Planning to book your dream Barbados trip but not sure where to stay? This popular paradisiacal island is home to plenty of characterful accommodation along its white sand, palm-fringed coastline. Whether you'd prefer to stay in a former sugar estate now transformed into an elegant boutique hotel, a prestigious beach resort, or an eco-lodge tucked away on the Eastern side of the island, there's something for everyone.
Sandy Lane Luxury Ocean Room (Sandy Lane/sourced by Tourism Barbados)
This Palladian hotel is one of Barbados’ most luxurious stays. Every room is sophisticated and soothing, whether opting for a regular or luxury room, suite, or the private villa. Views from the generous patios are either towards the Caribbean sea or nestled among tropical gardens. First opened in the 1960s, the hotel was transformed from a sugar estate, with the décor inside this neoclassical build reflecting the resort's fascinating heritage. Expect welcoming Barbadian hospitality and a truly tranquil escape.
Rooms from £737 per night.
How to book: sandylane.com
Eco Lifestyle and Lodge (Eco Lifestyle and Lodge/sourced by Tourism Barbados)
For a hotel with a local feel and sustainability at its heart, ECO Lifestyle and Lodge is nicely tucked away on the Eastern side of the island, away from the bustling resorts. Perched on a hillside, those staying in the hotel’s all-ocean facing rooms can relax in a hammock on their private veranda and peer over the top of palm groves out to the Atlantic. Note the environmentally conscious service; drinks served with bamboo straws harvested from the garden: organic and eco-friendly bathroom products, and reusable water bottles to name a few. The surfing beach of Bathsheba is a mere 10-minute stroll, but most guests rent a car for a few days to explore further afield.
Rooms from £138 per night.
How to book: ecolifestylelodge.com
Exterior of Little Arches Boutique (Little Arches/sourced by Tourism Barbados)
This adult-only hotel of only 10 rooms and suites is a little slice of luxury tucked behind the white sands of Enterprise beach. The rooms include air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, Italian ceramic floors and king-sized beds with high thread count cotton sheets. Those staying in the best suites in the house will have their own private plunge pool with ocean views. Don’t miss Café Luna, the hotel’s restaurant and once stated as ‘the best place to eat on the island’. This award-winning dining experience serves local meats and veggies as part of its 'Bajan Special' – regularly featuring on the menu. Sitting on the south coast of the island, Little Arches is close to a selection of white sand beaches, eateries, the fishing town of and Bathsheba, and popular scuba diving spot Carlisle Bay.
Rooms from £142 per night.
How to book: littlearches.com
Coral Reef Club gardens and exterior (Coral Reef Club/sourced by Tourism Barbados)
Family-run Coral Reef Club offers some of the finest accommodation on the West Coast of Barbados. Ranging from gorgeous garden rooms to luxury suites and private villas and cottages, the accommodation has been carefully crafted – featuring balustrading, fretwork and shutters – providing a truly memorable stay. Mornings can be spent exploring the 12 acres of landscape gardens which surround the property, followed by an afternoon lounging on the white sand beach, then an evening dining on the hotel's a la carte menu while soaking up the most spectacular orange-hued sun set. Situated near historic Holetown, guests can easily stroll to local boutique shops and restaurants.
Rooms from around £390 per night.
How to book: coralreefbarbados.com
Outdoor private patio (Sweetfield Manor)
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of upper Garrison in Bridgetown, Sweetfield Manor is a beautiful Georgian building first constructed in the early 20th century. Either stay in one of three suites with idyllic sea views in the main property, or in one of the Courtyard buildings – some of which were converted from stables into plush guestrooms complete with private patios. Different décor – from old-world charming mahogany, to white-washed coastal themes – make each room unique. When walking the estate grounds, don't be alarmed if you bump into one of the 50 peacocks who also reside here. For a perfect day, we suggest snorkelling in nearby Carlisle Bay, then returning to the boutique hotel for dinner at its fabulous restaurant, Pavão Barbados.
Rooms from around £79 per night.
How to book: sweetfieldmanor.com
Ocean front suite at Waves Hotel (Waves Hotel and Spa/sourced by Tourism Barbados)
For a relaxing beach break, look no further than boutique all-inclusive Waves, sitting on the world-famous Gold Coast. Whether you pick a standard room or pool view suite, each area is spacious with king-size beds, luxurious amenities and a chic, no-fuss design – but we suggest opting for a room with the stunning ocean vistas. On your doorstep, you can try a whole host of watersports. from snorkelling to Hobie Cat sailing. For those who prefer to stay dry, head to the craft market and try your hand at pottery, or perhaps stay put and book yourself a luxury spa treatment.
Rooms from around £293 per night
How to book: all-inclusive.marriott.com
Get the very best of Wanderlust by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.