Welcome to Barbados

Barbados is both a playground for the rich and famous, and the place many visitors call their second home. One of Barbados’ biggest draw as a destination is the “Platinum Coast,” the island’s spectacular west coast, where multi-million-dollar homes, luxury condos, villas, townhouses, resorts, hotels and guesthouses dot the coastline. 

Many international celebrities, business executives and jet-setters call this part of Barbados their home away from home. Places like Sandy Lane, whose lavish accommodations are unmatched, are among the top choices for those in search of pure luxury and indulgence. At Sandy Lane, the island’s premiere luxury resort, you’ll find accommodations with Italian marble floors and plantation-style furniture. The resort is nestled in an ancient mahogany grove overlooking a pristine white sand crescent beach.

If a stay at Sandy Lane would put too big of a dent in your wallet, don’t fret, as there are plenty of other west coast accommodation options. If an all-inclusive is what you seek, check out Mango Bay, where everything from meals and drinks to catamaran trips to nightly entertainment is included in your room rate. Also on the west coast are All Seasons Resort, an apartment hotel with an outdoor pool and guestrooms equipped with kitchens; Beach View, near the beach in Payne’s Bay with two outdoor pools, one for children; and Sunswept Beach Hotel, close to sightseeing in Holetown, and whose rooms have kitchenettes and balconies with ocean views.

On the northern end of the west coast, you’ll find the Sugar Cane Club Hotel and Spa, with two outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and on-site bar and lounge. This hotel is located close to sightseeing and recreation options like the St. Peter Parish Church, St. Lucy Parish Church, Mullins Beach, Farley Hill National Park and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Nearby is Little Good Harbour, a condo-style resort near the beach in Speightstown with two outdoor pools, a restaurant and a full-service spa. Little Good Harbour is close to the north coast’s enchanting Animal Flower Cave. 

On the island’s south coast, there are numerous hotels and resorts characterized by charm and friendly staff at a more reasonable price. St. Lawrence Gap is a hub of activity, with bars, restaurants and nightclubs that attract tourists and locals alike. Situated beachfront in the gap is Ocean Two Resort and Residences, with two outdoor pools, a swim-up bar, and rooms with balconies featuring beach, ocean or sea views. Ocean Two is close to Dover Beach, Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, Accra Beach, Wildey House and Miami Beach. 

Head east from St. Lawrence Gap and you’ll find the Bougainvillea Beach Resort, facing a lovely beach. It’s safe to say you won’t become bored during your stay here, when you’ll enjoy complimentary use of kayaks, snorkeling equipment and boogie boards. There are pools, a swim-up bar, children’s club, beachfront dining and live entertainment. 

Continue eastward along the south coast and you’ll come across Oistins, a charming fishing village and the site of the island’s Friday night fish fry, where a range of accommodations awaits. The Lighthouse Resort, close to the South Point Lighthouse and Silver Sands Beach, is a condo-style resort with an outdoor pool and poolside bar. For an all-inclusive vacation, try the four-star beachfront Sea Breeze Beach Hotel, with three restaurants, two pools – one for adults only – three hot tubs, kids club, gym, spa, and a beautiful view of Oistins Bay. Little Arches, an adults-only property, is a boutique hotel on one of the island’s most beautiful unspoiled beaches, Enterprise Beach. At this hotel, you’ll find acclaimed dining, a rooftop pool, artsy Mediterranean-influenced décor and sweeping ocean views.

Just west of St. Lawrence Gap is Worthing Court, an apartment-style hotel near the beach, close to the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, Accra Beach, Brownes Beach, the Barbados Parliament Buildings and Dover Beach. This property has an outdoor pool with poolside bar, spa services, and rooms with balconies and kitchenettes. 

Continue westward and you’ll find the popular Accra Beach and Rockley Beach Club, a stunning white sand beach where vendors sell souvenirs and offer hair braiding, and you can rent water sports equipment. Hotel options in this area include the South Beach Hotel, a condo-style resort with its own pool, restaurant and poolside bar. South Beach rooms feature balconies or terraces, contemporary tropical décor, kitchens or kitchenettes and bathrooms with jetted tubs and showers. Also in this area you’ll find the Accra Beach Hotel and Resort, located right on the beach with lush gardens, a large swimming pool and an on-site spa.

Further westward on the south coast you’ll find the all-inclusive Island Inn, whose restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. This hotel is outside the island’s capital of Bridgetown, and is located close to the George Washington house, Brownes Beach, Barbados Parliament Buildings, Kensington Oval and the Garrison Savannah.

In the bustling city of Bridgetown is the Courtyard Marriott, with its own restaurant and pool, and divine pillowtop mattresses to sink into at the end of a long day of sightseeing. The Courtyard is close to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Barbados Parliament Buildings, Kensington Oval, Garrison Savannah and Brownes Beach.

Located across the island on Barbados’ rugged, windswept east coast is the Atlantis Hotel, right on the beach near Bathsheba. Surfers flock to Bathsheba and nearby Soup Bowl, so if you’re hoping to catch some waves on your trip, Atlantis is an ideal place to stay. The hotel is also close to the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, St. Joseph Parish Church and St. John Parish Church. There’s an outdoor pool, bar/lounge, and heavenly pillowtop mattresses to fall onto after a long day riding the waves.

Even more…

Almond Casuarina: Located in popular nightlife area St. Lawrence Gap, this all-inclusive resort has three restaurants, bars, activities and entertainment.

Fairmont Royal Pavilion: This west coast hideaway, which has played host to celebrities and royalty, has a lovely open-air ambiance and is set amid sky-high palms and dense gardens.

Hilton Barbados: Located on Needham’s Point near the bustling capital city of Bridgetown, this 350-room resort partially encompasses the partially restored 17th century Charles Fort. 

Settlers Beach Villa Hotel: Located on the island’s west coast, this condo-style property has its own restaurant and outdoor pool, and offers spa services.

The Crane Resort & Residences: This clifftop resort affords sweeping views of the sea and a coral sand beach. The resort’s lap pool is a sight to behold with its marble sundeck and Roman columns.