Barbados West Coast: Best For Luxury & Families
Often referred to as the "Platinum Coast", the sought-after West Coast of Barbados is renowned for its sugary-white sandy beaches, calm aquamarine waters sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean's swells, luxury resorts and five-star dining options. For those seeking the epitome of indulgence, the West Coast offers the perfect setting for luxury Barbados holidays. You'll also get a front-row seat to the best sunsets over the sea.
Primarily comprising the three parishes of St. James, St. Peter and St. Michael, the West Coast is the best place to stay in Barbados for families, as the beaches boast soft sand and gently lapping waters for safe swimming and snorkelling.
St James
Many of our luxury hotels in St James boast direct access to a beach, and you'll find plenty of designer shopping and top restaurants nearby.
One of the best arcs of private golden sand belongs to the iconic Sandy Lane, also renowned for its children’s facilities and the region's finest golf courses. Just down from Sandy Lane is Paynes Bay Beach, with some of the clearest water for snorkelling. If you're lucky, you may encounter leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles that live just off the shore.
Another family-friendly option on the west coast is Coral Reef Club, a beautiful beach hotel set in bountiful tropical gardens where families can enjoy complimentary non-motorised watersports and spacious interconnected accommodations. If you’re visiting the west coast of the island as a couple, you may prefer a more sophisticated stay at the adult-only hotel The House by Elegant Hotels, an oasis of calm on the glorious beachfront dedicated to romance.
A Barbados luxury holiday also offers a plethora of unforgettable dining experiences. The iconic Lone Star is an exceptional west coast institution that carries a ‘Little Stars’ menu for children, with sure-fire hits like fish fingers and chips.
For a romantic meal à deux, the white sand beach is just metres away when you dine at Daphne’s, or you can head over to Holetown to soak up the nightlife on the lively First and Second Street. For a quieter evening soaking up the pink and orange sunsets, there are dozens of spots to choose from. One of the best-loved beach bars in Barbados and one of our favourites is Harold’s Bar at The Sandpiper, the perfect spot for foot-in-the-sand snacks and delicious rum co*cktails.
If you’re looking to pick up more than a few standard souvenirs while on holiday, St James is also home to the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown, perfect for duty-free shopping, with designer stores such as Gucci, Cartier and Michael Kors.
St Peter
Much of Barbados’ so-called Platinum Coast runs through St Peter, which is a little further north than St James. If you'd prefer to stick to the northwest of Barbados there is plenty to see and do, from soaking up local life in Speightstown to relaxing on Mullins Beach, arguably one of the finest stretches of golden sands on the Western Coast.
We have Saint Peter’s Bay in this area which is ideal for a family beach break, offering spacious residential-style accommodation, sea turtle education and a children's club. There's also Cobblers Cove in Speightstown, which is better suited to adults with elegant suites and stylish dining.
St Michael
Just a short drive away, Barbados' capital Bridgetown is in the parish of St Michael. There aren't too many beach hotels to stay at, but it's an interesting place to spend a morning or afternoon nonetheless, walking along atmospheric shopping streets and Bridgetown’s South Coast Boardwalk, and stopping at Rihanna Drive where the world-famous Barbadian pop star grew up.
Just outside Bridgetown in the historic Garrison area is the all-inclusive resort Sugar Bay, where a combination of modern facilities, four restaurants and a glorious 150-metre stretch of white sandy beach are sure to impress.
