Set on the northwest tip of Barbados, Port St. Charles is an upscale yachting and beach community with private villas and apartments set along the lagoon or the beach. The privately owned homes, decorated in a wide variety of styles, range in size from comfortable one-bedroom villas to palatial six-bedroom apartments with private pools. A water taxi shuttles guests around the 22-acre property, which includes a restaurant, gym, tennis, and two pools. The spacious units are ideal for families and those who prefer to self-cater, but the location is secluded and the large property lacks the amenities found at upscale hotels. Those seeking a more intimate atmosphere might enjoy Little Good Harbour.
Set on the northwest tip of Barbados, Port St. Charles is an upscale yachting and beach community with private villas and apartments set along the lagoon or the beach. The privately owned homes, decorated in a wide variety of styles, range in size from comfortable one-bedroom villas to palatial six-bedroom apartments with private pools. A water taxi shuttles guests around the 22-acre property, which includes a restaurant, gym, tennis, and two pools. The spacious units are ideal for families and those who prefer to self-cater, but the location is secluded and the large property lacks the amenities found at upscale hotels. Those seeking a more intimate atmosphere might enjoy Little Good Harbour.
The Sandpiper is a 48-room, family-owned resort on the ritzy west coast of Barbados. It's hard to find fault in the rooms or amenities at this small, colonial-style luxury property. The pool and beach are on the smaller side but they are beautifully landscaped and inviting. The airy rooms have sophisticated tropical style, though some of the ground-floor units do feel less private, and some may mind the lack of TVs. The beach is located on a little inlet and has calm, clear water. Guests regularly rave about the food and service at the hotel’s on-site restaurant as well as Harold’s Beach Bar. The spa is not on-site and located on the hotel’s sister property a short drive up the road.
The Sandpiper is a 48-room, family-owned resort on the ritzy west coast of Barbados. It's hard to find fault in the rooms or amenities at this small, colonial-style luxury property. The pool and beach are on the smaller side but they are beautifully landscaped and inviting. The airy rooms have sophisticated tropical style, though some of the ground-floor units do feel less private, and some may mind the lack of TVs. The beach is located on a little inlet and has calm, clear water. Guests regularly rave about the food and service at the hotel’s on-site restaurant as well as Harold’s Beach Bar. The spa is not on-site and located on the hotel’s sister property a short drive up the road.
Far from the tourist crowds is this mid-range, 10-room guest house, situated in the lesser developed east coast of Barbados. The historic plantation-style home oozes with charm, from the rooms' floor-to-ceiling wood and louvered windows to the bright tropical decor and shared front porch. The grounds, though hilly, have sun loungers and hammocks facing an unspoiled ocean view. Within walking distance are photogenic beaches, tidal pools, and some of the best surf spots in the Caribbean -- along with a few restaurants, though not much in the way of nightlife. Those who want access to an outdoor pool should check out neighboring Atlantis Hotel, though rates will be higher.
Far from the tourist crowds is this mid-range, 10-room guest house, situated in the lesser developed east coast of Barbados. The historic plantation-style home oozes with charm, from the rooms' floor-to-ceiling wood and louvered windows to the bright tropical decor and shared front porch. The grounds, though hilly, have sun loungers and hammocks facing an unspoiled ocean view. Within walking distance are photogenic beaches, tidal pools, and some of the best surf spots in the Caribbean -- along with a few restaurants, though not much in the way of nightlife. Those who want access to an outdoor pool should check out neighboring Atlantis Hotel, though rates will be higher.
If the name “Atlantis” conjures images of the Bahamas’ megaresort, think again. The Atlantis Hotel in Barbados -- a historic property from the 1800s with only eight rooms -- is the polar opposite. (There's also a pair of two-bedroom apartments in a separate building.) The upper-middle-range boutique hotel re-opened in 2009 with elegantly decorated, cottage-like rooms with canopy beds, custom wood furniture and modern amenities -- with a fitting nautical theme. Located on the remote and rocky east coast, its beach is more suitable for surfing than swimming, and a car is recommended to get around the island. The Atlantis (indoor/outdoor) restaurant is popular with locals, and its top-notch varied cuisine comes with outstanding views. Travelers seeking balconies with Atlantic views could try Santosha.
