The best places to stay on the Caribbean island we'll never stop loving
Offering beaches, coral reefs, and bucket-loads of charm, Barbados has long been a British favourite when it comes to seeking some essential winter sun (the best time to visit is between December and June). Part of the West Indies, and with a tropical climate to match, it’s one of the most popular Caribbean islands for good reason. And, with plenty of places to stay, we’re highlighting the best hotels in Barbados, whether you're looking for a luxury honeymoon hotel, a babymoon destination or a family-friendly resort.
At just 166 square miles, Barbados relatively small – you can drive around it in under three hours – but its main selling point is its 60 miles of coast, with over 80 glorious stretches of shoreline spread around its various parishes (head to the western – aka Caribbean – side for the most crystal-clear water and whitest sand). Its mix of everything from old-school, grand dame properties to friendly, welcoming guest-houses attracts plenty of visitors, some of them more famous than others. Celebs including Beyoncé, Sir Elton John and Prince Harry have all holidayed here, enjoying everything from sunbathing to snorkelling.
If you fancy strolling further than your sun-lounger, however, there are plenty of other fascinating things to do. Explore the candy-coloured buildings of capital, Bridgetown, with its British-influenced architecture, 17th-century garrison, racing track and cricket ground. Or, head to the small fishing village of Oistins on a Friday night to experience the famous fish fry, which brings locals and visitors together for a big, seafood-focused party.
And, you shouldn’t miss Harrison’s Cave, an impressive, 1.5-mile network of coral caves, nor a tasting trip to the Mount Gay distillery – it would be an overstatement to say the island runs on rum, but it has been produced here since 1703.
Now all you need to decide is where you’re going to stay. Whether you want a chic, chilled-out sanctuary, somewhere for family-friendly fun, or a classic, historic haven, here’s our pick of the best hotels in Barbados...
Coral Reef Club, Saint James
Renowned as one of the best hotels on the island, its peaceful setting, amid 12 acres of beautifully-landscaped gardens, whispers quiet luxury – the kind that keeps guests returning every year. Family-run and owned since the 1950s, the overall vibe says relaxed, island life. Poised at the edge of the Caribbean on Barbados’ west coast, many of the 88 rooms overlook that crystalline, turquoise water. Decor is old school tropics: think rattan and wicker furniture, colourful, floral-patterned fabrics, lazy ceiling fans and elegant lighting. Outside, those lush gardens are a riot of colour, planted with swaying palms, bright bougainvillea, and softly-scented frangipani.
If you don’t like getting sand between your toes, there are two sizeable swimming pools on-site, tennis courts, and a spa with four treatment rooms, a hydro pool and sauna. Book into the all-day restaurant for al-fresco, water-front dining – seafood suitably features prominently, from grilled jumbo prawns to pan-fried mahi mahi – but you’ll also find a classic burger, smashed avo toast or Margherita pizza.
The Sandpiper, Saint James
Set right by the beach, the Sandpiper is the sister hotel to the Coral Reef Club, owned by the same family and featuring many of the same characteristics. Aimed at those who might want to get more involved in village life, it’s not far from lively Holetown and its many bars, restaurants and clubs. It’s smaller and more informal than CRC, which is only a ten-minute walk up the coast.
The Sandpiper is set within its own pretty gardens, with a couple of swimming pools, gym, and tennis courts, but the real draw is the sea, just steps from the property. The 50 charming rooms and suites are finished in chic, Caribbean style, similar to that of Coral Reef Club, and the restaurant, while more rustic, serves up an elevated, regularly-changing menu which makes the most of what’s caught around the island’s waters. Start your meal with a drink at Harold’s Beach Bar - friendly Harold, who still runs it, has been here for decades, and his signature cocktail is aptly named ‘Harold’s Smile’.
The Crane Resort, Saint Philip
With its slightly Disney castle-style exterior, The Crane sits on a low, breezy cliff just above the famous, pink-sanded Crane Beach on a quiet, south-eastern corner of Barbados, away from glitzier resorts. Dating from 1887, it was the island’s first resort hotel, which now features all contemporary comforts.
Its rooms and suites are spread over 40 acres, some featuring their own private pool. Facilities are luxe, including a handful of restaurants, cafes and bars, several pools, a spa, a tennis court and a kids’ club. But seclusion, and that rosy sand, are the order of the day; spend time on that breathtaking beach and just enjoy the peace and tranquility around you.
Cobblers Cove, Saint Peter
One of, if not the only, Barbados’ grande dame hotels, Cobblers Cove is a sweet, sugar-pink confection of a hotel, which started life in the 1940s as a private mansion. Interiors aficionados will love its effortless elegance; the suites draw inspiration from the building’s history, the island itself, and the flora and fauna of its lush, tropical gardens. You’ll find tasteful, hand-printed fabrics, fern-inspired console tables, basketwork lanterns and crisp white rattan day beds.
At the hotel’s heart is its small but inviting pool, lined with luxurious loungers shaded by picture-perfect pink and white striped parasols. Settle down, soak up the sun and sip on a classic Cobblers Cooler, immersing yourself in this stylish property’s golden-age glamour. Bajan chef Jason Joseph showcases the very best of the local cuisine at on-site restaurant Camelot, which offers stunning views across Godings Bay. If you stray away from your sun lounger, you can enjoy tennis, yoga, water-skiing, paddle-boarding or sailing; you can also hike between the west and east coasts.
