Southern Surf Beach Apartments

Housed in a four-story apartment building and a residential-style dwelling -- both dressed in soft sunny yellow -- the Southern Surf Beach Apartments sit on a corner block, opposite one of the island’s most picturesque beaches. All rooms look out over tall trees, including a sprawling poinciana, a tiki bar offering cheap buckets of beer, and the beach itself. Its studios are housed in the main building -- with angular white-balustrade balconies that capitalize on the view. The reception area (downstairs), and the one-bedroom unit (upstairs) occupy the adjacent building. Apartments are self-contained, and guests are pretty much on their own program here, but Andrew and Suzanne, the brother and sister owners, will happily arrange taxis and excursions for guests. (Suzanne’s vibrant beach-inspired artworks can be seen around the property.)The vibe is chill and low-key -- guests are either out and about (probably at the beach), chilling on their balconies, or taking dips in the pool. Clientele range from families to couples of all ages to small groups. Rockley Beach (arguably one of the island’s most beautiful) is across the road, and the tiki bar offers deck seating. Guests should keep an eye out for sea turtles, which are known to bury their eggs along this stretch of beach. The water culminates in a calm little bay that’s perfect for swimming, and sometimes surfing -- surfing lessons are available.

Southern Surf Beach Apartments is located directly opposite Rockley Beach, in the heart of the south coast, about a 20-minute drive to Grantley Adams International Airport. It’s about a five-minute drive to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, and to the island’s nightlife hub, St. Lawrence Gap. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops up and down the coast road that are within walking distance or a short drive away. It’s a 12-minute drive to Oistins Fish Fry -- a Friday night, fresh-seafood fest that’s a must for visitors to the island. 

Set over four levels, Southern Surf Beach Apartments' 18 units are spacious, but their simple decor is somewhat dated. All are designed for function -- with sitting/living areas, dining tables, work desks, and full kitchens. There are two room types available -- Standard Studios and Deluxe Studios, in addition to the Southern View House, which offers an expansive one-bedroom layout with a sweeping veranda. The higher the category, the larger the space. Decor blends white and wooden furniture with bold splashes of color in fabrics and on walls -- rooms are painted in vibrant feature colors or adorned with bright, beachy artworks. Studios have furnished balconies with glimpses of the sea, and the full kitchens have gas stoves, microwaves, large refrigerators, coffeemakers, toasters, and kettles, among other equipment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and individual soaps are provided. All rooms are air-conditioned, and come with flat-screen TVs, irons and ironing boards, safes, beach towels, and hairdryers. The property sits right next to the main coast road, and guests have complained about road noise at night, but we didn't experience any disruptions on our visit. The elevator is for luggage only, and travelers with limited mobility would be advised to request lower-floor units. 

As a property offering self-contained apartments, Southern Surf is light on features. There's a lap-size pool with deck chairs and floating equipment. The lobby offers a computer and printing station, and several brochures on local activities and tours, which management will book for guests, are on display. Shared local telephones are located on each floor with direct contact numbers for the owners should guests get locked out or require assistance. Guests are free to use the phones for local calls too, and loaner cellphones are also provided to guests -- call credit can be purchased at the front desk. Free Wi-Fi is included throughout the property, along with free on-site parking. There's also an on-site laundry for guests' use.