On the island’s platinum west coast sits this Elegant Hotels’ property, all tropical gardens, lagoon pools, waterfalls and swaying palms. Team this with a stretch of pristine white sand lapped by the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and you have the recipe for one of Barbados’ best 5-star hotels.
The accommodation is luxe. Think fluffy robes, mahogany ceiling fans and four-poster beds, with al fresco spaces for a morning coffee.
And can we just take a second to appreciate the spa? Bright, white and soothingly calm, you’ll want to move in after a treatment here.
Away from the beach and poolside - where waiters bring cool flannels and supply sun cream - options to get into the Caribbean spirit include paddleboarding clinics, a tasting in the Rum Vault and listening to a live steel drum band as the sun sets.
A huge number of Colony Club by Elegant Hotels’ guests are repeat. After visiting you’ll soon see why.
Gallery
Stay
As standard expect REN bath products; complimentary Wifi; an espresso machine; yoga mat; and some form of outside space, depending on the room type.
Decor is all mahogany, marble and coral stone, with ceiling fans, island-inspired artworks and ambient lighting.
For families some of the suites sleep four thanks to the addition of a sofa bed. Or added wow comes by booking a Luxury Swim Up Poolside room with its own access into the lagoon. A selection of rooms and suites boast an ocean view, offering a private spot to watch the sunset.
Eat
Many of the dishes at Colony Club use ingredients from the hotel’s organic garden, and themed dining events are regularly held, such as the Lobster & Jazz Brunch.
Sunset Deck restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, serving locally-caught fresh fish and Caribbean salads with a view of the sea. Signature Sunset Bar is swim-up – the place to go for a rum punch on a submerged barstool. The second bar is at Laguna, with a menu of teas and juices in the day and cocktails and mocktails in the evening.
Unlike anything else on the island, The Rum Vault has weekly rum-based events and its own chef creating foodie experiences using Barbados’ favourite tipple.
Guests can access the Taste of Elegance Dine Around programme at select Elegant Hotels sister hotels on the island too. A free day time West coast water taxi will whisk you there in style.
Explore
If you can drag yourself away from the pool and beach there’s lots to explore locally. Visit the island’s botanical gardens; play a round at the glorious Royal Westmoreland; gallop along the beach on horseback; or take a day trip to the rugged east coast where the Atlantic waves are popular with surfers.
The hotel organises day trips for families during the school holidays too, such as a visit to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. And the Bespoke Activities team can arrange excursions including a snorkel safari, bait to plate fishing trip or a tour of the hotel’s gardens.
Why here?
Swim-up – the free-form, lagoon-style pools, of which there are four, meander through the tropical gardens and are dotted with waterfalls. Luxuries include the swim-up bar and the poolside service, where staff offer canapés, chilled grapes and sorbets with cool flannels and complimentary sunscreen.
Healthy holidays – there’s exercise equipment at the fitness centre and weekly classes in yoga and Pilates, as well as floodlit tennis courts.
And chill – based around the Five Elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, the spa is a tranquil spot for a massage, beauty treatment and relax in the steam room.
School’s out for summer – kids have a programme of activities dedicated to them in the holidays; there are children’s menus in the restaurants; and the beach and pool are ideal for younger guests.
Our take
The free West coast water taxi to select Elegant Hotels is a great service offered by the hotel and one which allows guests to dine around easily and see a bit more of the island.
