What people think of Nelson Gay
"Paradise"
This was just what we needed. We had 3 adult couples and it was the most incredible experience. The house, the property, the staff, the food and the service were all equally impressive. Each day was like a dream taking our time eating and drinking and going back and forth between the beach and the pool. We had a boat pick us up from the beach one day to go snorkeling and went into town another day to hop on a charter fishing trip where we caught mahi mahi, tuna and a baracuda, which the staff cooked for dinner the next night. We can't wait to go back!
August 2023
"Family of 16 experience a tropical paradise"
Nelson Gay Villa in Barbados is a remarkable retreat that seamlessly combines historical charm, relaxation, and excellent service. The villa's authentic Barbadian architecture and tasteful furnishings create an atmosphere that transports guests to a bygone era, reminiscent of my mother's time as she was a native Bajan. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, each room provides a perfect blend of the past and present, offering modern amenities while preserving its historic charm. The tranquility and serenity that pervade the villa are unmatched. We enjoyed the pool, strolled through the manicured gardens, and accessed the stunning beachfront. Watching a family of green monkeys romp up close was delightful, and observing the Bananaquits, Barbadian Bullfinches, and an assortment of pigeons from the patio was a great experience for bird enthusiasts. Snorkeling just yards from the shore revealed a fascinating array of fish. The villa's staff provides exceptional service, going above and beyond to ensure guests' needs are met. They handle meals, housekeeping, and laundry efficiently. Culinary delights prepared with local ingredients surpass expectations, and the personalized service made us feel like honored guests, relieved of the hassle of dining out, housekeeping, and laundry.
June 2023
"A very special place with lovely staff, sandy beach, perfect pool, delicious food and gorgeous spacious garden!"
Nelson Gay is a very special place and we, as a family group of 13, all love it there. We’ve been 3 times now and all dream of returning. We have lots of special memories of family times gathered on the chairs by the beach, drinking rum punches; resting in the pagoda; swimming with turtles right by the house and playing games on the beautiful shaded outdoor sofa area. There is enough space for everyone to do exactly what they want to do! The house is well cared for, with a beautiful garden full of interesting tropical plants. Green monkeys provide much entertainment as they play in the frangipani and mango trees. If you are interested in plants, the gardeners are very knowledgeable and are great to chat to. The staff are super friendly offering useful local info, They helped us book water sports, with boats picking us up right by the house. And they even walked us into nearby Speightstown for shopping. We were so pleased to see them all again and to enjoy Winston and Tyrone’s delicious cooking. We never tired of the splendid cooked breakfasts and flying fish cutters for lunch. Winston’s chocolate brownie’s are to die for! It was hard to get back to reality after our holiday at Nelson Gay. It is a luxury home from home which works really well for children, teenagers, parents and grandparents. Until the next time.
April 2023
"It was such a joy to discover this beautiful house"
We stayed Nelson Gay during the lockdown in Barbados, a very lucky decision because I didn’t want to leave this beautiful house. The gardens are expansive and lush giving plenty of space for people to do their own thing. My favourite spot was right by the gate overlooking the sea. There’s a wonderful long lap pool too. It’s peaceful and perfectly located, possessing an informal grandeur and old world elegance. We were very well looked after by Shauntal and very well fed by Winston! The bedrooms are elegant and clean. The Wifi is good too. It was such a joy to discover this beautiful house.
M. H, 2021
"Wonderful home in a tropical paradise, right on a stunning beach"
The home, the staff, the location all add up to an extraordinary holiday. My family and I enjoyed two magical weeks at Nelson Gay. The crystal blue waters on the gardens doorsteps were impossible to resist every morning. The food and service of the team on site were excellent. Overall an amazing time for all of us, and we will definitely return.
Climber, August 2020
"Family Holiday Must"
We had a fabulous holiday at Nelson Gay in August. We were celebrating 2 big birthdays and could not have had a better time. The staff were attentive and friendly. Making every minute enjoyable for all guests age - 10 months to 70 years old. Nelson Gay is a perfect family vacation, a place where memories are made.
