Valentines Day at The Washington Mayfair Hotel London

This year Valentine's Day didn't look hopeful, Kieran was scheduled to work both days of the weekend and I was scheduled to be sitting on the sofa eating chocolates reduced to clear. However at the last moment Cupid took pity and Kieran's work was cancelled- which meant that last minute ( under duress of me) he had to schedule a Valentines weekend to remember- and oh he did.

An hour on the computer and he as booked (using secret escapes) a lovely city retreat at the Washington Mayfair Hotel. A 4 star hotel tucked behind the back streets of Green Park. Upon entering the rotating doors we were greeted by warm staff who were so helpful and friendly through out our stay. 

The room was a large living room/ bedroom- and sadly larger than many Londoners apartments these days. 

Fresh decor, comfy beds, a mini bar and a sofa made this stay absolutely first class. 

For dinner we headed to I Robert restaurant across the road who accepted our last minute booking and wowed us with quality Italian food. The upstairs dining room is quaint and has an intimate renaissance feel perfect for couples. 

We drank at the bar, ate dinner laughed , drank some more and had over all the best valentines weekend I've had in the 3 years we have spent together.

Top marks Kieran, he works well under pressure. Who says last minute valentines plans don't work? X 

Booking details: 

Washington Mayfair Hotel 

http://www.washington-mayfair.co.uk

Secret Escapes: 

SecretEscapes.com

i Robert restaurant : http://www.irobert.london

Road Tripping

By far one of the best decisions we made in Barbados was renting an open top Jeep and traveling across the country. Because Barbados is so small it is absolutely possible to travel the whole coast in one day.

Our rental cost around $200 Barbadian dollars, starting in Holetown we made our way east. Our first stop was Animal Flower Caves, which had been suggested to us by a couple on the Calabaza Cruise.

With our Bose speakers playing our road trip music, the sun streaming through the open roof and the wind wildly blowing my weave, I sat back and made sure to enjoy the best part: the getting there.

Along the way we travelled through forests with low hanging vines, saw wild horses as well as a family of goats just chilling in the road we also met a smiley road side trader named Adrian.

After stopping for a chat and buying a souvenir we had arrived at Animal Plant Caves. 

The caves are based underground and are naturally formed by the Atlantic, which you can see from the cliffs near the site of the entrance. 

Before we entered the caves we took a walk along the cliff side. It was breath taking. The fierce Atlantic knocking against the rocks made for a stunning view.

In view of the cliff front there is also a cafe where you can purchase tickets for a tour of the cave ($20 Barbadian for adults) and also sit and enjoy the view with food, cocktails, wine or coffee.

We opted to see the caves first, and travelled down steep steps with our guide to the caves below. 

These natural wonders have been formed by the sea below which you can hear upon entering. These caves feature a natural pool and are the site of many photo shoots and music videos- Rhianna 

Has filmed here.

You have the option of swimming in the cave pool- 

After the cave we headed up to the cafe and I ordered a delicious pina colada, wine and coffee. We sat and enjoyed the view and the hilarious arrival of a family of goats who the tourists were quite impressed with but the cafe owners were not so much. 

After the caves we headed further east with the destination of Bathsheba beach in mind, however on the way we came across Barbados Wildlife Reserve and decided to stop by. Here you can get really close with some monkeys for free, or you can see more of the reserve for around $40. I love monkeys so thought this was a great stop. If you opt to see more of the trail there is a tower where you can look down on the lush jungle.

Next stop Bathsheba Beach. Famed for its volatile waves which are too crazy to swim In but perfect to surf. The drive down was stunning, rolling hills on one side and beautiful sea front on the other. We regularly stopped to take pictures. The locals are so friendly - everyone waves. It was great to see the real non tourist Barbados. The people- the views- stunning. By the time we reached Bathsheba it was evening so the next morning we got up early and traveled the coast for sunset. The views as the sun rose were breath taking.