In The Caribbean

INTRODUCING LEO BRANCH, BAJAN STARMAN

Barbados Stargazing With Our Resident Astronomer

March 2025 | Ocean Hotels Barbados has introduced ‘Stargazing’ at Sea Breeze Beach House and O2 Beach Club & Spa. Our Resident Astronomer and cosmic guide is famous on these shores, but for those who haven’t heard of this lauded Barbadian astronomer, here are some fascinating facts.

Passion For Astronomy

Leo Branch, a distinguished Barbadian – or Bajan – astronomer, has dedicated over five decades of his life to observing the night sky and sharing its wonders with others. Since the 1960s, this self-taught cosmologist’s passion for the stars has made him a prominent – and popular – member of the Bajan and international astronomical communities.

Growing up, Leo was always fascinated by the “surreal and magical” night sky in Barbados. The island's clear skies – unpolluted by artificial light – offered a perfect natural observatory for stargazing, and the young Leo’s mind was filled with questions about what he saw. Without formal training, but with the passionate drive of a dedicated autodidact, he immersed himself in astronomical literature, learning the science of the universe. His commitment and enthusiasm led him to acquire a portable electronic 10-inch telescope, a tool that would become central to his outreach efforts.

Beachfront Stargazing Pioneer

Understanding the unique vantage point Barbados offers for celestial observation, Leo pioneered nighttime stargazing sessions on beaches around the island, recognising that the serene coastline provided an ideal setting for locals and tourists to connect with the cosmos. On clear nights, participating stargazers could observe celestial bodies in stunning detail, with Leo guiding them through what they were seeing. His sessions became renowned for their intimate and educational nature, allowing participants to explore the universe to the backdrop of ocean waves and the gentle Caribbean breeze.

Leo's dedication to making astronomy accessible didn't go unnoticed. Over the years, he has been sought after by major media outlets, including the BBC, to share his insights on celestial events and cosmic phenomena. His approachable demeanour, profound knowledge, and engaging personality have made him a favourite among journalists and documentary producers. Despite being in semi-retirement, Leo continues to inspire curiosity about the universe, emphasising the importance of understanding our place within it. As our Resident Astronomer, he is now sharing his cosmic world with guests of Sea Breeze Beach House and O2 Beach Club & Spa twice every month, and the response has been out of this world!

Spiritual Starman

Leo's impact on both astronomy and spiritual communities is profound. His beachfront stargazing sessions have become a staple for those visiting Barbados, offering a unique blend of scientific exploration and philosophical reflection. Featured in the book ‘Rogues in Paradise,’ Leo's life and work exemplify the rich tapestry of Barbadian pride, culture, and innovation. Described as ‘the Real Story of Barbados … and all the quirky, fun-loving ordinary, and extraordinary Barbados characters who call it home’, Rogues in Paradise captures Leo’s essence:

“As a passionate, innate Cosmic Man, and a consummate student of the universe, Leo shares a deep understanding of galaxies millions of light miles away. “We see the past in the present,” he tells us, “Which poses the question: What is time? Can we see the future if we can see a million light-years into the past? Is it not a continuum that extends to infinity?”

Forever Stargazing

For those interested in experiencing the cosmos through Leo's uniquely Bajan lens, he remains accessible for private events and group sessions. His personalised approach ensures that each stargazing experience is both educational and deeply enriching – his magnetic personality ensures an unforgettable encounter.

In essence, our Resident Astronomer, Leo Branch, embodies the curiosity and wonder that characterises the Bajan spirit. Through unwavering dedication to his craft, he has brought the mysteries of the universe closer to home, allowing countless individuals to gaze up at the night sky from the shores of Barbados with a renewed sense of awe and understanding.

For more information about Stargazing at Ocean Hotels Barbados, email Guest Services at O2 Beach Club & Spa, or Guest Services at Sea Breeze Beach House.

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR PROPOSAL

Make Magic Moments & Memories In Barbados

March 2025 | If you’re planning to pop the question, why not make it truly unforgettable at Sea Breeze Beach House? Whether you’ve dreamed of a private beachfront moment or a grand surprise under the stars, our Proposals Concierge offers endless ways to make sure your proposal is perfect.

Tailored To Perfection

With breathtaking beaches, stunning sunsets, and romantic hideaways, Barbados is the perfect destination to ask the most important question of your life.

