The Caribbean is sprinkled with dreamy islands, where lush jungles fringe white sand beaches, and coral reefs team with wildlife. Travel to the very east of the Caribbean and you’ll find a small island completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. You’ve arrived in Barbados.
Home to breathtaking beaches, unique rock formations, and an amazing limestone cave, Barbados offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. A former British colony, the island also bears a unique African/British heritage, which tourists can experience by visiting historic sites, local festivals, or museums.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Barbados traveler, the best way to experience this island is by staying at one of its many upscale resorts, including some that are all-inclusive. Luxury travelers can spoil themselves with a stay at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion. For a family-friendly retreat, consider Bougainvillea Barbados, and for a romantic getaway, stay at Sandals Royal Barbados. These are the best resorts in Barbados.
Best Resorts for Families
1. Hilton Barbados Resort
Hilton Barbados Resort is a family-friendly oasis in Bridgetown, the island’s capital. Guests can opt to explore the vibrant capital, with its rich cultural heritage, or lounge at one of the two beaches that border the resort. Tranquil gardens and a variety of pools snake through the property.
The resort sits on Needham’s peninsula, which is also home to Charles Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in 1650, this fort was once used to defend the capital. Spend the day exploring the peninsula, and visiting its historic attractions.
Guests can unwind at the hotel spa or retreat to their luxurious accommodations. Most rooms have a spacious balcony as well as a sea view.
2. Bougainvillea Barbados
Take the family to Bougainvillea Barbados. This four-star resort sits on Maxwell Beach on the island’s South Coast. The beach is perfect for sunbathing or practicing water sports. Guests can go kayaking, boogie boarding, or paddleboarding.
Families will also enjoy the kids club and the resort’s game room, with a pool table, foosball, and video games. There is a lap pool, a waterfall pool, and an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar.
Accommodations range from traditional guest rooms to studios to luxurious suites. With two on-site dining options, including a casual bistro and a beachside restaurant, guests won’t be left hungry.
3. Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados is a slightly more affordable option that still offers everything families need for an unforgettable vacation. Located along Carlile Bay, the resort sits on one mile of beach, where guests can paddleboard or snorkel to see sunken ships.
Located in the capital, guests have all of Bridgetown’s attractions at their fingertips. Guests can arrange tours, from boat trips to rum tastings, with the concierge. Other hotel amenities include a fitness center, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a UNESCO-listed Victorian Pier. Each room has air conditioning and a balcony.
Best Resorts for Couples
4. Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Royal Barbados is an adults-only paradise in St Lawrence Gap, a neighborhood known for its restaurants and nightlife. This resort has everything guests could need and more. There’s a bowling alley, a rooftop pool, a scuba diving program, and night-time entertainment.
For ultimate luxury, couples can stay in one of the hotel’s beachfront suites, with features like a soaking tub on the balcony and a private pool with an infinity edge.
Dining options abound at Sandals Royal Barbados. There are 10 restaurants, including an American tavern, an Asian fusion restaurant, a juice bar, a donut shop, and an upscale French restaurant.
5. Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa
A luxurious adults-only boutique hotel, Sugar Cane Hotel & Spa is located on the island’s west coast, just a five-minute drive from Speightstown and Godings Bay. Although not directly on the beach, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from the sand or a short drive with the hotel’s beach shuttle.
There are two pools, two restaurants, a full-service spa and a gym. Guests can rent mountain bikes, go hiking, or rent glass bottom boats to see turtles.
After a day of exploring, retreat to one of the hotel’s cozy garden or ocean-view suites. All suites have a balcony or patio, a kitchen table, and a desk. Long-term accommodations are also available for guests who work remotely and want to make the hotel their home office.
6. The Club Barbados Resort & Spa
Another adults-only resort, The Club Barbados Resort & Spa provides its guests with both relaxation and adventure. Anything is possible at this all-inclusive beach resort in Holetown. Sip on bottomless cocktails, relax at the pool, join a cooking class, take a tour on a catamaran, or learn how to dance.
The resort offers 160 guest rooms and suites with garden or ocean views. For a little more space, opt for a one-bedroom suite, which has a separate living area. The seven on-site dining options include a laid-back bar, a Bajan-style restaurant, a fine dining oceanfront venue, and a coffee shop.
Best Luxury Resorts
7. O2 Beach Club & Spa
O2 Beach Club & Spa is the picture of serenity and luxury. This all-inclusive resort is tucked into the St. Lawrence Gap neighborhood, where nightlife, restaurants, beaches, and shops create a vibrant backdrop for a Barbados getaway.
Guests can spend the day exploring the area, but they certainly won’t need to, as the resort organizes a busy events calendar, packed with entertainment, beach activities, yoga classes, and cooking classes.
If that’s not enough, enjoy wellness treatments at the aqua spa or lounge by the pool. Guests will enjoy a three-course dining experience, with a choice of Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, International, or seafood dishes.
8. Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Tropical gardens and beautiful Caribbean Sea views await at Fairmont Royal Pavilion. This luxury resort spans 11 acres and sits on Glitter Bay Beach, where guests can swim with turtles or enjoy non-motorized water sports.
All rooms have both a shower and a bathtub, as well as a balcony or terrace. Some terraces are equipped with sun loungers and a table with chairs, where guests can enjoy their breakfast. Guests who book specific accommodations also qualify for a complimentary airport service, which helps them pass through customs faster. Suites and villas include a private butler, complimentary breakfast, and afternoon tea.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion has two oceanfront restaurants, as well as in-room dining. Other hotel amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, tennis courts, and yoga classes. The resort is a 5-minute drive from Royal Westmoreland Golf Course.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts
9. The Crane Resort
The Crane Resort is the oldest resort on the island. This sprawling resort is home to lush gardens, koi ponds, shops, historic buildings, an art gallery, a pool complex, and five restaurants. A variety of all-inclusive packages are available, some including breakfast/dinner, others including all meals.
With traditional guest rooms as well as apartment-style housing, the resort accommodates all kinds of travelers. The Crane Resort is located on the South East Coast, a quaint and largely untouched part of the island.
10. Sugar Bay Barbados
Spoil yourself with a stay at the all-inclusive Sugar Bay Barbados, located in the Garrison Historic Area in Christ Church, Bridgetown. While the resort itself is very secluded, it’s within walking distance from Bridgetown’s South Coast Boardwalk, with its historic attractions and vibrant nightlife.
The resort’s amenities cater to both relaxation and adventure. Guests can go snorkeling, relax at the spa, or order a drink at the swim-up bar. The resort boasts four restaurants and a bar. Accommodations include signature suites and oceanfront rooms.
11. Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels
Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels is an all-inclusive paradise. Located in St James, this beach hotel promises a comfortable and relaxing stay. Rooms are airy, with chic decor, a sea view, and a desk.
This hotel is especially popular among water sports enthusiasts, who can enjoy complimentary water skiing, tube rides, and banana boat rides in addition to nonmotorized sports such as scuba diving, paddle boarding, and glass-bottom boat rides.
To refuel after an active day, guests can indulge at one of the hotel’s five restaurants and bars. Each venue offers a diverse menu ranging from tapas to afternoon tea to a Caribbean-inspired buffet.
