Where to stay in Barbados: the west coast, the south and Bridgetown

Barbados has two very different coasts to stay on, and picking between them shapes the trip. The west is calm and upmarket; the south is livelier and better value; and the capital sits between them.

Where to stay

The west coast, the Platinum Coast around Holetown and Speightstown, is the calm, clear, luxury side, gentle water and sunset beaches. The south coast, around St. Lawrence Gap, Worthing and Rockley, is livelier and lighter on the wallet, with restaurants, bars and nightlife close at hand. Bridgetown and the Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage site, put you in the working capital. The wild east coast is for a day trip, not a swim.

Where to start

Before you go

The west coast books far ahead in high season, so plan early. The number on each page is the property’s own.