17 best hotels in Barbados, according to a hard-to-please travel writer
Barbados might be synonymous with white sand, golden sunsets, azure waters a year-round average temperatures of a toasty 30°C and everyone's favourite Barbadian pop-star-come-beauty-mogul (~ahem~, Rihanna), but there's more to the Caribbean's most-famed island than palm trees and beaches.
Of course, the beaches on the Platinum Coast, Dover’s Beach, Paynes Bay and along the upmarket West Coast will, quite simply, take your breath away – but cast your eyes elsewhere and you'll find majestic waterfalls, colourful home, a warm and welcoming culture, rum distilleries aplenty and delicious cuisine. Just head to Bridgetown's local bakeries, or the iconic Rum Vault at St. James' Colony Club, for proof.
Barbados is home to rich wildlife, beautiful natural landscapes and great scuba diving spots. You can snorkel, you can take boat trips, you can waterski and you can paddle board. The island's capital Bridgetown is great for shopping (it even has its own tax-free shopping mall), as well as walking tours, cultural experiences, museums and shipwreck tours.
And to act as your base for all of the above? Barbados boasts some epic hotels across evert category: luxury hotels, boutique hotels, beachfront beach hotels, five-star hotels and family-friendly hotels. In fact, we've been lucky enough to review a handful of them. If you were pondering on the best hotels in Barbados five seconds into our glowing review, buckle up, because this edit of Barbados hotels will leave you spoiled for choice whatever your budget. Especially if you make use of our exclusive Jet2Holidays discount codes, EasyJet discount codes and booking.com discount codes.
In a rush? The best hotels in Barbados at a glance:
- Best overall: Colony Club
- Best small and intimate: The House
- Most Instagrammable: Cobblers Cove
- Best for romance: The Sandpiper
- Best for a splash out stay: Sandy Lane
**For great deals on your next flight or package deal, book with Virgin Atlantic. **
Ahead, our definitive guide to the best hotels in Barbados in 2023.
1. Best hotel in Barbados for laidback luxe
Part of the Elegant Hotels Group in Barbados, which has seven gorgeous properties on the island, the iconic Colony Club (depicted by its striped beach towels and scarlet red parasols) is all about understated luxury. “I spent two nights there at the beginning of the 2023 season,” GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett said, "and it was everything I'd hoped for from a switch-off-from-everything kind of break (and more).
"It's a colonial-style hotel with 96 rooms (plenty of which have been recently renovated). Some are garden rooms, complete with terraces which hug the edge of a palm-tree lined lagoon-style pools, while others boast ocean views (and place you in prime position for rolling out of bed and straight into the water).
"Despite being a fairly large property, it never feels busy. The vibe is relaxed, the swim-up bar is paradisiacal and the offering of a fitness centre, paddle boarding, snorkelling, water-skiing, kayaking and banana boating will have even the most active of travellers entertained.
"Of course, no Barbados resort would earn a place as GLAMOUR's best hotel in Barbados overall without an impeccable culinary offering – and it was exactly that which left me yearning for more upon my return to the UK. While the breakfast buffet was a little too inviting and the ‘Garden to Plate’ cooking demonstration an absolute joy, the star of the show at the Colony Club was the island’s first-of-its-kind Rum Vault. It boasts 150 (!) rums from all of the world (including Barbados, the birthplace of rum, of course), and even the most reluctant of rum-drinkers will relish in an evening of extensive knowledge, rum cocktail pairings and fabulous food presented by the hotel's dedicated Rum Ambassador, Corey Sobers. Please don't leave without a visit."
Spa: Yes.
Address: Porters Rd, Holetown, BB24017 Saint James, Barbados.
Price per night: From £752.Save when you book the best hotels in Barbados with these booking.com discount codes and Expedia discount codes.
2. Best small and intimate hotel in Barbados
The House, a small and intimate adults-only hotel on the West Coast of Barbados – despite being owned by Marriott – feels very much family-owned, chic and personal. You arrive at the property by passing along a lily-pad-lined walkway, and if you arrive at sunset, will be immediately greeted by a silhouette of the property’s beachfront bar against a vibrant pink and orange sky.
You can enjoy Champagne breakfast every day (if you wish to), as well as eggs-to-order every morning. The rooms are spacious, the bed are insanely comfortable and the beachfront location is epic. The hotel backs onto Paynes Bay, which serves up the chance to walk almost the entire St. James coastline without stepping away from the sand. Oh, and the staff's can-do attitude is second-to-none. They didn't even twitch when I locked myself out of my room at midnight.
