12 Best Barbados Resorts for the Perfect Beach Vacation

Last Updated 21 Nov 2024 by Fiona Perisone

Our Top Rated Stays

The House by Elegant Hotels thumbnail

Best Adults-Only Resort

A four-star resort with a great location with plenty of complimentary water sports. Super friendly and attentive staff, luxurious atmosphere, and excellent food.

ECO Lifestyle + Lodge thumbnail

Best Eco-Conscious

A three-star boutique hotel that is situated far from the tourist crowds. The historic plantation-style home oozes chic island style and offers delicious healthy food.

St. Peter's Bay Luxury Resort and Residences thumbnail

Best for Families

A four-start hotel that is fantastic for a family escape. The Caribbean-style villas are spacious and luxurious, with superb onsite facilities and friendly staff.

More Recommended Stays

In need of a Caribbean getaway? Check Barbados off your bucket list!

The easternmost Caribbean island is known for its breathtaking island scenery and unique blend of Caribbean, West African, and British influences. Its pink sand beaches and teal blue waters are highly sought after by travelers around the globe.


Head to the serene Western coast for a romantic retreat or enjoy the Eastern side's rugged seascapes on a fun-filled family vacation. With our guide to the best resorts in Barbados, planning your next island getaway has never been easier!

The Best Resorts in Barbados

The House by Elegant Hotels

Best Adults-Only Resort

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Spa
  • Boating
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Free Parking
Overall Rating: 
4.6/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

As an adults-only resort, The House by Elegant Hotels offers guests a restorative escape from work, kids, and the chaos of everyday life. It's the perfect place for a honeymoon, anniversary, or couples retreat. As part of the All-Inclusive by Marriott program, the intimate boutique resort has everything you need for an exceptional stay: romantic beachfront accommodations, delicious dining options, a first-rate wellness spa, and unparalleled access to the famed Platinum Coast.


Start your day with complimentary champagne breakfast (after oversleeping on your plush cotton linens) before heading off to the spa for a jet lag revival massage or to the golf course for some friendly seaside competition). Then, enjoy afternoon tea or evening canapes as you lounge poolside or work up your tan on the beach.


The House by Elegant Hotels is located only a short drive from the Grantley Adams International Airport and the nearby town of St. James, allowing guests to get an authentic taste of Caribbean culture in a short amount of time. The 24-hour ambassador service can recommend renowned restaurants, vibrant nightlife spots, and exciting water sports excursions you can reach via complimentary water taxi.

Pros:

  • The service was above and beyond
  • The champagne breakfast and afternoon tea is included
  • Spacious beachfront 

Cons:

  • The selection of food offered was generally good but not consistent
  • Lack of food choices

ECO Lifestyle + Lodge

Best Eco-Conscious

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Airport Transportation
  • Gift Shop
  • Couples Massage
  • Non-Smoking Hotel
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Free Parking
  • Restaurant
Overall Rating: 
4.8/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

If the main reason you're headed to Barbados is to enjoy the unique scenery, book a stay at the ECO Lifestyle + Lodge. The intimate boutique hotel is located on the idyllic East Coast of Barbados, where visitors can enjoy sweeping ocean views while helping conserve their breathtaking surroundings.


Conceived by two New York natives, its ten guest rooms offer overworked travelers a meaningful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its deluxe suites boast upcycled mahogany furniture, artisanal bath products, and East-facing windows for stunning sunrise and sunset views. The intimate ECO Restaurant is equally as impressive thanks to an innovative sea and farm-to-table menu created by internationally trained chefs.


But ECO is more than just accommodations. And it's an immersive wellness experience you won't soon forget. Unwind with a massage, meditation, or yoga session at the Zen Gully, or get your adrenaline pumping with a spear-fishing, surfing, or mountain-biking excursion with an experienced local guide. The resort's staff can even design a personalized cleanse or meal plan to nourish your mind, body, and soul truly.

