Coconut Court Beach Hotel, Barbados

Beguiling hotel beachfront © Coconut Court Beach Hotel

Barely two hours after landing in the Bajan capital Bridgetown, I am dipping my feet into a turquoise lagoon in front of the Coconut Court Beach Hotel. I have well and truly arrived in the Caribbean.

Conveniently located less than 30 minutes from the airport, my 3-star hotel is on the country's southwest coast in Hastings, Christchurch. Whilst the beaches further up the so-called Platinum Coast are renowned for their iron-flat, gin-clear seas and luxury hotels, I am more than happy with the beguiling view in front of me.

Thanks to an artificial reef about 18m (60ft) from the shore, the lagoon offers a tranquil swimming and snorkelling spot during low tide.

Although I discover that a strategic effort is required to avoid stepping on barely visible underwater stones, once in, I'm rewarded by delightfully warm seas, crabs scuttling on rocks and a smattering of reef fish in the shallows.

I float for hours in the lagoon whenever I need to cool down from the 34ºC (93ºF) temperatures. The shade beneath the coconut and almond trees that dot the beachfront also provide plenty of welcome respite. Occasionally, turtles drop by to nest on the beach but they prove elusive during my stay.

Every morning, the hotel's tranquil setting swims into focus when I routinely drink in dawn views of tiny white fishing boats far out at sea from the balcony of my third-floor room.

Our spacious room has a tropical feel, and offers simple, modern furnishings - a wide, comfortable bed, a table and two chairs, plus some home comforts such as a TV, kettle, microwave, toaster, coffee-making facilities, fridge, iron and board. There's air-conditioning and a ceiling fan (fantastic during the sticky, humid nights), plus a handy safety deposit box. My only complaint is the poor interior lighting, which means the room feels dimly lit in the evenings.

My days start with a swim or a jog on a new 1.6km-long (1 mile) south coast boardwalk which is accessible from the hotel beach.

Afterwards, we enjoy a wide selection of food during continental-style buffet breakfasts served in the open-air Deck Restaurant. Close by is a small pool and Jacuzzi where live entertainment is planned four times a week. This includes a steel band, karaoke and a traditional Bajan buffet lunch served on Sundays accompanied by DJ music.

The hotel's happy hours policy is also generous - three times a day, I can down piña coladas, banana daiquiris or lime margaritas for around £2 each. Somehow I manage to resist - for me, the non-alcoholic, homemade lemonades are a winner.

Other hotel facilities include: a pool table; free Wi-Fi access in the lobby; a small gift shop selling snacks, local arts and crafts; an activities desk to book island tours and a foreign currency exchange desk available on weekdays. Anyone wishing to pamper themselves can request treatments at the in-house Touch Of An Angel Day Spa.

With just a sprinkling of other guests during my visit at the end of the peak holiday season in mid-April (mainly English and American couples and families), it's never a problem finding a secluded beach spot to park my sun lounger or a table free at breakfast.

The quietness of the hotel is one of the reasons I like it so much. The other is its location.

The hotel occupies land where the British military were stationed for over 100 years during the 18th and 19th centuries, and is part of the historical Garrison district. Hotel bosses are lobbying to get the area and Bridgetown recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In addition, there are numerous restaurants and bars within walking distance, plus a bus stop located conveniently opposite the hotel. With set, single fares of around 50p, irrespective of distance, I can travel around the south coast easily and cheaply.

Just a 10-minute ride away is Bridgetown with its colonial buildings, duty-free shopping and a buzzing waterfront district.

Upmarket St Lawrence Gap (best for nightlife) and Oistins (famed for its legendary Friday night fish fry featuring a medley of freshly caught seafood, combined with alfresco drinking and dancing) are both a short taxi ride away and are definitely worth sampling.

So ignore the much-hyped Platinum Coast when you're choosing where to stay in Barbados. For convenience, affordability and comfort, the Coconut Court Beach Hotel comes out on top.

Coconut Court Beach Hotel
Garrison Historic Area
Hastings, Christchurch
Tel: (246) 427 1655.
Website: www.coconut-court.com
Prices start from £669pp (two sharing) for seven night's B&B at the Coconut Court Beach Hotel, including return British Airways flights from Gatwick (0844 4930 758; www.ba.com), including taxes and fees.
  
For more information about Barbados visit www.visitbarbados.org