At Sea Breeze Beach House, we believe that no two love stories are the same—so why should proposals be? Whether it’s just you and your beloved, or a more elaborate affair in front of your closest family and friends, our dedicated team will customise every detail, from live music and a personal photographer, to a surprise engagement party. Here are some tips from our Proposals Concierge:

✅ Plan for the weather – Barbados is sunny year-round, but a backup option never hurts, and we have lots of ideas.
✅ Ring it in – Pack that precious engagement ring carefully in your hand luggage, and consider insuring it before travelling.
✅ Capture the moment – We’ll hire a photographer to discreetly record the big moment so you can share it with loved ones at home.
✅ Make it personal – Incorporate your favourite foods, cocktails, or special music.
✅ Celebrate afterwards! – A romantic dinner is just the start. How about a couple’s spa day, or a sunset cruise to celebrate your engagement in paradise?

Staging The Perfect Proposal

✨Secluded Beach Sunsets
There’s nothing more romantic than a golden sunset over the Caribbean Sea, and the beach at Sea Breeze Beach House offers a stunning backdrop, ideal for that life-changing moment. Let us set up an icy bucket of Moet & Chandon, while you take a sunset stroll and pop the question as the waves kiss the shore.

✨Oceanfront Fine Dining
For a uniquely elegant proposal, reserve your oceanfront table for two in an intimate ‘bubble’ where you can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner accompanied by the sound of the lapping waves—and perhaps a ring hidden in your sumptuous dessert! From spectacular fine-dining at Cerulean, to elegant Aqua Terra, there are myriad ways to propose at our properties.

✨ Gorgeous Gazebos
Adorned with fairy lights and surrounded by tropical gardens, our oceanfront gazebo provides the dreamy backdrop for an intimate and elegant proposal. Raise a toast, surprise your partner with a perfectly iced bottle of Moët, and seal the moment with an emotional ‘Yes!’

Ready to plan the perfect proposal? No matter how you choose to propose in Barbados, one thing is certain—at Sea Breeze Beach House, your love story will begin its next chapter in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Let us help you create a moment as special as you’ve always dreamed. Email us today at Proposals@sea-breeze.com to start planning the most romantic “yes” of your life.

Oh, and we do Weddings, Honeymoons and Anniversaries too!

Click here to visit our resort website for more about Romance at Sea Breeze Beach House.

GET SPORTY IN BARBADOS!

We've Got Cricket, Sailing And Much More

October 2024 | Although we're known for sun, sand and dazzling blue seas, Barbados has a love of sport that shows in the variety of fixtures appearing on the island's calendar. Whatever your sporting interest, there's something for everyone.

CAUTION PLEASE! TURTLES ARE NESTING

Protecting Turtles Is Our Priority

June 2024 | Sea Turtles are protected in Barbados as the species is endangered, so we feel privileged that the beach at our resort is a nesting site. During the summer months, mothers visit and lay up to 100 turtle eggs in the sand. 

On the south east coast of Barbados, turtles nest all year round, and it can take 60 days or more for hatchlings to incubate, hatch and make their way up to the surface of the sand, usually emerging at night when it's dark to scamper relentlessly towards the ocean waves.

Sea Turtles are protected in Barbados because the species is endangered, so we feel privileged that Sea Breeze Beach House is located close to turtle nesting sites, so we make it a priority to protect the moms and their nests until the hatchlings are safely on their way, and to partner with conservation groups to show our commitment.

Our beautiful island is home to three species of turtles: Hawksbill, Green, and Leatherback, which visit our shores to nest all year round, and during the summer months, mother turtles visit and lay up to 100 turtle eggs in the sand.

How do turtles know where they were born? Research shows that sea turtles use the earth's magnetic fields to navigate back to the area where they were born decades earlier, according to a study that used loggerhead genetics to investigate their travels.

Why do they return also has a fascinating answer, as the female turtles from different islands tend to have varied immune genes, suggesting that returning to their island of birth to breed is associated with the advantages in parasite resistance and diseases.

At Sea Breeze Beach House, once we've observed the signs of a turtle nesting - or sometimes the miraculous event itself. Once hatched, it can take 2-4 days for the tiny turtles to make their way up to the surface, and they usually emerge at night when it's dark.

Ocean Hotels Barbados Group is working with the Sea Turtle Project, who give the following advice for guests who happen on these wonderful creatures.

• Avoid touching nesting turtles or picking up baby turtles.
• Never shine a light or use flash photography as the laying mother or hatchlings will become disoriented.
• Guests who see any turtles on our beach should contact the Hotel Front Desk.