Stephanie K, August 2020
"Idyllic setting"
9 of us stayed at Nelson Gay for 2 weeks in August. First impressions were awesome. The staff greeted us warmly with homemade fish bites (absolutely yummy) and Billy’s Rum punch (just as yummy). The pool was lovely and warm and sitting at the end of the garden looking out onto the sea is really something else. It’s unbelievably relaxing. The rooms are clean bright and airy and the villa is close to few nice restaurants that you can walk to. Billy the butler really couldn’t have been more helpful. He really is a star... nothing is too much trouble for him. Winston and Tyrone the cooks are so sweet and fabulous cooks. We sat down with them most mornings and worked out our meals for the next day.. We had teenagers with us so didn’t go for the traditional menu’s but they were both so accommodating and the food was delicious, Kerry the night security guard was a delight to have around.. I think the kids really miss him... Chantelle was really helpful and gave us some great tips about where to go when we went out. She arranged boat trips, jet skis, taxis anything we needed. The Villa really is a little bit of paradise on earth. I spoke to the owner who was in the UK by phone when we were at the Villa and I really got the impression he cared about his guests and wanted them to have a fabulous time at his Villa. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone I know. My 1 criticism is the shower in the main bedroom. The water pressure wasn’t great but after telling the staff someone was out to look at it the same day. The staff want everything to be perfect and definitely go above and beyond to make sure it is. Casey the gardener was full of useful information about Barbados, the garden and the local wildlife. He made me some herbal tea ( I drink way too much coffee). We saw wild monkeys running across the gardens, turtles on the beach and so much more. Fabulous holiday. Thank you Tom for sharing your home and all your staff that are amazing!
Eden, August 2019
"A visit to paradise!"
Our recent stay at Nelson Gay with 12 of our good friends was specatular! The property is beautifully cared for by an attentive and excellent staff. The pool and grounds are lovely and we loved the monkey who visited us now and again! The food was terrfic and it was fun making selections with the chefs. We rented a paddle board and kayaks and really loved the beach area. Every need was attended to and we all the THE BEST time.....We will be back!
Stephen H, July 2019
"Best staff and food on the island!"
My family of 15 stayed at Nelson Gay in June 2019. The ages of my family ranged from 80 years old to 13 months old. My Mother has some mobility issues but she managed perfectly at this home and we even managed to get her into the ocean. The beach in front of the house was great for kids and did NOT have any seaweed. It was mostly sandy, hardly any waves and it was great for snorkelling. The staff definitely made our stay very memorable. They all went out of their way to ensure that we had everything that we needed or wanted. The service and food was truly amazing! After going out to dinner one night, we all agreed that the food was better at Nelson Gay! The staff was so accommodating from doing our laundry to ensuring that we have all the food and drinks that we needed, we never wanted to leave. The highlight of course was seeing the “monkeys” run across the property.
Jo D, June 2019
"Perfect place for a family holiday"
Magical house set in a beautiful location. We have stayed at Nelson Gay several times and it is perfect for a large family of all different ages. Lovely relaxed atmosphere and we were very well fed and looked after by the fantastic staff!
