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With over 70 miles of pristine coastline, Barbados is an ideal destination for any beach lover. However, that’s just the beginning of the magnificent sights to see and fun things on this Caribbean island. As an independent country within the British Commonwealth, it has a fascinating history that visitors can explore through museums, memorials and landmarks. Water sports are popular off the shores of nearly every beach, and visitors can enjoy such unusual adventures as undersea exploration with Atlantis Submarines. No visitor should miss popular eateries like Coconut Baby and Café Luna. When planning a trip to Barbados, consider staying at one of these top all-inclusive resorts.
Crystal Cove
Picture yourself savoring your favorite tropical drink of choice as the warm sun lights a pristine view of the sea. With plentiful opportunities for relaxation along the beach and within lush gardens, moments spent at the beachfront Crystal Cove quickly turn into cherished memories. This resort in St. James was designed to resemble a charming village, albeit one with 88 colorful rooms and suites, each with its own stunning view. The Crystal Cove offers signature drinks at its swim-up bar and three lagoon-style swimming pools. Adventures included in your stay include a rum shop initiation class, games of cricket and catching waves in a banana boat. In addition to being located directly on the beach, the Crystal Cove is near Paynes Bay Beach, Sandy Lane Beach and Paradise Beach.
Waves Hotel & Spa, Barbados
The Waves Hotel & Spa, Barbados, is a stylish, eco-chic beachfront resort in St. James on the island’s west coast. It has 70 rooms with luxury amenities and special touches like adult coloring books created by a local artist. The Waves Hotel & Spa’s decor offers a feast for the eyes with its intermingled neutral beach tones and Caribbean blues. Many of its accommodations offer pristine views of the ocean. Within walking distance of Batts Rock Beach and Paradise Beach, the resort offers both sunrise and sunset yoga classes in addition to cricket lessons on the beach. Once a week, guests can enjoy an event that includes Bajan carnival dancers, limbo, rum punch and other festivities.
Sandals Royal Barbados
Situated in the lively St. Lawrence Gap area, the Sandals Royal Barbados welcomes adults only. Located directly on the beach, it’s near some of the island’s most beloved coastlines, including Dover Beach, Miami Beach and Turtle Beach. It has 272 suites with such amenities as a butler’s pantry, wet bar and luxury bedding. Some accommodations include a private balcony. The Sandals Royal offers 31 pools, including a rooftop pool, and a four-lane bowling alley. Scuba diving is one of many included activities. Activities such as kayaking, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, pool volleyball and riding in a glass-bottom boat are also included.
Sugar Bay Barbados
Looking to stay near many of the island’s cultural attractions? The Sugar Bay Barbados lies in the Garrison Historic Area on Barbados’ southwestern side. Located within walking distance of Carlisle Bay, it’s also near the South Coast Boardwalk, the Barbados Parliament Buildings and Windward Islands. The resort has 138 rooms with boho-inspired decor. Amenities include a private balcony or terrace, a mini fridge, an in-room safe and luxury bathroom accoutrements. Sugar Bay Barbados is family-friendly with a kids’ club for children and a teen club for older children. Included water sports: snorkeling, boogie boarding, and kayaking. The Karma Spa offers indulgent body treatments, and the resort’s swim-up pool bar is popular.
Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels
Located in Christ Church on the island’s southern coast, Turtle Beach is located directly on the beach, and it’s near other beaches such as Dover Beach, Worthing Beach, and Maxwell Beach. The resort has 161 smoke-free guest suites with mini fridges and spacious bathrooms with both a bathtub and a shower. Families can enjoy a free kids’ club with lots of entertainment and planned activities, a playground and in-room childcare service. There are two outdoor tennis courts, a variety of water sports, and off-site activities like a round at the Barbados Golf Club. Two freshwater pools and a variety of spa services help guests feel refreshed.
Mango Bay Barbados
The Mango Bay Barbados is near Sandy Lane Beach in St. James. It’s within a short walking distance of Holetown Beach, Holetown Monument, Chattel Village and the Lime Grove Shopping Center. Its 67 contemporary-style guest rooms and suites are decorated in warm beach colors. The Mango Bay offers massage, facial and skin treatments at the Elements Spa. Complimentary water sports such as waterskiing, hobiecat sailing, kayaking, riding in pedal boats and snorkeling are included.
The Club
Located near Windward Islands and Sandy Lane Beach, The Club is a short distance from Chattel Village and the Sunset Crest Shopping Center. The Club is an adults-only resort (guests must be at least 16 years old). It has 161 guestrooms and suites with brightly colored decor and gorgeous wooden furnishings. The Club offers water sports that include stand-up paddle boarding, boat riding, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling and waterskiing. Aqua aerobics are offered regularly. So is pool volleyball. The resort’s freshwater swimming pool is in a scenic locale where it cascades to connect to two other pools.