A note for the general public: Anyone who thinks a turtle or hatchlings are in trouble should call the Barbados Turtle Hot Line +1 (246) 230 0142

HOW TO TIP AT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE

Our Tips For Tipping Our Staff

June 2024 | A question our guests often ask at Sea Breeze Beach House is how to show their appreciation to staff with a gratuity, even though service charge is included. So how does tipping work and can guests tip at an all-inclusive? We hope our brief guide will help.

At Sea Breeze Beach House, we enjoyed some amazing praise on TripAdvisor from sambo016 who wrote a review called Our experience at Sea Breeze.

"My best friend and I just got back from Sea Breeze Beach House after celebrating her 40th birthday. I have to say, we loved this resort!

Staff: this is truly what makes the experience. We’ve both traveled extensively in the Caribbean, and we’ve never met people quite like the Bajans. Their hospitality is second to none. Some of the staff felt like family after just four days there. They are so kind and friendly. They really go out of their way to make sure you feel at home.”

Such wonderful praise reminded us of one of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website: Is it ok to leave a tip at an all-inclusive, and how do you go about it?

We are happy to advise that at Sea Breeze Beach House a service charge is already included in your room rate, and a fixed percentage goes directly to the front and back of house staff every month. We truly believe that they are integral to our guests' experience, not incidental to it, and it's only right that they receive this contribution.

We're immensely proud of our amazing team and the impeccable service they provide, so we understand why our guests often want to show their appreciation with a tip for the staff. In the Sea Breeze Beach House FAQ section, we explain it as follows:

"Please note that a service charge for staff (tips/gratuity) is already included in your room rate. However, if you feel you have had extra special service, you may tip hotel staff directly.

Alternatively, you may choose to leave a team gratuity by handing an envelope to the Front Desk Manager labeled as such, and this will be shared with all hotel and back-of-house staff members."

So, please don't feel it's expected, but do feel free to tip at Sea Breeze Beach House of any of the Ocean Hotels Barbados properties. You can rest assured that the staff will sincerely appreciate the gesture.

COUNTING DOWN TO CROP OVER

The Sweetest Festival In Barbados

July 2024 | Some folks round here call it ‘the sweetest festival on the planet’.’ In the past few years, the annual Crop Over Festival, culminating in the carnival parade known as Kadooment Day, has captured imaginations around the Caribbean and the world.

Some folks round here call it ‘the sweetest festival on the planet’. 

According to The New York Times, it’s where ‘Rihanna got her style groove from’.

Barbados’ National Cultural Foundation describes it as ‘a 3 month-long festival of Barbadian music, arts, food and culture.’

The 2024 festival officially starts on July 6 with the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes at the National Botanical Gardens and the events schedule will be bursting with energy, creativity, music and Bajan cultural experiences through until August 5.

Kick Off With Kadooment

Celebrated every first Monday of August, Kadooment is a Bajan phrase meaning ‘large party.’ In the late 18th century when Barbados was one of the world’s biggest sugar cane producers, Kadooment Day and Crop Over Day were introduced to celebrate the successful harvest of the sugar crop. The slaves who worked on sugar cane plantations got the rare opportunity to smile, laugh, and be merry, so the festival was celebrated in grand style.

The slaves also took the opportunity to honor old traditions and customs from Africa, from where most Barbadians trace their ancestry. Adopting this culture, they wore costumes made of grass, feathers, flowers during this festive period, and paraded in the streets while singing and dancing. These celebrations were their way of thanking the gods and asking for more blessings in their next harvest.

The festivals included lots of rum distilled from the sugar cane, and onlookers were encouraged to join, which is probably where carnival parades in Barbados started. Even after the abolition of slavery, Bajans continued to celebrate Kadooment Day, and Crop Over evolved into an annual celebration of their culture.

Grand Kadooment hits the streets of Bridgetown to the pounding rhythms of soca early in the morning of August 4 with Jouvert at the National Stadium, a series of breathtaking masquerade bands will traverse the local city streets, with revellers ‘jumping’ and onlookers enjoying the spectacle every step of the way. 

Kadooment 2024 will feature a new parade route: starting at the Bridgetown Helipad the bands will head onto Hincks Street, along the Princess Alice Highway, onto Harbour Road, then follow President Kennedy Drive to Eagle Hall, then onto Black Rock Main Road up to the roundabout at the bottom of University Hill; onto the Mighty Grynner Highway, and back to Kensington Oval.