Linda W, April 2019
"Perfect paradise vacation for our large family"
From the moment you step onto the grounds of Nelson Gay, you know you’ve found your ultimate slice of paradise. White sands just steps from the gorgeous property, large warm pool with floats and toys for the little ones, drinks and snacks during sunset, a wonderful coral reef for snorkeling directly off the quiet beach. I could go on and on. Our family of 14 (youngest turned 1 on this trip) visited during the last week of February and were spoiled with the amenities available onsite—in fact, with the exception of a planned sailing trip and golf outing, we never left the property. The staff were so kind and hospitable—doing laundry each day and returning it before dinner, preparing rum cocktails at sunset, and coming up with wonderful meals that would satisfy our large group’s varied tastes. We laughed so hard as we watched the family of monkeys, and then chickens and their chicks, parade across the yard. We were treated to a wonderful large barbecue on the last day complete with music for dancing and a steel drum performer that was provided as a special surprise by the owner (who even called to check in on our stay). Our youngest family member even celebrated his 1st birthday and the staff was so kind getting balloons and a gift for him to make the day even more special. An additional thank you to Tyrone and Winston for your thoughtful culinary meals, to Billy for your attentive service, and to Shauntall and staff for your housekeeping. The grounds are spectacular (we even had a wonderful tour by the gardener examining all of the exotic plants and trees) and we felt very safe during our stay. The beach is stunning and full of beautiful sea glass—it felt like our own private beach. The home is gorgeous and easily accommodated the needs of our large group, utilizing the guest cottage and chattel house, and there were multiple places to sit and unwind. In fact, the joke of the morning was where had we not relaxed yet? The gazebo, the foyer, the terrace, the beach? So many options! We hadn’t even left and had booked our stay for next year. So, the secret’s out…
Jodi S, February 2019
"Step into Paradise"
I was immediately gobsmacked by the architectural charm of the villa and its luxuriant garden of tropical plants and towering trees .The staff were WONDERFUL and the cook made us absolutely delicious meals. The seemingly private pristine beach is beyond the swimming pool and only 5 steps down at the end of the garden. A review in less than 100 characters is ridiculous because I have so much to praise!
Neil W, December 2018
"Perfect location"
I stayed at Nelson Gay in November with 16 friends to celebrate my 30th birthday. I couldn't have asked for a better house, all the bedrooms were lovely, even the chattel houses that had been described as basic worked perfectly. Being able to walk from the garden onto the beach was a ridiculous luxury and sitting watching the sun go down from this point was unbelievable. The staff was hugely accommodating of our very rowdy group and the food made by the chefs better than some of the restaurants we went to on the West Coast.
Daisy B, November 2018
"Couldn’t be better"
As a group of 13, we had the greatest vacation at the Nelson Gay. Everything was perfection. The people who work on the property are a delightfully sunny bunch. The property itself was like something from a fantasy, on the beach, beautiful, relaxing and spectacular. This place is a dream!
Elaine, November 2018
"“I fell in love with Nelson Gay without any reservation, a complete love affair with the place”"
We had a simply, heavenly, wonderful time. It is my sincerest hope that I'm able to come back more than once a year, and even on occasion stay there for more than a week - perhaps even a month. It would be nice to be good and regular customers at your wonderful home. Your beautiful pool is a stunning addition. Nelson Gay simply reeks of Old Barbados in the very, very best way. Nelson Gay is representative of the very, very best of Barbados tradition. It's a beautiful old house, kept going, without any of the so-called 'modernizations' - the beautiful old bathrooms, the scent of the corral stone and tropical gardens; all of it weaves a magical spell that is not found in houses that have been updated with newer structure.
Douglas Urbanski, Hollywood Producer of the Oscar-winning film 'The Darkest Hour'
"Great Place for the Family"
Nelson Gay was perfect for our three-generation family reunion, ranging in age from two and a half to 79. The staff were very friendly, efficient and discreet. We had the beach to ourselves, but also used the large heated pool a lot. The property is well proportioned and well maintained.
Stayed: October 2018
"Magical family holiday in the most perfect setting"
I had set the bar very high for a special family holiday to celebrate a significant birthday and I was not disappointed. If anything the villa, the setting and the friendliness of the staff surpassed my expectations and made this a holiday we will not forget. The villa is stunning with ample space for a large family party, we were all able to have space to be on our own if needed, the interconnecting rooms and bathrooms made child uper vision easy and the older members of the group had privacy in the chattel houses and cottage .... a perfect arrangement. The pool was well maintained and was well used by all, the access to the beach was easy ( and kept safe by a gate so no children wandered unsupervised. The sea was warm and perfect for snorkelling, even the little ones saw fish. The food prepared by the chefs was delicious and they coped very well with our dietary requirements! Outings were planned and taxis arranged by Blue Sky which made the whole process very relaxed. We actually only went on 2 because the villa and surroundings were so marvellous we did not need to venture out. Overall the best holiday ever.
