Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island and an independent British Commonwealth nation. Bridgetown, the capital, is a cruise-ship port with colonial buildings and Nidhe Israel, a synagogue founded in 1654. Around the island are beaches, botanical gardens, the Harrison’s Cave formation, and 17th-century plantation houses like St. Nicholas Abbey. Local traditions include afternoon tea and cricket, the national sport.
Main Areas:
South Coast: Tons of variety. The Christ Church parish is situated on the South Coast of Barbados, and is one of the most popular vacation spots on the islands, including Oistins and Saint Lawrence Gap. In Christ Church, you can enjoy everything from beaches with calm waters that are ideal for swimming to more tumultuous water that offers the best surfing opportunities, as well as some of the best hotels in Barbados, amazing cafes, and cool beach bars.
East Coast: Ideal for individuals and families seeking an eco-experience or a retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, the east coast of the island is a haven of natural beauty. Stretching across the parishes of St. Andrew, St. Joseph, and St. John, and bordering St. Lucy and St. Philip, this area offers a lush, verdant landscape. While this side of the island is not suitable for swimming due to its unsheltered nature, it hosts international surfing competitions. Offshore coral reefs, however, form natural pools and bays in certain areas where you can safely enjoy the water. Further inland, the natural forested areas serve as a safe habitat for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.
North Coast: St. Lucy, the northernmost parish of Barbados and the island’s only female-named parish, offers a tranquil and unique natural beauty. Like the eastern side, it is somewhat off the beaten path, providing a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. The north coast features dramatic cliffs battered by the fierce waves of the Atlantic, contrasting with the serene River Bay, which creates a natural oasis. St. Lucy is also home to the Animal Flower Cave, a natural sea cave with openings that offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. At times, you can swim in the natural rock pools within the cave. During the winter months, standing atop the Animal Flower Cave may offer a glimpse of migratory whales in the distance. Another spot, Maycock’s Bay, is a favorite among surfers. While swimming is not recommended at Maycock’s Bay due to strong currents, divers and snorkelers can explore the nearby reefs and a shipwreck.
West Coast: Primarily associated with the stretch of the coast along St Peter, St James and part of St Michael, this area has become a favourite of international celebrities, hence its nickname, The Platinum Coast. It is known for its luxurious properties, fine dining restaurants and, of course, its glistening white sandy beaches which lead into calm sheltered waters of the Caribbean Sea. Golfers are in their element here since there are several world-class PGA-standard golf courses within minutes of each other. You can also enjoy a range of marine activities along the entire length of the coast, and polo lovers can visit the 4 world-class venues on this side of the island.
Places to Stay
All Inclusive
Sugar Bay Barbados is a newly renovated, 138 key, All-Inclusive Resort located on the majestic south coast of Barbados. Sited in the UNESCO World Heritage Garrison Historic Area, this property straddles a magnificent stretch of crystal clear turquoise waters. The lagoon itself is a fantastic swimming area with gentle waves lapping at white and pink sandy shores, sheltered by rows of coconut trees swaying in the trade-winds. Sugar Bay is not only two minutes outside of Bridgetown it is also right on the liveliest coast on island offering easy access to many different activities, places to see and dining opportunities. The Boho-Chic style property offers 5 restaurants* (Sizzle Steakhouse & UMI Japanese included), 5 bars (Including a Pub) with Premium Alcohol Drinks Free. Further, excellent kids facilities, lush tropical gardens, spa, Crossfit stylized gym, hair-salon, arcade and so much more is just waiting for you to visit and explore this island in the sun!
Location: Sugar Bay is set along a long white sandy beach on the south shore in the historic Garrison district. 10 minutes by car to the St. Lawrence Gap, 15 minutes by car to Bridgetown, Kensington Oval, & Oistin’s fish fry. 10 minute walk to Barbados Museum and a one minute walk to West Side Scuba Center.
Food:
Reef Restaurant: daily buffet-styled breakfast choices, light lunches with healthy options, afternoon tea and fabulous international buffet dinners.