If the name “Atlantis” conjures images of the Bahamas’ megaresort, think again. The Atlantis Hotel in Barbados -- a historic property from the 1800s with only eight rooms -- is the polar opposite. (There's also a pair of two-bedroom apartments in a separate building.) The upper-middle-range boutique hotel re-opened in 2009 with elegantly decorated, cottage-like rooms with canopy beds, custom wood furniture and modern amenities -- with a fitting nautical theme. Located on the remote and rocky east coast, its beach is more suitable for surfing than swimming, and a car is recommended to get around the island. The Atlantis (indoor/outdoor) restaurant is popular with locals, and its top-notch varied cuisine comes with outstanding views. Travelers seeking balconies with Atlantic views could try Santosha.
Set on Barbados’ scenic and undeveloped east coast, mid-range Santosha offers 10 apartment-like studios designed for self-catering stays -- with panoramic nature views to die for. Rooms are huge with king beds, full kitchens, and furnished patios or decks. Activities are pretty much limited to swimming, sun-lounging, and chilling, so action-seekers should stay elsewhere. Massages are available; and in lieu of no on-site restaurant, there’s an “honor system” snack bar, customizable grocery packages (for a fee), and a great local restaurant and mini market nearby. Santosha is a little isolated, but the serenity and views are worth it for travelers craving real R&R. It's also a five-minute walk to a ruggedly beautiful beach (too rough for swimming). Travelers seeking self-contained accommodation closer to action and nightlife could try Lantana Resort on the west coast.
Set on Barbados’ scenic and undeveloped east coast, mid-range Santosha offers 10 apartment-like studios designed for self-catering stays -- with panoramic nature views to die for. Rooms are huge with king beds, full kitchens, and furnished patios or decks. Activities are pretty much limited to swimming, sun-lounging, and chilling, so action-seekers should stay elsewhere. Massages are available; and in lieu of no on-site restaurant, there’s an “honor system” snack bar, customizable grocery packages (for a fee), and a great local restaurant and mini market nearby. Santosha is a little isolated, but the serenity and views are worth it for travelers craving real R&R. It's also a five-minute walk to a ruggedly beautiful beach (too rough for swimming). Travelers seeking self-contained accommodation closer to action and nightlife could try Lantana Resort on the west coast.
Reasonable rates and a convenient location make the Butterfly Beach Hotel an attractive option for budget travelers. The rooms are basic and typical of a budget property, with dated decor and sparse furnishings, although some have ocean views and kitchenettes. Located near bustling Oistins and the St. Lawrence Gap on the popular South Coast, the hotel is close to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. The atmosphere around the pools and restaurant is lively and busy, although the pool can feel crowded. The two beach access points on either side of the hotel lead to a small and rocky beach, but there are calmer and more spacious stretches of sand a short walk away. Potential guests may also want to consider the Coconut Court Beach Hotel, another value property located in nearby Hastings on a gorgeous beach that is spacious, shaded, and scenic. Silver Point Hotel, another value property, has more updated, modern rooms but a less central location.
Reasonable rates and a convenient location make the Butterfly Beach Hotel an attractive option for budget travelers. The rooms are basic and typical of a budget property, with dated decor and sparse furnishings, although some have ocean views and kitchenettes. Located near bustling Oistins and the St. Lawrence Gap on the popular South Coast, the hotel is close to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. The atmosphere around the pools and restaurant is lively and busy, although the pool can feel crowded. The two beach access points on either side of the hotel lead to a small and rocky beach, but there are calmer and more spacious stretches of sand a short walk away. Potential guests may also want to consider the Coconut Court Beach Hotel, another value property located in nearby Hastings on a gorgeous beach that is spacious, shaded, and scenic. Silver Point Hotel, another value property, has more updated, modern rooms but a less central location.
