Long popular with travellers from across the globe, Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s most famous islands. Featuring a fascinating history and culture, as well as a strong British influence, the island boasts a wide array of fabulous hotels and resorts fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Barbados are set right on the beach — perfect for long, laid-back days of sea swims and sunbathing on striking white sands.
Some of our Barbados Collections:
Bridgetown, the island’s capital, brims with colonial charm and has a lively, cosmopolitan vibe. Stroll the historic streets of the UNESCO-listed downtown area on foot to spot heritage buildings, nip into the boutiques of Broad St and Swan St for fantastic shopping, or kick back in a relaxed bar for a rum punch or three. Highlights for culture aficionados include the Parliament Buildings, the Mount Gay Rum Distillery and the Sunbury Plantation House, just 20 minutes from town. Catch a cricket match at the Kensington Oval if you can — this is a seriously special way to experience Caribbean culture! The island’s other major centre is the fishing town of Oistins, where you can savour superb pepper pot and flying fish at the vibrant Fish-Fry on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Most of our top hotel recommendations sit along Barbados' western side. Known as the Platinum Coast, this is the heart of the social scene, with chic restaurants, bars and cafés aplenty. There are some lavish beach resorts in the area, as well as more low-key options, which tend to be slightly inland. The island's gorgeous beaches are public, however, so there are always stacks of opportunities for reef diving, snorkelling, sailing and water sports. Trendy Paynes Bay is a particular favourite with snorkellers, whilst St James — at the bay’s southern end — boasts a great fish market and some excellent restaurants.
The island’s interior, on the other hand, is a lush wilderness of jungles, caves and waterfalls, wonderful for hiking, wildlife-spotting and heritage explorations. If it’s tranquility and seclusion that you’re after, head east to the friendly fishing village of Bathsheba, where there are more remote seaside hideaways. Whether you’re into world-class golf, beautiful beaches or terrific cricket, this is one of the Caribbean’s top destinations. Book your trip well in advance to guarantee a room at one of the best places to stay in Barbados!