With only eight rooms, guests can be guaranteed a peaceful getaway in a very intimate, boutique property. Accommodation consists of one 1 bedroom suite, two 2 bedroom suites and four ocean front rooms, each named after a different place on the island. Despite the waterfront location, none of these rooms are equipped with large balconies. Six out of eight rooms feature 'French balconies,' otherwise referred to as "fake balconies" because they are decorative rather than practical. Despite this, most rooms enjoy dramatic views from their cliff-top position. Guest rooms are incredibly well-maintained, with the most recent renovations taking place in December 2009.

The rooms are harmoniously and tastefully decorated, continuing the nautical-luxe theme seen throughout the rest of the hotel, with quality furnishings and "vivid fishing boat colours." Polished wooden floors are draped in funky woven rugs in cheery orange, yellow and green. The large, four poster king size beds are laid with crisp white linen, while the windows fixed with white shutters allow for lots of light. We loved the spacious bathrooms too. Some rooms boast kitchenettes and all rooms are equipped with an iPod docking station.

The hotel is one which champions simplicity without sacrificing elegance, in a building that dates from 1884. A small Reception opens on to a large, airy lounge area with comfy couches scattered with plump cushions in sunny shades of turquoise and orange. Beautiful sea shells, a tall ship model and black and white images of Barbadian life add homey touches to this already cosy room.

To one side, dominating the room is a long, wooden bar decorated with old-fashioned light fittings that get that rustic-chic feel just right. The "when I grow weary I go to the sea" sign dangling overhead draws our eyes to the adjacent deck; from here guests enjoy alfresco dining with never ending views of a sometimes choppy Atlantic Ocean.

While there might not be a beach safe for swimming in these parts, the hotel has itself a kidney-shaped swimming pool with waterfall feature, seemingly perched on the edge of the cliff. Several sun loungers, green parasols and driftwood daybeds are positioned on varying levels of pool deck, all with ocean views.

Back inside, a sunken dining area with the same contemporary seaside-chic attributes is at the heart of the hotel. The white shutters when open allow for lashings of natural light and brilliant views of the Atlantic.

As lovely as the hotel is, it is best used as a base for exploring the island, or for pure and simple relaxation; for apart from the swimming pool, there are no leisure facilities on site. Those who need to be constantly entertained, or those with children who need to be kept busy, might have a hard time here...

The food is, in a word, excellent. The restaurant at Atlantis Hotel has a fantastic reputation amongst both tourists and locals and is famous for its Bajan buffet on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Sunday brunch in particular is often packed out. The restaurant offers a varied menu of international and local cuisine; buffet breakfast is served everyday while lunch and dinner is à la carte except for Wednesday and Sunday lunchtimes. The restaurant is closed on Sunday evenings but most guests find that a good helping of the culinary delights during Sunday brunch keeps them going until Monday morning!

We appreciated the comforting, home-style cooking showcased in the Bajan buffet. Some examples of what you'll find include pumpkin fritters, fish cakes, aubergine and plantain bake, pepperpot (meat stew), grilled mahi mahi, macaroni pie, fried chicken, and the national dish of flying fish and cou cou (cornmeal and okra). Make sure you try the "conkies;" sweet potato, pumpkin, coconut, sugar and spices wrapped in banana leaves...

The hotel's location on the rugged west coast means that its beachfront is unsafe for swimming. Swimming in the vicinity is highly discouraged due to the rocky shores, large waves and strong currents. However, there is walking access to the shore below, and the "Soup Bowl," a renowned surfing spot, is only a 10 minute stroll from the hotel. The closest safe beach is Crane Beach, where the east coast meets the south coast, about a 25 minute drive south of Atlantis Hotel. With, a wide sandy shore and warm, clear waters, many claim Crane is the best beach on the island. Potential guests need to decide whether, by staying at Atlantis, they are willing to sacrifice the convenience of a beach on their doorstep. On the other hand, the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean views and untouched beauty of the very green, and less developed east coast might just make up for that!

RHP

Atlantis Hotel's sister property, Little Good Harbour, is located on the north-west coast of Barbados in the parish of St Lucy. Guests may purchase packages that combine stays of both hotels.
The hotel closes for three weeks throughout September and October each year.