Virgin Holidays has unveiled plans for The Departure Beach; a Virgin branded area on pristine Brownes Beach in Barbados.

The facility will include a private air-conditioned lounge, premium bathroom and showering facilities, a beach-friendly bar and restaurant and a Virgin Atlantic check-in all nestled on one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados.

Until now, hanging around at the airport on departure day has felt like the inevitable price you pay for going on an exotic holiday – particularly as the majority of accommodation and cruise-ships in Barbados require customers to check out before midday.

With many flights not returning until late in the evening it led to a “lost day” of holiday with travellers killing time rather than taking a dip in the Caribbean Sea, topping up the tan to impress workmates, or sipping rum punch under the Bajan sky.

Nicki Goldsmith, head of Caribbean and worldwide product at Virgin Holidays, commented:  “Virgin Holidays has consistently launched ‘world-first’ concepts, and this latest innovation is no different. 

“We believe that a holiday should be a pleasure from beginning to end and have been working hard to ensure we’ve removed as many pain-points as possible for our customers. 

“We can’t wait to launch this very exciting development next year, and hope our customers are as excited about it as we are.”

Construction for The Departure Beach will commence shortly, with the facility due to open in May 2018. 

Entry is complimentary for any customers staying at Savannah Beach in Barbados or those on a cruise that terminates in Barbados. 

Cheryl Carter of Barbados Tourism Marketing commented:  “Virgin Holidays is the largest British tour operator to Barbados with daily Virgin Atlantic flights departing from London Gatwick and multiple flights each week from Manchester and London Heathrow.

“We’re thrilled that they’ve chosen Barbados to pioneer such a revolutionary concept – and as it’s situated on one of the most picturesque beaches on the island why would you choose to waste that last day of your holiday?”