I would happily visit anywhere in Barbados time and time again, but there’s something very special about the west coast. It prides itself on a number of pretty beaches that are peaceful and perfectly kempt, it features some of the island’s most famous restaurants, and it’s home to a small but mighty shack serving up some of the best fish cutters and intoxicating rum cocktails I've ever tasted. Of course, let’s not forget that you can easily get around the entire Caribbean island in under three hours if you rent a car, so you don’t have to spend your entire trip on the west coast - but it’s certainly worth checking out if you’re staying in the south. Here’s why...
Where we stayed
COLONY CLUB
After undergoing a full-scale restoration in 2025, Colony Club has emerged as a crown jewel of the west coast hotel scene. While the hotel has always been a sought-after spot for sun-seekers, the works have propelled the property, now a charming and neat sprawl of stylish monochrome accents, intimate poolside corners, and sleek finishes, into a different league. As you breeze through the hotel’s main entrance into the airy reception area, returning guests might assume not much has changed. The fish pond, filled with koi, catfish, and bobbing lily pads, is still very much the main attraction. But as you look beyond the pond, past the fresh furnishings and stylish new bar, you’ll be able to gaze all the way out to the swaying palm trees lining a stunning stretch of Barbados beach.
Rooms
Embracing the monochrome theme throughout, the rooms are an elegant blend of Bajan heritage and contemporary touches. Think slick black furnishings, cool white and grey marble floors, and glossy gold hardware. Immaculate four poster beds with crisp white linen dominate the space, while heavy duty jute rugs with black borders add warmth. The chic bathrooms, kitted out with bespoke ByRedo toiletries, are finished to perfection. On the ground floor, you’ll also find the plush swim-up rooms, making the move between lying on your bed and lying on a poolside lounger incredibly convenient.
Pools + beach
Like most coastal hotels in Barbados, the sea is mere minutes away from your room and Colony Club benefits from being located on a sleepy, supreme stretch of west coast beach. The hotel offers plenty of activities, with all water sports included at no extra cost. But one of the hotel’s standout features is the picturesque pool that snakes through the centre of the property. Every nook nestled around the meandering lagoon is an intimate spot for tranquil sun-soaking. Sweet-smelling Frangipani, traveller’s trees and towering palms are there to offer much-needed shade from the high afternoon sun, while bunches of West Indian Jasmine sprinkled around the immaculately manicured gardens add joyful pops of colour.
Food + drink
Colony Club post-restoration offers bold menus, with meals at the main Laguna restaurant changing every day for two weeks to ensure guests will never eat the same dish twice during their stay. Laguna serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with fresh and perfectly seasoned fine-dining dishes including delicate lobster starters and pan-seared sea bass. Relaxed evening meals are made even more serene by the band playing easy listening hits as a much-welcome breeze sweeps in across the sea. Meanwhile, the Sunset Deck Restaurant and the crowd-pleasing swim up Sunset Bar are all about casual bites, glasses of chilled to perfection pale pink rose and ice-cold cocktails as steel drums sound in the near distance.
Rum lovers can also rejoice as there’s a new rum vault located just by the lobby. It’s a moodily lit, cosy space with a rustic dark wood table framed by over 150 bottles of rum from around the word, which are all neatly sat behind smart see-through doors on the walls of the vault.
But while the sublime decor and expansive menu offers more than enough to shout about, it’s the hospitality that will stay with you long after you land back home. Some of the Colony Club staff have worked at the hotel for 30 years and they’re attentive, warm and incredibly friendly, and will make your stay even more unforgettable.
For more information and to book, head here.
WAVES RESORT & SPA
Another property in Marriott’s dynamic portfolio in Barbados, Waves is an all-inclusive, laidback, homely sanctuary that boasts outstanding service and also benefits from a prime spot on the island’s west coast. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly options found on this side of the island. The hotel, located just 30 minutes north of Grantley Adams Airport, is split into two-parts, with adult-only rooms and the luxurious spa located across the road from the beach while every room on the beach side of the property features panoramic ocean views.
Rooms
The rooms are bright, spacious and airy with soothing light oak accents, high ceilings, and big balcony doors offering utterly glorious unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea. Needless to say, these rooms are some of the best on the island to enjoy top-tier sunset viewing.
Food and activities
Waves has two restaurants; Seascape which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Asian Fusion restaurant Shiso. We ate at Seascape on multiple occasions (Shiso wasn’t open when we visited as it was out of season) and the food was always tasty, nourishing and served with a warm smile. There’s also a cafe where you can fuel up on delicious sandwiches, salads and a huge variety of freshly baked cakes.
All water sports, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling and banana boat rides, are included. The spa is also a must-visit, especially as you won’t want to miss out on their own grapefruit-infused signature massage oil, which I was gutted to find out I couldn’t purchase. It’s honestly sublime.
