The 11 Best Hotels in Barbados for Families

One of the best known islands in the Caribbean, Barbados has a huge number of hotels and resorts — many of them hugging the idyllic white sandy beaches of the island’s western coast. This fantastic and varied range of accommodation is one of the reasons the Hotel Gurus recommend Barbados as the perfect Caribbean island for families. The colonial history, and charm; plus the opportunity to try a plethora of watersports, both above and below the waves; the relaxed, cosmopolitan vibe and gorgeous public beaches are some of the other reasons. To help match your family to the right hotel or resort the Hotel Gurus have put together a list of the best hotels in Barbados for families, which will have something for you, whether you’re looking for a family friendly beach break, a luxurious serviced villa, or the best all inclusive hotels in Barbados for families.

For Family Beach Breaks

• Every family has a ‘right’ size for beachfront resorts, and Cobbler’s Cove will be ‘right’ for quite a lot of us. Elegant and relaxed, it has 40 generously proportioned rooms and suites, which is enough to mean there are excellent facilities — including tennis courts and a spa — but small enough so that the private beach feels very private, and you can get a table in the outstanding Barbadian restaurant whenever you want.
• The Royal Pavilion is a touch larger, with 75 rooms and suites — all spacious, with large bathrooms and terraces — and our favourites with direct beach access. This size of beach resort is spacious enough so that you don’t have to leave. There’s an excellent kids club, complimentary watersports equipment, and the opportunity to play some tennis, sail, snorkel, cycle, dive, kayak, or play beach cricket.

For Great Facilities

• The Tamarind is a colourful, 100 room hotel sitting right up against the white sand of Paynes Beach. It offers all the pros of a larger hotel resort: three pools, a choice of places to eat and drink, a gym, kids club, and an excellent range of room sizes — many with incredible water views — and all with stone floors, colourful artwork and huge windows and terraces.
• Surrounded by seven acres of lush, tropical gardens, the Colony Club feels deceptively remote, considering it’s on the island’s populated west coast. Within the grounds are rooms, suites and villas, four lagoon-style pools, a gym, spa, a choice of restaurants and complimentary watersports facilities — because you’re right up against the beach too. The service is excellent, and the decor elegant.

Best For Luxury

• Sandy Lane offers family-friendly, beachfront luxury, with as much space and opulence as you and your family need. The decor is romantic, but comfortable, with mod. cons. the kids are going to love, and the vast hotel pool has a waterfall! There’s also a palatial spa, three golf courses and a choice of restaurants. And all surrounded by beautiful manicured tropical gardens. Family-friendly Caribbean beach bliss.

For Relaxation

• The Coral Reef Club is an elegant hotel with accommodation in Colonial-chic plantation style cottages, sitting amongst 12 acres of gorgeously landscaped grounds and gardens. Spacious and luxurious, with beautiful decor, the accommodation is also supremely comfortable, and the atmosphere very relaxed. Each cottage has a private plunge pool, and onsite there are two hotel pools, a spa, gym, hair and beauty salon, and shops.

For All Inclusive Family Friendly Fun

• Turtle Beach is a large, elegant all-inclusive hotel right on the beachfront at Ostins Bay. With 164 rooms and suites there’s an accommodation option to suit every family size, and all are spacious, with a nautical leaning. There are three outdoor pools, including a splash pool for the kids, a kids club, a family-friendly dining session and, for after the kids are in bed, free mixology lessons in the bar.
• Spacious and buzzy, Crystal Cove is a smaller all inclusive resort, with 88 rooms, suites and villas, but it’s also got three lagoon pools — one with a waterfall bar! All the rooms have a private terrace or balcony — and a hammock — and all are decorated in bold colours, with bright artwork. The list of facilities includes a kids club, tennis courts, a spa and gym, and two restaurants.

