This laid-back, mid-range hotel on the southwest coast of Barbados has 31 studios and apartments, all delivering excellent views of the Caribbean from balconies or terraces. The Worthing Beach location is the property's greatest asset -- along with fully equipped kitchens in every room -- but it might not be enough to offset dated bedspreads and curtains, or the noise of honking cars buzzing along the busy highway. That being said, guests have access to two small, pleasant pools that are shared with the sister property, and there are a casual restaurant and small fitness center on-site. The Southern Palms has a larger beachfront and a spa, but not all rooms have kitchens.
This laid-back, mid-range hotel on the southwest coast of Barbados has 31 studios and apartments, all delivering excellent views of the Caribbean from balconies or terraces. The Worthing Beach location is the property's greatest asset -- along with fully equipped kitchens in every room -- but it might not be enough to offset dated bedspreads and curtains, or the noise of honking cars buzzing along the busy highway. That being said, guests have access to two small, pleasant pools that are shared with the sister property, and there are a casual restaurant and small fitness center on-site. The Southern Palms has a larger beachfront and a spa, but not all rooms have kitchens.
If the name “Atlantis” conjures images of the Bahamas’ megaresort, think again. The Atlantis Hotel in Barbados -- a historic property from the 1800s with only eight rooms -- is the polar opposite. (There's also a pair of two-bedroom apartments in a separate building.) The upper-middle-range boutique hotel re-opened in 2009 with elegantly decorated, cottage-like rooms with canopy beds, custom wood furniture and modern amenities -- with a fitting nautical theme. Located on the remote and rocky east coast, its beach is more suitable for surfing than swimming, and a car is recommended to get around the island. The Atlantis (indoor/outdoor) restaurant is popular with locals, and its top-notch varied cuisine comes with outstanding views. Travelers seeking balconies with Atlantic views could try Santosha.
If the name “Atlantis” conjures images of the Bahamas’ megaresort, think again. The Atlantis Hotel in Barbados -- a historic property from the 1800s with only eight rooms -- is the polar opposite. (There's also a pair of two-bedroom apartments in a separate building.) The upper-middle-range boutique hotel re-opened in 2009 with elegantly decorated, cottage-like rooms with canopy beds, custom wood furniture and modern amenities -- with a fitting nautical theme. Located on the remote and rocky east coast, its beach is more suitable for surfing than swimming, and a car is recommended to get around the island. The Atlantis (indoor/outdoor) restaurant is popular with locals, and its top-notch varied cuisine comes with outstanding views. Travelers seeking balconies with Atlantic views could try Santosha.
Built in 2009, the four-pearl Beach View offers 36 hugely spacious self-catering condos overlooking the beach on the west coast of Barbados. Family managed with warm, welcoming service to match, each of the one-, two- or three-bedroom units comes equipped with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, spacious living area, and most have balconies or terraces -- and gorgeous aqua water views. The pool is a knockout; there’s a beach right across the (busy) street; a bus stop just outside; and some restaurants are within walking distance. A small cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and Monday night barbecues. Weekly cocktail parties are hosted in the manager’s private home. Grocery packs, gourmet frozen meals, spa, and yoga services are all on offer (for a fee). This is a great option for groups and families craving a relaxed, at-home style beach vacation.
Built in 2009, the four-pearl Beach View offers 36 hugely spacious self-catering condos overlooking the beach on the west coast of Barbados. Family managed with warm, welcoming service to match, each of the one-, two- or three-bedroom units comes equipped with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, spacious living area, and most have balconies or terraces -- and gorgeous aqua water views. The pool is a knockout; there’s a beach right across the (busy) street; a bus stop just outside; and some restaurants are within walking distance. A small cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and Monday night barbecues. Weekly cocktail parties are hosted in the manager’s private home. Grocery packs, gourmet frozen meals, spa, and yoga services are all on offer (for a fee). This is a great option for groups and families craving a relaxed, at-home style beach vacation.