The National Botanical Gardens also plays a key role in this year's festival hosting events such as Kiddies’ Kadooment, the Pandemonium steel band competition, Pic-O-De-Crop calypso finals and Soca 5.0. Check out the Barbados.org website for full details of all the 2024 Crop Over events.

What’s A ‘Band’ & Why Are They Jumping?

The New York Times puts it this way: “Those who participate in Crop Over can choose between many different ‘bands’ — that is, design houses — to ‘jump’ with, and they pay the band for various services, which can include a costume, food, drinks, security, mobile restrooms and goody bags. The costumes are a major highlight of the experience, and Crop Over style has influenced fashion on a global scale. Rihanna and Jourdan Dunn have worked with local designers to execute their elaborate festival looks, helping to solidify the signature style associated with Crop Over in the modern day.”

Jumping is the term used for taking to the streets as part of a band, and chipping is the forward marching dance fuelled by the hi-energy soca music pumping from the band’s own massive truck soundsystem. Put them together with the sumptuous colours of the costumes, and perhaps it becomes obvious why Crop Over is the festival described in Bajan vernacular as ‘sweet fuh days’.

Sweet Soca Sound Systems

The world is listening to soca, as more and more Caribbean artists break through to the mainstream music scene, and here in Barbados we have calypso and soca legends like Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood and Red Plastic Bag  Soca is a modern form of calypso with an up-tempo beat that drives the fun during the summer Crop Over season, and in the past, the annual Soca Monarch competition was fiercely contended. However, this year Barbados has changed its tune to a world-class live concert called Soca 5.0 to be held on August 4, showcasing the best songs of the season, top artists and up and coming singers.

Where To Watch

Bridgetown will be bursting at the seams with revellers and onlookers on August 5! Experts at Carnivaland.net say: “Crop Over, being the premier event of the year in Barbados, attracts over 100k people from all over the world! The sense of unity and overarching themes of freedom are what attracts people far and wide, who come to witness the sights and sounds of Barbados in full swing! The festival even has its own megastar ambassador Rihanna who joins the colourful masses celebrating Crop Over.”

The route will be well marked on the day, so get out early to grab a great spot to people-watch! Check in with the Guest services team for local knowledge.

Don’t Miss It!

Friday, August 2: Straight after the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals is when the Foreday Morning Jump Up kicks off and lasts well into the early hours of Saturday morning. Paint, mud and powder are part of the celebration! After the Foreday Morning Jam many hit the beach for a sunrise beach party.

Saturday, August 3: For those that still have lots of energy this is when Bridgetown Craft Market starts, which runs for 3-days and is a fun local craft fair.

Sunday, August 4: This is when Crop Over Cohobblopot takes place. A huge carnival-like show with members of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate and stunning costumes, it is one of the biggest and most exciting events of Crop Over

Monday, August 5: Grand Kadooment Day 2024 in Barbados! The highlight of Crop Over is a spectacular daytime street carnival & parade, and also when the Tune-Of-The-Crop or the ‘Road March Song’ is judged.

If you fancy taking part in the parade and not just watching it,  reach out to Guest Services at guestservices@sea-breeze.com for information, as we have partnered with a local band house to give a fully immersive Crop Over Experience. Guests are also invited to the Sea Breeze Car Park Jam on August 15 for those that miss the real thing - our show and parade is the next best thing!

SAVOUR OUR SOLO ESCAPES

We Believe In 'YOLO' For Solo Travellers

June 2024 | Whether you're seeking serene solitude in picturesque all-inclusive surroundings, or craving vibrant cultural encounters in Barbados, we've got the perfect solo getaway for you. But why September, you ask? Read on to find out.

In 2023, Forbes predicted that this would be the year of the solo travellers, pointing out a sweeping trend that has developed over the past few years. More and more people - especially women - are choosing to vacation alone, and wondering why they never tried it before.

This September at Sea Breeze Beach House, we're celebrating the spirit of solo travel with an exclusive promotion and tailored experiences. Join us for Solo September Escapes and do as much or as little as you like, because our team is here to make it 'your stay, your way' every day.

From fine-dining and sunset bubbles to fire-eating, barbecue and rum punch on the beach, you'll be treated like a VIP at our indoor-outdoor restaurants and bars, and our carefully curated events, excursions and activities will offer the chance to connect with like-minded guests, socialise and see a bit of beautiful Barbados.