For Larger Families

• The Sandpiper is a chic, beachfront hotel with a range of accommodation that includes family suites and villas, so there’s plenty of space for larger families. There are also self catering options. And options with private hot tubs. As well as choice and contemporary style, this resort has a kids club, spa, gym and jogging track, an eclectic Caribbean restaurant, and expansive gardens with an inviting pool-with-a-view.
• Saint Peter's Bay is a collection of one, two and three bedroom villas, beautifully arranged along a stretch of Barbados’s Platinum west coast. These villas are like a beautifully decorated home from home, with traditional Caribbean details and private balconies, terraces and hot tubs. There’s fantastic watersports facilities onsite, plus a choice of restaurants, exquisite gardens and a spa.

For Great Value

• Gibbs Glade is a small and charming guesthouse with a choice of cosy, self-contained accommodation, on the beautiful, sandy west coast. The cottage is the most spacious pick for families, but some of the other options have self-catering facilities too. There’s a great pool with a barbecue terrace too.

Still not sure where to book?

• You could browse our pick of the best hotels in Barbados
• Or refine your search to include the best all inclusive hotels in Barbados or the best places to stay in the Caribbean
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • Gibbs Glade Saint Peter, Barbados 4 rooms from $106

    
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    Local exploring  -  This guesthouse is an easy stroll from local bars and beaches, perfect for exploring on the west coast of Barbados

    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the cosy cabin suite and the guesthouse's proximity to local bars and restaurants

    Families  -  Book the cottage for a verandah and separate living room, plus a child's bedroom

    Great walks  -  Stroll along the west coast of the island and discover Gibbs Beach, a sandy beach with clear, warm water and gracious palms

    

    This charming guesthouse is located on the Platinum West Coast of Barbados. Choose from a range of cosy, self-contained accommodation with homely soft furnishings and self-catering facilities; book the cottage for family-sized living space. Unwind by the pool before a barbecue; a chic island stay. See More

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  • The Tamarind St. James, Barbados 104 rooms from $418

    
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    Romantic Break  -  Adults only pool, couples activities such as horse riding, catamaran cruise, white sand beach picnics and spa treatments

    Families  -  Flying Fish Kids Club and Club Tamarind teen lounge

    Swimming Pool  -  Three outdoor pools

    Sights nearby  -  St Nicholas Abbey

    

    Colourful hotel on a white sand beach. Charming rooms have stone floors, artworks and large terraces. Three outdoor pools, spa, gym and direct beach access. Great international cuisine at extensive restaurant. Romantic and great value for the location. See More

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  • Colony Club Barbados 62 rooms from $445

    
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    Families  -  Plenty of activities for children. Kids' club, as well as experienced child care and child-friendly dining

    Romantic Break  -  Champagne breakfasts, private beach dinners, couples spa treatments and sunset sailing cruises

    Swimming Pool  -  Four fresh water swimming pools. One is adults only

    Tennis  -  Equipment is complimentary from hotel

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Stunning hotel in seven acres of lush gardens. Elegant rooms have cream furniture, four posters and large terraces. Four lagoon-style outdoor pools, complimentary watersports, gym and spa treatments. Excellent Italian and seafood cuisine in restaurants. Understated style and superb service. See More

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  • Cobbler's Cove St Peter, Barbados 40 rooms from $494

    
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    Families  -  Cricket academy for children, kids club, snorkelling, tennis and family sized suites

    Total relaxation  -  Enjoy the Sea Moon Spa, private beach, short bicycle rides and luxury dining

    Sailing  -  Less experienced sailors will enjoy it to the fullest with tuition from the Water Sports team

    Fishing  -  Deep sea fishing: likely to catch Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo and Blue and White Marlin

    

    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux, Fodors

    Enchanting 5* beachfront resort. The rooms feature white furniture, four posters, enormous bathrooms and balconies facing the sea or lush gardens. Outdoor pool, private beach, tennis courts and spa. Outstanding Barbadian and international cuisine at the restaurant. Elegant, exquisite and relaxed. See More

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  • Royal Pavilion Barbados 75 rooms from $499

    
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    Beach Life  -  Set within Glitter Bay beach, all watersports are at your disposal, as well as pools and sailing trips

    Families  -  Superb children's club with variety of age-suitable fun, family suites and dinner options for everyone

