6 Amazing All-Inclusive Resorts to Experience in Barbados

All-inclusive resorts are a style of vacation I’ve slowly come to love. When I first experienced an all-inclusive resort, I was honestly a little reluctant that the resort was closed. You were essentially disconnected from the authentic experience of the island you were visiting.Of course, everything you need is available inside the resort gates, including water sports, tropical flower gardens, massages, and edible seafood. . But you don’t have much of a sense of place.

What about local culture? Barbados has a lot to offer. Bridgetown, the capital, colorful colonial buildings and a long and complicated history. A small roadside food shack that serves great fresh fresh fish. Pleasant streets, beautiful gardens, easy-to-use infrastructure. I came around and realized that what I needed most for my health was sitting on a beach lounger reading a book and spending time connecting with my spouse, children and grandchildren.

Barbados has some great all-inclusive resorts. Many are adults only (16+). However, there are also great resorts if you plan to spend time with your extended family. On the island, most of the all-inclusive accommodations line the beaches on the west coast, but there are a few along the windy and undulating south coast. No matter where I stay, I am still out of paradise. We found Barbados to be a safe country with warm and welcoming locals, and we could have it all here. Easily accessible excursions.

These are my six favorite all-inclusive resorts in Barbados.

1. The Crane Resort

St. Philip

On the pristine and uncrowded South Coast, Crane Resort is perched on a cliff overlooking famous Crane Beach, a beautiful stretch of crushed pink coral sand. The location of the resort is exceptional. Admire dramatic limestone cliff views while being cooled by sea breezes. Very quiet. I can only hear the sound of breathing. The Crane Resort opened in 1887 to serve visitors for health reasons. The island was the first to make landfall in the Caribbean when the warm winds recovering from Africa made landfall.

The grounds include a beautiful garden of fragrant frangipani and ginger lilies. Resort amenities include a cascading clifftop pool complex, day spa, fitness center, kids club, seven restaurants and beverage options. Crane’s history-loving owner has his museum onsite, featuring archival photographs, postcards, and priceless historical images unearthed by him and his team that tell the story of the hotel since the Victorian era. developed.

2. Sandals Royal Barbados

St Lawrence Gap

This couples-only resort is one of the newest resorts in the renowned all-inclusive group’s portfolio. It’s located on Maxwell Beach near the Happening Strip on the South Coast, which islanders call St. Lawrence Gap (also known as The Gap). The resort offers a high level of service and an all-inclusive experience. With 338 rooms, there are no entry-level rooms. Everything is a suite. A standout feature is the large glass-enclosed infinity pool, rooftop pool, and wellness aspect of the resort, with several health-conscious dining options and wellness suites with aromatherapy components. Bowling at the resort’s four-lane bowling alley (adorably called Lovers Lane) is a fun pre-dinner treat.

The resort has a craft beer bar, a great donut and coffee shop, an American tavern, an Asian fusion restaurant, a New York-style deli with fresh smoothies, and a rustic farm. – Eatery to table. Unlike some all-inclusive he resorts, there are no restrictions or restrictions. We may provide a voucher for a fine dining restaurant so he can dine there once during his stay. But here you can have dinner in any restaurant, even the same restaurant every night. With so many choices (and options to eat at sister properties (see other Sandals entries in this article)) it can be hard to decide. The resort offers disabled-friendly rooms and is flat, making it suitable for those with mobility issues.

There are some bridges to cross, but they are in a limited area. The rooftop pool is easily accessible by elevator. I like the look of the resort – the rooms are modern and chic with soft, muted colors. You can also choose butler service. Your personal butler will meet you on arrival and complete your in-suite check-in. These staff can make dinner reservations and arrange island tours. I’ve seen people lounging by the pool forget their books and call the butler on a special cell phone to bring their belongings. Some people like this next level service. I don’t think it is necessary.

3. Sandals

St Lawrence Gap

The Sandals Resort is also close to the Gap of Dover Beach, and is perfectly located where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean Sea (close to the airport). It is only a few years older than its sister property next door, Sandals Royal. I like that there is full exchange privilege between the two. That means you can put your head down in one resort and stay in both sandals. This is great value. Guests travel seamlessly between her two resorts with easy-to-travel pathways.

The resort has 280 rooms and suites with balconies or patios, including the particularly beautiful Crystal Lagoon Swim-Up Suite. It has all the amenities I love, including 11 pools (it’s an adults-only resort, so the pools are less splashy and quieter). In addition to Sandals Royale, there are 11 of his restaurants, and I think they have a great Indian restaurant, the Bombay Club, and great spa services. The property features a beautiful stretch of beach, complimentary water sports equipment and activities, from snorkel gear to yachts, tennis courts, and an expansive fitness center.

4. Sugar Bay

bridgetown

Sugar Bay is a great place for families. It’s kid-friendly with a great atmosphere and bright pastel architecture. Steps from a tranquil sea lagoon. Children will also be delighted by the monkeys who occasionally stop by the resort. Little ones can enjoy snow cones from vendors on the beach. I especially like the onsite restaurant, Reefs. Here he offers a daily all-inclusive he buffet with plenty of fresh island fruit, local specialties and fish (there is also a mandatory casual restaurant serving food that kids like).

At Sundowners, you can enjoy cocktails that match your mood and color scheme, such as a blue cocktail that matches the ocean, a pink cocktail that matches a gorgeous sunset that turns the sky into a pink and purple abstract, or an espresso martini that matches the sunset. dark sky. The rooms are spacious and face the sea. This resort is within walking distance of Bridgetown’s South Coast he boardwalk, historic attractions and nightlife. The onsite Karma Spa technician offers amazing deep tissue his massages for solo or couples in the spa or on the beach. Kids and teens will enjoy the activity-packed clubs designed just for them. There is also a nursery (childcare center) for infants.

5. Soko Hotel

christian church

With just 24 rooms, The Soco Hotel is more intimate than many all-inclusive resorts, yet offers the stress-free, hands-on experience you’ve come to expect from vacation style. As its name suggests, it is located on the south coast of the island. This resort is incredibly picturesque with a bright color palette. The highlight here for me is the rooms with private balconies with sea views.

The staff are friendly, attentive and do everything they can to make your stay special. This resort is close to Bridgetown and the island’s nightlife and restaurants, which appeals to people like me who need to get off campus for an authentic taste of the island (resort only has one restaurant). is not). Good resort for couples too, but be aware they don’t offer water sports on site or in the gym.

6. Crystal Cove

saint james

I have stayed at this all-inclusive hotel on the West Coast several times and appreciate it for many things. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet family friendly. Crystal Cove Cave Bar is a truly unique swim-up bar set in a rock formation next to a waterfall and a highlight of the resort. Like its location, it sits on a cliff on the west coast.

It’s a luxury resort and its exterior reflects that. The style is refreshing and contemporary, a departure from the all-inclusive colonial style of many all-inclusive resorts. The color palette is like a tropical garden. It’s also near many West Coast attractions and retail stores. There are 2 restaurants and 3 bars on site, all of which are great places to have a good time. The sunset views are spectacular. There are 3 large pools, a 24-hour fitness center, spa and a great kids club.