13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in Barbados

The Caribbean island of Barbados is a beach lover’s dream, from the famed surfer waves of Bathsheba on the eastern coast to the broad, glistening beaches on the southern coast lapped by calm surf. With year-round balmy weather and beautiful beach resorts fit for all types of travelers, Rihanna’s birthplace makes for a perfect island getaway.

This English-speaking, easternmost island in the Caribbean stretches 34 kilometers long and 23 kilometers wide, and has a gently rolling landscape with a diverse coastline, sugarcane fields, and jungle-clad mountains.

After a long day chasing waves or exploring tropical forests, take comfort in luxurious villas with soaking tubs overlooking palm-tree-lined, white, sandy beaches.

The island is divided into 11 parishes. In St. Michael parish, Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, lies on the western coast and is a bustling hub with historical attractions, waterfront cafés, shopping, and a lively nightlife ideal for soaking up authentic Bajan spirit. While accommodations are limited in Bridgetown, travelers have plenty of options in the nearby south and west coasts.

The western coast, known as the Platinum Coast, is home to most of the resorts on the island. Accommodations range from unique boutique properties to expansive all-inclusive resorts offering every indulgence.

The south coast is one of the most developed areas in Barbados, and has a happening boardwalk dotted with restaurants and plenty of entertainment; resorts here feature infinity pools, water sports, and other island attractions.

High season in Barbados runs from December through April, and hurricane season is from June through October, although the island rarely sees any storms. Find the best place to stay for your next tropical getaway with our list of the top beach resorts in Barbados.

1. O2 Beach Club & Spa

Accommodation: O2 Beach Club & Spa

Located within walking distance of the happening St. Lawrence Gap, the chic O2 Beach Club & Spa reopened in 2021 after an extensive renovation that also saw its name changing from Ocean Two Resort & Residences.

It is now a luxury boutique, all-inclusive resort that caters mostly to adults but doesn’t deny family’s access. Kids stay free, but there are no child-focused amenities, and two of the three swimming pools, including a river pool, are adults only.

The rooms and suites are elegant and modern affairs. Expect striking designs with fun pops of color and either pool, garden or ocean views from floor-to-ceiling window doors opening onto furnished balconies.

The public spaces are beautiful. The resort is set on a gorgeous stretch of white sand beach and one of the pools overlooks it. There is a full activities program offered and golf is also available.

There are five restaurants that are included in your rate. These range from fine dining to a buffet to small plates served poolside. If you want to set up a romantic private beach dinner, it is available for an extra cost.

You’ll also be given a per adult spa credit (it won’t fully cover most treatments, however) for the Acqua Spa, which has a full range of treatments and Barbados-only Hammam experience.

Address: Maxwell Coast Rd, Christ Church BB15031, Barbados

2. Sandals Royal Barbados

Accommodation: Sandals Royal Barbados

For an all-inclusive, indulgent stay in Barbados, look no further than Sandals Royal Barbados, an all-suite resort in the St. Lawrence Gap, located steps away from Sandals Barbados . This brand new south coast property, opened in late 2017, has 272 butler-serviced Skypool Suites, Swim-up Suites, and Millionaire suites (with plunge pools or swim-up access to the lagoon pool).

It features a 15,000-square-foot Red Lane® Spa and facilities found at no other Sandals location, like a four-lane bowling alley, rooftop pool, and men’s only barbershop. All of the suites have separate living rooms, Carrera marble vanities, and soaking tubs.

The beach is excellent for swimming and sunbathing, and the water is good for water sports, including PADI® certified scuba diving (which comes with the all-inclusive package). Its seven restaurants, combined with the adjacent sister property’s 11 diverse dining options, make it so you never have to leave the grounds during your stay.

Address: SN St. Lawrence Gap, St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados

3. The House by Elegant Hotels – All-Inclusive, Adults Only

Accommodation: The House by Elegant Hotels – All-Inclusive, Adults Only

The adults-only oasis of The House by Elegant Hotels reopened in 2017 with renovated suites and public spaces, and additional 10 brand new contemporary ocean-view junior suites.

Guest rooms at this 5-star property feature mahogany furnishings, rainfall showers, and views of the ocean or gardens. Manicured gardens, koi ponds, an oceanfront pool, and a picture-perfect beachfront with cabanas and loungers make this secluded property in Saint James Parish an ideal romantic hideaway.

Guests receive 24/7 personal ambassador service, and the boutique spa offers a complimentary 30-minute Jet Lag massage upon arrival. Special treats include breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening canapés.

Try water sports like water skiing, paddleboarding, and high-speed tube riding at the full-service beach club. At the on-site waterfront Daphne’s Italian restaurant, chef Michele Blasi hosts cooking demonstrations weekly.

