Ever swum in an aquarium? Well, now’s your chance.

Just a few metres off the beach, Coconut Court Beach Hotel has a small lagoon with 18 reef balls providing a sanctuary for fish.

A myriad of tiny fishes – and some big ones too – swim in and out of the structures which have been part of the hotel’s underwater architect since 2000.

They were installed just inside the breakwater by James and Mark Blades, members of the family which runs the south coast hotel.

Too Fast for the Camera

The tiny French angelfish, with its yellow stripes against a black body was camera shy and one of a kind, although it swam with a shoal of silvery jacks.

Unlike the inquisitive red fish with its big eyes. It was very interested in the tiny hand held camera.

Blue tang and silver jacks moved around in shoals. Others sought the safety and privacy inside the reef balls, occasionally glancing out to see what all the fuss was about.

The beautiful Sergeant Major with his tell-tale stripes was fairly common and easily identifiable.

And there was a large parrotfish which escaped the camera, moving too fast and unwilling to pose, but darting in and out of the reef balls and the breakwater. You may also see spotted eagle rays and turtles, especially the critically-endangered Hawksbill, for which Barbados has become famous.

There are some that still need to be identified… Just who is that red fellow with the bulging eyes?

A Chance to see Conservation in Action

Fortunately there was no sign in the Coconut Court reef balls of the lionfish, the foreign predator which lunches on the reef fish of Barbados. Despite its poisonous spines, it has become a tasty snack on the island, so watch out for it at local restaurants.

While it’s a chance for guests to get off the sun lounger and explore the sea, the reef balls serve a greater purpose. Reef fish in Barbados are under threat so this is a great chance to see conservation in action.

So next time you visit Coconut Court Beach Hotel, don’t forget your mask and snorkel!

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Putting people at their ease matters for Margot Glasgow.

The front desk clerk likes the challenge of dealing with the public and ensuring guests are happy and satisfied.

“The best thing about my job is knowing that people go away satisfied, that they go away happy. I just like to see a smile on their face. I like to go the extra mile to put people at their ease,” she said.

Margot has ambitions to progress further than her current position. And she’s seen a lot of changes at Coconut Court.

“There have been lots of improvements. The rooms are better, the quality is higher. There are now more things to do – more entertainment at the hotel. There are free shuttles to Bridgetown and free pick-ups from the airport.”

Outside of work, Margot spends a lot of time with her two children Tianna, 12, and Tyrekk, who is 16. All three are very fond of the beach.

Her favourite spot is Miami Beach, also known as Enterprise Beach, near Oistins. (Regular guests will know they can catch a ZR van or local bus from outside Coconut Court).

“It’s about 10 minutes from home,” said Margot. “It’s lovely for swimming and there are some good facilities.”

Religion is important to Margot and her philosophy is simple.

“If you do good, good will follow you,” she said. “I try to live my life doing what’s right. That’s my belief and that’s what I teach my kids.”

Margot has been at Coconut Court for 10 years and in the hotel business for 17.

“But I don’t think I’ll be moving from Coconut Court. I like it too much here.”

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But wait! You could be enjoying a Coconut Court Beach Hotel barbeque and dancing in the tropical Barbados air to a live band.

And it’s not any live band either. It’s the Bridgetown Boyz, fronted by legendary Bajan singer Desmond Weekes.

Desmond was part of the Draytons Two, a popular band from 1970s Barbados. Their first album, Raw Spouge, which was released in 1973, was a hit across the Caribbean. Desmond is a familiar face at Coconut Court, particularly on a Monday

So, turn off the television, pack your swimmers and get on a plane. After all, life only gives us a limited number of Monday nights so make the most of them.

See you soon at Coconut Court

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(See Video below if you don’t believe us!)

Barbados sunshine not only attracts tourists, it helps Coconut Court do its bit for the environment and save money.

It’s a win-win situation for the south coast hotel, which has solar panels over most of its roof.

Positive Feedback From Guests

“We were one of the first hotels in Barbados to install solar panels,” said Mark Blades, Coconut Court’s maintenance manager. “They will last about 20 to 25 years and they don’t need much looking after, just cleaning once a year.”

The panels have reduced Coconut Court’s monthly power bill by about one-third and led to a daily reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of more than 200kg.

This daily saving is equivalent to a car being driven for 7.7 hours. Annually, the panels have reduced the hotel’s CO2 consumption by 73,000kg, equivalent to a car being driven for 118 days non-stop.