Pros:

  • The staff were great, very friendly
  • Loved the free use of the eco bikes
  • A healthy, sustainable lifestyle with a primarily plant-based and organic menu 
  • A great place to unwind, hike, think

Cons:

  • Rooms could use a upgrade

St. Peter's Bay Luxury Resort and Residences

Best For Families

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Snorkeling
  • Baby Sitting
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Free Parking
Overall Rating: 
5/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

Family is at the core of every experience at St. Peter's Luxury Resort and Residences in Barbados. The all-inclusive resort offers babysitting services, mouthwatering culinary options, and endless amenities for a truly enjoyable stay. Each luxurious beachfront villa features a private spa pool, laundry area, fully-equipped kitchen, and outdoor dining terrace to help you feel at home when you step through the door.


Thanks to comprehensive concierge service and a lucrative northeastern location, you've got everything you need for an unforgettable family vacation right at your fingertips. Unwind on a private stretch of the pristine white sand beach, practice your swing in the golf simulator, or spend the day relaxing at the wellness spa. The kids will love the winding, lagoon-style pool and array of water sports activities. Hop aboard the resort's water taxi to enjoy stunning coastline views as you travel island-style to nearby restaurants and shopping.

Pros:

  • Great location. Right over the water and steps from the beach and the restaurant.
  • The furnishings are lovely and clean and crisp
  • Amazing service
  • Superb food
  • Complimentary daily boat rides
  • A place that can satisfy all ages

Cons:

  • Not small and intimate

Cobblers Cove

Best Honeymoon Spot

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Airport Transportation
  • Free Breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Free Parking
  • Diving
Overall Rating: 
4.5/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

If you're searching for the best honeymoon spot in Barbados, look no further than Cobblers Cove. In 2021, the tranquil Barbados resort was recognized as one of Fodor's Top 101 Hotels in the World and earned a spot on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List. Just wait until you see the turquoise blue waters and crisp white sand!


Everywhere you go, romance is in the air. The resort's staff is more than happy to organize private boat rides, his-and-hers massages, candlelit dinners on the beach, and other romantic activities that make for a truly memorable stay.


With only forty suites in total, Cobbler's Cover offers a level of privacy and seclusion that few Barbados resorts can match. Book your honeymoon stay in the Collection or Camelot Suite at the Great House, complete with plush four-poster beds, private plunge pools, and sun-soaked rooftop terraces. Once you've worked up an appetite, head to the seafront restaurant to enjoy the resort's signature Cobblers Cooler cocktail and a delicious meal made using fresh local ingredients.

Pros:

  • Steps from the beach and the restaurant
  • The staffs are super friendly and accommodating
  • The food is superb, and all served in a lovely waterfront restaurant
  • Compliment daily boat rides

Cons:

  • Gym can feel outdated

Most Luxurious

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Free Parking
  • Baby Sitting
  • Free Breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Boating
Overall Rating: 
4.5/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

For travelers with more refined tastes, there's Barbados' O2 Beach Club and Spa. The all-inclusive luxury resort offers thoughtfully curated amenities, gourmet dining experiences, and daily activities that make for a truly restorative stay. Tucked along the South Coast, its serene beaches and deluxe accommodations offer the perfect escape from reality.


You'll feel rejuvenated from the moment you step foot into your beachfront accommodations. When you're ready to soak up the sun, head to one of the resort's three pools— or to the dazzling white sand beaches located just steps away. The all-inclusive resort offers a 24-hour gym, sun-soaked lounge terrace, swim-up bar, and five upscale dining options for the perfect balance of relaxation and fun.


Guests can also enjoy a complimentary round of golf at the nearby Barbados Golf Club, complete with courtesy club hire and roundtrip transportation. While the resort offers plenty of other daily activities and excursions to take advantage of, you'll want to leave yourself ample time to unwind at the Acqua Spa. The eighth-floor sanctuary offers a full range of wellness treatments, including an exclusive Hammam experience that makes it one of the most highly sought-after spas on the island.

Pros:

  • Food is superb
  • Located on a beautiful property
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • An intimate experience

Cons:

  • Best to book activities ahead (such as sailing)
  • All bars close at 10 pm

Sugar Bay Barbados Resort

Most Romantic

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Free Breakfast
  • Baby Sitting
  • Restaurant
  • Diving
Overall Rating: 
4.5/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

Sugar Bay Barbados is undoubtedly one of the island's most romantic resorts. The all-inclusive oasis features first-rate accommodations, four on-site restaurants, and a plethora of activities for guests of all ages. Located within walking distance of Bridgetown's South Coast Boardwalk, it's perfect for couples looking to explore outside the resort too.


