BALMY BARBADOS

02 BEACH CLUB & SPA OFFERS THE PERFECT CARIBBEAN ESCAPE.

- NATALIE GALE

The warmth hits my face first when I open the door onto the balcony in the morning. From several stories above, I hear the waves crash onto the white sand beach as the wind blows sea air into my room. On the other side of the hotel, the colorful homes of Saint Lawrence Gap, just outside Bridgetown, Barbados, stretch over the hills and into town. Not a bad view to wake up to.

I'm at O2 Beach Club & Spa, a new luxury all-inclusive resort on Barbados' south coast. The five star hotel hits all the important points-pools, private beach, delicious on-site dining, and a spa. But 02 makes luxury comfortable and down-to-earth, with poolside dining, friendly service, and artwork by Bajan creatives hung on the walls.

Fifteen minutes east of Bridgetown, 02's location on the south coast means there's something for everyone-snorkeling, windsurfing, lively restaurants and nightlife, and relaxing, swimmable beaches. We even ventured to a nearby distillery for a rum tasting one day. Staying on the south side is a bit of a choose-your-own adventure.