Sea-U Guest House
Tent Bay, Bathsheba, St. Joseph, Barbados
Why We Like It
The dramatic east coast views are a main attraction; but the natural “green” environment, the low-key, personalized service, and the comfortable, somewhat quaint accommodations make you feel very much at home here.
Fodor's Expert Review
Owner Uschi Wetzels, a German travel writer in an earlier life, built Sea-U in 1999—a main building, an adjacent cottage, and a gazebo for alfresco dining. The property, thick with tropical foliage, is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The buildings represent traditional Bajan-style architecture, with casual “Caribbean cottage” furnishings and décor in the rooms, suites, and apartments. As it’s right on the coast, the dramatic views of the ocean, the surf rolling onto the nearby beaches, and the odd-shaped limestone rocks poking out of the shoreline are unbeatable. Sit around, read a book, go for a hike, rent a bike, watch the surfers…Sea-U is a great place to take a breath, reconnect with nature, and gather your wits. Of course, it’s a great spot for surfers to hang their hats (or their boards), too!
You Should Know No children under 12; also, not advised for those with physical difficulties due to the rugged terrain, stone paths, and rooms on varying levels.
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Room
Seven of the hotel’s 10 units are in the main house, where each room or suite has a kitchenette with a fridge (no stove) and a porch or balcony with deck chairs. A top-floor apartment has a separate living room, full kitchen, and huge deck overlooking the tropical garden and sea beyond. In an adjacent cottage, two studios on the top floor have kitchenettes; underneath, a one-bedroom apartment has a separate living room, full kitchen, patio, and private entrance.
Rooms are all have queen- or king-size mahogany beds, rattan furniture, louvered-wood windows, hardwood floors, and interior walls of white-washed wooden boards. All rooms have an ocean view. Connecting/adjoining rooms are available.
You Should Know None of the units have in-room TVs or telephones; only the three cottage units have air-conditioning.
Bathroom
Most of the bathrooms are rather small and rustic, with wood walls and small shower stalls. The bathroom in the cottage apartment is modern and more spacious, with tiled walls and a walk-in shower.
Lobby
The owner’s apartment serves as a front desk, and she will gladly arrange tours and transportation.
Dining
Breakfast is served daily in the gazebo. A three-course dinner is available most evenings—by reservation only. No lunch is served.
Drinking
A full bar is available to guests in the gazebo restaurant.
Beach
There’s a beach at the bottom of the cliff on which the hotel sits, which you can reach via a rather steep path. It’s a short walk to Bathsheba Soup Bowl and other surfing spots. While this part of the east coast is a huge draw for surfers, the water here is much too rough for casual swimmers due to the crashing waves and dangerous undercurrents. Stick to walking, beachcombing, and admiring the view.
Tip It’s okay to wade in the small tide pools that appear along the shoreline from time to time.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
You definitely need a rental car unless you’re content to stay put or take long walks. Regular bus service is available. Taxis can be called; but make sure you request one well ahead of the time you want to depart, as this is a very remote location. Airport transfers will be arranged upon request (additional charge).
Restaurants
Round House Restaurant (15-minute walk) is a popular lunch spot and also serves an early dinner—the kitchen closes at 7:30 p.m., except for Friday when it closes at 4 p.m. The menu features Bajan cuisine, but you’re sure to find something tempting among the variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads, sides, and full meals. Whether you sit inside or on the patio, you’ll always have a spectacular ocean view.
The Atlantis Restaurant (5-minute walk), in The Atlantis Hotel, is nearby and also on the oceanfront at Tent Bay. Come for the Bajan buffet luncheon on Wednesday or Sunday or anytime for a delicious meal and stunning ocean view.
Bars
The Atlantis Hotel (5-minute walk) has a bar and lounge area, adjacent to its oceanfront dining room, where you can enjoy a tropical cocktail or other beverage.
Photos
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