Address: Paynes Bay, St. James BB24023, Barbados

4. Fairmont Royal Pavilion

Accommodation: Fairmont Royal Pavilion

Situated closer to the beach than any other resorts in the area, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion has guest rooms that either have direct access to the half-mile beach or overlook it. Located in St. James Parish, this adults-only pink-hued resort sits on 11 sprawling acres on the west coast of Barbados and has 72 spacious modern rooms and suites, as well as a three-bedroom sea room villa.

Rooms are decorated in soothing beige and taupe hues to match the seaside scenery with Bajan artwork by Sheena Rose. Suites feature soaking tubs and granite vanities in the bathrooms, Nespresso machines, and flat-screen TVs; some have an indoor partition for more privacy.

The resort offers two restaurants, free afternoon tea on the terrace, a freshwater pool, an eight-person Jacuzzi, fitness center, floodlit tennis courts, and complimentary non-motorized water sports and catamaran cruises. Because all the accommodations face west over the ocean, you can take in the incredible Barbados sunsets right from the comfort of your furnished balcony.

Address: Highway 1, Porters, Barbados

5. Saint Peter’s Bay

Accommodation: Saint Peter’s Bay

Saint Peter’s Bay luxury resort features spacious beachfront villas, fine dining, and a plethora of recreational water activities. Located in Speightstown, this 5-star resort offers everything from beachfront villas to a lagoon-style pool, personal training at the fitness center, and kids’ activities like turtle watching right from the beach. Villas feature large terraces with spa pools, full kitchens, and en-suite bedrooms with traditional Barbadian finishes.

The Sandbox Tree Spa, located in the sister property of Port Ferdinand is framed by the bearded fig tree that gave Barbados its name. It provides an ideal escape to refresh and replenish with holistic and Ayurvedic treatments using pure botanical products.

The hotel also offers package deals such as Stay and Dive and Romance packages, and gives free transportation to attractions in the area by water-taxi. Between the two properties, there are a number of dining options, from beachside dining to the marina front.

Address: Road View, Little Battaleys BB26025, Barbados

6. The Crane Resort

Accommodation: The Crane Resort

Sitting on a rocky headland overlooking one of the top beaches in the Caribbean — Crane Beach — the luxurious Crane Resort opened in 1887 on the beautiful southeast coast and is the oldest operating hotel in the Caribbean.

Though it may be old, this St. Philip Parish resort boasts modern amenities and spacious one- and two-bedroom suites and three-bedroom penthouses, most of which come with private pools, rooftop terraces, and lush gardens.

The suites feature marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, full kitchens, and mahogany furnishings. The property also has an adults-only pool and a free-form pool with waterfalls, wading pools, and a Jacuzzi.

Spend your free time shopping or enjoying the amenities at the Crane Village, a 55,000-square-foot retail space with duty-free shopping, alfresco dining, a fitness center, Serenity Spa, and the newly opened Calypso Kids’ Club.

Dine at Zen, a top-rated restaurant in Barbados, serving Thai and Japanese cuisine; L’Azure for Caribbean dishes with international flair; The Carriage House and The Grove for beachside fare; and D’Onofrio’s for delicious Italian cuisine. The gleaming beach can be accessed via 98 steps down a cliff or by taking the resort’s glass-walled elevator.

Address: Diamond Valley BB18079, Barbados

7. Cobblers Cove

Accommodation: Cobblers Cove

The pretty coral pink and white Cobbler Cove is a beachside hotel with 40 uniquely decorated suites with balconies opening to the ocean or shaded gardens. Don’t miss the Relais & Châteaux Camelot restaurant, which is a destination unto itself with island-inspired dishes served at the water’s edge. This slice of paradise in Speightstown on the west coast is an ideal spot for vacationing couples who prefer seclusion in an English country house setting.

Partake in a game of tennis, take a private yoga class, go windsurfing, or swimming with turtles. Arrange a romantic picnic on a secluded beach in collaboration with the kitchen and the water sports team, or join Barker, the hotel’s long-serving fisherman, in search of the catch of the day.

Relax your mind and body with a seaweed scrub or a massage in the tropical Sea Moon Spa.

Address: Road View, Speightstown BB26025, Barbados

8. The Sandpiper

Accommodation: The Sandpiper

Surrounded by lush gardens, the family-owned Sandpiper resort is located on the ritzy western coast of the island in Saint James Parish, and provides 48 tropical-style rooms, two pools, and a quiet stretch of soft sandy beach.

The rooms come with modern furnishings in a black-and-white scheme, and the Tree Top Suites are the resort’s most luxurious accommodations and provide uninterrupted sea views. Each of the suites consists of separate living and sleeping areas, a covered terrace, an open sundeck with a plunge pool, and a luxurious bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower and separate tub.

Guests can take advantage of the tennis court and water sports equipment rentals at the resort. Enjoy food with Caribbean flair at the on-site restaurant. Wednesday evenings, the owners host a party for guests followed by a West Indian/International Buffet. Enjoy barbecue and live steelpan music on Sunday evenings. Free breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi and parking are provided.

