Royal Westmoreland

Royal Westmoreland occupies a sprawling expanse of lush, manicured grounds bisected by a quiet access road running from the west coast perimeter to an inland highway. Regal, Caribbean-coral entrance gates with 24-hour manned security set the property’s exclusive tone and provide security. Inside, calm private streets unfold in both directions, lined with white luxury villas overlooking meticulously cared for rolling lawn and landscaped gardens. At the center, a spectacular infinity pool vanishes into a dense thicket of trees. Remaining amenities, such as the golf course, fitness center, tennis courts, and Clubhouse are accessed via the other Royal Westmoreland entrance up the road, where many more homes are scattered among landscaped gardens. The ambience throughout the property is calm like a high end retreat, and Westmoreland guests (many of them fractional owners), typically include families, couples, and groups. 

Royal Westmoreland is located in St James, on the west coast. The property occupies a huge green expanse of 250 acres (unmissable on any map) set slightly inland from the coast. It’s around 40 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport and 10 minutes from Mullins Beach where the hotel's free beach club is located, along with a popular beachfront bar and restaurant. Supermarkets, banks, shopping centers, and restaurants are all placed up and down the coast road and reachable within 10 to 15 minutes by car. If guests are driving themselves, it makes sense to call ahead for directions to the property, and to ascertain the correct entrance (particularly if relying on Google maps -- which sent Oyster to a dead end). 

Decor varies slightly between Villas, but they’re all identical (or mirror image) in layout with Travertine stone flooring spread over three levels. One bedroom is adjacent to the entrance foyer, from where the Villa unfolds upstairs to living and dining areas, or downstairs to remaining bedrooms. Living and dining areas dominate the upper level with an expansive open-plan layout. Tall plantation or French doors lead to a private terrace with plush outdoor lounges, al fresco dining tables, and barbecues. Views overlook the lush manicured grounds and there are beautiful sunsets when the weather complies. Formal lounge settings, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and Bose stereos are featured in living areas. Dining tables (indoors and out) seat at least six people.Kitchens are fully-equipped with everything from Champagne flutes to napkin rings, so dining and entertaining can be done in style. Kitchens are spacious with thick granite benches, timber cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances which include large refrigerators (with built-in ice makers), microwaves, dishwashers, blenders, and toasters. Coffeemakers and kettles are also provided, but guests will have to stock up on required ingredients or pay for add-ons like grocery packs and wine hampers. Bedroom configurations vary, but each Villa typically contains two bedrooms with king-size beds and a smaller bedroom with two twin beds (which can be pushed together) -- all with private bathrooms. Marble bathrooms are large and luxurious, with huge vanities and mirrors, and Palmolive bar soap. Individual air-conditioning units are provided in bedrooms, and ceiling fans are installed throughout. All Villas contain laundry facilities, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers. There's a daily housekeeping service.Minimum stay requirements vary from three to seven nights depending on the season. Sometimes tiered rates for individual rooms (versus an entire Villa), are an option. 

All villas have access to a lovely infinity pool that disappears into a dense thicket of planted trees. The pool area offers plenty of al fresco seating, sun beds, communal barbecue facilities, and a small kids’ pool. Guests have access to other Royal Westmoreland resort facilities which include flood-lit tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, and a fitness center -- however these facilities are located on the other side of the resort, about a 10- to 15-minutes walk away. Several dining options include the Clubhouse restaurant (international and local specialties), Rum Shak (Barbadan rum drinks and bar snacks), and Sanctuary cafe which are also located on the other side of the property. Guests should check seasonal hours ahead of time to avoid trekking over to a closed restaurant. Guests have access to a private beach club at nearby Mullins Beach, with free use of umbrellas, deck chairs, and towels. There’s a free beach shuttle that departs from the the Sanctuary at various times throughout the day. Grocery starter packs, wine hampers, concierge services, and airport transportation can be arranged at an additional cost. Each Villa has an allocated parking spot, and given the distance to beach and amenities, it may make sense to rent a car for the freedom to get around at leisure.