Victoria Lupascu 
Aye, aye, captain! Welcome to the island of rum, stunning beaches, and green monkeys! Oh yes, when it comes to tropical destinations, Barbados sure gives the other islands a run for their money!
Many things make this Caribbean island a special place. For starters, it has an incredible culture and beaches that offer the possibility to try all kinds of fun activities like surfing! Delicious food, amazing rum, and tons of pirate stories that will entertain not only the little ones but also the adults!
Did you know that Barbados produces the oldest rum in the world? Mount Gay Rum dates back to 1703!
Now that we’ve established all the perks about the island let’s help you find where to stay in Barbados! Below you will find a carefully curated list of the best accommodations here, all with excellent reviews and world-class services!
However, if you want to get your hands on the best deals for 5-star resorts or even budget hotels, you will have to book in advance. Barbados is such a popular destination, and all the places to stay sell out fast!
Let’s hit the beach now!
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Oistins, Christ Church – best place to stay for first-timers
- 2. Bridgetown, St Michael – best place to stay for history
- 3. St. James – where to stay in Barbados for luxury
- 4. St. Philip – best place to stay in Barbados for tranquility
- 5. North Coast (St. Peter, St. Lucy) – best choice for families
- 6. St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church – for nightlife
- Frequently asked questions about Barbados
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
I’ve made this list of the best places to stay in Barbados, all located in Oistins, for those who don’t have the time to read the whole post. You can just have a quick look below:
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the places to stay in Barbados. Barbados is divided into 11 historic political parishes, all named after saints. Here you will see a mixture of popular towns and parishes:
- Oistins: for first-timers
- Bridgetown : for history lovers
- St James: for luxury
- St Philip: for tranquility
- North Coast : for families
- St Lawrence Gap: for nightlife
1. Oistins, Christ Church – best place to stay for first-timers
Hello, sunshine, good vibes, and cocktails on the beach! How I’ve missed you! Located on the south coast of the island in the Christ Church Parish, Oistins is one of the best areas to stay in Barbados if you’re traveling here for the first time.
With a laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches, this fishing village sure knows how to entertain its tourists! And if you’re planning any future holidays on the island, I highly recommend St.Maarten or St.Thomas in the Caribbean.
Now let’s return to Barbados because we’ve got lots to talk about! Like what there is to do in Oistins. A top priority would be to eat fish fry! Everyone from the island gathers here for a Friday fish fry during the weekend!
Apart from the beaches where you’ll probably spend most of your time sunbathing and swimming, the town area is also pretty nice. Just imagine colorful houses, palm trees and small local shops! The Grantley Adams International airport is also located here.
The hotels and resorts are as dreamy as you’ve seen in the pictures! Get ready to enjoy world-class services and admire the ocean views from your room. Just a reminder that all the good places to stay sell out so quickly as Barbados is a popular destination, so I recommend booking your hotel in advance!
This Christ Church hotel looks like a corner of paradise! The beach view is stunning, and those lush gardens are perfect for reading and chilling! Get yourself a drink, and sunbathe by the pall all day long! The accommodation also offers spa services, free parking, and activities like snorkeling.
Other accommodation options in Oistins
A great beachfront hotel that has spacious rooms, 2 swimming pools, and a terrace where you can chill
This Barbados accommodation offers self-catering services, 1 pool, family rooms, and free wifi
Enjoy the best view of the ocean in this house that has lots of space, a kitchen, and a patio
Things to do in Oistins
- Relax on Miami Beach on the south coast
- Swim in the blue water at Oistins Bay
- Play some golf at Barbados Golf Club
- Go surfing at Freights Bay
- Have a drink at Cafe Luna Barbados
- Go on a full tour of the Barbados island
- Visit the Oistins Fish Market and attend Fish Fry Friday
2. Bridgetown, St Michael – best place to stay for history
The capital city of Barbados is located on the southwest coast of the island and it’s an excellent spot for people who want to learn more about the island’s culture and past. Bridgetown is located in the St. Michael Parish, and it’s home to many museums, the Parliament buildings, and a few beaches.