Stayed: August 2018
"Fabulous villa, beautiful setting, made all the more special by the wonderful team who look after your every need"
We absolutely loved our 10 days at Nelson Gay! The villa is just beautiful with the most idyllic setting overlooking the beach just south of Speightstown. The bedrooms have the most comfortable beds - great sumptuous mattress toppers and top quality bed linen - and whilst the bathrooms may not be the most modern, they are very effective. Add then the friendly and attentive staff to this perfect set-up and you really do have a fabulous holiday. Tyrone and Winston cooked wonderful meals for us, sourcing the best quality ingredients and pitching the flavouring to perfection. They had lots of ideas which we readily embraced - Bajan themed night, Mexican, lavish bbqs etc and despite us eating out at Tides, Lone Star and the Fishpot, our best meals on the holiday were those at Nelson Gay. They organised a steel band for our last night at the villa, and the owner kindly paid for half the band fee and very thoughtful and impressive birthday cakes for 2 of the children who had their birthdays whilst we were there. Billy and Shauntell were always so welcoming and attentive , and when Kerry took over as security in the evening, he was also the right balance of discrete and yet caring to step in if needed - he went above and beyond keeping an eye on the smaller children when we went out for the evening , and fixing AC issues very quickly for us. The owner phoned me personally to check everything was good. And the team at Blue Sky Luxury were equally happy, friendly, welcoming and attentive. And even when we left Nelson Gay to spend our final week in another large villa down the coast (sadly Nelson Gay was already booked for that week) , the team assisted us on a couple of wine and grocery matters and hand delivered an item we had left behind to our new villa. The superb service at Nelson Gay was accentuated even more when we discovered the complete opposite at the new villa (St Helena) where there was a complete lack of friendliness and attentive service. We missed Nelson Gay and the fabulous team there so much during our final week on the island!
Stayed: July 2018
"The pictures don't do it justice because you can't feel the ambiance"
The home is so wonderful because the staff makes it that way. Nelson Gay has character and is well appointed. It has wonderful outdoor space and everything is available for your pleasure and relaxation. Thank you so much for sharing Nelson Gay with us and allowing us to enjoy a fantastic, relaxing week.
Stayed: March 2018
"Fantastic!"
Charming and relaxing. Right on the beach. Staff is wonderful. Short walks too restaurants and nite life. Explored just about the whole island. If there is someplace nicer we did not find it. We had 12 in our group and had more than enough room for all of us.
Stayed: February 2018
"Paradise Found!!!"
The house and staff were perfect. The location is spectacular. The concierge took care of our every need. We have happy memories to last a lifetime. Thank you everyone associated with Nelson Gay. We will be back!
Family from London, Reviewed March 7, 2018 for a stay in February 2018
"The pictures don't do it justice because you can't feel the ambiance"
The home is so wonderful because the staff makes it that way. Nelson Gay has character and is well appointed. It has wonderful outdoor space and everything is available for your pleasure and relaxation. Thank you so much for sharing Nelson Gay with us and allowing us to enjoy a fantastic, relaxing week.
Sheriff Family, Reviewed for a stay in March 2018
"A week in paradise for multiple generations"
We stayed here as a family of three generations. Every aspect of the visit was perfect for each generation. From the pool, to the beach, to the luxury of the accommodations, the meals, and the excellent indulging staff all were satisfied. The villa is a classic historical modernized villa with all the amenities one could wish for. The beach was great for the little ones as it was very calm. There were coral reefs about 100 yards out that provided snorkelling excitement--sea turtles and tropical fish. Every need was taken care of. I think our parting words with one of the staff summed up the attention we were given. As we were packing to leave, one of the staff asked us if we had any dirty clothes to be washed before we left. We replied that we could wait until we arrived home. Her reply "no one leaves Nelson Gay with dirty clothes.