It's also worth noting the plethora of pampering perks at The House. Every guest to check in receives a complimentary Jet Lag massage, so naturally – after a severely delayed flight and unpleasant experience with turbulence – I ran to the on-site spa.
As for the food? We began our first evening with pre-dinner cocktails and canapés on the beach during a seriously special sunset picnic served up by an attentive group of The House staff, but we also enjoyed a visit to the West Coast's latest opening: Positano. Designed to immerse guests in an authentic Italian experience, the seafront restaurant – which sits a stones throw away from your bedroom – serves handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and epic cocktails. I beg you not to leave with trying the fantastically indulgent tiramisu.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Route 1, BB24023 Saint James, Barbados.
Price per night: From £431.Save when you book The House with these booking.com discount codes and Expedia discount codes.
3. Best hotel in Barbados for Instagrammers
This pink palace in Speightstown is located in beautiful Gogings Bay on the west coast of St Peter. While paying tribute to Barbados’ colonial past, the hotel is a true celebration of Barbadian culture and flair. With a predominantly British clientele, this is a great choice for fist-time visitors as it blends Barbadian influences with quintessentially British touches (like its excellent afternoon tea). Charming Speightstown is just a 10 minute beachfront stroll away and offers some lively bars and restaurants. Of course, there is a swimming pool, a spa, tennis court and a wide choice of water sports – and Free WIFI for those who need to catch up on emails while on holiday. But what people really rate about Cobblers Cove is the excellent personal service that is touted as one of the best in the island.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Road View, BB 26025 Saint Peter, Barbados.
Price per night: From £307 per room per night on B&B.
4. Best hotel in Barbados for couples
Sister property to the Coral Reef Club, and literally just a quick beachside stroll away, is The Sandpiper. Tucked away in verdant tropical gardens and part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Sandpiper offers the ultimate in terms of luxury, hospitality, intimacy and tranquillity. There are two swimming pools, a great spa, plenty of sun loungers and water sports too. (Plus, a kids club for those travelling with the fam) There is a large restaurant, known as one of the best in Barbados, which offers international dishes imbued with joyful Caribbean flair. Harold’s Beach, the hotel’s on-site beach bar, is one of the best spots for lunch and all night cocktails on the island. Holetown is within quick walking distance and full of upscale cafes, bars and boutiques – with the swish Limegrove shopping mall a favourite amongst the stylish Barbadian jet set.
Spa: Yes.
Address: The Sandpiper Holetown, Holetown, BB24017 St James, Barbados.
Price per night: From £573.Save when you book the best hotels in Barbados with these booking.com discount codes and Expedia discount codes.
5. Best luxury hotel in Barbados
More is more is the theme at Sandy Lane, a glamorous beachfront hotel located on a beautiful sandy beach just south of Holetown. Coral rock, marble, vibrant floral prints and pops of colour all come together to create a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere that will instantly make you fall in love. All 112 bedrooms are airy and bright with every modern amenity you could ever ask for. Sandy Lane has two on-site restaurants, the impeccable L'Ajacou and the more casual Bajan Blue – will surely impress. The service here is second to none and no request is too big for the lovely staff at Sandy Lane, who even help with the unpacking. There are three golf courses, and a palatial spa complete with steam room, hammam and hydrotherapy pool. While Sandy Lane is pretty punchy, it does offer airport fast track and free luxury airport transfers among a wealth of other swanky services.
Spa: Yes.
Address: St James, BB24024, Barbados, Caribbean.
Price per night: From £3190 for a three-night stay B&B for two people sharing with Virgin Holidays, including flights from Heathrow Airport.
6. Best romantic hotel in Barbados
With easy access to dreamy Good Beach in the south coast of Barbados, and with lively St Lawrence Gap just a quick walk away, couples will have plenty to see, do and explore at Turtle Beach. The large swimming pool is surrounding by lush foliage and plenty of sun loungers. Beyond the pool, guests can take advantage of all the water sports offer which include kayaking, snorkelling and even sailing. In the hotel, guests can participate in free yoga, mixology and dance classes – adding an extra element of fun to their stay at Turtle Beach.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Dover Beach, Christ Church, Barbados.
Price per night: From £609.Save when you book the best hotels in Barbados with these booking.com discount codes and Expedia discount codes.