If you're looking to relax, head to Karma Spa for a restorative wellness treatment before hitting the beach or enjoying a cocktail at the swim-up pool bar. When it comes time for dinner, enjoy modern Caribbean cuisine with a romantic dinner at the Sizzle Steakhouse, an international buffet at the Reef Restaurant, or Asian-fusion delicacies at UMI. Then, cap off the night with unlimited cocktails at The Mongoose Pub or a sunset walk on the beach.

Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant local culture, the resort offers plenty of fun things to do in Barbados. Breathe in the sea air as you stroll down the South Coast Boardwalk to the capital city of Bridgetown. There, you can shop until you drop, tee off at the Barbados Golf Club, or explore the region's history at the Garrison UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers can explore the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, book a scuba diving tour, or surf the world-class waves at the Soup Bowl. No matter how you choose to spend your time, it's sure to be memorable!

Pros:

  • A very well maintained and classy all the way
  • Nice beach
  • Offers an amazing afternoon tea experience

Cons:

  • Food on site can be expensive

Most Relaxing

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Golf Course
  • Baby Sitting
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Restaurant
  • Free Parking
Overall Rating: 
4.7/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

The Sandy Lane Caribbean Resort offers a sense of privacy and luxury that makes it unlike any other all-inclusive resort in Barbados. Located along a quiet stretch of private beachfront property, its grand Palladian buildings, sports facilities, and award-winning spa offer a meaningful escape from the noise of everyday life. For a truly lavish stay, book the Caribbean spa resort's five-person, 7,300-square-foot private villa, complete with a dedicated butler, resident chef, and complimentary use of a vehicle.


While there's plenty to do at the resort, staff are more than happy to help plan an excursion or coordinate transportation to one of the three exceptional golf courses nearby: The Old Nine and Tom Fazio's The Country Club, and the world-renowned Green Monkey. Then, enjoy a meal overlooking the St. James coast at one of the resort's four restaurants.


But what truly sets Sandy Lane apart from other Barbados resorts is its 47,000-square-foot spa. In fact, it was recently voted the #1 hotel spa in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas by Travel + Leisure. The sprawling wellness center boasts an impressive marble-covered reception area and spacious changing rooms that'll put your mind at ease before you even step foot into one of the luxurious treatment suites. Spa-goers can choose from a complete menu of spa services and wellness treatments that draw on global traditions, from local Barbadian customs to European massages to Indian Aryuvedic philosophies.

Pros:

  • Well maintained property
  • Rooms are spacious and feel luxurious
  • Amazing staff
  • Delicious afternoon tea that's worthy of checking out

Cons:

  • The spa is only available for hotel guests

Hilton Barbados Resort

Most Beautiful Settings

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Free Parking
  • Baby Sitting
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Restaurant
  • Diving
Overall Rating: 
4.4/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

For someone who is looking for a resort with a great view, you can get better than Hilton Barbados Resort. All the rooms at this resort are designed and offer private balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea!


Set on a gorgeous peninsula with two white sand beaches and beach massages, Hilton Barbados Resort is a dream come true for travelers in search of adventure, a place to soak up the sun and stunning natural beauty.


Whether you are adventuring with family or children, there is an outdoor pool and a children's pool for you to enjoy, along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas to lounge and relax on. And if you need some alone time without kids, children's services and childcare are available! If you are a spa-goer, be sure to check out the massages, especially the ones on the beach. When it comes to meal time, check out each of the three restaurants that overlook the turquoise water of the Caribbean and unique atmosphere with an array of savory cuisine and boutique-brand drinks.

Pros:

  • Beautiful view
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Housekeeping is amazing
  • Plenty of beachfront to lay around

Cons:

  • Limited food choices and pricey

Exclusive For Couples

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Spa
  • Airport Transportation
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Diving
Overall Rating: 
4/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

Barbados is home to spectacular landscapes that change dramatically from one town to the next, with activities and entertainment for nature lovers, club-goers, and adventurers alike. For couples who are looking for couples exclusive hotels, then Sandals Royal Barbados may just be for you.