South Carolina Family, Reviewed February 2, 2017 for a stay in January 2017
"A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth"
There were 16 of us plus an infant. Our visit to Nelson Gay was exquisite! The staff were all phenomenal and attended to our every need. The food was excellent, the accommodations were excellent, and the weather was perfect. We loved swimming in both the pool and ocean. Snorkelling was terrific and the local monkeys provided entertainment. We all would recommend Nelson Gay for anyone looking for a get-away vacation. Thanks again for providing such lasting memories from all of us. BEST VACATION EVER!!!
Dianne, Reviewed March 23, 2017 for a stay in March 2017
"A glorious villa in a sensational position with the best staff in Barbados"
Nelson Gay has a timeless charm and draws visitors into its embrace. From the moment you are greeted by the entire staff until the sad time when you have to bid them all farewell, you are guaranteed the most memorable experience. The position of the estate is ideal - on a beautiful (often virtually private) beach but within easy walking distance of an attractive town in one direction and Cobblers Cove in the other. The bedrooms are light and airy: and we lunched and dined out of doors throughout our stay. The food is delicious - with optional menus offering plenty of suggestions as well as the opportunity to go off-piste. Returning visitors to Barbados know what to expect in terms of the marvellous welcome and the opportunities to attempt the full range of sports and touring: or opt to do absolutely nothing except soak up the sun and wallow in the matchless sea. With its charming grounds, Nelson Gay provides a delightful base. Our party of nine enjoyed the most wonderful holiday.
David A, Reviewed April 24, 2017 for a stay in February 2017
"Heavenly Oasis"
Party of 6 adults. Everything was perfect. The staff are attentive but not invasive. The food was wonderful, simple and wholesome as per our request. The gardens are a delightful oasis. Beach access is superb and private. We ate out twice in 2 weeks and on reflection shouldn't have bothered as we didn't find anywhere with the ambience and quality of Nelson Gay. If you need to relax in beautiful surroundings with your family and friends do it here - there is something for everyone. The media room was a hit for the younger ones on hot days. The beach water sports are outside the back gate. The garden has good shade and privacy. The pool (which we had heated) was therapeutic. Billy makes the best rum punch. Thanks to all for making our stay so special.
Party from London, Reviewed May 10, 2017 for a stay in April 2017
"Wonderful experience"
It was a wonderful experience. What you see on the photos is what you get. The house is big, high ceilings, has great size of rooms, space and nice atmosphere. The pool is heated, the garden is beautiful, with a variety of trees, bushes, flowers beautiful. Access right at the beach with a sunset corner to have your drink while admiring the sun set. The staff is welcoming, warm, professional. They were there when needed and knew how to be discreet. You feel at home for your stay.
Katrina, Switzerland, Reviewed January 5, 2018 for a stay in November 2017
"All you need and more for a wedding venue!"
We decided to book Nelson Gay for our wedding week, and it did not disappoint! It was only a small wedding of 11, so we were able to have all our family and friends stay with us for the week, as well as hold the wedding on the immaculate property. The chattle house provided the perfect amount of privacy for the bride and groom, and was beautifully decorated as a surprise on the night of the wedding. Shauntel, Billy, Tyrone, Winston and the rest of the staff were so wonderful, and quickly felt like part of the family! The food was absolutely incredible, some of the best meals we've had, and Billy's rum punch definitely lived up to the expectiations from other reviews! The fridge was always fully stocked with beer, and we were even provided a cooler so we could have drinks down by the beach. The Blue Sky staff were very helpful in organizing excursions, airport transportation, car hires, and last minute wedding prep such as having the dresses and suits professionally pressed. Between the closet full of board games, and the water sports chest by the beach, there was never a dull moment! The staff were extremely accommodating and worked with the wedding coordinator to ensure our special day was perfect! Our stay was made even more special on the last evening when we were surprised with a BBQ and a live Reggae performance! This is the perfect versatile property for any type of holiday; whether it be with family or friends, to host an event, or just relax, Nelson Gay is the place for you!
Alice F - (5 Stars Trip Advisor)