Learn More About Barbados and Our Favourite Hotels
Thanks to its British colonial past, Barbados is an enticing mix of the familiar and exotic: dotted with Anglican churches and cricket pitches, surrounded by green monkeys chattering in palm trees. Famous as the playground of celebrities and royalty, it is certainly glamorous and vibrant, but there are many more facets to this particular Caribbean jewel.
The so-called ‘platinum’ west coast is where many of the luxury resorts and hotels can be found, scattered along the long, white sands and calm turquoise sea. The east coast is more rugged and sparsely populated, with Atlantic winds and strong currents making it a magnet for surfers. As a coral island, there are some superb snorkelling and diving sites, teeming with sealife and stunning reef formations.
Barbados is a haven for golfers, with numerous world class courses to enjoy, and it’s also home to many international sporting occasions, including horse racing, polo, cricket and sailing. So, whether you’re a spectator or a competitor, you can get your fix right here on the island and we can tailor-make your holiday around a sporting passion.
If gastronomy is more your thing, the rich epicurean heritage of Barbados is worthy of discovery. As the self-professed culinary capital of the Caribbean, there is so much to tease your tastebuds, from incredible street food to upscale restaurants, and everything in between. This island certainly knows how to celebrate too, with exuberant carnivals and festivals throughout the year. What’s more, as the birthplace of rum, Barbados is home to many distilleries, including the world famous Mount Gay which was founded in 1703.
Thanks to its position as the easternmost island in the Lesser Antilles, Barbados has a calm, tropical climate where there are few weather extremes. It enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and balmy sea temperatures, with relatively low rainfall. The wettest season is June to October, but even then showers tend to be short lived and the mercury rarely drops below 25°C. With a flight time of just 8.5 hours from the UK, and direct connections from London, Manchester and Glasgow, this island paradise is a dream truly within your reach.
Our Favourite Hotels
Sandy Lane
Sandy Lane is as famous as some of its guests, and it’s easy to see why. Situated on the exquisite west coast of Barbados and offering the very highest levels of luxury, this resort is as effortlessly elegant and glamorous as renowned guest Jackie Kennedy. If you’re seeking privacy, relaxation, indulgence, impeccable service and facilities beyond compare, look no further than Sandy Lane.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Built in the style of a traditional plantation house and recently renovated extensively, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion feels steeped in heritage yet with state-of-the-art facilities. The hotel offers a range of complimentary activities and amenities, including such unforgettable wonders as swimming with turtles (available daily). Just steps from the beach, this resort is designed to be the ultimate holiday hideaway.
The House
This barefoot resort is a couples-only paradise on the famed west coast of Barbados, with a huge variety of inclusive services. Start your stay with a complimentary jetlag massage or yoga session; feel exhilarated by the motorised watersports or get inspired at a cookery or floristry workshop; then, why not take the free water taxi to nearby restaurants? The House offers a truly personalised luxury holiday experience.
Colony Club
A sister resort to The House, the Colony Club has a timeless elegance which is both relaxing and invigorating. The emphasis is on a healthy, active lifestyle, from the myriad of complimentary sporting activities to nutrient-rich cuisine which incorporates herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s organic garden. Rest assured though, when you want to wind down, the beach ambassadors are there to cater for your every whim.
Sea Breeze
Sea Breeze Beach House is a premium all-inclusive resort situated on the south coast of Barbados, in the popular St Lawrence Gap area. With 1,000 feet of white sandy beach and a laidback vibe, this hotel offers something for all the family, including a kids’ club, teens’ club and teen activity programme. Meanwhile, mum and dad can indulge in the in-room spa treatments or relax in the adults-only Jacuzzi.