Solo September Escapes will offer guests the opportunity to customise their getaway, so that every moment is a special one.

And at Drift Spa, you can really spend some quality 'me-time' with amazing personal pampering sessions, from deep tissue massages to facials and mani-pedis.

So why September? It's the golden window of opportunity when crowds dwindle, prices drop, and Barbados unveils its hidden charms just for you. 

But please don't just take it from us!

A recent solo guest would definitely recommend us for a solo escape: "Staying at Sea Breeze Beach House on my own was a revelation! The staff are so caring and detail-oriented, they feel like family, plus they remember the personal details like your favourite drink or which table you prefer at breakfast or dinner. The beach is pristine white sand, the sea is turquoise blue, and there’s an adult only pool which feels ‘tucked away’ from the rest of the resort. Brilliant activities like rum-tasting, bingo and beach walks are optional, and the daily sunset accompanied by canapes and bubbly is a must-do. I had never sat on an ocean-view terrace, watching the sunset with a glass of champagne and my own thoughts, but now I recommend it to everyone!”

And when you book direct on our website, you'll receive a complimentary 30 minute massage at Drift Spa! We're sure your Solo September Escape will create once-in-a-lifetime experiences and beautiful memories.

After all, they say "you only live once"!

SANTA SEA-SUN IS ALMOST HERE!

We're Ready To Celebrate, Bajan Style

October 2023 | We're counting down the days until Bajan festivities start for the most wonderful time of the year! From beachside barbecues to beloved Caribbean yuletide eats and drinks, don't miss the sea-sun at Sea Breeze Beach House!

Here in Barbados, we're huge fans of the Christmas season, and our beautiful island has its own way of celebrating. The December weather is golden and sunny, the sea is calm and dazzling blue, and gentle breezes cool our tropical evenings.

At Sea Breeze Beach House, we've created our own holiday traditions over the years, many of which are uniquely Barbadian - or 'Bajan' as we locals like to call ourselves - and once again we're creating wonderful ways to celebrate with our guests this year.

With food and drink at the forefront of festivities, Executive Chef Ron Maynard and his team will be preparing an array of celebration menus to ensure guests enjoy an authentic taste of Barbados during the island's favourite holiday of the year.

Here are just a few of the festive flavour highlights:

BLACK CAKE - Similar to an English fruit cake flavoured with rum. Traditionally, the fruit is soaked for three months, then added to the cake mixture at the time of baking. Be careful though, because too much black cake may result in intoxication ;)

JUG JUG - This is a traditional Bajan dish is made from pigeon peas boiled with small amounts of salted meat and pork and seasonings.

FALERNUM - Pronounced fah-learn-um, this
sweet syrup used in tropical rinks. It contains almond, ginger and lime, and can be made with or without alcohol.

GINGER BEER - First introduced as an alcoholic
drink, nowadays it's a soft drink primarily flavoured with ginger root and sweetened with sugar.

SORREL - A Caribbean classic, this ruby red drink is made from the funnel-shaped flowers of the sorrel shrub, botanically named Hibiscus sabdariffa, which is a member of the Mallow family.

On December 21, the festivities really kick off with the Ocean Hotels Barbados Family Picnic at Bathsheba on the east coast, which invites guests to join staff from Sea Breeze Beach House and our sister hotel, O2 Beach Club & Spa, on a fun day out on colourful local buses. The happy band will visit beautiful parts of the island and enjoy an authentic Bajan pre-Christmas ‘lime’, complete with local lunch and lashings of rum punch!

With Carols On The Lawn sure to be Insta-gorgeous, our days will be merry, bright and chock full of wonderful things to do, like Christmas crafting for all the family, kids festive baking, cocktail and mocktail mixology.

Santa Claus arrives on Christmas morning, and the question is what mode of transport he'll choose this year? The food, frolicking and festivities continue throughout the week, creating beautiful everlasting memories.

And the grand finale of 2023 will take place on December 31 with our glittering New Year Gala Dinner, featuring a sumptuous buffet, plentiful bubbles and entertainment to keep you dancing through the night.

If this sounds like your kind of Christmas, don't hesitate to Book Direct for best rates and all the perks. 

CELEBRATING BAJAN INDEPENDENCE 2022

Discover Our Island History & Culture

November 2022 | Barbados became a Republic in 2021, but the island remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. November 30^th is celebrated as Independence Day and it's a national holiday. 

