the quirky garage overalls donned by some of the staff
You’ll see the staff dressed in overalls – a quirky nod to the building’s past as a garage, along with the rooms which are all named after classic American cars that used to be serviced there.
Cadillac, Buick and Studebaker are the best rooms with gorgeous sea views, but the jewel in the crown is the vast Lincoln suite in a coral-stone beach house right beside the main hotel.
The beach could not be closer to the hotel, restaurant and bar – everything you need to enjoy a relaxing break under the sun is mere steps away. And if you can’t find the motivation to leave your sun lounger, a butler will help deliver whatever you need.
Set across two floors, this penthouse – with two en-suite double bedrooms – will take your breath away. The first floor holds a beautifully furnished indoor lounge split into two areas with the ‘library’ complete with comfortable sofas, and a TV viewing area.
But the real wow factor is the sweeping open lounge and dining room that adjoins with a stunning garden and sea view, the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of Lone Star’s signature – and very powerful- rum punch as you enjoy the sunset.
Above is the main bedroom on the upper floor with it’s own balcony, large en-suite and walk-in wardrobe and dressing area. Bottom picture shows the indoor lounge areas which lead onto the open dining and seating areas that enjoy wonderful views of the ocean.
There is much to explore on the island – hiring a driver for the day to take in the sights is highly recommended, along with wreck-diving, swimming with turtles, Oistin’s fish fry, catamaran cruises and more – the hotel’s butlers and concierge can point you in the right direction. But if it’s complete relaxation you are after there’s really no need to leave Lone Star.
Many hours can be blissfully whiled away using the complimentary snorkels to search the corals for tropical fish, or just simply bobbing about enjoying the water.
The shoreline itself is a hive of activity with tiny ghost crabs digging their holes and little sand piper birds running in and out of the surf. Strolling along the beach will bring you to a selection of other small bars and cafes and watersports to enjoy.
And eating at restaurant at Lone Star is certainly not to be missed, priding itself on attracting a celebrity clientele to its open deck, it offers a menu of flavourful and simply-presented European/Caribbean menu.
The restaurant – which serves a menu of fresh and delicious Caribbean and European cuisine – sits on an open verandah with wonderful views of Alleyne’s Bay
Favourites include the plump and juicy coconut shrimp with mango dipping sauce, and the catch of the day – usually a red snapper or Barracuda – grilled to perfection. There’s also some hearty fare for the dedicated meat-eaters including steak, short rib, aromatic duck and shepherd’s pie.
After dining, retire to the boardwalk, or sink your toes into the sand and enjoy a drink from the expertly-mixed cocktail list as you soak in the view. And if it’s jealousy-inducing social media snaps you’re after, a quick Instagram search of #lonestarbarbados will show you just how popular posing by the leaning palm in front of the restaurant is – the perfect reminder of a wonderful holiday.
Rates: Summer rates start from USD $595 / GBP £440 per night double occupancy.
Lone Star Hotel and Restaurant, Mount Standfast, Porters, St James, Barbados. Call +1 (246) 539 0600 or book/enquire on the website – www.thelonestar.com
The Lone Star’s ‘Instagram palm’ makes a popular backdrop for holiday snaps – as a quick search of #lonestarbarbados will prove
