Marriott Just Reopened This Barbados Luxury Resort With a New Brand

I remember the first time I stayed at the Colony Club in Barbados. It was more than a decade ago. I was immediately struck by the feel – there was this palpable sense of ceremony, of classic grandeur. It felt like Barbados, of what you imagine about the island, especially the Platinum Coast. 

Now, after a major upgrade, the Colony Club is back again, with Marriott completing a makeover that included a new brand: the Luxury Collection. 

The legendary beach resort, which has nearly 100 years of history since it began life as a private estate, officially opened again this week. 

It’s this pedigree that was essential to the redesign, according to Alex Fix, who leads Marriott’s portfolio of Barbados resorts, which includes everything from The Waves to The House (the latter another one of my favorites). 

“We’ve taken great care to preserve its legacy while thoughtfully enhancing every detail,” Fiz said in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal. 

What’s New at Barbados’ Colony Club 

The changes included just about everything: the spa, the rooms, the food, they all got improvements, from a reinvigorated Spa at Colony Club (based on the elements) to an organic garden. 

The culinary program also got an overhaul, from the main eatery, Laguna, to a beachside bar called Sunset (and, based on my experience, the sunsets here are spectacular). There’s also a new gym. 

The coolest touch? For me, it’s the expansion of what was already a solid rum program with the Rum Vault, a rum bar with what the property says is more than 150 different expressions, including rum pairing options. 

Is the new Colony Club All-Inclusive?  

While Marriott’s other resorts on the island are all-inclusive, it’s important to note that Colony Club is not — the only former Elegant Hotels property on the island that’s an EP (European Plan) resort. 

What Does a Room Cost? Which Should I Choose? 

My favorite room category is the swim-up room at Colony Club — it’s lush, it’s leafy, and just secluded enough to feel extra special. You walk right out into the pool. Swim-ups are more popular than ever — but it’s not something you tend to find very often at an EP resort. That’s what makes it so rare. These rooms also have beautiful patios with umbrellas as well, perfect for an al fresco Bajan breakfast. 

The price? About $479 per night right now. 

Can You Book With Points?

Yes, this is part of Marriott Bonvoy, which means you can use your Marriott loyalty points to book stays, depending on availability. 

What Makes It Different 

There are just under 100 rooms at Colony Club, but you’d never know. It always makes you feel like you’re somewhere smaller, more intimate. The landscaping makes it feel like a garden on the beach. It’s just a special place to stay. 

How to Get to Barbados 

Barbados has nonstop flights from a number of US cities, including Miami (where American Airlines flies from $459 roundtrip right now) and New York, where you can take JetBlue from JFK to Bridgetown for about $626. If you’re heading from Toronto, Air Canada has rates of just $325 roundtrip right now.