After the first English settlement at Holetown in 1627, Barbados remained a British colony until achieving independence from Britain more than 50 years ago on November 30^th 1966.

Grantley Adams (later Knighted to 'Sir') was the first Premier who led Barbados in the West Indies Federation from 1958 until 1962 - you may recognise his name from our international airport.

Termination of the Federation caused Barbados to return to self-government, but on November 30th 1966, the island was led to Independence by Premier Errol Walton Barrow who became our first Prime Minister. 

That first independence ceremony was accompanied by the raising of the Barbados national flag, and playing of the national anthem for the first time. 

OUR FLAG

Designed by school master and Education Officer Grantley Prescod, the national flag of Barbados comprises of three vertical panels - the centre panel is gold and the outer panels are ultramarine. A broken trident in black is located in the centre of the flag.

Blue represents the sea and sky of Barbados, gold the sand of the island's beaches, and the Trident symbolises the mythical sea god, Neptune; the trident's broken shaft signifies Barbados' break from Britain.

OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM

Irving Louis Burgie, sometimes known professionally as Lord Burgess, was an American musician and songwriter, regarded as one of the greatest composers of Caribbean music. He composed 34 songs for Harry Belafonte, including eight of the 11 songs on the Belafonte album Calypso (1956), the first album of any kind to sell one million copies.

The chorus of our anthem expresses the pride and optimism with which the Barbadian people approached Independence then, as well as now:

"We loyal sons and daughters all
Do hereby make it known
These fields and hills beyond recall
Are now our very own
We write our names on history's page
With expectations great
Strict guardians of our heritage
Firm craftsmen of our fate."

Independence celebrations run throughout the month of November and include sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious services.

On Independence Day a grand parade is held, usually at the Garrison Savannah, site of the original Independence ceremony in 1966.

As a proud, Bajan, family-owned company, at Ocean Hotels Barbados on November 30, 2022, we'll be celebrating our staff and guests as Barbados marks 56 years of Independence and our first year as a Republic.

SUN, SEA, SAND & SANTA!

It's Beginning To Look Like The Festive Season

It's never too early to get excited about the holidays, and we're making sure that our guests can look forward to the most wonderful time of the year - Bajan-style! From amazing cuisine to family festivities, Sea Breeze Beach House is counting down the days.

Christmas in the Caribbean might be quite different to what you're used to. For a start, the December weather is golden and sunny, the sea is at its bluest, and the Trade Winds bring cooling breezes to the tropical evenings.

Here at Sea Breeze Beach House we have our own holiday traditions, many of which are uniquely Barbadian, and this year we're introducing even more wonderful ways to celebrate with our guests.

Executive Chef Ron Maynard and his team are preparing an array of culinary delights to ensure all our guests enjoy an authentic taste of the island during the biggest holiday of the year. Here are some of the highlights:

BLACK CAKE - Similar to an English fruit cake flavoured with rum. Traditionally, the fruit is soaked for three months, then added to the cake mixture at the time of baking. Be careful though, because too much black cake may result in intoxication ;)

JUG JUG - This is a traditional Bajan dish is made from pigeon peas boiled with small amounts of salted meat and pork and seasonings.

FALERNUM - Pronounced fah-learn-um, this
sweet syrup used in tropical rinks. It contains almond, ginger and lime, and can be made with or without alcohol.

GINGER BEER - First introduced as an alcoholic
drink, nowadays it's a soft drink primarily flavoured with ginger root and sweetened with sugar.

SORREL - A Caribbean classic, this ruby red drink is made from the funnel-shaped flowers of the sorrel shrub, botanically named Hibiscus sabdariffa, which is a member of the Mallow family.

The fun and festivities kick off on December 21 with our Ocean Hotels Family Picnic at Bathsheba on the east coast of the island, and continue daily with a wonderful variety of traditions old and new.

Carols on the lawn with afternoon tea (Dec 22 & 23) are sure to be rousing, while the kids have their own festive activities including Christmas Tie-Dyeing, Bottle Art and Mini-Chef Baking.

Santa Claus arrives in uniquely Bajan style on Christmas morning to get the party started, and on Boxing Day guests can wind down Bajan style with Draft Beer, Dominoes & Trivia at De Rum Shop.

Guests who are staying with us on New Years Eve are in for quite a treat, with our Glitter On The Beach Party featuring Gala Dinner, live entertainment, and champagne and fireworks at midnight over the Caribbean Sea!