If you’re looking for a full-rounded experience during your holiday and you don’t want to spend ALL your time on the beach, I think you’ll like Bridgetown. As the central commercial point of the island, you can expect the area to be more crowded than the other ones, but you can always escape the crowd at the beach near Carlisle Bay Barbados.
This port town in St. Michael Parish is known for its British colonial architecture. It has a mix of old buildings, new institutions, and shopping centers, showing the enormous contrast between past and future.
Make sure you grab a grapefruit juice or delicious island cocktail while you’re here because grapefruit actually originated in Barbados! Delicious history, just how I like it!
But even if you’re not into fruits, I guarantee you will still find something to do in Bridgetown, Barbados, at all times!
The lively city is super active all around but the Parliament Buildings are a great starting point if you’re interested in architecture, and I’m sure many tourists will want to check out the Rum Distilleries, maybe even do a tasting? Just make sure you grab some breakfast first!
Relax at the spa after a whole day spent in Bridgetown on the south coast, at one of Barbados’s best all-inclusive resorts with a beachfront location. The accommodation offers different watersports and a gift shop on site. End your day with a cocktail at the bar or a meal at the restaurant.
Other accommodation options in Bridgetown
Get a room with a pool view at this stunning Bridgetown inn that has a hot tub, a garden, and free wifi
A simple yet comfortable accommodation in Bridgetown that has a shared lounge and a garden
The apartment offers all the facilities you need for your trip, including 2 rooms, a kitchen, and a patio
Things to do in Bridgetown
- Relax on Pebbles Beach near Carlisle Bay
- Check out the Kensington Oval cricket stadium
- Drink rum at the Mount Gay Rum Distilleries
- Visit the Parliament Buildings on the south coast
- Take a stroll in Queen’s Park in Bridgetown, Barbados
- Catch an exhibition at the Exchange Interactive Centre
- Go underwater with Atlantis Submarines Barbados
- Try different types of chocolate at Agapey Chocolate Factory
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3. St. James – where to stay in Barbados for luxury
Known as the island’s “platinum coast,” this area is located on the northwest coast of Barbados, just 12 miles (20 km) of Oistins in Christ Church, and it’s where celebrities usually stay when they vacation in the Caribbean islands.
Some famous people that were spotted here are the Beckhams and Simon Cowell! So as you can imagine, St James Parish is home to some of the best Barbados resorts, and the most expensive, making it perfect for those of you who want to splurge during this holiday.
St James offers lots of activities, golf courses, and several polo courses. Plus, an opportunity to learn more about the island’s history at St James Parish Church. However, if you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, I suggest chilling on the beach. Sandy Lane and Paynes Beach are 2 of the best ones here.
There are tons of restaurants where you can indulge in the island cuisine, The Tides Barbados offers the most romantic views, and La Cabane has a more beachy setting with the tables situated right on the sand!
Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the west coast, swim, snorkel, and chill by the pool at this luxurious hotel that has a fitness center and a bar. After your morning coffee, you can head straight to the spa and relax with a massage.
Other accommodation options in St. James
Enjoy your stay in Barbados at Beach View, a hotel that offers 4 swimming pools and rooms for families
A cheaper option to stay in St. James, which has family rooms with a flat-screen tv and a kitchen
Chill in the hot tub while you admire the ocean views in this apartment that has a balcony and free wifi
Things to do in St. James
- Visit the St. James Parish Church
- Enjoy a match at Barbados Polo Club
- Have dinner at The Tides Barbados
- Explore the stunning Paynes Bay Beach
- Go snorkeling and sailing during a private tour
- Take a trip to St. Joseph to visit the botanic gardens
- Go for a swim at Colony Club Beach in Barbados
- Sunbathe on Sandy Lane Beach on the west coast
4. St. Philip – best place to stay in Barbados for tranquility
Located 8 miles (12 km) away from Oistins, on the southeast coast of Barbados, this area is perfect for anyone who seeks peace and tranquility during their holiday. Sure, you’ll still bump into tourists and find several attractions around, but the atmosphere is for sure calmer in St. Philip.
So grab your favorite book and head to the beach to relax and swim! The blue water at Deborah Bay and the rocky surroundings will help you forget all about your day-to-day problems and enjoy these special days in Barbados. Crane beach is also a stunning spot, which you should check out!