The 25-unit Ocean Spray Beach Apartments is a relaxed, lower-middle-range property located in a quiet area near the airport and Surfer's Point -- one of the best spots for surfing in Barbados (rentals and lessons available next door). Though it doesn't have a swimming pool or sandy beach, a grassy lawn has loungers adjacent to the rocky coast for stunning ocean views. Most of the pleasant apartments are studios, though they go up to three-bedroom units; all come with patios (most with ocean views), kitchens or kitchenettes, and dining tables. A simple restaurant is available for breakfast and lunch, and occasional themed dinners, otherwise guests can get groceries from a nearby market or drive to more options. It's worth comparing rates with Rostrevor Hotel, which has a pool, beach, and two restaurants, though some rooms are dated.
The 25-unit Ocean Spray Beach Apartments is a relaxed, lower-middle-range property located in a quiet area near the airport and Surfer's Point -- one of the best spots for surfing in Barbados (rentals and lessons available next door). Though it doesn't have a swimming pool or sandy beach, a grassy lawn has loungers adjacent to the rocky coast for stunning ocean views. Most of the pleasant apartments are studios, though they go up to three-bedroom units; all come with patios (most with ocean views), kitchens or kitchenettes, and dining tables. A simple restaurant is available for breakfast and lunch, and occasional themed dinners, otherwise guests can get groceries from a nearby market or drive to more options. It's worth comparing rates with Rostrevor Hotel, which has a pool, beach, and two restaurants, though some rooms are dated.
Set in the heart of the south coast, directly opposite a beautiful swimming beach, Southern Surf Beach Hotel is a family-owned mid-range property with 18 self-contained, apartment-style studios, and one huge one-bedroom unit. Affordable rates and prime location are the main highlights. Units aren’t fancy, but they’re spacious and well-equipped, with full gas ranges and balconies. There’s an on-site pool, free Wi-Fi, and free on-site local calls, and loaner cellphones (call credits can be purchased at the front desk). Numerous restaurants and bars are within walking distance of the hotel, including a beachfront tiki bar on the other side of the road. This is a solid option for couples, families, and small groups seeking a self-catering "home base." Another self-contained property travelers could consider is the Coral Mist Beach Hotel, with a location right on the beach.
Set in the heart of the south coast, directly opposite a beautiful swimming beach, Southern Surf Beach Hotel is a family-owned mid-range property with 18 self-contained, apartment-style studios, and one huge one-bedroom unit. Affordable rates and prime location are the main highlights. Units aren’t fancy, but they’re spacious and well-equipped, with full gas ranges and balconies. There’s an on-site pool, free Wi-Fi, and free on-site local calls, and loaner cellphones (call credits can be purchased at the front desk). Numerous restaurants and bars are within walking distance of the hotel, including a beachfront tiki bar on the other side of the road. This is a solid option for couples, families, and small groups seeking a self-catering "home base." Another self-contained property travelers could consider is the Coral Mist Beach Hotel, with a location right on the beach.
Cobblers Cove is a boutique luxury hideaway that blends British Colonial elegance with Caribbean island chic on a pristine (albeit narrow) aqua beachfront. Set amongst lush gardens, 44 delightful suites feature separate living areas and folding doors that lead to large patios with panoramic views. Intimate atmosphere and exceptional service attract many return guests, as does Camelot -- revered as one of the island’s finest restaurants. Perks like free water sports (including water skiing), afternoon tea in the grand Great House, and luxurious touches like twice daily maid service merely hint at the delicious surprises on offer here. The vibe is typically calm and classy, but peace-seeking adults may be advised to stay during the adult-only period from January through March. Travelers seeking boutique luxury with zero kids could try The House by Elegant Hotels -- but rates are much higher.
Cobblers Cove is a boutique luxury hideaway that blends British Colonial elegance with Caribbean island chic on a pristine (albeit narrow) aqua beachfront. Set amongst lush gardens, 44 delightful suites feature separate living areas and folding doors that lead to large patios with panoramic views. Intimate atmosphere and exceptional service attract many return guests, as does Camelot -- revered as one of the island’s finest restaurants. Perks like free water sports (including water skiing), afternoon tea in the grand Great House, and luxurious touches like twice daily maid service merely hint at the delicious surprises on offer here. The vibe is typically calm and classy, but peace-seeking adults may be advised to stay during the adult-only period from January through March. Travelers seeking boutique luxury with zero kids could try The House by Elegant Hotels -- but rates are much higher.
