Stretching from the charming Speighstown in the north to the historic Holetown in the middle and the capital of Bridgetown to the south, Barbados’s sheltered western coastline is home to some of the calmest waters and best beaches in the Caribbean. That’s why it’s called the Barbados Platinum Coast (an upgrade from its previous alias – the Gold Coast).
Protected from harsh currents and featuring a soft, sloping seabed and plenty of protective corals, the Barbados Platinum Coast is celebrated for its abundance of perfect beaches – as well as its beautiful villa rentals. And while there are lots of places to stay along this stunning stretch of shoreline, this post will explore some of the most popular options.
Best Places to Stay on Barbados’s Platinum Coast
Sandy Lane Villas
As one of Barbados’s premiere resorts, Sandy Lane villas have long been synonymous with luxury on the island. Stretching out over 800 acres, the resort includes amenities like a 47,000-square-foot Romanesque spa, great restaurant options like l’Acajou, and no less than three world-class golf courses. Plus, it’s all beachfront along one of the best-maintained beaches on the island.
Pros of Staying in Sandy Lane
- World-class golf
- Fine dining
- Luxury spa service
- Impeccable service
Cons of Staying in Sandy Lane
- The priciest option on the Barbados Platinum Coast
- Less of an authentic cultural experience
Sandy Lane is Best For
- Golfers
- Spa lovers
Sandy Lane Villa Pick
5 bedrooms
5 bath
$20,000-$25,000 per night
Easily one of the most luxurious properties on the island, the legendary One Sandy Lane has hosted countless celebrities and dignitaries. Everything here is of the highest order – from the classical architecture to the rich textures. Plus, it’s all beachfront and surrounded by some of the most meticulously curated gardens in Barbados. This is villa magic.
Royal Westmoreland Villas
A little further inland, Royal Westmoreland is another renowned country club. It’s celebrated for its golf and tennis facilities in particular. It’s a hilltop resort, so while you’ll get some beautiful ocean views, be aware that it’s about a ten-minute walk to Mullins Beach (there’s also a shuttle). Royal Westmoreland villas are suitably grand, with a typical colonial style.
Pros of Staying in Royal Westmoreland
- High variety of accommodation
- Grand, colonial-style villas
- Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course
- Good villas for events like weddings
Cons of Staying in Royal Westmoreland
- Not directly beachfront
- No fine dining on-site
Royal Westmoreland is Best for
- Golf Lovers
- Events
Royal Westmoreland Villa Pick
6 bedrooms
6 + 1 half bath
$2,125-$5,625
From the moment you drive in and are greeted by the expansive courtyard and Italian fountain, you’ll know you’re in for something special. This is the ultimate family villa, with an oversized pool, mature gardens, a cinema, a games room, a full gym, and more. It’s also fully staffed, including chef/cook, for a truly stress-free experience.
Sugar Hill Villas
Close to the popular Mullins Beach, Sugar Hill is a gated community known for its world-class tennis facilities. In addition to courts that have seen the likes of Serena Williams, Sugar Hill villas are architecturally unique and mix timeless style and modern amenities.
Pros of Staying in Sugar Hill
- Proximity to Mullins Beach
- Great tennis facilities
- Gated and secure
- Private
Cons of Staying in Sugar Hill
- Limited dining options on-site
- Not beachfront
Sugar Hill is Best For
- Tennis lovers
- Those who want somewhere quiet near the action of Mullins Beach
Sugar Hill Villa Pick
4 bedrooms
4 + 1 half bath
$1,800-$5,000/night
Inspired by the design of the Sandy Lane Hotel, Illusion is a custom-built hillside stunner that exudes good taste. This villa includes a large pool, a small pond, a putting green, chef service, and every bedroom has a covered terrace. What more could you ask for?
Paynes Bay Villas
Right in the heart of the Barbados Platinum Coast, Paynes Bay villas offer a great mix of convenience and tranquillity. It’s especially known for its great snorkelling opportunities, including the chance to swim with turtles.