7. Best family-run hotel in Barbados
Set within 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this well-loved family-owned hotel is the epitome of Caribbean elegance. Coral Reef Club has a warm and inviting country house vibe, but with glorious sea views and of course – that wonderful Caribbean climate. Located north of Holetown in St James and with its own small private beach, all 88 bedrooms at Coral Reef Club are absolutely to die for. Spread throughout a dozen buildings, each one is understated luxe at its finest and plenty have private balconies complete with sun loungers. The Helen Green-designed Spa is worth shouting about and hosts multiple wellness weeks per year, which offer a bunch of transformational activities from spa treatments to yoga classes – great for banishing the jet lag.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Porters, Holetown, BB24017 Saint James, Barbados.
Price per night: From £851.Save when you book the best hotels in Barbados with these booking.com discount codes and Expedia discount codes.
8. Best all inclusive hotel in Barbados
No roundup of the best Barbados hotels would be complete without Sandals Barbados, which has become synonymous with blissful holidays in the sun. Sandals is an award-winning adults-only, all inclusive paradise in Dover Beach covered with beautiful bougainvillea’s, and giant swimming pools, plunge pools surrounded by pastel striped cabanas and sun loungers, cosy fire pits and even swinging love seats. Why do people come back to Sandals time and time again? It’s because the excellent, personable and warm service which really makes you feel like part of the Sandals family. While Sandals does have excellent live entertainment, the bustling town of St Lawrence Gap is just a quick walk away and is known for its excellent nightlife scene. All inclusive has certainly never looked this good.
Spa: Yes.
Address: St Lawrence Gap SN, BB00000 Christ Church, Barbados.
Price per night: From £1059 per night on an all inclusive basis
9. Best hotel in Barbados for central location
This fun, lively all-inclusive resort on the south coast is located very near the capital of Bridgetown and is just 20 minutes away from the airport. From the outside looking in, the hotel is awash in tasteful neutrals, but inside eclectic hipster touches like colourful decorative shutters used as art, pastel-coloured beach bars, and colourful cottage-style accommodation give this hotel a sense of fun.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Garrison Historic Area, Hastings, BB15158, Barbados.
Price per night: From £703.Save when you book the best hotels in Barbados with these booking.com discount codes and Expedia discount codes.
10. Best spa hotel in Barbados
Divided into a more classic family-friendly building and a more contemporary adults only space, O2 Beach Club has excellent Caribbean accommodation for everyone. From your window, you will see the striped, pink parasols surrounding the pool, and be serenaded by the gently lapping waves of Dover Beach. O2 Beach Club & Spa is all about barefoot luxe, which is reflected by the warm and friendly service of all the staff. There’s plenty of fun activities on offer too which include painting classes and a vast array of water sports. The Acqua Spa, located on the seventh floor of the hotel has some of the most incredible views of the Caribbean Sea.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Dover Beach, St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, 18075.
Price per night: From £843.Save when you book the best hotels in Barbados with these booking.com promo codes and Expedia promo codes.
11. Best family-friendly hotel in Barbados
The third Elegant Hotels property on our list, Crystal Cove is our top choice for family-friendly hotel in Barbados. With a beautiful beachfront location on the west coast and with Holetown just a quick five minute drive away, Crystal Cove offers plenty to do both within and outside the resort. Crystal Cove is made up of a group of colourful little villages all centred around three outdoor swimming pools complete with swim up bar. Many of the rooms are interconnecting and some have sofa beds perfect for kiddies. There’s also a kids club, which doubles as a games room for wholesome family fun. While Crystal Cove doesn’t have its own spa, guests do have access to the spa at sister property The Waves. Plus, thanks to Elegant Hotel’s dine around programme, guests can also eat at two nearby Elegant Hotel properties too. We particularly like the hotel’s Cave Bar, which is carved into a rockface by the pool.
Spa: No.
Address: Highway 1, Saint James, Barbados.
Price per night: From £752.
12. Best hotel in Barbados for Caribbean charm
The Tamarind Hotel certainly doesn’t shy away from colour, reflecting the same warmth and conviviality of the people of Barbados. Part of the Elegant Hotels Group, the Tamarind Hotel is a beautiful beachfront property on Paynes Bay that really puts the wow in all-inclusive. Joyful yellow wicker sofas surround the swimming pool, and those who want to go for a swim in the sea need only to take a few steps beyond the hotels’ wooden deck.
There are 101 bedrooms, each one inspired by the vibrant flora of Barbados. While lounging poolside, the Tamarind’s friendly staff come around and offer fruit kebabs and popsicles to keep you cool and refreshed. There are also plenty of water sports on offer, a kids club and of course a spa. There’s plenty of fun to be had at the Tamarind, which also has themed nights with live music and even a steel pan band. Plus – any guest at the Tamarind can eat at any of other all inclusive hotels from the Elegant Hotels Group – which means you are truly spoilt for choice. Our recommendation? The House's Italian restaurant Positano, if only for the tiriamisu.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Paynes Bay Beach, BB24023 Saint James, Barbados.