Address: Holetown, St. James, BB24017, Barbados

9. Hilton Barbados Resort

Accommodation: Hilton Barbados Resort

Overlooking Needham’s Point Lighthouse and the Caribbean Sea on one side and Carlisle Bay on the other, Hilton Barbados Resort boasts a prime location in Bridgetown. It has 350 well-appointed rooms and suites with private balconies offering beautiful beach or bay views. The high-rise resort is ideal for business travelers, couples, and families, and has an on-site scuba center, infinity swimming pool complex, three tennis courts, four restaurants, and a fitness center.

Hilton Barbados also holds the biggest meeting facility in a hotel on the island. The space, combined with close proximity to Grantley Adams International Airport, makes the property a perfect choice for conferences and weddings.

It’s also within walking distance of the newly listed UNESCO World Heritage site of The Garrison, and boasts one of the largest hotel beaches on the island. The resort also offers a Kidz Paradise Club where children can explore fun indoor and outdoor activities.

Address: Needham’s Point, Bridgetown BB 11000, Barbados

10. Little Arches Boutique Hotel

Accommodation: Little Arches Boutique Hotel

Overlooking pristine Enterprise (Miami) Beach on the southern coast, Little Arches Boutique hotel has been winning the hearts of its guests with its Mediterranean-style accommodations and pale pink walls adorned with whimsical mosaics. Ocean-view suites come with plunge pools or hot tubs on private balconies.

Enjoy views of the Caribbean from the rooftop pool and deck, dine at the al fresco restaurant Café Luna, and relax with a spa treatment in the small spa offering massages and beauty rituals.

Enterprise beach is just a short stroll away, and so are fun water activities and championship golfing at Barbados Golf Club. The hotel’s convenient location in Christ Church Parish makes it easy to experience Friday night Oistins Fish Fry, a top attraction on the island, where you can enjoy delicious food, dancing, and a lively market.

Address: Enterprise Beach Road, Oistins, Barbados

11. Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels

Accommodation: Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels

For those seeking a getaway for a full mind and body relaxation, the newly redesigned Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels is a good choice. At this all-inclusive, adults-only resort on the Platinum Coast, experience freshly prepared meals, activities to unwind, and lovely ocean views.

This 70-room hotel has refreshingly modern rooms with views of the Caribbean. Guests can dine at any of the three on-site restaurants and enjoy nightly entertainment in the lounge. Included with every stay, you’ll get motorized and non-motorized water sports, free Wi-Fi, meals, beverages, and use of the fitness center and water taxi.

Address: Prospect Bay, St. James BB23000, Barbados

12. Sugar Bay Barbados

Accommodation: Sugar Bay Barbados

With a palm-fringed, white-and-pink shore right at its doorstep, the Sugar Bay Barbados resort is a newly renovated all-inclusive property sitting on the south coast of the island. The property’s reef-protected lagoon is appropriate for guests of all ages, whether you want to snorkel, go boogie boarding, or kayaking.

The property has five restaurants, two swimming pools, Karma Spa, and plenty of fun activities for kids. Older kids can have fun at the Clubhouse where they can read, play video games, or watch movies. The Chattel Plaza village (not included in the all-inclusive package) has Zena & Co. hair salon, Silver Fox arcade, Château de Beaute spa, and a game room.

Address: Garrison Historic Area, Hastings, Christ Church Bridgetown, BB15158, Barbados

13. Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels

Accommodation: Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels

The adults-only Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels is a boutique luxury property right on the beach in Paynes Bay.

The resort has just 35 suites that have a modern, art-focused vibe. Expect bright pops of color in the form of turquoise or crimson headboards and color-coordinated pillows on the ultra-comfy beds. The living spaces feature white leather couches, mixed media artwork, and trendy rugs. Other perks include a fridge and a balcony with pool or ocean views.

Amenities here include a free breakfast and a restaurant with a celebrated local chef and outdoor dining area. The resort is known for putting together culinary-meets-art events including pastry-making classes.

There is also a small swimming pool and access to the beach, with sun loungers and umbrellas set up for guests. Activities like snorkeling can be arranged. Yoga classes are also offered and there is often live music.

Address: Hwy 1, Paynes Bay, Barbados

Map of Beach Resorts in Barbados

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Barbados: Though you may never want to leave your beachside villa, venture away from luxurious accommodations to explore the top attractions of Barbados and Barbadian culture. Spend some time getting to know the capital of Bridgetown.

More Caribbean Beaches & Resorts: Some of the best beaches in the world are found on Caribbean Islands. If you are still in the process of deciding where to go, begin with our list of the best beaches in the Caribbean or our feature on the best all-inclusive luxury resorts in the Caribbean. For information on where to go with the kids, have a look at our list of best all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean. For more detailed information on beaches on specific islands, see our articles on the best beaches in Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.