Barbados has accommodation to suit virtually every budget and holiday style. Because the island is small and easy to get around, you can choose the accommodation that is right for you while still being able to access the best beaches, activities or nightlife options. Whether you are seeking luxury resorts situated on paradise beaches or something a little more modest or understated, there is a wide selection available.
There doesn’t tend to be concentrations of particular types of accommodation in different areas of the island, but some areas have more varied options than others. The South Coast, for instance, has a good mix of accommodation types and can be especially good for those seeking more of a lively holiday. In contrast, the West Coast tends to be better catered for tranquillity seekers who prefer top-end resorts. In many ways, selecting the area in which you want to stay is at least as important as the specific hotel you select.
In this article, we’ll first run through the main types of accommodation available to visitors to Barbados, then we’ll suggest which areas might appeal, depending on your desired style of holiday.
Types of Accommodation
As you would expect for such a long-standing and highly regarded holiday destination, Barbados has just about every type of accommodation imaginable. At one end of the scale, you have some of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. At the other end, there are several budget options available, including campsites. Below, we’ll run through each category in a little more detail to help you decide what’s right for you when you visit Barbados.
Luxury Resorts
Given that Barbados is such a popular destination for honeymooners and indeed people with plenty of spare change, it’s no surprise that there are many high-end resorts available. These tend to share certain traits, including exclusive, beachfront locations, spa facilities, access to golf courses, and exceptional service. Many such resorts are situated on the West Coast of the island, allowing for beautiful, romantic sunset dining from one of the excellent fine dining restaurants.
The best resorts come with a hefty price tag, of course. But you can expect to get plenty in return. With sumptuous rooms or suites, personalised and attentive service, water sports facilities and tuition, and some of the best stretches of pristine beach on the island, picking one of the luxury options will certainly create an experience that will live long in your memory. If spa treatments are your thing, you’ll be spoiled for choice too, from cold plunge pools to steam rooms, and therapies galore (massage therapy, aromatherapy, cryotherapy, and hydrotherapy, to name a few), administered by attentive and highly trained practitioners.
Not everyone has the budget for such opulence, of course. But there are lots of other options available.
All-Inclusive Resorts
One of the best ways to eliminate stress and hassle from any holiday is to opt for an all-inclusive resort. There are around two dozen such options in Barbados, which cater to different groups of holidaymakers. Some are exclusive to couples and are thus perfect for honeymooners, while others are aimed at adults only, but permit groups or single travellers. Either way, those seeking some chill time without kids splashing about in the pools would be drawn to these options.
Having said that, there are plenty of all-inclusive hotels in Barbados for families. Usually offering a variety of pools and lots of activities to keep children of all ages occupied, these can be a good balance for families who want fun without the fuss. Given that all (or in some cases most) food, drink and entertainment will be included, you can settle in and indulge without having to constantly work out your budget or worry about prices. Whether the all-inclusive option works out as good value might well depend on how much you eat and drink. But many people find it works out cheaper overall compared to eating out at different restaurants every evening.
On the flip side, some people who opt for all-inclusive options find they are less inclined to explore restaurants or attractions away from the hotel or resort site. If this is not a concern to you, no problem; simply enjoy your poolside rum punch and read a good book. But if you’d rather explore the island a little more, picking a different style of accommodation would be wise.
Hotels – Boutique, Mid-Range and Ecolodges
There are scores of smaller hotels in Barbados that might appeal to people who aren’t as keen on the larger resorts. These range dramatically in style and cost, but you are likely to receive great Bajan service and hospitality wherever you choose. Do your research, read plenty of reviews where possible, and try to book as early as you can, as some of the best-loved hotels book up early, especially during school holidays.
There are lots of mid-range hotels located on or near very fine beaches, while some of the cheaper options will require you to walk a while or take a short drive to the best strips of sand. But most will offer a good balance of location and price, whether you go for one of the chain hotels or something a little more boutique.
Apartments and Self-Catering
If you are happy to do your own cooking, you’ll be heartened to know there are numerous self-catering accommodation options available in Barbados. As with hotels, there are options to suit all budgets, and apartments, villas, or holiday homes are available in almost all areas of the island. Whether you are travelling in a large family group and would like your own villa with a private pool and garden, or you simply desire a small apartment to use as a base from which to explore the island, you will be spoiled for choice.
These options can also prove excellent value for people seeking longer stays on the island. In terms of value, cooking your own meals can save loads of cash compared to frequenting restaurants for every meal, and you will find plenty of supermarkets stocking a wide range of fresh ingredients. You might even take a Bajan cooking class to try your hand at some of the local recipes, before stocking up on ingredients and cooking at your villa or apartment.
