Best family hotels in Barbados, according to parents

With year-round sunshine, glorious white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of activities and water sports for entertainment, the small island of Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s most family-friendly destinations and a tropical paradise.

Barbados is an independent Commonwealth country. It’s approximately 21 miles long and just 14 miles wide, and each coastline offers their own unique attractions. The sophisticated west coast commonly known as the ‘Platinum Coast’ has an abundance of luxurious resorts, picture postcard beaches and clear, calm waters that are ideal for swimming.

While the popular south coast has fantastic all-inclusive resorts, a lively nightlife, and waves that are suitable for surfing and sailing, the east coast has rugged beauty, wild waves, and spectacular views - perfect for nature lovers.

All ages can enjoy a wide range of sports and activities in Barbados. Whether you and your family enjoy relaxing by the pool or staying active with water sports, there is something for everyone.

If you're a rum fan, you'll be pleased to know that there are over 1,500 rum shops on the island. Or if nature is more your family's thing, Barbados' native wildlife will keep the children amused. This includes black belly sheep, Bajan green monkeys, mongooses, and swimming turtles.

With something to appeal to everyone it’s no wonder Barbados is a well-loved family holiday destination. Here’s our roundup of the best family hotels in Barbados, so you can make the most of your tropical getaway.

Best family hotels in Barbados: a quick look

• Best overall hotel: Turtle Beach Resort

• Best luxury hotel: The Sandpiper

• Best budget hotel: Bougainvillea Barbados

• Best for babies: Sugar Bay

• Best for water sports: Cobblers Cove

1. Best overall family hotel in Barbados: Turtle Beach Resort

Turtle Beach Resport  | Check availability

“Lovely hotel, very family friendly. On the South coast, which does mean that the sea is a little rougher than on the West Coast. Great kids club. It is AI, and the food is usually pretty good. We've been 5 or 6 times, since our boys were around 7+.” Recommended by BecauseImWorthIt

A popular all-inclusive family resort on the south coast, this family-friendly resort is perfectly situated along a stunning stretch of white sand beach and turquoise waters. Exciting nightlife, local attractions and the popular Oistin’s Fish Fry are just minutes away in St. Lawrence Gap.

Here you’ll find spacious suites and kid-friendly amenities, including the popular Flying Fish Kids Club, a dedicated children's pool, and a jungle gym, helping to keep you and your family comfortable and entertained.

Kids can become honorary Bajans as the resort offers a fun-filled course where they learn the local lingo and even learn how to bake and cook Bajan foods. Upon completion, they receive their pin, a certificate, and a memorable Bajan passport!

Lastly - keep an eye out for the turtles as this beach is a favourite nesting spot!

2. Best for families with teenagers: Waves Hotel & Spa

Waves Hotel & Spa | Check availability

“I went in April to The Waves hotel on the west coast. Loved it and will return at some point. Two restaurants, right on the beach with water sports included in the cost, spa. My boys played golf, we swam with turtles and watched the racehorses swim at sunrise.... I want to go back!” Recommended by essie40

Situated on the beach on the west coast, the all-inclusive Waves Hotel & Spa features tranquil surroundings and exceptional service, all inspired by the style of South Beach with a focus on wellness.

With entertainment for all the family, there are complimentary motorised and non-motorised water sports, a family pool and live entertainment. This hotel is ideal for families with older children looking for the opportunity to have a relaxed break with fun in the sun.

3. Best luxury family hotel in Barbados: The Sandpiper

The Sandpiper | Check availability 

“The Sandpiper is our favourite place to stay but it’s not all inclusive.” Recommended by BornIn78

Located in Holetown, The Sandpiper hotel is an award-winning, five-star luxury boutique hotel. Set within a tropical garden, it is perfect for families seeking an intimate hotel getaway to relax and recharge.

The hotel is geared towards families with a babysitting service available alongside baby equipment and a family programme for children aged 2 to 12, which offers sailing and swimming lessons. Most importantly of all, children under 12 sharing a room with their parents will be free of charge!

