Barbados is famous not only for its flavorful local cuisine (fish cutter, anyone?), east-coast surf culture, and as the birthplace of rum; it also boasts some of the finest hotels in the region with an emphasis on elegance, grace and luxury.
So if you’re planning a trip to the easternmost Caribbean isle, consider our expert rankings of the best Barbados hotels. From luxury beachfront hideaways to modern, chic retreats, there’s at least one with your name on it.
Sandy Lane The grand dame of Barbados resorts, this palatial (and famously pink) 112-room beachfront is as famous for its wealthy and well-known clientele as it is for its perks (a Rolls Royce, superb spa, and golf on the Green Monkey golf course, among them).
Colony Club In many ways, it’s the quintessential Barbados resort. With a privileged perch on the Platinum Coast, the 96 rooms and suites have a laid-back but luxe feel, with a gorgeous stretch of beach and several terrific bars. The rooms are exquisitely furnished, with amenities like Nespresso machines and spacious bathrooms (we rather like the swim-up suites). The food is superb, too, with a wonderful weekly lobster and jazz night.
The House Even though there’s no sign to identify it, somehow the sophisticated set finds it way to this luxurious retreat near Holetown, where 34 chic and spacious suites (some with private plunge pools), a white-sand sweep, and a relaxed, adults-only ambience deservedly win raves. It also doesn’t hurt that the hotel’s house restaurant is Daphne’s, among the Caribbean’s best.
Cobblers Cove Relais & Chateaux’s 40-suite boutique is an in-the-know spot for both foodies and beach lovers alike. The rooms are bathed in classic Barbados elegance, while the food lives up to the R&C standard. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth the trip for one lovely oceanside dinner. Either way, you’re spending time at what is one of the greatest Barbados hotels.
Atlantis Hotel This charming historic inn is set on the outskirts of raw and gorgeous Bathsheba, with a striking Atlantic coast and proximity to some of the Atlantic’s top surfing. Atlantis has charming rooms, a great pool and right at the top of the list of the island’s best restaurants, too. It’s one of our favorite hotels in the Caribbean, period.
Coral Reef Club Among the signature Barbados hotels, this classic family-run resort is all about good old-fashioned West Indian luxury. There are 88 rooms at the beachfront Barbados hotel, with a lush, 12-acre tropical garden setting, a terrific spa and a nice beach, too.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion With just 72 rooms on 11 beachfront acres there’s plenty of space to spread out at this esteemed resort, where timeless traditions such as afternoon tea meet modern conveniences like complimentary WI-FI.
Tamarind by Elegant Hotels One of Barbados’ best resorts for families, this Elegant Hotels property has 104 colorful (and artful) modern rooms and a beautiful beach. It’s also got a party piece: water taxi access to all of the company’s six Barbados hotels in its dine-around program.
The Crane Large (252 rooms on 40 acres) and legendary (its been operating since 1887), this southeast coast spread has it all, including antique-filled rooms in the original hotel building; a splendid beach; a stunning pool complex; and even its own “village.” That’s without mentioning the stunning pink-sand beach. It’s no surprise that this isn’t just one of the most legendary Barbados hotels, but one of the most legendary Caribbean hotels, too.
The Sandpiper Sister hotel to the Coral Reef Club, this boutique Barbados hotel has a range of rooms from garden view to beach house suites (go for the latter if you’re splurging), a great restaurant led by Chef Christophe Poupardin and an even better watering hole called Harold’s Bar. You also get access to the spa at CRC.