Barbados offers a wide range of luxurious experiences, from lavish accommodation options to fine dining, spa treatments, and some of the region’s best golf and boating. Its natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality make it a top choice for travelers seeking an indulgent and memorable vacation.
1. Sandy Lane
2. Coral Reef Club
3. Fairmont Royal Pavilion
4. The Sandpiper
5. Cobblers Cove
1. Sandy Lane
Rated 5 stars by Forbes Travel Guide, its inspectors write, “After Sandy Lane Hotel opened in 1961 on the west coast of Barbados, celebrities ranging from the likes Frank Sinatra to Mick Jagger frequented the spot, instantly putting it on the map of jetsetters around the world. When new owners took over the hotel in the late 1990s, they wanted to restore it to its former glory and elevate it even further. To do that, they deemed that a three-year closing was necessary. When Sandy Lane reemerged in 2001 with 96 rooms, 16 suites, and one villa after a $280 million makeover that saw the old buildings torn down and replaced, A-list travelers again had a reason to celebrate: Their sanctuary had officially returned. Today, Sandy Lane is once again a luxurious Caribbean retreat. The combination of upscale amenities (beach attendants will serve you sorbet, clean your sunglasses, and mist you with Evian) and stunning beach (white sand and crystal-clear blue water) results in a double dose of relaxation for guests.”
The Telegraph adds to its 9 out of 10 rating, “It’s all about conspicuous luxury, shameless pampering, and oodles of glamour in what is arguably the Caribbean’s most famous hotel. The levels of service and the facilities – among them an overblown Romanesque spa and some of the region’s finest golf courses – are nothing less than astonishing.”
Sandy Lane Suite
The four-bedroom 7,360 sq. ft. Sand Lane Suite is located on the second floor of the Turtle Wing, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With sunset views from your terrace infinity pool and direct access to Sandy Lane’s exclusive stretch of white sand beach, it is a perfect enclave for family groups.
More suites at Sandy Lane.
2. Coral Reef Club
The Telegraph reports, “The Coral Reef Club has the atmosphere of a country-house hotel in the tropics. Spread over 12 acres of glorious gardens, it delivers graceful, old-school luxury better than any other Barbados hotel. With soaring mahogany trees and palms, frangipani, bougainvillea, ponds, and much else to enjoy, the expansive grounds are the loveliest of any hotel in Barbados (there are weekly tours). Bedrooms and public areas are, for the most part, the epitome of unshowy elegance. Many guests are regulars and stay in the same room each year.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “It’s easy to imagine 20th-century writers penning chapters of sell-out novels on The Coral Reef Club’s pretty verandas. The hotel is imbued with Old World charm, from its mahogany wicker sofas softened with cream cushions to the elaborate tea trays and heated games of doubles before breakfast. Suites seize on this unapologetically traditional yet laid-back theme with gold framed illustrations you’d expect in an English Country Home, mahogany cabinets displaying coral, and those formal, structured sofas where cushions are as plump as they are stiff.”
Villa Ixora
Villa Ixora offers four bedrooms. It is situated in the gardens next to a large, shared swimming pool. It has a luxurious master suite with a private patio with a separate bath and shower. There are two double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a further double bedroom with ensuite shower room. This villa also has a kitchen, spacious living room with TV and a large terrace with chaise lounges and dining area leading to a large private lawn.
More suites at Coral Reef Club.
3. Fairmont Royal Pavilion
The Telegraph writes of Fairmont Royal Pavilion, “This hotel has arguably the best location of any in Barbados, set right beside a gorgeous beach. A long-standing stalwart of the luxury hotel scene on the west coast, it remains one of the most elegant places to stay anywhere on the island.”
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Between its beachfront restaurants and the verdant gardens that pepper the property, Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados foregrounds the irresistible beauty of the island at every turn. The 75-room hotel, conveniently located in St. James Parish, offers a wide range of amenities and services, like water sports, babysitting, and fine dining, making it a prime spot for romantic getaways and family vacations.”
Three Bedroom Villa
This 1,790-sq.ft villa includes three bedrooms, each with a pillowtop king-size bed and ensuite bathroom. The large living room features seating and dining areas ideal for entertaining. There is a furnished terrace on the garden level, as well as a spacious furnished balcony.
More suites at Fairmont Royal Pavilion.
4. The Sandpiper
The Telegraph reports, “The family-run Sandpiper is one of Barbados’ best luxury hotels. With tropical grounds, cosseting and attractive bedrooms, an excellent restaurant, and a popular beach bar, it ticks all the boxes. Set on the fringes of the west-coast town of Holetown, it best suits those who like going out at times to eat, drink, and shop. It is set behind an attractive sandy inlet between rocky breakwaters. The waterfront hereabouts is quite lively, with lots of people strolling along the interconnected beaches and boardwalks either side of the property, and the sea busy with boats and watersports.”
Tree Top Suites
The two Tree Top Suites – Whimbrel and Sanderling – are The Sandpiper’s most luxurious accommodations. Each consists of a bedroom, living room, dressing area, and an oversized bathroom with a large walk-in shower and separate tub. There is a large covered terrace complete with a wet bar and a complimentary starter bar with a selection of spirits and soft drinks. There is also an open sundeck with a plunge pool. Featured in the living room is a media center for television, movies, and music. Both suites have views of the sea and can accommodate two adults.
More suites at The Sandpiper.
5. Cobblers Cove
Virtuoso travel advisors say, “Cobblers Cove offers two of the finest suites in the Caribbean. Luxurious and elegant, the refurbished Camelot suite boasts a rooftop terrace, an inviting sitting area, and a four-poster bed. The recently refurbished Colleton suite boasts a four-poster bed, marble floors, and a private plunge pool overlooking the idyllic coast. Featuring terraces or balconies with ocean or garden views, St Lucy Botanicals amenities, and sitting rooms, 38 additional suites reflect colonial style and Caribbean comfort. Stroll the secluded beach, explore the tropical gardens, or try a water sport. Later, enjoy dinner at the award-winning Camelot Restaurant.”
Colleton Suite
The 1,780 sq. ft. Colleton Suite features a four-poster bed with his and hers dressing rooms, a kitchenette, a private terrace with sun lounges, and a plunge pool.
More suites at Cobblers Cove.