It’s no wonder families return time and time again and The Sandpiper is recognised as one of the premier hotels in Barbados.

4. Best 5* family hotel in Barbados: Sea Breeze Beach House

Sea Breeze Beach House | Check availability

“We've stayed at the Sea Breeze beach house on the south coast near St Lawrence gap. Lovely hotel right on the beach .No problems with seaweed when we were there(February). Sea was great for swimming and for boogie boarding. Hotel is AI and the staff were so attentive. They would come to your loungers round the pool and on the beach and take drinks orders, offer you ice cream and would spray your feet with cooling water and eucalyptus. The sun loungers round the pool were the most comfortable I've been on. Very wide and with thick mattresses. I think they've added more rooms since we were last there.” Recommended by fluffyducky21

Set on the south coast in two and a half acres of lush gardens, the Sea Breeze Beach House is a luxurious, intimate all-inclusive resort.

Renowned for making families feel at home the Sea Breeze offers two, three and four bedroom suites which are spacious, designated family areas, a kid's club and a teen lounge to keep younger guests entertained. The restaurant offers a fantastic children's menu, too, which is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of diners.

To keep parents even happier, the hotel offers a ‘kids under 11 stay and eat free’ deal that’s not to be missed!

4. Best beach resort in Barbados for families: Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove | Check availability

“We went last year and stayed at Crystal Cove. Have been previously and love it so much. Crystal Cove is part of elegant hotels, and you can visit any of the others - just jump on the water taxi. I would say defo one of the best and on West Coast. Love it, it’s a great hotel.” Recommended by MabelMoo23

Crystal Cove is set in eight acres of tropical gardens on Barbados' west coast, overlooking a spectacular white-sand beach. An all-inclusive premium resort, this family friendly hotel includes a kids club for children aged 3 to 12 and a range of complimentary water sports. Babysitting services are also available upon request.

Guests can enjoy the Taste of Elegance Dine Around Programme at the six sister hotels, complete with kids’ menus at all restaurants.

6. Best small resort for families in Barbados: Mango Bay Hotel

Mango Bay Hotel | Check availability 

“We loved Mango Bay Hotel, Holetown......right on the beach. Small but perfect.” Recommended by  worcestersauce29

Mango Bay Beach Resort is found at St. James on a pretty, calm swimmable beach within walking distance of the wonderful restaurants, shops, and bars of Holetown.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary catamaran cruise, shuttle rides and a multitude of water sports including scuba diving and water skiing.

A standard one bedroom is ideal for families as they feature a separate living room and bedroom. With this in mind Mango Bay is ideal for families seeking the convenience of an all-inclusive beach holiday combined with the personal and first-class service a smaller resort provides.

Best budget family hotel in Barbados: Bougainvillea Barbados

Bougainvillea Barbados | Check availability 

“We have stayed in the Bourgainvillea Hotel next to Sandals. Has a mini kitchen so you can cater for yourselves as well as eating out or in the hotel. We are a family of 4 so the self-catering option helps at Xmas when everywhere is super busy and expensive. Literally on the beach. Small but loved it. They do a great NYE party too.” Recommended by Beaky001

Bougainvillea Barbados is a fantastic, value for money, four-star hotel that offers absolutely everything a family needs and more. The resort is located on the south coast near to St Lawrence Gap.

The rooms are ideal for families, spacious and come with kitchens. There's a well-equipped games room with table tennis, pool table and a supervised kids' club and a children's playground. Children under 16 stay free, too!

For the parents there’s complimentary snorkels, kayaks, and boogie boards, as well as three spectacular swimming pools, a golf course, and boutique shopping. Phew - what more could you want on a holiday?

8. Best family hotel for babies in Barbados: Sugar Bay

Sugar Bay | Check availability 

“We stayed at the Sugar Bay last Christmas, loved it.” Recommended by bendmeoverbackwards

Sugar Bay hotel provides fun for everyone. From tots to teens, this all-inclusive resort with its colourful Caribbean vibes, has the entire family in mind. With Bridgetown only a ten minute drive away, you will be spoilt for choice with things to do and see.

