Barbados / Special Interests / Beach
Barbados is blessed with some incredible beaches which form the focus of the island for many of its resorts and favourite hangouts. There are three distinct coastlines - the calm West Coast, often referred to as the Platinum Coast, where many of the four and five star resorts reside and the South Coast, another hot spot for resorts and happening nightlife, some of which is on the beach. Both have up to four-mile stretches of unbroken white sand beaches. All beaches are public. Properties which front onto the beach only own the land to the high-water mark and there must be a public right of way nearby. There are no nude beaches.
All along the shore are large and small beaches broken by coral formations. Natural sand dunes are not common, but can be found near Belleplaine at the top of the East Coast road and a few exist around Long Beach and Silver Sands on the south-east coast. The East Coast is known for its incredible rock formations, wild crashing Atlantic breakers and surf beaches which attract surfers from all over the world. Most notably along this coast is Bathsheba with its distinctive black rocks and top surfing spot known as the Soup Bowl. Bathsheba is a picturesque fishing village with great rock pools to explore in the reef and several local cafes for an ice cold Banks beer. Nearby is The Atlantis, a five star boutique hotel with great Bajan inspired menus. Bath is one of the few ‘safe’ swimming beaches along the Atlantic coast. There’s usually a lifeguard and this is a good place for a picnic. Further south-is Crane Beach with its pink sand, high cliffs behind and the Crane Beach Resort at the top.
West coast beaches are generally lined with hotels, restaurants and bars along with watersports facilities. One of the most popular West Coast beaches is Mullins in St Peter which features Mullins Beach Bar & Restaurant and Royal Westmoreland’s beachside Indulgence spa, with holiday villas strung along Gibbs Beach to the south. Close by and heading towards Speightstown is Cobblers Cove, and further north on Heywoods Beach is Almond Beach Village and Port St Charles, followed by Little Good Harbour at Shermans.
The St James coastline is interspersed with a fine selection of beachfront hotels, condos and villas, including Glitter Bay Estate, Coral Reef Club, The Sandpiper and Settlers Beach. Just south of Holetown is the renowned Sandy Lane hotel, set in its own bay on sweep of golden sand. The adjacent Paynes Bay has Treasure Beach Hotel, The House and sister hotel Tamarind. This stretch of coastline offers a variety of dining experience from beach bars, casual beachfront restaurants, to fine dining establishments. There is also a wide range of watersport activities available, either through the hotels and resorts, or with private watersport or dive operators in the area.
Down on the South Coast, where the Caribbean Sea is affected by the Atlantic Ocean, beaches a little more active and the sea and breeze much livelier - accommodation here is more affordable. Popular spots include Accra Beach with hotels and apartments dotted along the coastline. A boardwalk runs along the beach from here and up to Hastings, just north of which is Palm Beach Condominiums. Heading back south, St Lawrence Gap has a splendid stretch of white sand, with lots on offer. At the Dover Beach end is Turtle Beach Resort and Almond Casuarina Beach.
For more information see Barbados Beach Life and Beaches sections.
Recommended accommodation view more
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Crystal Cove All-Inclusive
A buzzing 88-room resort hotel, popular with families, set on the West Coast of Barbados. Its brightly coloured are on levels around lagoon pools, leading to the beach. Well priced - on an all-inclusive plan – with good facilities including a kids’ club and a teens’ club. Read more
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Azzurro - Old Trees Condos, Penthouses & Suites
Touches of eclectic style make this open-plan, two-bedroom beachfront apartment with plunge pool an attractive retreat in the heart of the West Coast action. Sleeps 4. Read more
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Bluff House Villas & Villa Living
This airy six-bedroom Barbados villa oozes low key elegance. Offering privacy, it is yards from Sandy Lane beach, with the West Coast scene in reach. Sleeps 12. Read more
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Cobblers Cove Hotels & Resorts
One of the Caribbean’s most exquisite hotels, 40 suites hiding within enviable tropical gardens at the northern end of Barbados’s West Coast. Read more
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Tamarind Hotels & Resorts
An excellent all-round 104-room Barbados beach resort which has been a feature of the famous West Coast for several decades. In pretty gardens set back from excellent sand, Tamarind is a lively and upbeat hotel set at the heart of the Barbados action. Read more
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Dolphins - Schooner Bay Condos, Penthouses & Suites
A refined, comfortable retreat awaits guests at this three-bedroom apartment in the gated Schooner Bay development, on a beautiful beach. Sleeps six. Read more
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The House Boutique/Small Hotels & Inns
A small and stylish 34-suite hotel set on Paynes Bay on the prestigious West Coast of Barbados. The House is striking for its sleek style, which gives it a calm and cool atmosphere right on an excellent stretch of beach.. Read more
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Emerald Beach Villas & Villa Living
