Elegance, style, luxury and grace. They’re the sorts of things that define the Barbados travel experience. And that’s particularly true in Barbados’ diverse hotel product, which tends to focus on the boutique, in size and spirit.
The island’s best hotels aren’t always big — but what they have in common are the casually hip, effortlessly chic and endlessly authentic qualities that make the island such a wonderful place to visit.
On this island, great things tend to come in small packages, with a wide variety of beautiful, well-run and authentic places to stay. But there’s a broad range of options, from the all-inclusive to the grand, the adults-only to the family friendly.
Here are five Barbados hotels worth checking out right now.
The House Elegant Hotels just about redefined the Barbados hotel experience when the company debuted this 34-room Platinum Coast outpost. It’s hip, luxurious and elegant without feeling stuffy, a combination that rewards its guests considerably. It doesn’t hurt that the on-site restaurant is Daphne’s, one of the island’s destination eateries. And did we mention the champagne breakfast?
The Monkey Bar at Sandy Lane.
Sandy Lane While there may be 112 rooms here, the service is as attentive and personable as you’ll find at an ultra-luxe boutique. But at the end of the day, this is as grand a resort you’ll find in the Caribbean, an almost impossibly elegant, voluptuously designed beachfront getaway. And it’s all here — a world class golf course, a spa, terrific food and some beloved watering holes like the Monkey Bar. It’s a bucket-list hotel destination, the sort of place that’s a must-visit for any Caribbean aficionado.
Sea Breeze Beach House This totally transformed property is the kind of all-inclusive that doesn’t feel like one, thanks to crisp, colorful, breezy design and a modern, sophisticated ambience. The rooms, filled with bright local art, exemplify the beach house vibe, with light hues and an overarching sleek aesthetic. And while the Platinum Coast is a wonderful destination, there is so much more to see in Barbados — particularly on the always-bustling South Coast, and that’s exactly what you get to access at Sea Breeze. And there’s this: it’s one of the best stretches of beach in the island.
Treasure Beach Elegant’s new flagship is this adults-only getaway, with 35 exceptionally well-appointed rooms, a lovely, shapely pool and a classic stretch of West Coast Beach. It has the feeling of a private beach club, with an intimate atmosphere and a small but robust dining offering that includes a great little wine bar.
Cobblers Cove Relais and Chateaux’s Barbados property delivers the goods, with outstanding food and service delivered with colorful Barbados charm. This is a classic Barbados hotel, from the genteel vibe to the sheer tranquility of the grounds. And the waterfront restaurant is as good as dining gets on the island. And while it may be tiny, it’s a wonderful option for families. (Note: the property reopens for the season in October).