Check out our full Festive Programme here. Sea Breeze Beach House is booked pretty solid for the holidays this year, but don't be discouraged - you can always book direct today so as not to miss out in 2023!

COMMIS CHEF OF SMILES

Look Out For Her Golden Hat!

October 2022 | This beautiful smile belongs to Marsha Watson, who is a beloved team member at Sea Breeze Beach House. She wears a unique uniform accessory, designed to help guests and staff to communicate with her in a unique way.

Her dazzling smile really does light up the room, and your entire day, when you realise her golden headwear indicates that Marsha is hearing and speech-impaired. Never mind that her managers offer a chorus of praise for Chef Watson and her work ethic, team spirit and strength of will to overcome any obstacles in her way.

Like wearing a mask during the pandemic, when Marsha's ability to communicate was severely challenged, both in and out of the kitchen. The Yellow Hat initiative was a response from the HR team at Sea Breeze Beach House and Ocean Hotels Barbados that helped in very practical terms.

It has also become a symbol of diversity and inclusion to identify any member of staff with a disability within the company, which seeks to employ individuals based on their actual skills and talents.

Ocean Hotels Barbados would like to thank Marsha Watson for being an inspiration to those around her, and for being an exceptional employee within our hospitality family.

LAST YEAR, MARSHA ANSWERED A Q&A FOR A SERIES OF PROFILES UNDER THE THEME #GETTOKNOWYOURTEAM FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY.

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?

The opportunity to work and having a sense of independence.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Cooking and travelling, and I used to swim for the Barbados National Team.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR HAPPIEST MOMENTS?

Being able to have my daughter Maleah who is sixteen months old.

WHAT IS ONE MESSAGE FOR PERSONS ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY?

It would be great for others who are hearing impaired to have a chance to work. There are still commonalities which exist between persons without disabilities and persons with disabilities. 

WELCOME BACK, CROP OVER!

Sea Breeze Beach House Was Jammin'!

August 2022 | Every summer since 1974, Barbados Crop Over has been the most popular and colourful festival held on the island. Returning after the pandemic, this year's revelling included our very own Car Park Jam.

According to Barbados.org, the origins of this very Bajan festival can be traced back to the 1780s, when Barbados was the world's largest producer of sugar.

At the end of the sugar season, there was always a huge celebration to mark the culmination of another successful sugar cane harvest, hence the name, Crop Over.

As the sugar industry in Barbados declined, so too did the Crop Over festival, and in the 1940's it disappeared completely. However, the festival was revived in 1974, and other elements of Barbadian culture were infused to create the extravaganza that exists today - an event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe.

This year's festival saw a few changes affecting two of its most popular events - Foreday Morning and Grand Kadooment, but the feedback was positive and the appreciation for Crop Over's return was palpable.

At Ocean Hotels Barbados, we celebrated with a new 'Car Park Jam' at Sea Breeze Beach House, so that guests, staff, management and locals could enjoy the essence of Kadooment our way, which included the arrival of Freezy Breezy, and live music to dance the night away.

Check out our amazing Facebook gallery and enjoy the colour of Crop Over 2022!

KEEPING THE KIDS HAPPY!

Lil Dippers Kids Club & Shore Break Teen Lounge Are Cool In Many Ways.

With complimentary watersports, beach table tennis, and pool exercise sessions among the daily choices you'll find at Sea Breeze Beach House, there's plenty to do for all ages - in between relaxing on your super-comfy sun lounger.

With complimentary watersports, beach table tennis, and pool exercise sessions among the daily choices you'll find at Sea Breeze Beach House, there's plenty to do for all ages - in between relaxing on your super-comfy sun lounger.

When the kids need a cooling-off break, our fully air-conditioned Lil Dippers Kids' Club and Shore Break Teen Lounge offer age-appropriate schedules packed with outdoor games, pool time and beach activities, as well as supervised indoor R&R, with computers, video games, TV and DVD players, board games, toys, puzzles and crafts.

Staffed by our warm, professional kids' club team, you'll relax all the easier in the knowledge that the younger members of the family are happily - and productively - engaged.

During the school holidays, our extended hours mean movie nights and other treats for the kids, and we also have a babysitting service available at nominal cost, so young-at-heart adults don't have to miss all the evening fun.

There's a warm welcome, safe practices, and activities for every kid to enjoy during their stay at Sea Breeze Beach House.