5 Luxury Activities in Barbados

Of all the islands on the Caribbean, none conjures up the image of sophistication and luxury more than Barbados. Considered a premier destination for the well-heeled and famous, it serves its visitors with a veritable feast of fine dining, exotic onshore and offshore adventures and the ultimate in pampered relaxation.

The place to find this hedonistic bliss is the aptly named Platinum Coast, a stretch of the western shore that’s blessed with beautiful beaches and calm aquamarine seas and dotted with luxury hotels, resorts and private villas. In and around this part of the island, visitors will find a wealth of luxury activities in which to indulge. Here are some of the best ones.

First-class golf

The west coast boasts some outstanding golf clubs, renowned not just for the quality of their courses but also for their exceptional facilities and the glorious views of the Caribbean. Perhaps most well-known is the Sandy Lane Country Club, home to three courses and once the venue for the World Golf Championships World Cup. Equally magnificent is the Royal Westmoreland’s course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr. as well as the Apes Hill Golf Club.

All three establishments have invested in world-class clubhouse facilities, keep well-maintained courses and provide buggies, pro-stores and lessons with professional golfers, where requested.

High-quality retail

Should you need to purchase anything during your visit or if you just fancy a little retail therapy, then you’ll be well catered for. The Platinum Coast is home to the island’s most exclusive boutiques and salons. Most of these can be found in and around Holetown, with the stylish Limegrove Lifestyle Centre being the main retail attraction. Here you’ll discover over one hundred high-class stores including outlets from many world-renowned brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Ralph Loren.

As you would expect, these stores match the quality of their products with exceptional personal service and, with the benefit of duty-free pricing, it can be hard to resist some of the bargains on offer.

You’ll also find Holetown has some fine cafes, restaurants and bars as well as hair and beauty salons and luxurious spas offering heavenly pampering treatments.

Five-star fine dining

Barbados is the home of some of the most celebrated cuisine in the Caribbean and its finest restaurants have international acclaim. The most sought-after tables are to be found at The Cliff, where the exquisite menu of chef, Paul Owens, is such a delight that you’re recommended to make a reservation as soon as you’ve booked your flight if you want any chance of getting a seat. This fabulous restaurant is perched on cliffs overlooking the sea and offers truly magical sunset suppers. It also has an adjacent beach club where you can eat, less formally, on one of its four terraces.

Equally as enchanting are the fabulously French L’Acajou, the eccentric and exotic Cin Cin and the charming lantern-lit terraces of the Champers restaurant.

Chilled days and party nights

For less formal fun but with just the right amount of contemporary opulence, head a little further north to Nikki Beach Club. It’s a place for the young and beautiful to laze on the deep mattress, canopied sun beds that surround the pool and enjoy a champagne breakfast. The food here is designed to appeal to your guilty cravings: delicious pizzas, sushi rolls, Angus steak sandwiches and Piri Piri wraps. It’s the only place on the island where the menu includes a ‘Sexy Salad’. The dress code for dining is, like the menu, ‘elegant’.

After sunset, this beachfront chill zone transforms into a nightclub. There’s live music and DJs, dancing, entertainment and cocktails galore to make sure everyone enjoys the party and leaves with a smile.

Private yacht tours

Barbados has some beautiful hidden beaches and coastline to explore and, offshore, there’s the chance to snorkel and see the multicoloured reefs teeming with tropical fish and inquisitive turtles. Most visitors to the island take a catamaran trip at least once on their holiday and it is something we highly recommend.

However, if you are looking for something a little more private and with a touch of luxury, the best solution is to charter a private yacht. With a range of luxurious charter vessels available, your personal pilot will sail you and your friends or family to the areas you have chosen to explore. With a host of comforts and onboard amenities, service can include cocktails, fine wines and chef-prepared meals or picnics. Some providers also include on-board valet service if required.  

Summing up

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or a honeymoon, or if luxury is a must-have for your holiday, Barbados can provide it with aplomb. We have decades of experience catering for the most discerning of tastes and you’ll find everything you need for a luxury holiday right here on the west coast of the island.

If you are looking for a truly outstanding villa or apartment on an exclusive resort, take a look at the accommodation and facilities here at the prestigious Royal Westmoreland.