The upper-middle-range, 135-room Almond Beach is a long-time favorite for families -- multiple generations, even -- and its history as a sugar plantation give the all-inclusive resort a touch of charm where others feel cookie-cutter. Comfortable rooms are outfitted in traditional decor and balconies either facing the sea or pool. Most notable is the hotel's long stretch of sandy beach and six outdoor pools surrounded by loungers. Also available are free non-motorized water sports, kids' clubs, a spa, and sports facilities. Three restaurants and a handful of bars are included in the price; snacks are offered between meals to stave off hunger. Couples may prefer the nearby adult-only Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa, which is more peaceful and has all-inclusive packages, but isn't along the beach. Note that starting July 1, 2017, the resort will close for renovations.
The upper-middle-range, 135-room Almond Beach is a long-time favorite for families -- multiple generations, even -- and its history as a sugar plantation give the all-inclusive resort a touch of charm where others feel cookie-cutter. Comfortable rooms are outfitted in traditional decor and balconies either facing the sea or pool. Most notable is the hotel's long stretch of sandy beach and six outdoor pools surrounded by loungers. Also available are free non-motorized water sports, kids' clubs, a spa, and sports facilities. Three restaurants and a handful of bars are included in the price; snacks are offered between meals to stave off hunger. Couples may prefer the nearby adult-only Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa, which is more peaceful and has all-inclusive packages, but isn't along the beach. Note that starting July 1, 2017, the resort will close for renovations.
Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels is located on the west (platinum) coast of Barbados, close to transportation, attractions, and shopping. Guest room decor is stylish and contemporary, the beach is scenic, and the three-tier lagoon-style pool complex is picturesque and inviting. The hotel, however, falls short for a four-pear property, with small rooms, no on-site spa, and general maintenance problems both on the property and in the rooms. The rooms at the nearby Waves Barbados, another all-inclusive property, are larger.
Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels is located on the west (platinum) coast of Barbados, close to transportation, attractions, and shopping. Guest room decor is stylish and contemporary, the beach is scenic, and the three-tier lagoon-style pool complex is picturesque and inviting. The hotel, however, falls short for a four-pear property, with small rooms, no on-site spa, and general maintenance problems both on the property and in the rooms. The rooms at the nearby Waves Barbados, another all-inclusive property, are larger.
Set on the secluded northwest coast of Barbados, Little Good Harbour is a 21-room, casually posh, upper-middle-range boutique hotel with a residential vibe and colonial Caribbean style. The suites are designed for self-catering with full kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and airy private terraces. The impeccably tended grounds, which encompass two pools and a small spa, are navigated via meandering moss stone paths shaded by palms and flamboyant trees, and bordered by flowering jasmine. The Fish Pot restaurant, one of the best on the island, and a small stretch of white-sand beach, are just outside the hotel’s gates, but they require crossing a busy road. Travelers seeking direct beach access and a quieter atmosphere might enjoy the Atlantis.
Set on the secluded northwest coast of Barbados, Little Good Harbour is a 21-room, casually posh, upper-middle-range boutique hotel with a residential vibe and colonial Caribbean style. The suites are designed for self-catering with full kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and airy private terraces. The impeccably tended grounds, which encompass two pools and a small spa, are navigated via meandering moss stone paths shaded by palms and flamboyant trees, and bordered by flowering jasmine. The Fish Pot restaurant, one of the best on the island, and a small stretch of white-sand beach, are just outside the hotel’s gates, but they require crossing a busy road. Travelers seeking direct beach access and a quieter atmosphere might enjoy the Atlantis.
Little Arches Boutique Hotel is a small upscale boutique property with only 10 guest rooms. Due to its small size, the hotel has a private, luxurious ambiance, and the rates are reasonable for this caliber of property. The rooms are both cozy and stylish with sophisticated furnishings and attractive Earthenware pottery accents. The views from the pool and sundeck area are breathtaking and the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Café Luna, is highly regarded. However, the hotel is not located directly on the beach (it’s a two-minute walk down the road), which may be a drawback for some.
Little Arches Boutique Hotel is a small upscale boutique property with only 10 guest rooms. Due to its small size, the hotel has a private, luxurious ambiance, and the rates are reasonable for this caliber of property. The rooms are both cozy and stylish with sophisticated furnishings and attractive Earthenware pottery accents. The views from the pool and sundeck area are breathtaking and the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Café Luna, is highly regarded. However, the hotel is not located directly on the beach (it’s a two-minute walk down the road), which may be a drawback for some.