Cobblers Cove is a boutique luxury hideaway that blends British Colonial elegance with Caribbean island chic on a pristine (albeit narrow) aqua beachfront. Set amongst lush gardens, 44 delightful suites feature separate living areas and folding doors that lead to large patios with panoramic views. Intimate atmosphere and exceptional service attract many return guests, as does Camelot -- revered as one of the island’s finest restaurants. Perks like free water sports (including water skiing), afternoon tea in the grand Great House, and luxurious touches like twice daily maid service merely hint at the delicious surprises on offer here. The vibe is typically calm and classy, but peace-seeking adults may be advised to stay during the adult-only period from January through March. Travelers seeking boutique luxury with zero kids could try The House by Elegant Hotels -- but rates are much higher.
Cobblers Cove is a boutique luxury hideaway that blends British Colonial elegance with Caribbean island chic on a pristine (albeit narrow) aqua beachfront. Set amongst lush gardens, 44 delightful suites feature separate living areas and folding doors that lead to large patios with panoramic views. Intimate atmosphere and exceptional service attract many return guests, as does Camelot -- revered as one of the island’s finest restaurants. Perks like free water sports (including water skiing), afternoon tea in the grand Great House, and luxurious touches like twice daily maid service merely hint at the delicious surprises on offer here. The vibe is typically calm and classy, but peace-seeking adults may be advised to stay during the adult-only period from January through March. Travelers seeking boutique luxury with zero kids could try The House by Elegant Hotels -- but rates are much higher.
The upper-middle-range, 135-room Almond Beach is a long-time favorite for families -- multiple generations, even -- and its history as a sugar plantation give the all-inclusive resort a touch of charm where others feel cookie-cutter. Comfortable rooms are outfitted in traditional decor and balconies either facing the sea or pool. Most notable is the hotel's long stretch of sandy beach and six outdoor pools surrounded by loungers. Also available are free non-motorized water sports, kids' clubs, a spa, and sports facilities. Three restaurants and a handful of bars are included in the price; snacks are offered between meals to stave off hunger. Couples may prefer the nearby adult-only Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa, which is more peaceful and has all-inclusive packages, but isn't along the beach. Note that starting July 1, 2017, the resort will close for renovations.
The upper-middle-range, 135-room Almond Beach is a long-time favorite for families -- multiple generations, even -- and its history as a sugar plantation give the all-inclusive resort a touch of charm where others feel cookie-cutter. Comfortable rooms are outfitted in traditional decor and balconies either facing the sea or pool. Most notable is the hotel's long stretch of sandy beach and six outdoor pools surrounded by loungers. Also available are free non-motorized water sports, kids' clubs, a spa, and sports facilities. Three restaurants and a handful of bars are included in the price; snacks are offered between meals to stave off hunger. Couples may prefer the nearby adult-only Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa, which is more peaceful and has all-inclusive packages, but isn't along the beach. Note that starting July 1, 2017, the resort will close for renovations.
This plantation-style home has 10 rooms on the more remote northwest coast of Barbados and is a five-minute walk from two beaches. The friendly owners -- often with the help of their kids -- run the show and provide enough memorable hospitality to pull in a steady stream of repeat guests (many from England). Rooms are large and tastefully furnished, and there's a lovely freshwater pool surrounded by loungers. A cooked-to-order breakfast is included in rates and guests can have pre-dinner cocktails before heading to popular restaurants nearby. Note that children under 12 aren't allowed. If a beachfront setting is a deal-breaker, consider the similarly styled Almond Beach Resort, though it lacks the Bayfield's intimate, personal atmosphere.
This plantation-style home has 10 rooms on the more remote northwest coast of Barbados and is a five-minute walk from two beaches. The friendly owners -- often with the help of their kids -- run the show and provide enough memorable hospitality to pull in a steady stream of repeat guests (many from England). Rooms are large and tastefully furnished, and there's a lovely freshwater pool surrounded by loungers. A cooked-to-order breakfast is included in rates and guests can have pre-dinner cocktails before heading to popular restaurants nearby. Note that children under 12 aren't allowed. If a beachfront setting is a deal-breaker, consider the similarly styled Almond Beach Resort, though it lacks the Bayfield's intimate, personal atmosphere.