Price per night: From £580.Save when you book the best hotels in Barbados with these booking.com promo codes and Expedia promo codes.
13. Best hotel for a lowkey stay
Located in a sleepy coastal town in the northwest of Barbados, Little Good Harbour has a certain kind of lowkey charm that other, grander hotels on the island lack. Little Good Harbour has a relaxed coastal chic ambiance with 20 cottage-inspired accommodations blending perfectly with the azure oceanfront views. The on-site Fish Pot restaurant has an amazing Bajan seafood menu with an unstuffy vibe that lets you bask in the sea air. There are two swimming pools, a cute spa and of course a gym. Guests can also use the hotel’s kayaks and snorkelling gear for free. If you find the need to venture to other beaches then they can also rent out a local jetty via the hotel. If you’re travelling with a big group, then check into one of the Vineyard Suites, which have three beautiful bedrooms and generously sized outdoor terraces perfect for leisurely lunches under the Barbadian sunshine.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Shermans, Saint Lucy, 27190 Saint Peter, Barbados.
Price per night: From £894.
14. Best beachfront hotel in Barbados
With a gorgeous beachfront location in Alleynes Bay on the west coast, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion is our top choice for beach lovers. This colonial-style hotel brings you as close to the lapping waves of the Caribbean as possible, with all 72 rooms offering fantastic ocean views. Balcony rooms come with generously sized daybeds, perfect for working on your tan while reading a book. You can expect all the luxury bells and whistles of any Fairmont property but with that signature Caribbean warmth. They really do go above and beyond with all guests receiving fast track service at the airport and all Signature Oceanfront guests getting free airport transfers and butler services too. Surprisingly, there is no spa – but in-room treatments are available. But, lucky guests at the Fairmont can swim out to see sea turtles in their natural habitats which is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Spa: No.
Address: Porters BB24051, 00000 Saint James, Barbados.
Price per night: From £1,426.
15. Best four-star Barbados Hotel
Sea Breeze Beach House is just 300 yards from one of the most beautiful beaches in Christchurch – so you do actually really feel the sea breeze. The charming fishing village of Oistins (famous for its Friday night Fish Fry) is also just a quick five-minute drive away, offering plenty of lively bars and restaurants. The busting nightlife of St Lawrence Gap is within reach too. Recently refurbed, the house is dressed in a contemporary colour palette of light, bright and airy neutrals that reflect the beautiful coastal views of Christ Church. This all-inclusive resort has three swimming pools (one adults only) plenty of water sports and a fully kitted gym. It also has five different on-site restaurants, giving guests plenty of choice. We like De Rum Shop Café which is great for casual all-day dining.
Spa: No.
Address: Maxwell Coast Road, 00000 Christ Church, Barbados.
Price per night: From £660.
16. Best eco hotel in Barbados
High above a hillside in Barbados’ sleepy east coast is the ECO Lifestyle + Lodge. And while it doesn’t have the same easy beach access as other hotels on our list, it does offer some of the most breath-taking views of the Barbadian coast. The lodge certainly lives up to its sustainable credentials and uses organic sun creams, plant-based and even foraged dishes, bug sprays and solar heated water. With only 10 bedrooms, this sustainable lodge attracts surfers of all skill level with excellent waves at nearby Bathsheba Beach. There’s a laidback hipster chicness to this space that we love and with only ten rooms, it very much feels like your own little cottage in paradise. Great for travellers who are really looking to escape civilisation and get back in touch with nature.
Spa: No.
Address: Tent Bay, Bathsheba BB21054, Barbados.
Price per night: From £679 for a three-night stay.
17. Best hotel in Barbados for foodies
Treasure Beach is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort by Marriott International's Elegant Hotels, set on the most breathtaking stretch of the Platinum Coast. Ideal for foodies, it offers a Chef's Table experience, the chance to learn the art of pastry-making and food-styling, cocktail workshops and wine tasting.
We also love that, since it's owned by ELegant Hotels, guests can make the most of dining (and relaxing) at the other hotels in the portfolio, many of which are included in this round up. Case in point: Tamarind, Turtle Beach and Crystal Cove.
Spa: No.
Address: Hwy 1, Paynes Bay, St. James, BB24009.
Price per night: From £323 per night.