On a superb beach, a collection of six, three-bedroom villas set in lush gardens. A stylish, comfortable and practical choice. Sleeps 6. Read more
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Fosters House Villas & Villa Living
Ultra stylish, contemporary four-bedroom villa in a good beachfront setting with an elegant Caribbean plantation-style interior. Will suit beach lovers. Sleeps 8. Read more
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Turtle Beach All-Inclusive
A large 161-room all-inclusive resort set on a pretty stretch of sand on the South Coast of Barbados. It has extensive facilities including a kids’ club. Read more
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Glitter Bay Suites Condos, Penthouses & Suites
A luxury residential beachfront development set in delightful gardens on the West Coast of Barbados. Glitter Bay Estate is a gated resort with a series of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each individually furnished to a high standard and set around a pool with snack bar and tennis court. Read more
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Heronetta Villas & Villa Living
Set on Sandy Lane’s famous bay, this luxurious, elegantly furnished four-bedroom home has a four acre garden. Good for entertaining. Sleeps 8. Read more
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Landmark House & Cottage Villas & Villa Living
Flooded with natural light, this beautiful four-bedroom luxury villa is directly on the famous Sandy Lane beach. Pretty grounds include a two-bedroom cottage. Sleeps 12. Read more
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Leigh House Villas & Villa Living
A gracious six-bedroom beachfront property in delightful gardens on Sandy Lane Bay. Furnished in an English country house style, once featured in Country Life magazine. Sleeps 12. Read more
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Mon Caprice Villas & Villa Living
Tropical grandeur and elegance are in abundance at this well-equipped, formal five-bedroom villa by Sandy Lane beach. Perfectly positioned for the West Coast social scene. Sleeps 10. Read more
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Moon Reach Villas & Villa Living
This villa has a special allure with an impressive avenue of royal palms leading guests to a gracious five-bedroom, beachfront property with swimming pool. Sleeps 10. Read more
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Sea Shell Beach House Villas & Villa Living
A timeless, traditional and very nicely furnished three-bedroom beachfront retreat that makes for a classic Barbados villa, set in birdsong filled grounds. Sleeps 6. Read more
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Seascape Villas & Villa Living
It’s no wonder the four-bedroom Seascape is so popular, it’s set on a stunning beach and beautifully furnished in a traditional style with quirky touches. Sleeps 8. Read more
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Sundown Villas & Villa Living
A well-appointed, contemporary, four-bedroom Barbados villa overlooking Mullins Beach. A pool and good entertainment facilities make it a great place for a beach-based holiday. Sleeps 8. Read more
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The Bolt Hole - Old Trees Condos, Penthouses & Suites
A smart, well-equipped three-bedroom apartment in a beachfront development, ideal for enjoying all the Platinum Coast offers. On the glorious Paynes Bay white sand beach. Sleeps 6. Read more
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The Sandpiper Hotels & Resorts
A friendly, well-loved, family-run luxury hotel set in pretty tropical garden fronting a classic Caribbean beach. There are 48 rooms and suites. Read more
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Treasure Beach Hotel Boutique/Small Hotels & Inns
Trusty, small, luxury hotel on the West Coast of Barbados, 35 suites in a horseshoe configuration leading straight onto a good stretch of beach. Read more
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Wemsea Villas & Villa Living
A captivating, coral stone and timber three-bedroom cottage set right on Reeds Bay, one of Barbados’ most beautiful West Coast beaches. Ideal honeymoon hideaway. Sleeps 6. Read more
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West Shore Villas & Villa Living
Anyone who finds the clear blue Caribbean sea irresistible will find the four-bedroom West Shore the perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. Practical and well-appointed. Sleeps 8. Read more
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Chilterns - Schooner Bay Condos, Penthouses & Suites
A contemporary, deluxe one-bedroom apartment with partial sea views, set over two levels within the Schooner Bay beachfront development near Speightstown. Sleeps 2. Read more
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Coral Reef Club Hotels & Resorts
Elegant, family-owned, West Coast, waterfront hotel, set among lovely gardens. Understated in its service, ambience and architecture. It has 88 rooms and 5 suites. Read more
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The Condominiums at Palm Beach Condos, Penthouses & Suites
Prime South Coast beachfront property in Hastings, within walking distance the Garrison Savannah for horse racing and numerous restaurants, bars and shops. A number of 2-3 bedroom condominiums available for rental - 59 residences. Read more
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Looking for inspiration?
- Ride the waves at kitesurfing mecca Silver Point
- Drive along the breathtakingly beautiful East Coast
- Go underground at Harrison's Cave
- Hobnob with the stars watching a polo match
- Step back in time at the impressive Jacobean plantation house - St Nicholas Abbey