Much like the Marriott’s other properties on the island, the service is second to none at Waves. I could tell you the name of every person that works there and not only will they know your name, but also your favourite glass of wine, cocktail and breakfast bite - and that’s really what makes this hotel so special.
For more information and to book, head here.
CRYSTAL COVE
The boutique hotel is an ideal option if you’re on a tighter budget for your trip. The hotel is located in a stunning, cliffside spot, with the rooms surrounded by gorgeous gardens which lead down to an idyllic stretch of beach. It’s all-inclusive, with a huge range of food and drinks on offer throughout the day (drinks at the swim up pool bar are a must), and they also offer complimentary water sports, including snorkelling and sailing. Staff are so friendly and go out of their way to make it feel like a home away from home.
For more information and to book, head here.
Where we ate
THE CABOOSE
Located in Speightstown, The Caboose serves up tasty fish cutters, ice-cold beers and homemade rum punch. Depending on the day you visit, the fish of the day could be mahi mahi, amber fish, barracuda or king fish. Enjoy it with salad and Bajan-made Windmill Hot Pepper Sauce or go fully loaded with egg and cheese. Place your order at the boat then find a spot on one of the surrounding tables. It’s a perfect, relaxed pit-stop if you’re exploring the west coast for the day or if you fancy a quick lunch to break up your day at one of the nearby beaches.
CHAMPERS
Still on the west side of the island but located down south in bustling Bridgetown, Champers offers a faultless laidback dining experience right on the water’s edge. There’s a pleasant, much-welcome breeze that you won’t get further up the west coast and the food is incredible - I had the crab crepe to start followed by the West Indian shrimp curry and both were mouthwatering. It’s also a perfect spot for turtle watching - one of the turtles we saw bobbing in and out of the water was so big even the staff went to get their phones so they could snap a shot of it.
CATCH 22
For a chilled local lunch, head to Catch 22 in Salmond St Lucy, which is located in the quiet north west tip of the island. The restaurant, which sits on top of a cliff with spectacular views overlooking the sea, is surrounded by immaculate grounds and serves up a yummy menu including Bajan fish cakes, jerk chicken and catch of the day with rice and macaroni pie. Word of warning: it’s open from 11am-5pm so get there early to make sure nothing on the menu is sold out!
THE CLIFF
The Cliff is an entire event; a bucket list dining spot. If you’re in the mood to splurge (and the budget allows), The Cliff should be top of your list. I recommend an early evening sitting for one of most romantic sunsets on the island, and if you manage to secure a table right next to the sea, the soundtrack to your dinner will be the relaxing ebb and flow of the waves crashing in the cove below. Dinner begins with a glass of bubbles from the champagne trolley (they now also offer their own signature champagne) before you dive into the extensive menu.
With so many options it’s tricky to choose, but I opted for the oysters to start, followed by the spiced lobster tail and for dessert I had the velvety-rich roasted banana soufflé. If you’re dining later in the evening you’ll be treated to a live pianist playing in the Twilight lounge from 9pm. While the views, vibes and food were all top notch, what really made the meal even more special was the service - not only was it the best service I had in Barbados, it was arguably the best service I’ve experienced… ever.
What we did
GIBBES BEACH, GIBBES
By far one of my favourite beaches on the island, Gibbes is a small, untouched cove with crystal clear waters and plenty of shade. It’s a great spot for relaxing dips and snorkelling. There are no loungers or vendors on the beach, so bring your own towels and pack some Banks beers. If you’re feeling peckish after all the swimming, stop off at the nearby Seashed restaurant on Mullins Beach.
CHATTEL VILLAGE, HOLETOWN
Nestled in lush green gardens, Chattel Village is a charming row of boutique shops selling a huge variety of gifts and clothes, as well as a number of restaurants, including top-rated Cafe Bar Carizma, which is a solid breakfast or lunch option. Stop by for a coffee and a browse, or to pick up a beach ‘fit and a present for a friend back home.
HEYWOOD’S BEACH, ST PETER
Located in the north west in St Peter, Heywood’s Beach boasts a huge stretch of white sand and clear waters, and is great for turtle watching without the crowds and hum of jet skis and catamarans. Aside from a few couples walking up the beach, we were pretty much the only people there. Like Gibbes, there are no amenities so make sure you pack water and a little picnic. You might also struggle to find shade, so bring an umbrella if you want to stay out of the blazing Bajan sun.
FYI: Barbados high season runs from December to April and lots of restaurants and hotels close during off season, so make sure you check what’s open before booking your trip!
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Zoe Shenton is the Site Director at Cosmopolitan UK. As well as looking after the day-to-day running of the website, she oversees video, e-commerce and social for the brand. Starting out in teen magazines (RIP, Bliss), Zoe has worked in the media industry for almost 15 years and has a background in entertainment journalism, having interviewed the likes of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. She also spent three and a half years living in Los Angeles where she covered red carpets and discovered all the best spots serving bottomless mimosas. Find her on LinkedIn.