The creche is available for babies and toddlers ages four months to three years and operates daily. The kid’s club will keep the children occupied and teens can get together and play games in the clubhouse and an adult no-go area!

The stylish family suites are the perfect choice for spacious comfort. They have stunning views of the ocean, the pool, or the lush, green gardens. While the kids are having fun, why not treat yourself to a local rum at the relaxing Colin’s Beach Bar & Grill with its fabulous views?

9. Best family hotel for water sports in Barbados: Cobblers Cove

Cobblers Cove | Check availability 

“We have been going as a family to Cobblers Cove for years with our young children. It is a wonderful hotel with fantastic staff who will look after you and your children perfectly. It is small, safe with a kid’s arts and crafts room and free water sports. We had our 4-year-old water skiing this year.” Recommended by bikini

Set in a former 1940s plantation house, Cobblers Cove is an intimate beachfront hotel near Speightstown which combines English elegance with Caribbean charm. Cobblers Cove is all about getting out and enjoying the water. Take a complimentary boat trip each day of your stay to learn to water ski, swim with turtles or cruise the picturesque coast.

Head out with the hotel fisherman in search of barracuda or tuna. Paddle boards, kayaks, snorkels, flippers, and small sailboats are also complimentary for guests.

Back to dry land, there is cricket training at a fabulous facility run by professional cricketer and golfer, Franklyn Stephenson, Bajan national and ex-county cricketer.

10. Best self-catering villa in Barbados for families: Waterhall Polo Villa 12

Waterhall Polo Villa 12 | Check availability

Waterhall Polo Villa 12 is an immaculate modern villa in Saint James, which has a private, outdoor swimming pool, terrace, garden and free private parking. The villa features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with lake views.

The villa is set in a fantastic location with a ten minute drive to the stunning west-coast beaches. For days when you want to explore, it’s around a 20 minute drive up to Animal Flower Cave in the north and about 35 minutes to the wonderful east coast. There are lovely restaurants within a quick driving distance of the villa, too, for evenings when you wish to dine out.

If you are looking for a self-catering choice where you can get out and about to explore all Barbados has to offer, this villa could be the perfect choice for you.

Is Barbados child-friendly?

Barbados is considered one of the Caribbean’s most family-friendly islands, and hotels here are well equipped for families during the stay. Hotels and resorts supply everything you need, including things like baby cribs and sterilisers, alongside babysitting services and kids’ clubs.

Most, if not all, restaurants across the island offer children’s menus that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

It’s also worth mentioning that most resorts are just a short transfer from the airport, helping to reduce your travel time - particularly if you’re travelling with younger holidaymakers.

Is Barbados safe for families?

Yes, Barbados is considered one of the safest Caribbean islands for families thanks to its particularly low crime rate. The tourism industry is a huge part of the island’s economy, and the locals are said to be some of the friendliest in the entire Caribbean.

Although, take care with what clothing you pack. It is illegal to wear any camouflaged clothing in Barbados and they take this rule very seriously.

What is the climate like in Barbados?

Barbados' tropical climate makes it a popular tourist destination. The country enjoys an average temperature of 26.8°C.

The most ideal time to travel to Barbados is between December and April. This is during the dry season when there is less rain. The weather is also more pleasant, since it's not as humid, unlike the other months. When it rains it usually consists of brief, heavy showers, but there is lots of sunshine during the rest of the day.

Hurricane season is from July to November. The risk of hurricanes is small, as they normally pass to the north, so this is often a less expensive time to visit.

How we chose our recommendations

Our recommendations are based on feedback from real parents, Mumsnet forums, customer testimonials, and review sites. Being parents ourselves helps us to understand what families need when booking a holiday, and we always offer unbiased, independent advice you can trust.

After we’ve collated our hotel picks, we then turn to the experts and consult the likes of Hotels.com and Expedia to see what their recommendations include for family holidays to Barbados.

Here we’ll also check what travellers are saying on these sites, taking into consideration both the positive and negative points of their trip to bring you a well-rounded and honest guide.

Why should you trust us?

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.