Guesthouses, Inns, Homestays and Camping
Many of the independent, family-run guesthouses in Barbados offer a level of service and homeliness that is hard to find in the bigger hotels, especially the big-brand chain options. That’s not to say the service is not good in the resorts, but to some people, it can seem a little stale. If you opt for a guesthouse or even a homestay, you are likely to experience a much more authentic experience of life in Barbados. Of course, you might not want to, preferring instead to alternate between a luxury spa, a beautiful, manicured beach, and a fine dining restaurant. But for those seeking something a little more rustic, and usually significantly more affordable, an owner-run guesthouse or a homestay could be just the ticket.
For those seeking to get closer to nature, there are several ecolodges available in Barbados. And for true lovers of the outdoors, there are a handful of excellent campsites, mainly situated on the South Coast and East Coast. These are perfect for those travelling on a tight budget or those who are keen to share space with the beautiful flora and fauna the island offers.
Best Areas to Stay in Barbados
The definition of the “best” area to stay in Barbados will very much depend on the type of holiday you are seeking. Honeymooners, for instance, might want something very different from a young group of friends or a retired couple. In this section, we’ll broadly outline what to expect in the main areas of the island and why some options might appeal more than others. Here are some pros and cons to each area of the island.
West Coast (Platinum Coast)
Holetown, Sandy Lane area and the north end of Speightstown, this area encompasses the island’s most luxurious coast. With a calm sea that is perfect for swimming, white sand and views of the ever-entrancing sunset, it’s no wonder lots of the most luxurious resorts in Barbados chose this location.
On the flip side, it is also the most expensive area, on average. And those seeking wild nightlife might find things a little tame. But for honeymoon couples or those seeking high-end chill time, it should be perfect.
South Coast
Broadly covering St Lawrence Gap, Worthing, Hastings, Rockley and Dover, many feel the South Coast offers a great balance between value and atmospheric nightlife. Noticeably more affordable than the West Coast, the beaches are still amazing, but the bars and restaurants tend to have more of a buzz about them. The water sports tend to be better here too, and there is a more varied mix of visitors, including groups, families and younger couples.
The sea can be rougher compared to the West Coast, however, so nervous swimmers should take care. And it can sometimes get a little too busy for those who prefer the tranquillity of the West Coast.
Bridgetown and Carlisle Bay
Bridgetown, the capital city, and Carlisle Bay offer interesting historic attractions, including the Garrison, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and St Nicholas Abbey. There are also trips to view turtles in their natural environment available from the area and excellent options for snorkelling.
This area can be a good “city break” option for a couple of nights within a longer trip. Most people who visit Barbados come for the beaches, and there are plenty that offer easy access from the capital. It is inevitably a little more built up than some areas, however.
East Coast
Covering Bathsheba and Cattlewash and lots of other small towns and villages, the East Coast offers a more rugged, adventurous base for your holiday in Barbados than other areas. The dramatic coastline and excellent surfing will certainly appeal to some, and it is great for hiking and taking some beautiful photos.
Note that swimming is often not advisable on the East Coast as it can be quite dangerous. Nightlife is a bit on the quiet side too, and there are fewer restaurants and facilities in general.
North Coast
The remote and less-visited North Coast includes Little Bay, Animal Flower Cave and Cherry Tree Hill, among other places, and offers a less-developed part of the island with some spectacular scenery. It’s great for those seeking to get away from it all, but there is very limited nightlife, and facilities are lacking compared to other areas of the island.
Inland Barbados
Barbados tends to be synonymous with beach holidays, but not everyone wants to stay within earshot of lapping waves. Barbados has a beautifully lush interior, and though you’ll never be too far away from the coast, the rolling hills and tropical forests will certainly appeal to fans of exotic flora. If staying inland, it’s certainly worth hiring a car so you can access other areas of the island without too much hassle.
Which Area Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick snapshot of which area might appeal, based on the reason for your trip or the type of holiday you are seeking.
| Traveller Type | Best Area |
|---|---|
| Honeymooners | West Coast |
| Luxury | West Coast |
| Families | South Coast or West Coast |
| Nightlife | South Coast |
| Budget Travellers | South Coast |
| Backpackers | South Coast |
| Surfers | East Coast |
| Nature lovers | East Coast or Inland |
| History Buffs | Bridgetown |
| Tranquillity seekers | North Coast or West Coast |
| Longer stays | Inland or apartments |
Final Thoughts
Given that the island of Barbados is very small (just over 20 miles long), you can easily explore most places if you hire a car. As such, staying in any area will not limit your options too greatly. Having said that, picking the area and style of accommodation based on your desired type of holiday clearly makes sense.
For instance, there’s no point in staying on the East Coast if you are intending to spend every day lounging on the beach with a cocktail. But whatever type of holiday you want, there is almost certainly accommodation in Barbados to suit.