Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels

Although the amenities and rooms at Turtle Beach are upscale, the property has an informal, unpretentious feel. There is a good mix of guests, including young couples, retired folks, and families. Service is friendly and accommodating.

A large pool complex lies at the center of a property, with a winding main pool, separate whirlpools, and a children’s splash pool. The area is nicely landscaped with palm trees, gardens, and a walkway bridge that goes over the pool. There are lounge chairs set up around the pool, on a sandy area next to the Waterfront Restaurant, and the beach. The property is situated on Dover Beach, which is one of the highest-rated beaches on the island. Many guests report seeing baby turtles.

The Waterfront Restaurant has a popular bar, which many folks gather around during the day. There is another large pool on the other side of the restaurant. There is entertainment some nights, although guests report that it varies in quality. The Saint Lawrence Gap has plenty of bars and nightlife entertainment. 

Located on the South Coast of Barbados, on the popular and touristy St. Lawrence Gap, Turtle Beach is within walking distance to some of the area’s best restaurants, bars, and entertainment. The resort has a large beachfront on Dover Beach, one of the most highly-rated beaches in Barbados. The resort is a 15-minute drive from both Bridgetown and the airport. 

The 161 suites at Turtle Beach are broken up into two categories: Junior Suites and One-Bedroom Suites. The Junior Suites have one large room with a king bed, while the One-Bedroom Suites each have a separate bedroom and large living room. All suites have patios or balconies. 

The furnishings in the suites are basic but contemporary. Modern white bedding and wood furniture contrast with colorful blue and green accent pillows, bed runners, and chairs. Floors are of white tile. The bathrooms are clean and functional, but nothing special. Shower/tub combos with beige tile each have a glass half door (which is a bit inconvenient when turning on the water -- it means guests have to get wet before it heats up). There are also single-sink vanities and basic toiletries. Hairdryers are not in the bathrooms, but rather just outside -- in the Junior Suites, they are mounted on the wall by a full-length mirror, and in the One-Bedroom Suites, they are mounted next to a sit-down vanity area. 

The rooms come with iPod docking stations, mini-fridges, and safes.

Turtle Beach has two pool areas – a main, curvy pool that twists through the complex with multiple seating areas, gardens, palm trees, and a small bridge, as well as a popular large rectangular side pool that has loungers and umbrellas set up around the perimeter. Both spaces are clean and inviting and have enough chairs to accommodate guests.

The hotel has a 1,500-foot stretch of beach located a short walk down a scenic wood path. Lounge chairs facing the ocean are lined up on a sandy area between the beach and pool. The beach is beautiful with white sand and clear, warm, and turquoise blue water. Like many beaches in Barbados, the calmness of the water varies and the waves were a bit rough during our visit. There are cushioned loungers, each with its own overhang, lined up on the beach.

Other amenities include a large fitness center with multiple treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, strength machines, free weights, and balance balls. Tennis courts are also on the property. The hotel has an Internet cafe that is free to use. 

There is a small game room with a ping-pong table, pool table, and foosball. Located off the game room is a sizable kids' club. Open daily, the club has mats, tables, crafts, games, and plenty of activities.

For those who want an adult-only all-inclusive experience, The Club, Barbados Resort and Spa, is the only adult-only all-inclusive on the island.

• Chelonia is a huge open-air restaurant located downstairs from the lobby (the lobby looks down on it), serving international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some guests complain that the birds around the hotel are a bit too friendly and steal your food if you leave the table.
• Waterfront is an open-air restaurant with casual, nautical decor located near the beach and the pool. It's open for lunch and dinner, and also has a popular bar area with a TV. 
• Asiago’s is the most formal option, and is upstairs from the lobby. It serves Italian cuisine and is open for dinner only.

Turtle Beach offers multiple wedding packages that can include the ceremony, minister, photographer, flowers, wedding cake, and bridal hair and make-up. It also has vow renewal and honeymoon packages.