Little Good Harbour, Saint Peter
Perched on Barbados’ sleepy north-west coast, this small, charming boutique hotel sits by a tiny fishing village and offers a delightfully tranquil setting - although the nearest town, Speightstown, is only a five-minute drive away. The rooms evoke a laid-back, Caribbean lifestyle, with dark wooden furniture, rattan armchairs, louvered shutters, ceiling fans, and, in some cases, four-poster beds draped with gauzy mosquito nets.
The hotel’s restaurant, The Fish Pot, was once a small, 17th century fort and draws locals and non-guests who come for simple yet tasty dishes, from teriyaki barramundi to spicy fish sandwiches. There are two pools within the grounds, dotted with Balinese sculptures, to enhance that feeling of serenity.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Saint James
You can practically roll out of your bed onto the golden sands of Alleynes Bay, a secluded stretch of beach scattered with a couple of bars and restaurants that couldn’t be closer to the Fairmont Royal Pavilion. You might not, however, want to leave, as this beautiful, colonial-style property offers sterling service and facilities. There’s a swimming pool with a sizeable hot tub, two tennis courts, a gym, and use of anything from paddleboards to small sailboats.
There are two beachfront restaurants: the grander, white tableclothed Palm Terrace, with its wood-fire grill for perfectly-seared steaks and catch of the day, and the more casual Taboras, which also serves afternoon tea. The rooms are all sea-facing, and contemporarily-designed, with marble bathrooms, soothing cream and beige tones, and pops of nautical blue.
Waves Hotel and Spa, Saint James
Perfect if you’re in search of a spa holiday, all-inclusive Waves caters for those looking to revitalise, rejuvenate, or just relax. Located near Bridgetown, on a pristine stretch of sand, the relaxed decor channels the setting, with plenty of natural materials such as driftwood, rattan, and stone. The spa features eight treatment rooms, and offers an indulgent raft of experiences, from detoxifying wraps to energising facials and invigorating salt scrubs.
You can take part in complimentary yoga and Pilates classes, go for a dip in one of the two swimming pools, or use the state-of-the-art fitness centre. The hotel also offers guided beach walks, mixology classes and scenic island adventure tours.
Colony Club, Saint James
If you didn’t like rum before you stay here, you might find yourself converted by the time you leave. The Colony Club hotel features the island’s first Rum Vault, an atmospheric space home to over 150 rums from all over the world (obviously, the best are Bajan...) and you’re encouraged by the Rum Ambassador to try as many as you like.
They also do rum and chocolate pairings, tasting flights, and rum-paired multi-course dinners. Elsewhere, be seduced by the hotel’s tranquil, tropical setting on the west coast, where the grounds include a series of lagoon-style pools, one with a swim-up bar. The bright rooms have their own private terrace or balcony, and some lead directly out onto the pool.
The House, St. James
All-inclusive doesn't have to equal a sprawling resort, as proven by this small, 34-room, adults-only hotel on Barbados' west coast. The House has a distinctly intimate and low-key feel that couples love, and they're big fans of the complimentary jet lag-busting massage upon arrival and free-flowing champagne at breakfast too.
Service is seamless, personalised and thoughtful thanks to 'ambassadors' who are delighted to organise everything from spoiling massages, yoga sessions, private romantic dinners and nature excursions, to shuttles that will take you to the island's famous Oistens Fish Fry on a Friday night. Lovers of water sports also have full use of the action-packed facilities at Tamarind right next door.
The SoCo Hotel, Bridgetown
With more of an urban feel than many other hotels on the island, SoCo is located within Bridgetown, by Hastings Beach. An adults-only all-inclusive, the 24-room SoCo (it’s short for South Coast, and riffs on Miami’s own SoBe) features crisp, contemporary decor, from the gleaming white, circle-punched facade, to the blond wooden floors, silver and glass-accented tables, abstract prints, pure-white furniture, and pops of sea-blue.
Meals are à la carte, though if you do want to spend extra dining out, there’s a wide boardwalk below the hotel which takes you past several restaurants and bars including Champers, recognised as one of the best places to eat in Barbados.
Tamarind, St. James
If you're planning on visiting Barbados with the whole brood in tow, this family-friendly hotel on the island's west coast should be top of your list. Set right on the idyllic Paynes Bay, Tamarind is ideal for little ones and teens who love spending hours out on the water between snorkelling, water-skiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides – all of which are included in the price of your stay.
Adults are spoilt for choice here too: there's a lovely Ying Yang Beauty Spa for treatments, a strictly no-kids pool, daily yoga and activities such as steelpan classes and the exceedingly popular 'Sip and Paint'. By night, everyone can enjoy a spot of karaoke and live music, as well as excellent Bajan food in restaurants both on-site and at the hotel's various sister properties.
O2 Beach Club, Saint Lawrence
And breathe... Nothing to do with the phone company, the name is inspired by the chemical symbol for oxygen. This 130-room, all-inclusive resort sits practically right on the island’s southern tip, and the vibe here is pure, if somewhat decadent, relaxation. There’s a pool, a spa, and four restaurants which run the gamut from themed buffets to fine dining.
Vibrant pops of tropical colour - fuchsia pink, burnt orange - are found on everything from sun-loungers and parasols to cushions, rugs and soap dishes, and overall it feels cool, chic and gloriously unstuffy. Beyond the property, you’ll find the sheltered Dover Beach, and the buzzy little town of St Lawrence Gap.
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