The Most Romantic Spots to Book in Barbados

If you were trying to describe paradise in Barbados, the Sandpiper would come pretty close. Designed by Brits who came to the island in the 1950s, the stunning beachside hotel opened its doors in the 1970s – and the sandy cove has been an understated, private hideaway ever since. Visitors love the personal, family welcome and immaculate tropical setting here, where they can enjoy dinner under the stars surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers and koi ponds – while sunbathers can top up their tans on the handy, private deck behind the sand.

Orderly white sun umbrellas line the shoreline at the House, which prides itself as being a chic, modern adults-only resort with just 34 rooms and suites – to give it an exclusive boutique vibe. Rather than run a bath on arrival, take advantage of a complimentary jet-lag massage, sip some champagne at the extensive breakfast buffet or stop for a scone and some shade during the daily afternoon tea. With a full menu of services, there’s nothing that the House ambassadors can’t fix for you – whether you fancy swimming with dolphins, doing a cookery class or hiring a paddleboard.

As one of the Caribbean’s best-known hotels, you can expect glamour with a capital G at Sandy Lane. Its five-star credentials mean that as a guest, you’ll be fast-tracked through the airport – and you won’t have to lift a finger until you depart. From unpacking your designer luggage to buffing your sunglasses – and bringing you refreshing sorbets – the staff is yours at the wave of a flag. If swimming is more your thing, soak up the sounds from the futuristic underwater speakers in the multi-layered pool.

Spread over 12 acres (5ha) of landscaped gardens, the Coral Reef offers a taste of old-school colonial romance in a peaceful tropical garden setting. Private cottages are interspersed among the shrubbery, along with more showy Plantation Suites which allow for lots of privacy. Love is in the air at the candlelit restaurant which serves dinner and an extravagant buffet breakfast consisting of fresh, local delicacies, as well as a cooked-to-order menu. If you’ve had enough of the nearby beach, there’s plenty to do on the grounds and you can take advantage of the full-service spa, tennis courts and two outdoor pools.

Little Arches is a hidden gem offering 10 rooms on an adults-only basis – with an award-winning rooftop restaurant, Café Luna to satisfy romantics with its twinkling lanterns, great wine list and sea views. ​​Tucked away behind the flawless white sands of Enterprise Beach, you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. The friendly staff is at your beck and call – bringing you cold drinks to the luxury sun loungers by the pool or carrying chairs and an umbrella to the beach for you. You can even hire bicycles – or tandems – to explore the area, and while there is no spa, you can have a massage in the comfort of your room.

Swim with turtles after breakfast on the adjoining beach at the luxury Treasure Beach Hotel. With an enviable position leading to the soft white sands of Paynes Bay, this laid-back property is perfect for socializing. Every week, it offers a Treasure Art Crawl which takes guests to museums, galleries and pottery centers on the island – along with twice-weekly yoga sessions under the decades-old mahogany tree that overlooks the pool. Foodies will love the inventive, award-winning Tapestry Restaurant here that offers something new every night – before you grab a cocktail at the Wine Cellar and Batik Bar.

If you want to fall asleep to the uninterrupted sound of waves lapping from your bed, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion is the place to be – as it’s situated directly on the stunning sands of Alleynes Bay. All of the spacious and modern suites and rooms have a colonial-style vibe here and it’s peppered with contemporary Barbadian art. The beach is footsteps away and romantics love strolling hand-in-hand along the beach that houses two elegant restaurants: the Palm Terrace, with vaulted ceilings and sea views and the slightly more casual Taboras.