By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

It’s hard to believe that this idyllic scene, captured from a luxury ocean-view room at Barbados’ Colony Club, is just a short ride from the island’s fast-paced capital.

As you linger over morning Nespresso on your sheltered beachfront terrace or balcony (all 96 rooms have them), Broad Street’s bustle seems a world away from here, where the water is mirror-flat and birdsong emanates from casuarina trees arched protectively over soft white sand.

In the afternoon, while Bajan city slickers rush to lunch, you’ll probably still be here, drawn by curiosity at a game of beach cricket being played steps away or the sight of fellow guests bouncing joyfully over the waves on the resort’s banana boat.

And as daylight wanes, you may find yourself returning to this sublime spot to witness the sunset from Colony Club’s prime west-coast perch.

It’s only as the glowing orb descends into the water that you might think to rouse yourself, perhaps for cocktails at the aptly named Sunset Bar or even a night on the town at St Lawrence Gap, Barbados’ entertainment hub.

But with a tiki-torch-lit beach scene before you; plush digs with a handsome four-poster bed behind you; and complimentary WI-FI all around, frankly, we wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t move an inch.