Colin’s Beach Bar & Grill: casual outdoor bar and grill offers a delicious selection of comfort food and local favorites, complemented by the best Barbados rum mixes.
Sizzle Steakhouse: a blend of quality local ingredients, the best cuts of beef and the flavors of the Caribbean.
Umi: Asian-fusion specialties with chic decor and warm lighting.
Amenities:
- Two pools, one with swim up bar
- Four restaurants and a pub
- Spa
- Fitness Center
- Creche (4 months-3 years), Kids club (4-12 years), Teen hangout and game rooms
- Calm, protected Beach
- Kayaking, boogie boarding, paddle boarding and snorkeling
Accommodations:
- Signature Room: $673/night
- Deluxe Signature Room: $859/night
- Oceanfront Room: $835/night
- Deluxe Oceanfront Room: $1,001/night
- Family Suite: $1,049/night
- Oceanfront Family Suite: $1,087/night
Bougainvillea Barbados
Not All Inclusive
Bougainvillea Barbados is the one that has it all! Perched along two spectacular, white-sand beaches on the island’s celebrated south coast, it offers a truly enchanting setting with meandering pools and tropical gardens. 100 spacious rooms and suites overlook the pools, gardens and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and are so much more than a place to sleep. Your home away from home will offer upscale bathrooms, spacious comfort and the convenience of kitchens/kitchenettes. Not to be missed is the delightful Calabash Restaurant, which is open daily and serves delicious local and international dishes with breathtaking beachside views.
Location: Along Maxwell beach on the south coast. It’s a 15-minute walk to the famous slither of road known as St Lawrence Gap, where you’ll find rum shacks, a shopping village, nightclubs, and an international dining scene. Or, a day trip to Bridgetown takes 20 minutes by car.
Food: Calabash Beach Bistro- Beach chic decor overlooking Maxwell beach. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Amenities:
- Two outdoor pools (swim up bar is adults only)
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Paddleboard
- Karma Spa
- Game room
- Fitness center
- Kids Club (ages 3-11)
- Kitchenettes
Sustainability: Part of Pack for a Purpose and committed to working to achieve the goal of sustainable tourism development within the community in which it operates. Our strategic intent is “to work today to minimize any negative effect on the environment of Barbados and in the long term to ensure that our community improves through our involvement”.
Accommodations:
- Deluxe Studio: $290/night
- Junior Suite: $353/night
- Honeymoon Suite: $366/night
- One Bedroom Suite: $437/night
- One Bedroom Penthouse: $465/night
- Two Bedroom Suite: $605/night
- Two Bedroom Beachfront Suite: $671/night
Centrally located overlooking the beautiful Rockley Beach, this 3 1/2 acre property exemplifies the “Caribbean Dream”. All rooms offer panoramic views of the island, pool or ocean. The center-piece of the lush gardens is a large swimming pool complete with swim-up bar for a cooling refreshment or indulge in a boozy cocktail in the comfort of the ‘Sand Bar’. Enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch from the Cocopatch Restaurant or a light bite from our bar snack menu served daily. Dine in style at the Accra Deck restaurant and choose from an array of local and international European cuisine or indulge in the flavors of the Pacific Rim at the Pacifika Kitchen.
Location: In the heart of the south coast on Rockley beach. Three minute drive to the Gap & 9 minute drive to Oistins. Easy beach walk to a beachfront bar. Located right across from the hotel, Quayside Centre is a small mall with international restaurants, ice cream parlors, local crafts stores, a convenience store and beachwear from popular international brands like Quiksilver and Billabong.
Food: Accra Deck: open-air, ocean-front dining featuring local and contemporary European cuisine and a fine selection of wines.
Pacifika Kitchen: Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Indonesian cuisine in this modern indoor dining venue.
Coco Patch: Caribbean-style restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch daily, as well as a sumptuous local and international lunch buffet every Sunday.
Lagoon Bar (swim up): light snacks and refreshing cocktails.
