Barbados’s vibrant mix of breathtaking beaches, Colonial-style architecture, botanical gardens, and characteristic Caribbean hospitality makes it a natural beacon for those seeking sun, sand, rum punch, and a warm island breeze. Despite a slim 21-mile radius, there’s a surprising number of excellent hotels here bringing historical charm, plush beds, and unrivalled sea views to restore peace to weary travelers. But for a proper pulse-slowing immersion into island time, a private villa is best. You don’t even have to compromise on hotel amenities, as plenty are fully staffed with private chefs, butlers, and concierges ready to attend to your every whim. Whether you’re bound for the sights and sounds of carnival season, the joyful food scene, or simply a recline on idyllic white sands, there’s a slew of exceptional stays across the island ready to call home. Below are six of the best villas in Barbados to book now.
We’ve selected these listings based on Superhost and Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews.
Reefside Retreat
Number of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 6.5 baths
Why we love it: Hot tub, on-site staff, quiet golf resort location
It’s not just the smart darkwood interiors that draw you in here—it’s the fact that this stay combines the privacy of a villa stay with the unmatched convenience of a hotel booking, with a full fleet staff on hand. Holetown is the island’s bounciest spot, so you’re well-placed for long days soaking up the atmosphere at one of the bustling beach bars after a jaunt along palm tree-lined streets, before returning home to enjoy the island’s famous sunsets from the hot tub on the terrace. And don’t worry about being disturbed after dark, despite the vibrant locale—this home is set within a quiet golf resort, so you’ll get an extra good night’s sleep in the comfy beds (and won’t have far to go to squeeze in a game).
Leamington Pavilion
Number of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 4 baths
Why we love it: Tennis court access, home gym, concierge, beach access
The commission for this villa’s design was given to English stage designer and artist Oliver Messel, and it’s clear that he had fun with this one. Each room has a different, but no less lovely, finish, with an abundance of lavish draped fabrics—bed curtains, pelmets, headboards—bringing White Lotus–worthy glamour to this sparkling beachside locale. Inside is a lavish feast for the senses: elegant cornices, intricate hand-carved furniture, natural stone archways, and sparkling chandeliers. There’s a home gym, tennis court access, and sprawling manicured gardens overlooking crystal clear waters where alfresco suppers can be taken with the most dramatic of backdrops. When it’s time to head out, your concierge can sort dinner reservations, taxis, and provide recommendations for things to do.
Waverly One
Number of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Garden, terrace, sea views, plunge pool
You can head straight onto Gibbes Beach’s ultra-white sands from this pretty stone villa, which sits in St. Lucy, Barbados’ northernmost parish, and the only one named after a female saint. It’s every inch the beach house with driftwood-panelled ceilings, coral-print cushions, and glorious sea views, but the feel inside is all country-house elegance. Tastefully chosen soft furnishings and sofa fabrics pair with a fresh, neutral base for a sophisticated feel, and there’s a lush tropical garden with a terrace, barbecue, and home bar, plus a plunge pool for much-needed midday cooldowns. It’s a good option for families, with three air-conditioned double bedrooms, one of which has an en suite shower room and a private balcony for sundowners after the kids are tucked up. Jump in the car and you’ll be among the sights and sounds of buzzy Speightstown within five minutes.
Villa Weston
Number of guests: 15
Bed and bath: 7 bedrooms, 7 baths
Why we love it: Private pool, home gym, air-conditioned bedrooms
For reasons obvious to all, this beachfront villa in well-to-do St. James is widely regarded as one of the loveliest on the island. A recurrent green motif injects the airy, neutral interiors with a dose of dopamine—and that’s without mentioning the candy pinks in one of the bedrooms, or the joyful floral curtains and soft furnishings scattered throughout. An idyllic swimming pool, fully-equipped kitchen, and home gym mean you’ll be suitably content when idling, but there are endless activities in the vicinity to fill out your time. You’ll reach the beach within seconds, then can peel off onto a slew of breathtaking trails for horseback riding, cycling, or hiking, before heading central to sample the local delicacies at supper. For those thinking destination weddings, this is an obvious choice, with seven bedrooms ready to house your nearest and dearest who’ve arrived to celebrate your big day.
Atelier House
Number of guests: 10
Bed and bath: 4 bedrooms, 6 baths
Why we love it: 360-degree views, infinity pool, washing machine
Minimalists will appreciate Atelier House’s contemporary aesthetic; while the interiors are less rambunctious than some of the other properties on the island, its impact instead comes from the dramatic high ceilings, tasteful furniture, and abundance of glass that wraps around the space—allowing for 360-degree views of the tropical wonderland that surrounds. An infinity pool flows off the cliffside overlooking thick jungly foliage, so make a cocktail and linger at the edge—it’s perfection at sundown. Wander down to the nearby market to pick up some lunch to barbecue, then spend a leisurely afternoon on the water; the sea is just a few minutes’ from your door.
Fustic House
Number of guests: 14
Bed and bath: 7 bedrooms, 7 baths
Why we love it: Lagoon-shaped pool, outdoor showers, home theater
You might have to trek a little further off the beaten track to reach this imposing property, but the journey up the slopes from the sea is well worth the extra time. You’ll emerge to a smart colonnaded terrace with unmatched rolling ocean views for a spoiling stay ensconced within 10 acres of cocooning tropical greenery. Thick foliage surrounds the grounds, which reveal a dreamy lagoon-style swimming pool hewn from local coral stone—you’d never know it’s manmade. The best part is the magical lake, affectionately known as the Duck Pond, so grab your book and stay a while. With space for 14 guests, it’s one for big group getaways, but with accommodation split between four buildings, there’s ample room for everyone to relax in peace. There’s the original 18th-century main house, the Plantation cottage with elegant rooms fitted with outdoor showers, the smart Messel Wing with its impeccably dressed suites, and the Pavilion, which comes replete with its own home theater for holing up in after the day’s festivities.
