And if it’s luxe hotels you’re on the lookout for, then Barbados has them all; from expansive all-inclusive resorts to cosy boutique hotels.
A Travel Seen favourite with our team, famous friends and clients is Colony Club. An Elegant Hotels Group property, now owned by the Marriott Luxury Collection, it’s long been seen as the west coast’s go-to hotel for sun, sea, sand and stellar service.
So we thought we’d divulge why we think Colony Club by Elegant Hotels is such a timeless choice for a Caribbean luxury holiday...
Just north of Holetown on the west of Barbados island, Colony Club has a prestigious position on what is known as the Platinum Coast. It’s set well back from the main coast road on its own beach and within seven acres of tropical gardens. The hotel is about a 40 minute transfer from the international airport and well placed to explore the island; either by hiring a car or with a guided tour.
With its shady palms, warm, safe swimming waters and ambassador service, Colony Club’s beach is an idyllic spot on which to holiday. We asked influencer @tovezander which she thought was the best beach on Barbados; “the beach at Colony Club. It is just so private and quiet,” she said.
As one would expect from an award-winning 5-star hotel, great efforts have been taken to ensure those little luxury details are dotted about. Travel Seen loves the thoughtful touches in each room and suite as standard... the REN toiletries, espresso machine and a yoga mat for morning sun salutations.
Despite having only 96 rooms and suites – which gives the hotel a boutique feel – there’s lots of accommodation choice to suit. A favourite though are certainly the Luxury Swim-Up rooms. Offering steps down from a private terrace into one of Colony Club’s four lagoon-style swimming pools, we often recommend these rooms for a romantic Barbados honeymoon.
Open every day from 7.30am (which is great if you’re struggling with the time difference) we reckon Laguna has to be one of the best places in Barbados for breakfast. The complimentary, daily full breakfast includes a juicing station and organic food choices.
Colony Club by Elegant Hotels is renowned in the travel industry for its service. This includes at the poolside, where staff attentively attend to each guest with complimentary treats. Think sunscreen, chilled grapes, iced sorbets and scrumptious canapés.
This unique setting is certainly worth a visit during a stay at Colony Club, serving up more than 150 different rums from around the world. These can be sampled at a tasting and pairing experience delivered by a dedicated Chef and Rum Ambassador... now there’s a job title we’re jealous of!
The spa at Colony Club by Elegant Hotels has recently had its own facelift. It might be small, but the treatment menu is extensive, offering everything from body wraps to waxing. Here therapies are based around the Five Elements theory of: wood for rejuvenation, fire for energy, metal for detoxification, earth for balance and water to soothe.
During the day, and subject to favourable weather, the Elegant Hotels Water Taxi can transport guests from Colony Club to selected sister properties along the west coast. This is a great free service to see a bit more of the island and sample lunch or a cocktail at a different Elegant Hotel.
Alternatively guests can explore on foot, with Holetown just a ten minute walk from the hotel where there’s a boardwalk and restaurants. Or the luxury shopping centre Limegrove is also walking distance with its cinema, high-end boutiques and rooftop restaurant and bar.
So if we’ve tempted you to try the stunning shores of Colony Club by Elegant Hotels, give the Travel Seen team a call to find out more and book your stay today.