The all-inclusive Sandals Barbados resort allows you to escape to an exotic gem on vacation in Barbados, where deep caverns and monkey-populated forests abound against the setting of white-sand beaches and sparkling seas. The adults-only resorts feature Sandals' first-ever rooftop pool, first craft beer garden, and gourmet dining at 20 unique restaurants.


Take advantage of the complimentary breakfast buffet, free roundtrip airport shuttle, and poolside bars. Whether you enjoy a drink by the poolside bar, hang out in beach cabanas, or get relaxing beach massages, you have a ray to select. When you are ready to venture out, check out kayaking, windsurfing, or rowing/ canoeing.

Pros:

  • Outstanding service
  • So many great restaurants to choose from

Cons:

  • The pool can get noisy and busy
  • Airport arrival can be unorganized
  • Service can be slow

Coral Reef Club

Best Boutique Hotel

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Spa
  • Baby Sitting
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Snorkeling
Overall Rating: 
4.5/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

For contemporary travelers who want to enjoy a home-away-from-home experience, Coral Reef Club may just be what you are looking for. Set on a beautifully landscaped garden on the Calm West Coast of Barbados in historic Holetown.


A family-owned- and-run luxury hotel, Coral Reef Club, is an award-winning five-star luxury boutique hotel recognized as one of the best hotels in Barbados.


Located just a 15-minute walk from historic Holetown with its array of restaurants and boutiques and a short drive from some popular beach bars. All the accommodations are traditionally designed with wooden balustrading, fretwork, and shutters. When it's time to eat, check out the elegant dining prepared by professional chefs with experience in some of the finest European and Caribbean restaurants.

Pros:

  • Staffs are kind and friendly
  • Delicious food
  • Excellent beach access

Cons:

  • Service can be inconsistent

Crystal Cove By Elegant Hotels

Best All Inclusive Resort

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Spa
  • Baby Sitting
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Boating
Overall Rating: 
4.5/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

An all-inclusive resort is a great way to save money and spend time finding places to eat. Vacation time is valuable time. Why lose that time planning and researching when you can spend that time with your loved ones? Crystal Cove By Elegant Hotels will take care of it all so you can lounge by the poolside or indulge in the delicious dining.


Many look forward to premium dining when it comes to an all-inclusive resort. You can sit back and enjoy the delicious food with three restaurants and bars on-site with oceanfront and pool views. When you feel up for an adventure, get access to thrilling water sports like snorkeling, sailing, tube riding, waterskiing, banana boat, and stand up paddle boarding. Or enjoy customized tours and excursions to play on and off Crystal Cove.

Pros:

  • Fantastic staff. Friendly, helpful, and polite
  • Delicious food with a large selections
  • Hotels feel very cozy and welcoming
  • Various watersports are available, and free

Cons:

  • Kids' food options can be limited and can be unhealthy
  • Services can be a hit or miss

Fairmont Royal Pavilion

Best With Breakfast

Available Amenities:

  • Wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Spa
  • Baby Sitting
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Boating
Overall Rating: 
4.5/5 stars

Cost

Cleanliness

Value

Location

Service

Between its beachfront restaurants and the verdant gardens that pepper the property, Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados, offers the irresistible beauty of the island at every turn. Between the lush, mature gardens and the perfect position on the idyllic Alleyne's Bay beach, you will enjoy the most unique and rewarding experience, from gorgeous first-light views of the bay to the most stunning sunsets.


Located in St. James Parish, Fairmont Royal Pavilion features 72 ocean view rooms and an exceptional three-bedroom family-style villa, exuding a modern sophistication while embracing a traditional Caribbean charm. Offer services like watersports, babysitting, and fine dining. Making this hotel the perfect spot for a romantic getaway or family vacation.

Pros:

  • Exceptional service as the room attendants check-in day and night to ensure your room is tidy and you have water/ bar restocked.
  • Friendly and polite staff
  • Beautiful beach
  • Great restaurants with a view
  • Very quiet resort

Cons:

  • Service can be slow

About the Author

Fiona is a veteran travel consultant, photographer and travel writer at planetrider.com. She has spent many years as a corporate travel consultant and decided to actually live the life rather than plan it for others!

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