Pros of Staying in Paynes Bay
- Idyllic tropical town
- Long stretches of sandy beach
- Great snorkelling
- Authentic experience
Cons of Staying in Paynes Bay
- Can get crowded at times
- Limited number of restaurants
Paynes Bay is Best For
- Snorkelling Lovers
- Families
Paynes Bay Villa Pick:
9 bedrooms
9 bath
$15,300-$20,000/night
A true work of art, Kiko is a four-story coral stone villa sitting directly on Paynes Bay Beach. Everything about this villa is top-tier, from the saltwater pool overlooking the turquoise water to the cinema, games room, gym, and in-house spa. A perfect spot for a world-class destination wedding.
Staying in Fitts Village Rentals
A charming little fishing town with a distinct island vibe, Fitts Village offers the kind of authentic Caribbean experience many travellers crave. It does so while remaining exceedingly safe and maintaining a nice, laid-back tempo. Coupled with its central location between Holetown and Bridgetown, Fitts Village villas are a favourite of many repeat travellers to Barbados.
Pros of Staying in Fitts Village
- Relaxed, residential vibe
- Modern beachfront villas
- Centrally located
- Authentic cultural experience
Cons of Staying in Fitts Village
- Not gated
- Limited number of restaurants
Fitts Village is Best For:
- Travelers looking for an authentic Bajan experience
- Guests who want to travel up and down the coast
Fitts Village Villa Pick:
5 bedrooms
5 + 1 bath
$3,100-$6,175
Directly beachfront, Nirvana is a modern stunner designed to take advantage of the gorgeous sea views that surround it. Touches like a rooftop bar, an expansive beachfront patio, indoor and outdoor dining, and a full staff, including a chef, make it easy to relax and take it all in.
Gibbes Villas
Just south of Mullins, Gibbes is home to Gibbes Bay and Gibbes Beach, both of which are exceedingly serene. Plus, Gibbes villas evoke that grand colonial style, with a perfect mix of beachfront living, impeccable service, and island style.
Pros of Staying in Gibbes
- The clam water of Gibbes Bay
- Unique villas
- Tranquility
- Proximity to Speighstown
Cons of Stayin in Gibbes
- Limited nightlife
- Limited shopping
Gibbes is Best For
- Peaceful retreats
- Watersports lovers
Gibbes Villa Pick
4 bedrooms
4 + 1 half bath
$2,150-$5,200 per night
A plantation-style design tucked away on Gibbes Beach, Hemmingway House exudes that kind of unique tropical cool you only find in the Caribbean. Take a dip in the lagoon pool. Stroll by the cascading bougainvillea. Enjoy a custom-made meal alfresco. Trust me – you won’t want to leave.
Weston Villas
Lastly, if you’re looking for another quiet, relaxing beach to unwind in, consider Weston. Weston villas are usually beachfront, and because there are no hotels in the area, the beach is quiet and frequented by locals only.
Pros of Staying in Weston
- Quiet, low-key beach
- Beachfront villa rentals
- Recently constructed villas
- No hotels in the area
Cons of Staying in Weston
- Limited dining
- No nightlife
Weston is Best for
- Beach lovers
- Quiet seekers
Weston Villa Pick:
5 bedrooms
5 + 1 bath
$2,750-$11,000/night
A contemporary villa designed with a soothing black and grey motif, Onyx is impossibly sleek. The floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic ocean views provide the perfect contrast to the black marble and minimalist styling throughout the villa. The outdoor living area includes a fountained pool. And the direct beach access to one of the best beaches on the Barbados Platinum Coast means you’ll always have something to do.
Summary of Where to Stay on Barbados Platinum Coast
- For spa and luxury: Sandy Lane
- For golf and variety: Royal Westmoreland
- For tennis and Mullins: Sugar Hill
- For beach and snorkelling: Paynes Bay
- For culture and centrality: Fitts Village
- For tranquillity and watersports: Gibbes
- For beach and privacy: Weston
Let Us Help you Choose Where to Stay on the Barbados Platinum Coast
If you’re still wondering where to stay on the Barbados Platinum Coast, your Rental Escapes villa specialist will be happy to provide a personalized recommendation. Just let us know who you’re travelling with, when, and what you want to do, and we’ll let you know the best location and Barbados villa for you. Contact us today!
1 Comment
Hey how are you ?
I plan on coming to cost rica this summer with my family
We would like to stay in a nice area with access to amenities like beach and pools…….
We need a 8 bedroom house and we need it to include a butler a chef and cleaning help
Our dates are aug 19-26
Our budget is 2000-3500 usd a night
Please send me the options you have
Thank you