Those in search of the best hotels in Barbados, luxury and a taste of paradise, need look no further. An eclectic mix of classic plantation-style inns, chic contemporary hotels and the warmest of Bajan hospitality have made for some of my fondest travel memories to date.
Barbados is a place where upscale amenities don’t have to mean a loss of small island charm. So here are the top 10 best hotels in Barbados, for a Caribbean escape that has oodles of luxury. And charm.
You never know who you might be rubbing shoulders with at this luxury abode. That’s because actors, royalty and celebrities have been pulling up here in their Rolls-Royces since 1961.
The hotel’s classic colonial vibe, charming Georgian pillars and teak wood furniture immediately make an impression. So do the contemporary pops of bright fuchsia fabrics, elegant afternoon teas and contemporary terrace dining.
Golfers tee up on the Tom Fazio-designed Green Monkey course. And sun seekers find heaven on the serene coral beach. It’s hard not to be lured to the ayurvedic treatments of the spa (great for escaping the paparazzi!) or in fact the unbelievably spacious guest rooms.
The Colony Club is an oasis of lagoon-like pools, trickling waterfalls and secluded little pathways. Add in creature comforts like marble bathrooms, iPod docking stations and in-room Nespresso machines and you have five-star luxury throughout.
Show-stopping seafood and continental-style cuisine in the Laguna Restaurant, plus an a la carte menu at the romantic Orchid Room make this ideal for those with discerning tastes.
There’s no need to lift a finger once you arrive at The House. This contemporary hotel delivers quality service, and a super-personalised ethos. So if you feel like a jet-lag massage on arrival, or you appreciate a waiter who remembers the strength of your rum punch, your wish is granted.
The sublime Daphnes restaurant is renowned for its blissful ocean views and decadent seafood. You can then carry on the frivolities the next morning with the hotel’s signature champagne breakfast. Bliss.
The Mediterranean meets the Caribbean at this vibrant property on Paynes Bay. And while the Made in Chelsea boys have holidayed here, like its sister property The House, Tamarind offers a chic oceanfront getaway without the grandiose.
Eucalyptus towels by the beach, cocktails at the stylish Rilaks Deck and sprawling Miami-style lounges are just some of its finest touches.
For an alternative to the star-studded West Coast, the boutique-style Atlantis Hotel overlooking Tent Bay is perfect for exploring the island’s more rugged east.
Dating back to the 19th Century, the Atlantis unveils understated luxury. So think white-washed tongue and groove bathrooms, shabby chic furniture and dreamy four-poster beds.
The draws here are their upscale Bajan buffets, an uber personalised service (there are just ten rooms) and stylish catamaran cruises over those crashing Atlantic waves. This is what seaside dreams are made of.
Little Good Harbour is the west coast’s answer to the Atlantis. Set within the picturesque fishing village of Shermans, this is a small, boutique-style hotel where the West Coast chic meets a traditional colonial vibe.
Both suites and cottages are resplendent in soft muted pastels and a unique sense of privacy. Feel right at home with slick villa kitchens or if cooking’s not your thing, head to the hotel’s Fish Pot Restaurant. Dining on Mahi-Mahi by a sunset glow is divine.
Those looking for a fashionable Caribbean escape around the fashionable Holetown may find the luxury they’re looking for right here. The style is intimate and discreet and the most discerning guest will go for the tree top suite where plush modern interiors, a private bar and private plunge pool. Barbeques, cocktail parties and spa pampering at sister hotel Coral Reef Club are all a must at this luxury retreat.
In-suite butler service, pre-dinner canopés and staff who remember your name are all a given at this St James hideaway. You can split your time between the parasol-lined freshwater swimming pool and the gorgeous Platinum Coast beach. That’s if you can bear to leave the private sun deck of your Bajan-style guest room. This plantation-esque oasis offers the finest in Caribbean R&R.
I’d forgive you for feeling a little bit smug for staying in this quaint hotel. Away from the large-scale lavishness, it’s a more petite piece of luxury you might like to keep a secret.
As a former garage, there’s a playful automobile theme throughout, with rooms named after sports cars like Corvette and Shelby. Deck chair-style stripes, roll top baths and mahogany floors meet to-die-for ocean views and a blissful beach. The restaurants serve eclectic worldly fare, with a very young and chic vibe.
Coral Reef is the epitomy of traditional Bajan elegance and the grandeur is apparent from the intricate fretwork of the architecture to the beautiful interiors of the bedrooms, villas and suites. It’s easy to lose yourself amongst the secluded spots of the bougainvillea lined gardens and the pavilions and cabanas of the serene spa.
With European and Caribbean al fresco dining, this hotel is what Caribbean dreams are made of.
