Barbados is considered by many to be the premier destination in the Caribbean. It is the easternmost of the Caribbean islands and is actually an ancient and vast coral reef, formed over a million years ago. With its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, well-developed amenities, vibrant nightlife and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most desirable holiday destinations. The island is a 20-mile-long, pear-shaped expanse of soft coral, featuring fascinating underground caverns. For many visitors, it is the island’s coral reefs that entice them here.
The Rockley
The Rockley opened in March 2024 and celebrates a Bajan vibe with a hip new hotel experience by the Rockley Beach – renowned for its white sands and crystalline blue seas – surrounded by lively bars, signature restaurants, and authentic island experiences.
The 49-room boutique hotel features rooms with colourful local touches including Bajan sayings on throw pillows, the island’s iconic Bus Stop sign, and locally sourced amenities that celebrate Bajan culture. Guests can relax in style in junior suites with kitchenettes or the spacious, 700-square-foot one-bedroom suites with full kitchens and separate living areas.
In the lobby, a new “Art for the People” gallery spotlights local artists through rotating installations. As well as this, the hotel also features a fully-equipped gym, outdoor covered bar, a pool, and an interior dining area adorned with a hand-painted black and white mural showcasing some of Barbados’ most iconic items and symbols, including sheep, dominoes, chickens, and more. To further integrate guests into the local community, the hotel features an innovative “Dine and Sign” programme whereby guests can visit partner restaurants across the neighbourhood and seamlessly charge their meal to their room, just as they would if they were dining at the hotel itself.
Sea Breeze Beach House
Sea Breeze Beach House is a barefoot luxury, laid-back and family-friendly hotel set on 1,000 feet of powdery-white sands infused with easygoing, authentic Bajan charm, offering an immersive and fully-inclusive experience.
The hotel features 4 bars and 6 dining experiences – 4 of which boast ocean views – with ‘De Rum Shop’ serving Puddin’ and Souse every Saturday, a true Bajan tradition. With weekly rum tastings and nightly entertainment, families are welcome to soak up Barbados sun by one of the three pools or participate in watersports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, bodyboarding and more, as well as dance classes and Bajan-inspired ‘how-to’ classes.
The hotel is also home to one of the newest and most intimate spas on the island – Drift Spa. It boasts a brightening and smoothing full-service menu developed from standout VIVANT products, with signature treatments including body rituals, facials, massages, and hand and foot treatments.
O2 Beach Club & Spa
O2 Beach Club & Spa is Barbados’ newest fully-inclusive property located on Dover Beach – known for its white sands and turtle spotting – and welcomes guests to experience the ultimate in boutique five-star luxury. Whether they are after a relaxing swim, spa retreat or a taste of adventure, guests can set the pace of their holiday, and with so much on offer, the hotel is ideal for couples, groups of friends, and families with teenagers.
O2 Beach Club & Spa overlooks the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and lush greenery and boasts 116 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites including the option of luxurious swim-up rooms. Each tastefully connects indoors to out with interiors synergistically designed with the surroundings, taking inspiration from the South Coast to blend contemporary elegance with Caribbean charm.
The award-winning Acqua Spa, spanning almost 6000 sqft and located on the seventh floor, features floor-to-ceiling windows to give guests panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Inspired by the idea of ‘wellness through water’, the spa focuses on marine ingredients with offerings including an OSEA ‘Sea of Life’ facial and ‘Bajan Body Blast’, an invigorating body treatment featuring Bajan lime. The spa also features the only hammam experience on the entire island.
O2 Beach Club & Spa also features three pools, seven bars, and four restaurants. It is also located nearby St Lawrence Gap, famous for its fashionable restaurants, bars and live music venues.
Sandy Lane Hotel
Located in Saint James, this is perhaps the most famous hotel in the whole of the Caribbean, the hotel boasts over a hundred stunning rooms and suites with facilities that are sure to impress and delight. The enormous lagoon-style swimming pool is set on several levels and provides plenty of space for guests to splash around, while there is also a full golf course for those who enjoy a round or two and there are several tennis courts for those who enjoy a ball game of a different nature. The hotel is also famous for its lavish spa, which provides pure pampering and a first-class range of treatments to try.
The Sandpiper
The Sandpiper is one of West Indies’ most exclusive small luxury hotels, tucked away on St James Beach on the island’s west coast. This award-winning family-run property combines the best of both worlds by being close to Holetown – the focal point of tourism on the islands, while offering a discreet and intimate haven at which to relax and unwind. There are fifty rooms in total and the best options for lovers of luxury are the elegant Beach House Suites and the Tree Top Suite Curlew, which have been recently created and boast enormous waterfront terraces. The Restaurant at The Sandpiper is set in the middle of the hotel’s glorious gardens surrounded by tranquil koi ponds and the menu showcases beautifully presented and delicious Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Boasting one of the best locations on the whole of Barbados, guests are treated to a stretch of pure white sand to spread out on and plenty of excellent amenities to make use of. The buildings here stretch along the tranquil and picturesque Alleynes Bay and guests are provided with uninterrupted views from their large balconies. Each of the 72 guest rooms faces out onto the ocean and is decorated in cream, grey and beige with contemporary local artwork providing splashes of colour. Water lovers can wallow in the hot tub or swim laps in the nearby rectangular pool, while the elegant Palm Terrace provides the perfect place to dine at the end of the day.
Cobblers Cove
The striking pale pink façade of this colonial-style hotel provides a striking touch that is sure to put a smile on the faces of guests as they approach. The hotel occupies a tranquil spot on the waterfront and guests are treated to a very personalised service where everything they could possibly need is provided for them. This former plantation house boasts just forty rooms for guests and by far the best options are the Camelot and Colleton Suites, which can be found on the upper floors as guests are treated to private use of the rooftop terrace where they will find their very own plunge pool to cool off in.
Colony Club
Set on the west coast of Barbados, this very elegant establishment speaks of pure class and refinement. Anyone who wants the chance to step back in time to the colonial era is sure to find that this is a good representation with antique furniture and decorations used throughout the property. One of the main highlights here is the lagoon-style swimming complex, which features cool waterfalls and other tranquil water features. The hotel comprises 96 guest rooms in total with the Luxury Swim Up Poolside Rooms being the best options by far.
Port Ferdinand Luxury Resort & Residences
Located in Saint Peter, Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences is the ideal place for those who wish to stay away a little longer and want to create a home away from home. the luxury villas are extremely spacious and stylish and provide guests with a wide range of luxurious amenities as well as spacious balconies to unwind on and stunning views of the ocean. Two excellent restaurants can also be found at Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences, while guests have access to a large outdoor swimming pool to splash around in.