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:

• The Best Luxury Hotels in Barbados
• The Best Hotels in Barbados for Families
• Best Hotels in Barbados for Couples
• The Best All Inclusive Hotels in Barbados
• The Best Honeymoon Hotels on Barbados
• Best Barbados Hotels on the Beach

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!

The Best places to stay in Barbados

For Luxurious Opulence

• Sandy Lane has been a big name in honeymoons and special stays since it opened in 1961. This classic beach resort features 96 lavish rooms and suites, a palatial spa — one of the best in the region — tennis courts, a pool with its own waterfall, and three golf courses. Set within manicured gardens, offering fabulous food and great kids' facilities, this is a luxurious pick for couples or families looking to unwind in style.
• Saint Peter’s Bay offers a collection of sophisticated one to three-bedroom villas overlooking leafy gardens, lagoon-style pools and the Platinum Coast beyond. For families, couples or groups eager to book their own private villa whilst enjoyng a whole host of activities — including water sports, a spa & fitness centre and gourmet eateries — this place is tough to beat. A lovely balance of impressive private residences and epic resort facilities.

For Couples

• Coral Reef Club is a classic honeymoon paradise, with 88 rooms, suites and cottages dotted amidst 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, set right alongside the sand. Think plantation-style opulence, with a creamy palette, pale wooden furnishings and gorgeous views. Kick back at the spa, play a game of tennis, try your hand at water sports or indulge in gourmet feasts. Glorious.
• The House is an intimate beachfront property with 34 contemporary suites on a superb stretch of white sandy beach. The bright, fresh feel is particularly appealing - as are the generous marble bathrooms. Hit the gym or the soothing spa, savour delectable dishes at the modern Italian restaurant, and spend your days out on the water. The complimentary jet-lag massages are a great touch!
• Fairmont Royal Pavilion is a recently renovated beach resort with clean, crisp lines and modern, white-on-white decor. The 72 sea-facing rooms and suites feature private terraces and direct beach access, and come highly recommended for an elegant honeymoon stay. There's a pool, tennis courts, spa and lots to see and do, as well as a couple of larger villas for groups or families. A cool, contemporary resort for sophisticated couples.
• Treasure Beach is an elegant, adults-only pick with 35 expansive suites, some of which feature private plunge pools. Set on Paynes Bay, this is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. The hotel also includes a gym and a spa, as well as stacks of opportunities for romantic private dining, and fascinating excursions to destinations all over the island. Art tours are a highlight! A lovely couples' hotel in a trendy location.
• Little Arches features ten guestrooms with terracotta floors and wrought-iron furniture in Oistins. Just 150 yards from a secluded sandy beach, this adults-only pad also boasts a romantic rooftop restaurant. Book a room with a plunge pool for total bliss. An affordable boutique stay for couples and foodies.
• Colony Club promises impeccable service and classic, elegant decor in seven acres of lush gardens on the west coast. Families are welcome — there are babysitting services — but the resort is an appealing couples' choice, with a strong wellness focus, couples' spa treatments, sunset sailing trips and private beach dining. Romantic indulgence for those dreaming of an old-school Caribbean retreat.

For Families

• Cobbler's Cove is an enchanting resort with 40 pastel and vintage-styled suites, evoking a laid-back English country club. There are good family-friendly room options, a kids club, cricket academy for young players, tennis courts and terrific snorkelling. The beach is beautiful and the restaurant serves superb international cuisine. One of the most beautiful hotels in Barbados.
• The Sandpiper promises 48 spacious, sophisticated rooms and suites with stacks of space for the whole family. The excellent children's programme includes sailing, snorkelling and paddle boarding; tennis lessons with the resident pro are a big plus, and the west coast beach is idyllic. Boutique bliss for the whole family.
• Turtle Beach is a fabulous family resort, with 150 rooms and suites on the south coast. Pick this place for the wide array of activities, separate kids' pool, the excellent Flying Fish Kids Club, and clubs and classes galore. Also well-placed for exploring Oistins! A family favourite.
• Tamarind is a bright beachfront oasis with 104 rooms and suites facing the main pool or the sea. A fantastic pick for active families, this all-inclusive resort boasts a terrific array of activities — from water sports to beach volleyball, yoga, horse riding and cave explorations. The kids club is great, too! Modern luxury for all ages.
• Crystal Cove is an all-inclusive west coast beach resort, with 88 colourful rooms and suites, perfect for a lavish Caribbean escape. This funky resort is family-friendly and offers a complimentary kids club, whilst the romantic vibe is well-suited to weddings and honeymoons, too. There's a plethora of activities, and a fun evening atmosphere — including in the quirky cave bar!

For Foodies

• Lone Star has become a Platinum Coast classic, with six luxurious rooms and suites and a fabulous restaurant nestled in a renovated Texaco Garage. Think chic, white-on-white interiors, spacious verandahs with striking sea views, direct beach access and one of the best eateries on the island. A romantic boutique pad for foodies. The Yellowfin Tuna Tartare is a favourite!
• Little Good Harbour offers twenty rooms, suites and villas with bamboo furniture, green-painted shutters and generous sea-facing terraces. A welcoming, family-run pick, the hotel also features an outdoor pool and a spa, as well as easy access to heaps of water sports. Families, couples and groups will adore the laid-back vibe. The real standout is The Fish Pot restaurant, specialising in fresh seafood and Caribbean-inspired dishes in a pretty beachside setting. Seriously popular with foodies.

For Golfers

• Royal Westmoreland in St. James is a collection of luxurious apartments and villas — some with sea views, others with swimming pools — right on the golf course. Expect elegant decor, light, airy spaces and a range of options for larger families or groups. The main attraction is, of course, the world-class golf, but the onsite spa, tennis courts and restaurant, set within verdant gardens, are also very appealing. Complimentary transfers to the exclusive club at Mullins Beach are a lovely touch!

For Great Value

• ECO Lifestlye + Lodge is a superb collection of ten studios, suites and apartments near Bathsheba, with a strong eco ethos. Expect modern bohemian style — linen, earthy tones and natural materials — as well as spectacular coastal views and a vibrant eatery using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Activities include yoga, paddle boarding and surfing. Children over the age of 12 are welcome, and rooms can be connected for groups of friends or families. Relaxed, romantic and very well-priced.
• Atlantis Historic Inn is set in a 200-year-old property on the east coast. Pick this place for its heritage charm, tranquil feel and great surf. The ten rooms and cottages are lovely, with antique pieces and space for families, whilst there's also an inviting pool and a restaurant famed for its Bajan barbecues. Excellent value for an off-the-beaten-track stay.
• Gibbs Glade is a simple self-catering property on the Platinum Coast. Well-suited to large families or groups, this affordable pick features a swimming pool, barbecue area, fully-equipped kitchen and a selection of double and twin rooms. Low-key charm with everything from beaches to bars within walking distance.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Barbados?

• Fly to Grantley Adams International Airport, just 13km outside Bridgetown. Hop into a minibus across the road from the main terminal if you're heading into town, or take a taxi to your destination. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pickup in advance.
• There's so much to see in Barbados! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel between November and mid-April for warm, dry weather. The hurricane season — July to November — is best avoided.

STILL NOT SURE?

• You could refine your list to just the best hotels in Barbados for families? or the best hotels in Barbados for couples? or the best all inclusive hotels in Barbados?
• Explore our list of all  the best places to stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

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