If you’ve had enough of the relaxing part and you’re ready to explore around, then head to the Sunbury Plantation, a stunning 1600s estate that is surrounded by beautiful lush gardens. Another big attraction in St. Philip is the Bushy Park Racing Circuit, where you can watch racing events.
Now let’s check the best places to stay and resorts in St. Philip!
Can you believe these views? This resort, which is located within walking distance from Crane beach, screams luxury, and it has a beautiful garden and a huge outdoor pool! Start your day with a delicious breakfast, and then head to the spa for a relaxing afternoon or on the tennis courts if you feel like playing!
Other accommodation options in St. Philip
Go for a dip in the pool at this hotel that offers a garden, sea views, and a room with a flat-screen tv
Enjoy your stay in Barbados in this budget apartment that has a kitchen and air-conditioning
Admire the sea views on the patio at this secluded cottage that has 2 rooms, a private pool, and a kitchen
Things to do in St. Philip
- Read a book and relax on the beach at Deborah Bay
- Visit the historical house on Sunbury Plantation
- Attend a car racing event at Bushy Park
- Explore Crane beach and Foul Bay
- Take a stroll in Three Houses Park
- Have dinner at Sam’s One Bar and Grill
- Spot some cute animals at Marizayra Sanctuary Barbados
- Go on a private tour of the east coast of Barbados
5. North Coast (St. Peter, St. Lucy) – best choice for families
Planning a family trip to the Caribbean island of Barbados? Then stick around for a few minutes because I’m about to talk about the North Coast, including St. Peter and St. Lucy areas, my top 2 choices to stay in Barbados with the kids.
Whether you prefer to chill on the beach or go on adventures with the little ones, you will see that the North Coast of Barbados offers plenty of fun activities. The Wildlife Reserve in St. Peter is one of my favorites, and I’m sure the kids will love meeting all the cute animals!
You’ll find the Farley Hill National Park near the Reserve, which offers some incredible views of the coast and some great spots for picnics!
I hope you’re taking a long vacation because there are so many beaches on the North Coast of Barbados, and yes, before you ask, all of them are stunning! Little Bay beach and Maycocks Bay beach are 2 of my favorites.
You will find that this side of the island is not as developed as the other parts. However, I think that this only adds to its charm. I’m all about finding places that look as if they were untouched by the human hand! They look so magical and raw! St. Joseph, located 10 miles south, on the east coast, gives off the same vibe. Check it out. I’m sure you’ll love it!
I love the tropical design of this beachfront hotel! It’s one of Barbados’s best places to stay for families as it offers water sports like windsurfing and sailing. The rooms are spacious and they feature a balcony and a lounge area. If you’re in need of some alone time, head to the spa for the day!
Other accommodation options on the North Coast
Swim, hit the gym, eat and enjoy your stay at this resort that has free wifi, a bar, and a spa center
Great holiday home near the beach that has a kitchen, BBQ facilities, and an outdoor dining area
Sunbathe all day long by the pool of this superb villa that offers a kitchen, free wifi, and a tv
Things to do in North Coast (St. Peter, St. Lucy)
- Spend a fun day with the kids at Little Bay beach
- Spot some cute animals at Barbados Wildlife Reserve
- Have a family picnic at Farley Hill National Park
- Visit St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway
- Enjoy a family dinner at Sea Shed Restaurant
- Head to St Joseph to visit the botanic gardens
- Admire the sea views at River Bay
- See some cool paintings at the Gallery of Caribbean Art
6. St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church – for nightlife
Located in Christ Church Parish, on the southwest coast of Barbados, just 2 miles (4 km) away from Oistins, St. Lawrence Gap is perfect for tourists who want to drink and party all night long! There’s nothing like a night out on the island to put one in a good mood!
Yes, this is the party area of the island! On the main street that runs along the sea, you’ll find the biggest concentration of hotels and bars. Depending on how long my trip is, I would try a different one each night!
Of course, with all the drinking and partying comes the hangovers, but hey, the good part is that you’re on an island in the Caribbean so they won’t suck as much. A quick swim in the ocean, a short nap on the beach, and you’ll feel like a brand new person! The white sand Dover beach is perfect, but St. Lawrence Bay is also nice.
