The Best Places to Stay in Barbados

Barbados is a beautiful island in the Caribbean, drawing visitors each year from all over the world. Here you will discover a plethora of sandy beaches, picturesque landscapes, excellent cuisine, rich culture and much more. The area attracts tourists with its luxurious atmosphere and alluring charm. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break with family, friends or your partner, there’s something for everyone here. 

When planning your next getaway, you’re likely in need of some of the best places to stay in Barbados. If so, you’ve come to the right place! We have an abundance of top tips for visiting the island, helping you plan your next trip here with ease. 

Keep reading to learn more about some of the best areas to stay in Barbados, alongside some recommendations for how to spend your time here. There’s no better place to enjoy a tropical break than this stunning part of the Caribbean.

Before exploring some of the best places to stay in Barbados, let’s first take a look at when to visit the island. Anytime from December to mid-April is considered a favored period to stay in this gorgeous part of the Caribbean. During this time, visitors can enjoy a drier climate and temperatures averaging around 30°C. This provides plenty of opportunities to get out and active and see all that Barbados has in store. However, it is worth noting that this is one of the busiest times to visit the island, so won’t be suited to those looking to escape the crowds.  

June marks the start of the rainy season in Barbados and continues this way until October. During these months, you will find hotter temperatures with a higher chance of rainfall. There are also plenty of things happening on the island during this time as it also works alongside the school break. You can still expect lots of sunshine from June to October, providing plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. Temperatures average around 30-31°C in the rainy season, great for those seeking a warm, tropical climate. 

Another great time to visit Barbados is the shoulder season. This consists of May, June and November and is often overlooked by many. However, it provides visitors with the perfect blend of the peak and rainy season as there’s still lots to do during this time, however, there are fewer crowds and less rainfall. You can spend your time lounging on the sandy shores without having to worry about finding a spot, or perhaps explore some of the best attractions around Barbados without the busy crowds. The shoulder season also presents a great climate, providing visitors with pleasant weather. Temperatures average around 29-30°C during this time, so there’s still more than enough sunshine to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Barbados

Now you know a bit more about the best time to visit and what to expect from visiting the island, we will next explore some of the most unique places to stay in Barbados. Below you will find a ton of excellent areas to explore, alongside who these locations are best suited to. 

Northern Coast – The Best Place to Stay in Barbados for Family 

The Northern Coast of Barbados is a wonderful place for families seeking a quiet break on the island. Here you can enjoy several great attractions and stunning scenery, making it an idyllic spot for a relaxing getaway. You will find some of the best areas in the north below. 

St Peter

For captivating vistas, natural beauty in abundance and lots of cultural insight, St Peter is the place to be. Guests can spend their days lounging on sandy beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters and marveling over breathtaking landscapes. This part of Barbados provides a true paradise for those pursuing a getaway brimming with relaxation and rejuvenation. 

There are also some amazing historical attractions in St Peter such as St Nicholas Abbey, alongside pretty botanical gardens and excellent wildlife sanctuaries. This makes it an ideal spot for families looking for where to stay in Barbados as there’s more than enough to see and do here. 

St Lucy 

Perched on the north of Barbados is the gorgeous area of St Lucy. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, this is an excellent choice. There’s also a ton of natural beauty and a serene atmosphere here, making it perfect for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle. 

Be sure to check out some of the top attractions around St Lucy such as Harrison Point Lighthouse, Mount Gay Rum Distillery, St Lucy Parish Church, Archers Bay and many more. You’ll find something here for the whole family, meaning there’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained during your stay. 

Western Coast – The Best Place to Stay in Barbados for Luxury 

The Western Coast of Barbados oozes luxury, making it perfect for those seeking a lavish break. Here you can scour some of the top areas on the island, all whilst relaxing in opulent villas and fine dining establishments. Keep reading to learn more about some of the top spots to stay on the west coast. 

St Michael 

For those seeking a diverse and lively experience in Barbados, you’re sure to be impressed by St Michael. This is the perfect place to stay for visitors planning to see the frequented city of Bridgetown, where you will find an abundance of culture, cuisine and historical sightseeing. 

