The Most Romantic Honeymoon Resorts to Book in Barbados

As far as top resorts in Barbados go, this Marriott feels exotic. The pools are lagoon-like and its 100-odd rooms and suites are enveloped in seven acres (2.8ha) of tropical gardens. You might even catch a glimpse of monkeys in the trees. It’s a particularly great choice for watersport fans, with motorised water sports such as waterskiing, tubing and banana boat rides, as well as complimentary non-motorised water sports included in your stay, and the option of couples’ stand-up paddleboarding classes so you can glide off into the sunset together.

In our experience, there are two main types of honeymooners – those who want to get out and experience the world together and those who want to cocoon. This chic, five-star Barbados resort on the white sands of Alleynes Bay is a great choice for the latter, especially when you plump for one of its oceanfront rooms – with its circular daybeds as well as plush night ones – or a suite with sun loungers and direct beach access. Room service and in-room massages can be arranged for a fee, and suites also come with free airport transfers and the option for butler service, so you’ll literally have to do nothing except walk from bed to the pool and back again.

You don’t make the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List if you’re not a gold standard establishment – which is certainly true of this stand-out hottie on the west coast of the island. A 1940s coral-coloured mansion overlooking the sea, with what’s said to be the best restaurant on the island, it’s been a British society favourite for years. Limited to just 40 suites, this family-run resort in Barbados manages to maintain a castaway vibe, offering plenty of experiences to make you feel like yours is the only love story playing out here, from massages at the Sea Moon Salon to reef snorkelling, beach picnics or a Tango lesson.

This elegant family-run property, set in 12 acres (4.8ha) of landscaped gardens in historic Holetown, is an incredible and romantic hotel in Barbados. Soak up the country club feel while lounging by the palm-lined pool and open-sided restaurant with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Turn the romance dial-up by booking the Luxury Plantation Suite, which comes with a four-poster bed and a large terrace with a private plunge pool. Guests are invited to the owner’s cocktail party once a week where they can toast their marriage all over again.

Book the sought-after Curlew suite, with its expansive oceanfront terrace, plunge pool and gigantic patio, for the ultimate VIP treatment. Every room has its own patio or balcony where you can enjoy al fresco room service and quality alone time. Tear yourselves away to enjoy the intimate torchlit tropical gardens, soft white sand beach, rum shack and outstanding restaurant, where desserts (including a chocolate fountain) are a speciality.

The House is an adults-only oceanfront retreat designed for romance. With just 34 rooms, this hotel on the west coast ensures every guest gets special treatment. An all-inclusive package like no other offers daily champagne breakfasts, a jet-lag revival massage, complimentary water taxis, afternoon tea and discreet staff who will arrange everything from sunset catamaran cruises to romantic beach dinners.

Even if you’ve blown the budget on the wedding, you don’t have to miss out on a dream honeymoon in Barbados. This excellent value hotel is just as blissful as many of the top hotels on the island but without the eye-watering price tag. There are swimming pools with waterfalls, free watersports, a swish spa, a white sand beach and two restaurants, though rooms have kitchenettes if you’re hoping to keep costs down.

Screaming toddlers won’t spoil your romantic holiday at The Club. This adults-only, all-inclusive property on the west coast is a peaceful, grown-up retreat with three separate pools, a small spa, a beach bar and all sorts of included activities, including sailing Hobie Cats, pool volleyball, rum tasting, guided walks and cooking classes. Alternatively, you can just sit back and work your way through the cocktail menu at the beach bar instead.

No one will blame you if you never leave your room at adults-only The Abidah. All 44 rooms at this glamorous boutique hotel overlooking Enterprise Bay come with a private jacuzzi, balcony and kimonos for lounging. Elsewhere, the all-inclusive package offers a full beachside service, top-notch dining at Remous restaurant, a lavish daily afternoon tea and complimentary flip flops and a beach bag.