Some of the panels are visible from the reception area, which also overlooks the beach.

“We get a lot of positive feedback from guests,” said Mark. “Air conditioning is the big draw on power, but we have made sure we installed energy-efficient air conditioning units as well as all LED lighting systems.”

Barbados Light and Power, the island’s electricity generating company, buys electricity from the hotel, then sells it back at a reduced rate. This reduces the hotel’s monthly power bill from about Bds$40,000 (US$20,000) to Bds$25,000 ($US12,500), depending on occupancy.

Water Savings Too…

Barbados is largely dependent on fuel oil imported by sea and paid for in US dollars. So solar power has a positive impact on the island’s balance of payments.

The panels are the latest in the hotel’s green credentials. It also has a 50,000 gallon rainwater tank to flush about 30 toilets and irrigate the hotel’s gardens.

The solar panels were installed by island company Solar Watt Systems Inc in September 2015. The YouTube video features some great aerial shots (just a little reminder of Coconut Court’s fantastic beachfront location). You can, of course, see the panels too!

So when you’re next relaxing on Coconut Court’s beachside loungers, remember you’re not the only one soaking up the sun.

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Coconut Court’s longest serving employee regularly exchanges letters with guests – she has been writing to some for almost three decades. Some even visit her at home.

Peggie was given her first job by the hotel founder more than 30 years ago.

Friends From Across The World

That day, October 31st, 1987, is etched on her memory.

“My first job was in a garment factory and then Charlie Blades took me on here,” she said. “I’ve been very happy at Coconut Court.”

“I have lots of friends from among the guests. I correspond with them. They’re from all over… New Zealand, England and Canada. They write to me at my home. Some I’ve known for 28 or 29 years and they still keep in touch.”

No Stranger To Hard Work

With three children, five grandchildren and a fulltime job at the busy south coast hotel, the laundry attendant is not afraid of hard work.

Peggie looks after two of those grandchildren and is carer for her elderly mother who is sight impaired.

As well as working in the laundry, Peggie was a room attendant where she enjoyed more contact with guests.

She said: “I used to do the rooms and I would get to know the guests. I don’t have much contact with the guests now… I miss that.

“Now the laundry goes out, but I used to have to do it all myself. Wash, press and fold everything. It’s still hard work. We have to count everything and make sure it’s recorded.”

A Quiet Village In St George

With her responsibilities at home, she doesn’t get much spare time. Her faith is important – she’s a member of a local church – but family matters.

“My grandchildren, they’re my heartstrings,” she said. “I’m taking care of two of them at the moment.”

Peggie lives in a quiet village in the inland parish of St George. “We all look after each other there,” she said.

So family is first, but friends clearly come a close second, whether they’re neighbours in St George or visitors from much, much further away.

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Head chef Kelly Corbin knows how important Sunday lunch is to Barbados.

It’s a big event at Coconut Court Beach Hotel where locals and tourists get together for the most important meal of the week.

Many Bajans head to the south coast hotel after church, dressed in their Sunday best. For guests and others from off-island, it’s a chance to sample some “home” cooking and take part in an important ritual.

“Traditionally, Bajans worked hard all week and sometimes didn’t have a proper meal from Monday to Friday,” said Kelly, who has worked at the hotel since 2011.

“On a Sunday, it’s different. On a Sunday we make sure we eat well.”

Just Like The Old Days…

Baked chicken, fish cooked creole-style (and fried and grilled) beef stew, ham, vegetables and of course, those stars of the Bajan table, macaroni pie and rice and peas.

There are three salads and for dessert there’s ice cream, two types of cake and fruit salad.

“In the old days, Grandma would have been up early on a Sunday,” said Kelly. “Maybe she slaughtered and marinated the chicken on the Saturday and picked the vegetables from the garden.

“We get a lot of locals here. I think it’s because we do it the homely way. We give it Grandma’s love and attention. We even pickle our own cucumber!”

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Kelly may no longer slaughter the chicken, but she and her staff are in the kitchen at 5am getting things ready.

Sunday lunch is from 12.30 to 3pm, costs $70 and includes a free drink.

The all-you-can-eat buffet is accompanied by a cool breeze and the sound of the sea in the hotel’s beachside restaurant.

So if you missed a meal during the week, why not catch up at Coconut Court. Join the party on the day of rest – rest for everyone that is, apart from Kelly and her team!

Call 427 1655 ext 1 to make your reservation.

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