    Tennis  -  Lessons and coaching available

    Restrictions on children  -  Children welcome April-October

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Elegant beachfront resort. Large rooms have dark wood floors, large bathrooms and terraces, some with direct beach access. Outdoor pool, gardens, tennis courts, gym and spa treatments available. Excellent locally sourced cuisine. Laid back, charming and pretty. See More

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  • The Sandpiper St. James, Barbados 50 rooms from $501

    
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    Families  -  Excellent children's programme including sailing, paddle boarding and snorkelling. Child-friendly menu

    Active Holiday  -  Specialises in watersports; all non motorized are complimentary and everything else can be arranged

    Great walks  -  Beautiful gardens to explore

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors, Small Luxury Hotels

    Chic beach front hotel. Rooms feature contemporary furniture, sensational bathrooms and large terraces; suites with kitchens. Outdoor pool, gardens, jogging track, spa and gym. Fantastic eclectic Caribbean cuisine. A perfect stay for families. See More

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  • Coral Reef Club Barbados 88 rooms from $530

    
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    Romantic Break  -  A romantic retreat set on 12 acres of colourful tropical gardens and powder white sand beach with luxury spa and fine dining.

    Families  -  Plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, plus a playground and babysitting services are on offer.

    Tennis  -  Take advantage of the complimentary coaching for adults and children with the resident pro, on the two floodlit courts.

    Diving  -  Make the most of the crystal clear waters and take a scuba course in the on site PADI certified diving school.

    

    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels, Fodors

    An elegant hotel set amid acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, spilling onto white sands. Colonial-chic plantation cottages or suites in creams, whites, and pale wooden hues that ooze luxury. A honeymooner's paradise with fantastic spa, cuisine, and beach. See More

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  • Turtle Beach Christ Church, Barbados 164 rooms from $589

    
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    Families  -  Dedicated kids' club, large family suites, adult activities and family friendly dining

    Swimming Pool  -  Two fresh water outdoor pools and separate children's splash pool

    Cooking classes  -  Free demonstrations and classes.

    Tennis  -  Courts and equipment available

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Elegant all inclusive family-friendly hotel on beachfront. Spacious rooms feature nautical artworks, sofa beds and large bathrooms. Three outdoor pools and whirlpool, gym, tennis courts and kids club. Excellent Italian cuisine. Great value and plenty to do. See More

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  • Crystal Cove St. James, Barbados 88 rooms from $595

    
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    Active Holiday  -  A plethora of complimentary watersports, riding, tennis and local sightseeing

    Families  -  Kids' club with organised activities

    Cooking classes  -  Free cookery demonstrations and classes

    Tennis  -  Floodlit courts in the grounds

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Characterful beach front, family friendly, all inclusive hotel. Colourful rooms feature artworks, large bathrooms and terraces with hammocks. Three outdoor lagoon pools with waterfall bar, gym, tennis courts and spa treatments. Fantastic cuisine in both restaurants. Spacious, buzzy and idyllic. See More

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  • Saint Peter’s Bay Barbados from $700

    
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    Spa  -  Sandbox Tree Spa at sister resort, Port Ferdinand, offers a wide range of relaxing treatments

    Restaurant  -  There are various options from fine dining to more casual venues

    Private Hot Tub  -  Some villas have terraces with private hot tub

    Fishing  -  Deep sea fishing excursions can be arranged.

    

    Family friendly beach resort on Barbados's Platinum Coast. One, two or three bed villas are spacious and luxurious, done in a traditionally Caribbean style, all with private terrace and hot tub! Superb onsite facilities: water sports, choice of restaurants and spa. A Caribbean crowd pleaser! See More

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  • Sandy Lane Barbados 96 rooms from $1090

    
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    Families  -  Large suites are ideal for families; Treehouse kids club, complimentary watersports and swimming

    Honeymoons  -  Romaneqsue spa, sublime beach service, watersports, sailing trips and so much more!

    Kids Club  -  Fully staffed.

    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Opulent 5* hotel on the beach. Romantic bedrooms feature marble bathrooms, chandeliers and extensive technology systems. Outdoor pool with waterfall, palatial spa, three golf courses, tennis courts and manicured gardens. Sublime cuisine in the restaurants. Luxurious, spacious and slick. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Monday, 4th October 2021