Amenities:
- Outdoor pool with swim up bar and an adults only pool
- Three restaurants and room service
- Cocktail parties and nightly karaoke
- Spa
- Gym
Accommodations:
- Island View Room (parking lot view): $191/night
- Pool View Room: $209/night
- Ocean View Room: $220/night
- Ocean Front Room: $268/night
- Deluxe Ocean View Suite: $320/night
- Two Bedroom pool view: $371/night
- Penthouse Oceanview Suite: $380/night
- Deluxe Oceanview Junior Suite: $320/night
- Two Bedroom Oceanfront Suite: $839/night
All Inclusive Wellness Hotel
An all-inclusive wellness hotel located on a pristine beach on the Platinum West Coast of Saint James, Barbados, this premier hotel is mindfully designed to enhance your well-being and nourish your spirit. Tucked among swaying palm trees, secluded white sand beaches and spectacular nightly sunsets, this hotel creates a stunning backdrop for a tropical mind and body retreat. Each stay includes complimentary spa treatments at the on-site spa, relaxing wellness activities and an appealing variety of all-inclusive dining options, leaving you refreshed and invigorated for exploring the island’s bountiful offerings and focusing on feeling your best.
Location: Located in the heart of St. James between Holetown and Bridgetown on Prospect Bay within easy driving to local attractions. Five minute drive to Holetown for restaurants and shopping & twenty minute drive to St. Lawrence Gap. Just steps from the property is a bus stop in both directions.
Food: Seascape features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner service daily. It offers buffet and à la carte selections as well as exciting theme nights throughout the week.
Shiso presents Asian-Fusion concept dining in the hotel’s tranquil spa section. Enjoy fresh slices of sashimi, sushi, noodle rice bowls and signature 5 spice Asian ice cream for a dynamic dining experience.
The Kýma coffee bar and deli offers a rich selection of barista-brewed coffees and teas, and freshly-baked sweets. It also features a fresh selection of grab and go items such as pressed sandwiches and the Waves House salad.
Amenties:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Kayak, water-ski, tube, sail, or snorkel
- Meditation Garden
- Fitness Center
- Family pool & Adults only spa pool
- Water taxi to and from the sister hotel
- Quiet beach with great swimming and sunsets
Accommodations:
- Standard all inclusive: $459/night
- Pool view balcony: $524/night
- One bedroom balcony suite: $548/night
- Ocean front balcony suite: $637/night
Butterfly Beach Hotel
Not All Inclusive
Budget Friendly
Butterfly Beach Hotel is located on the South Coast of Barbados in a beach and ocean front setting, with access to two small rocky beaches and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The property is close to the town of Oistins which offers shopping, banks, and local night life, including the famous Oistin’s Fish Fry every weekend.
Location: Butterfly Beach Hotel is located on the South Coast of Barbados in a beach and ocean front setting. The fishing town of Oistin’s is less than a 15 minute walk away. St. Lawrence Gap is about a 30 min walk.
Food: The casual Reef Bar and Grill, the restaurant and bar on site, is open for buffet breakfast, á la carte lunch, daytime snacks, and dinner daily—serving a medley of continental and Caribbean cuisine.
Amenities:
- Pool (sometime crowded)
- On site restaurant
- Fitness Center
- Self Service Laundry
- Activities desk to book tours, rentals and excursions
Accommodations:
- Penthouse Deluxe 2 bedroom ocean view apartment, Starting at $300/night
- Deluxe 2 bedroom ocean view apartment, Starting at $255/night
- Deluxe 2 bedroom island view apartment, Starting at $200/night
- Superior 1 bedroom pool view apartment, Starting at $185/night
- Studios ranging from $100-$194/night
Aparthotel
This intimate aparthotel is nestled along Sandy Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. This quaint boutique hotel boasts its’ 16 rooms being in close proximity to supermarkets, shopping, restaurants, bars, pharmacies, as well as many other local businesses.
Location: Beachfront property on the South Coast on Worthing Beach and a 15 walk to Dover Beach. 10 minute walk to the Gap.
Amenities:
- Kitchens
- Laundry
- Daily housekeeping
- Umbrellas and sun loungers
Accommodations:
- Studio: $200/night
- One Bedroom: $350/night
- Two Bedroom: $400/night
- The Penthouse: $700/night