The Atlantic swells make the east coast one of the most consistent, year-round breaks in Barbados. Conditions are glassy and small in the summer months, picking up size from September to December and ranging up to 20’ in the winter.
At ECO, you’re just a short walk from three popular spots: Soup Bowl, known for hollow tubes and long walls; Parlors, accessible by a long paddle over deep water to access thick, juicy rights and lefts; and High Rock, sandwiched between the others, provides both rights and lefts well suited to less experienced surfers.
The gentler west coast waters get their share of 8’ swells in the winter season, typically energized by a north swell. Under quieter conditions, the west is a great place for beginners to catch their first waves. The south coast is more consistent yet rarely breaks in the summer months unless influenced by a local storm. All island-wide surf spots can be reached within 40 minutes or so, and we can arrange an instructor or local guide to take you to the best spots on the island.
Tucked away on the hills overlooking the dramatic seascape of the east coast. Inviting white hammocks hung between palm trees and decks made for kicking back – the perfect spots to chill out!
ECO has just 10 rooms spread across the main house and cottage, giving it a friendly and relaxed vibe ideal for couples and small groups, as well as the solo traveler. We want you to feel like you can kick off your shoes, unplug your devices (but don’t worry, there’s free wifi and workspaces) and truly unwind.
Our rooms have been simply yet beautifully designed in a modern bohemian style. Up-cycled antique furnishings, dark wood floors and local mahogany craftsmanship blend effortlessly with soft white linens, pops of color and Barbadian artwork. Every room faces the Atlantic Ocean, offering an incredible vantage point of one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
ECO Restaurant & Pantry
The property restaurant supports our aim to live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle with a primarily plant-based and organic menu. Our Le Cordon Bleu-trained Executive Chef Alisha Dawn Stoute has collaborated with renowned international chef Manuela Scalini to create inventive, clean and wholesome dishes that offer a new take on Barbadian cuisine. Keeping to ECO’s excellence in gastronomy, a locally known baker- Richard White- has joined our team to deliver the utmost excellence in freshly baked bread and pizza dough on the island!
Our kitchen uses fresh ingredients, including organic fruits, vegetables and dairy, as well as cage-free eggs from our neighboring farms, fresh seafood caught in nearby waters and nourishing greens foraged on island. We’re proud to support local businesses and individual growers; working together with our fishermen and farmers, we’re creating a true farm and sea-to-table restaurant experience. We have now started our very own off-site organic gardens, ensuring a fresh harvest of the most nutritious provisions right onto your plate.
Surf and other activities
From beginner to professional, surfers can almost always find a wave suited to their skill level – both reef and shore breaks can be found year-round, making Barbados Surf Trips popular with surfers from across the globe.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Barbados, or SUP, is an exciting way to enjoy some time out on the sea. Using an oversized surfboard and a paddle, experienced riders can catch waves at Parlors and High Rock, two great surf breaks located just below ECO. Our SUP Guides can also take you to the west or south coasts, where you can make your way along the coastline, dotted with reefs, sea turtles and even a few shipwrecks. We also recommend sunset and full moon paddles!
Free dive off the shore to find an array of reef fish and a local delicacy called sea cat (similar to squid). In the spirit of our beliefs, you won’t fish in restricted areas, fish anything that is out of season or endangered, and you can eat what you catch – we’re happy to help you prepare it at the ECO Kitchen!
Catamaran cruises are a wonderful way to spend the day soaking up our warm Caribbean sunshine. Cruises include drinks, cocktails and a buffet-style lunch. Take a dip, snorkel and swim with the turtles during the catamaran’s stops along the shoreline, or simply enjoy listening to the waves or music while you sunbathe on deck.
Just a mile offshore, you can find world-class deep sea fishing; in season, catch Wahoo, Sailfish, Tuna, Barracuda and Dolphin (Mahi Mahi). The West Coast waters are sheltered from the major tradewinds, and inshore fishing is a great experience for beginners and seasoned anglers alike – get right in action with a hand line on one of the local skiffs. The east coast is also a great spot for surfcasting, taking on an almost meditative vibe as the sun begins to set. Whatever your method, we’ll cook your catch in the ECO Kitchen!
Beaches
Crane Beach Crane beach, located on the southeast coast of the island, is arguably one of the best in the world and has often been included on ‘Top 10 Beaches’ lists by leading travel magazines and destination sites. Located below a cliff, it’s much more accessible than it seems and makes for a great daytime excursion. Bring a picnic from the ECO Pantry, and a cooler of drinks and enjoy.
Nearby is Fowl Bay, a beautiful, unspoiled stretch of beach reminiscent of castaways and pirates.
Cattlewash Just a stone’s throw (actually a short hike) from ECO is Cattlewash, Bathsheba’s sister beach. Its long stretch of white sand is great for walks and runs, followed by a soak in one of the rock pools dotting the shore. You can pack a picnic, set up a beach blanket and spend the day gazing at a seemingly endless horizon. The more adventurous can climb to the top of Round Rock, a large formation located about halfway down the beach. A bench has been thoughtfully placed at the top – we don’t know how it got there, but it makes for a great photo!
The West Coast has plenty of beach options, but our favorite is Gibbs Beach. Accessible by an unassuming path, it’s a quiet, usually empty stretch of powdery white sand shaded by large Manchineel Trees (be careful – the fruit are poisonous). If you love sea glass, this is the place for you – the break line literally glitters with it.
ECO Lifestyle + Lodge, formerly known as Sea-U Guest House, is the realized dream of New York natives Kyle & Maryam, who traded the hustle of city life for a slower, more meaningful pace when they moved to Barbados several years ago.
With their young family in tow, they’ve firmly established themselves in the local community, setting down roots when they purchased the Bathsheba Guest House in early 2018. Combining their love of travel and adventure with a desire to live a more conscious and healthy lifestyle, Kyle & Maryam are thoughtfully evolving ECO to reflect their balanced approach to living life to the fullest.
Through their island connections, Kyle and Maryam have sourced a knowledgeable roster of experienced local guides- from surfing and spearfishing to mountain bike and hiking.
Reducing the footprints
Kyle and Maryam are passionate about the work they are doing at ECO and love discovering new ways to reduce their footprint on the Earth while enjoying all life has to offer.
At ECO, caring for the environment ranks high on the agenda; the hotel is Green Globe Certified with an established recycling and composting program in place. Sustainable practices are apparent throughout the property: drinks are served with bamboo straws harvested in the garden, all water is solar-heated and only organic cleaning products are used. Guests are supplied with artisanal organic toiletries and staples such as reusable water bottles and Maryam’s homemade mosquito spray are available in the ECO Shop, as well as eco-friendly products like coral-safe sunscreens and surf wax. We’re also creating one of the only true farm-to-table restaurants on the island. Our goal is to live and travel mindfully; we strive to balance everyday living with an appreciation for its impact on the environment.