Bridgetown has much to offer visitors, meaning you’ll uncover lots of beauty and historical significance here. Marvel over the unique architecture and explore the selection of shops, bars and restaurants throughout the city. However, if you’d prefer to sit back and unwind, there are also a ton of fantastic beaches in St Michael, including the frequented Carlisle Bay. 

No matter where you choose to go, you’re sure to enjoy all that St Michael has to offer when looking for the best places to stay in Barbados. 

St James

With an excellent blend of luxury, cultural charm and natural beauty, St James has it all. There are also some fantastic places to stay here, providing a ton of options for a variety of vacation itineraries. Its position on the Platinum Coast also means that you will find a plethora of jaw-dropping sandy shores, ideal for those looking for somewhere to relax and unwind. 

There are also some amazing shops, restaurants and bars in St James, making it a great option for travellers pursuing some of the livelier spots in Barbados. For historical attractions, fantastic beaches, lots to see and do and a charming aura, St James is the place to be.

 

Southern Coast – The Best Area to Stay in Barbados for Nightlife 

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Barbados close to nightlife, the southern coast is where you’ll want to be. Here you can enjoy an array of excellent bars and restaurants, providing plenty of opportunities to relish an evening out on the island. We recommend checking out areas such as Holetown and St Lawrence Gap, where you will find lots of entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere. 

Great for couples and friends, more than enough things are happening on the south of the island to keep you entertained. Plus, for those looking for where to stay in Barbados for surfing, the beaches on this side of the island are truly unmatched. Grab your board and get ready to hit some of the best swells when staying in the southern part of Barbados. 

St Philip 

One of the best areas in Barbados to stay is St Philip, great for a laid-back vibe and relaxing atmosphere. You will find this area on the southern tip of the island, providing visitors with stunning beaches, rugged cliffs and historic architecture. With plenty of lush greenery and lots of charming villages to explore, you’re sure to enjoy a tranquil getaway when staying in St Philip. 

We also recommend checking out top spots such as Crane Beach and the historic Sunbury Plantation House in St Philip. This allows you to uncover more of the favored sightseeing areas in Barbados, all whilst uncovering some of the island’s history and natural beauty. 

Eastern Coast – The Best Area to Stay in Barbados for Couples 

When looking for the best area to stay in Barbados for couples, the East Coast of the island never fails to deliver. This allows for a break brimming with natural beauty at every twist and turn as the rugged coastline and dramatic landscapes provide an unmatched experience for those staying here. There are also a ton of excellent hidden spots, great for couples seeking a little seclusion during their getaway. 

Bathsheba is one of the favored areas on the eastern side of Barbados as the quaint village provides a slice of paradise for those seeking a little tranquility during their stay. Couples can wander around the pretty botanical gardens here, lounge on the sandy shores, or sit back and marvel over the fishing boats as they bob in the water. 

If you’re in pursuit of a place that has much to offer in terms of nature and wildlife, the eastern side of Barbados is the spot for you. This quiet part of the island provides an ideal hideaway for couples looking for a serene trip. 

St Joseph 

With its idyllic surroundings and verdant landscapes, St Joseph provides visitors with the perfect romantic retreat. Couples can spend their days exploring the pretty Flower Forest, the lovely town of Bathsheba, or simply relaxing on the coast whilst marveling over the breathtaking scenery. 

There is also a tranquil ambience surrounding St Joseph, making it an ideal location for couples looking to enjoy some quality time together without the hustle and bustle. You can also explore some of the luxury accommodations and boutique hotels here, great for a cozy escape in Barbados.

Summary

There are more than enough places to stay in Barbados, providing something for a range of vacation itineraries. Whether you’re looking for a trip brimming with adventure with the whole family, lively nightlife for a break with friends, or quaint villages for a romantic retreat with your partner, you’re sure to discover somewhere here for everyone. No matter where you decide to stay on the island, you’ll find natural beauty and idyllic surroundings in abundance here. This makes for the perfect getaway for those in need of some relaxation and rejuvenation. 

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About the Author

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Ella Whitehead

Marketing Executive for SEO Travel, travel writer for Backpacker Boy, passion for content creation and adventure!