Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels

The stark white entrance of the Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels doesn’t look like much from the outside and can be hard to find. The property is actually split into two buildings on opposite sides of the road: the Ocean House and the Spa House. The Ocean House has an airy lobby decorated in a chic, beachy style -- think plush, white couches with wooden frames, driftwood-like touches in lamps and walls, and armchairs made of woven natural fibers. Past the lobby is the stylish but understated lounge where free drinks are served all day. The lounge, with a restaurant on each end, leads out onto a nice terrace overlooking the ocean. Here, couples can be found chilling on the cabanas with a good book and rum punch; at night, twinkling lights make it a romantic place to watch the sunset before dinner. Continue along the terrace to find stairs to the beach. Though all beaches in Barbados are public, this one in particular feels more private, as it juts out along Prospect Bay with a fantastic swimming area. Guests need to cross a street to get to the other building, the Spa House, where the third restaurant, adults-only pool, spa, and remaining rooms are located.

Centrally located on Highway 1 between Holetown and Bridgetown in Barbados, Waves is within easy driving distance of local sites, though guests will want to return to the hotel for its beautiful “gold coast” sunsets. A public bus stops in either direction, just steps from the property. Waves Hotel has changed names several times over the years (Waves Hotel Saint James, Escape At Prospect Bay Hotel, Escape Hotel Spa Barbados), so taxi drivers may not recognize the name, but they will know the property, located in the heart of St. James, along Prospect Bay.

• Five-minute drive to Holetown for restaurants and shopping
• Seven-minute drive to Sandy Lane Country Club and golf courses
• 10-minute drive to Bridgetown
• 11-minute drive to Royal Westmoreland Golf Course
• 12-minute drive to Limegrove shopping mall and movie theater
• 15-minute drive to Speightstown
• 15-minute drive to Harrison's Cave
• 16-minute drive to Flower Forest Botanical Gardens
• 20-minute drive to St. Lawrence Gap
• 25-minute drive to Soup Bowl surfing area
• 26-minute drive to Oistins Fish Fry
• 30-minute drive to Grantley Adams International Airport

Waves' 70 rooms are situated in two separate buildings: The Ocean House, which is the family section overlooking the beach, and the Spa Building, which is located across the street and houses the spa and adults-only pool. Rooms in both sections are decorated with a contemporary but minimalist flair that incorporates local elements to create beachy, chic spaces. White duvets and walls are accented with a palette of soothing neutrals and blues. Driftwood accents decorate walls, while polished wooden floors add elegance. Big windows open to balconies furnished with chairs and offer either island, ocean, or resort views.

Standard amenities are up-to-date and upscale, and include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges with free water (fully stocked minibars in suites), Bluetooth speakers, tea-making facilities, safes, and multi-device chargers. Robes and yoga mats are also provided in all rooms, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. All rooms are outfitted with king beds, as well as sofa beds for additional guests. The Waves Hotel Barbados Split Level Rooms have separate bedrooms and living spaces.

Bathrooms are modern, if a tad plain, with walk-in rainfall showers, vessel sinks over long counters, and beige floor tiles matching the frames of the long mirrors placed above the sink area.

The hotel is located on a lovely, sandy beach dotted with loungers and umbrellas that guests can use free of charge. Waiter service is available at the beach, as are free motorized and non-motorized water sports. Those who prefer to sit by the pool can choose from two locations: the livelier (but smaller) family pool, or the quieter adults-only pool located in the Spa section across the street.

The spa, also located across the street from the main building, features a sauna and a steam room that guests can use free of charge. Massages and body treatments are covered by the all-inclusive package, but how many depends on room type and length of stay. The fitness center is small but offers enough machines for a quick workout. Yoga and Pilates classes are available daily free of charge.

Other perks included in the price are Wi-Fi, water taxi rides to sister properties along the coast, and a variety of workshops, including mixology and local culture.

Three restaurants -- with seasonal menus -- help keep things interesting for guests at this smaller, all-inclusive hotel. In addition, bartenders pour drinks throughout the day, and there is a small coffee shop with snacks.

Seascape is the main restaurant, located by the beach. It serves a varied buffet as well as a la carte options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cuisine is international with a Mediterranean twist, and there are weekly themed nights that add variety.

Located in the Spa section, Shiso offers pan-Asian flavors for dinner in an open-air setting. Specialties include sashimi, sushi, noodles, and rice bowls.

Daphne’s serves up Italian fare for dinner in a formal space overlooking the ocean. A children’s menu is available as well.

Kyma is the hotel’s coffee shop and deli, offering espresso-based drinks, sweets bites, salads, and sandwiches.