Turtle Beach, Dover, Barbados

Turtle Beach was quite good "value" for Barbados which I think is hugely overpriced for what it is - borderline third world. There are unfinished buildings everywhere and no footpaths. The beaches are not exactly pristine -motorised craft burn around amongst the swimmers and we could see an oil tanker in the distance. There's some kind of refinery just down from Crystal Cove which itself is very near Sandy Lane. I'm glad we wakeboard but would be a bit more horrified if we didn't.

Turtle Beach's rooms are very dated, especially the bathrooms which are also small. There are no change tables on the resort and the children's car seats in the mini-cab which turned up to pick us up were broken (always a bad sign). The staff are a mix of sweet and sour. Still, the resort definitely has its good points. I was surprised at the quality of the food and cocktails (b'fast is pretty disgusting though) and the kids club is also very good (although babysitting's expensive $US15 per hour). And they also do little extras like packed lunches on request.

I would not rush to go back but if you're desperate for some out of season sun it's not a bad option. Also it's good for surfing if that's your thing. Personally I'd hold tight until say June when you can fly to Greece and stay at Porto Sani Village (which ROCKS! Another league altogether).

Turtle Beach was quite good "value" for Barbados which I think is hugely overpriced for what it is - borderline third world. There are unfinished buildings everywhere and no footpaths. The beaches are not exactly pristine -motorised craft burn around amongst the swimmers and we could see an oil tanker in the distance. There's some kind of refinery just down from Crystal Cove which itself is very near Sandy Lane. I'm glad we wakeboard but would be a bit more horrified if we didn't.

Turtle Beach's rooms are very dated, especially the bathrooms which are also small. There are no change tables on the resort and the children's car seats in the mini-cab which turned up to pick us up were broken (always a bad sign). The staff are a mix of sweet and sour. Still, the resort definitely has its good points. I was suprised at the quality of the food and cocktails (b'fast is pretty disgusting though) and the kids club is also very good (although babysitting's expensive $US15 per hour). And they also do little extras like packed lunches on request.

I would not rush to go back but if you're desperate for some out of season sun it's not a bad option. Also it's good for surfing if that's your thing. Personally I'd hold tight until say June when you can fly to Greece and stay at Porto Sani Village (which ROCKS! Another league altogether).

We are back to Turtle Beach for the third time, in August. We have also stayed at their sister hotel Crystal Cove twice.

Turtle Beach is on the South Coast. The facilities are excellent, the childrens' club superb and the restaurants and foods very good.

There's loads to do in the surrounding area. St Lawrence Gap is within walking distance and it's not far to Bridgetown. Lots of things to do in Barbados, so you don't have to spend all your time at the hotel - although it would be easy to do so, with the swimming pools, beach, restaurants, gym, tennis courts, play area etc.

Really recommended.

We've been to Turtle Beach 5 or 6 times now and would highly recommend it.

It's an all inclusive resort, but it's small and very family oriented - I don't think couples would find much to enjoy there.

There is an excellent kids club and they provide babysitters as well at a very reasonable rate.

It's on the South coast, and situated right on the beach, so if you don't fancy lying around the pool then you can grab a lounger on the beach instead.

There are three main restaurants, one of which is does not allow children under 12, so it's more adult.

The food is very good and varied.

Staff are generally very friendly.

I'd be back like a shot if funds were available!