Now, let’s find some great places to stay and resorts in St. Lawrence Gap!
Wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore at this tropical St Lawrence Gap resort that offers easy access to different watersports. There are 3 swimming pools on-site and a spa where you can enjoy body treatments and massages.
Other accommodation options in St. Lawrence Gap
Drink your morning coffee and admire the sea views on the balcony of this beachfront hotel that has a pool
A budget place to stay in St Lawrence that has rooms with a seating area, free wifi, a small library, and a balcony
Chill in the backyard of this lovely cottage that has a kitchen, a spacious room, and free wifi
Things to do in St. Lawrence Gap
- Have drinks at the Cocktail Kitchen bar
- Sunbathe and swim at Dover Beach
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Ackee Tree Restaurant
- Explore St Lawrence Bay beach
- Visit the Graeme Hall Wildlife Sanctuary
- Listen to music at Crystal Waters Beach Bar in St Lawrence Gap
| 👑 Luxury price: | $500 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $250 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $80 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $400 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | High |
| 📍 Best area: | Oistins |
| 👪 Best area for families: | North Coast (St. Peter, St. Lucy) |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Little Arches |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Butterfly Beach |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Adulo Apartments |
Frequently asked questions about Barbados
🏖️ Which is the best part of Barbados to stay?
Oistins is one of the best areas to stay in Barbados, as it offers excellent beaches, fun activities, and some unique hotels such as Little Arches.
💯 Where is the safest place to stay in Barbados?
Oistins on the south coast and the other areas that you’ll find in this post are safe places to stay on the island.
🌊 Which side of Barbados has the best beaches?
All the beaches are great in Barbados, it depends on what kind of beach activities you’re looking for. The east coast beaches are great for surfing, and hiking while the west coast beaches are the best for swimming and snorkeling.
🚫 What should I avoid in Barbados?
Avoid isolated areas, including the beaches after dark, and try to not walk alone at night, in secluded parts of the island.
Conclusion
Already daydreaming about the beaches and resorts in Barbados? I’m sure we all are! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Barbados, which hotels, resorts, and airbnbs to book.
The post offers you so many options and it’s hard to make a decision when you go on a holiday in Barbados, so here are my top 2 favorite places to stay, to help you make up your mind, both located in Oistins:
- Little Arches – A beachfront hotel that has an outdoor pool
- Butterfly Beach – A hotel that offers evening entertainment
I highly recommend booking your resorts in advance, as the accommodations in Barbados sell out months in advance and the best deals are available only for a few.
If you have any questions about Barbado’s best resorts, or anything else, feel free to drop me a comment below, and I’ll make sure to answer as quickly as possible. Have fun during your trip to this unique destination, hit the beach, swim, snorkel with the turtles and relax! You deserve it!
Safe Travels,
Victoria
Hello Victoria
As a good guide is always a priceless value, I am very happy to see your site.
My wife and I are wanting to. Head to Barbados and have a very small beach wedding.
I have seen the accommodations at the Dover Beach Hotel with pricing that fits our budget but know nothing more about the hotel.
If you are able to assist us in any way, we would be very happy to receive the input.
Craig
Your coverage is quite extensive and of great value to my wife and me. We will spend four nights in Barbados following a cruise on Windstar, arriving on Feb. 18th and departing on Feb. 22nd. We have never visited the island so we need all of the help we can get.
1. A place to stay – price is not that important, but location is very important.
2. Restaurants – we love to eat, and seafood and sushi are our favorites.
3. Nature – birds, wildlife and plants & flowers are quite important.
4. Historic areas, buildings and churches are always wonderful to see.
If the price is not so important, then Oistins is probably the best area for your to stay – it is in the center of everything and has tons of nice restaurants!
As for the restaurants in the area, I can highly recommend – Chilling and Grilling and Cafe luna
The flora and fauna is indeed busting in Barbados and you will be able to visit some awesome underground caves and numerous beautiful waterfalls! As for the wildlife, Barbados is famous for agoutis, armadillos and even caimans, very exciting!
Barbados is more about a vacation on the beach/enjoying the nature, but if you are looking for some historical activities, you can certainly find those too! For instance, check out this tour to St.Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway.
Hope that helps,
have a wonderful vacation there! 🙂