12 Best Family Resorts in Barbados + BONUS Vacation Guide
Are you looking for the best family resorts in Barbados for your vacation with kids?
We’ve got you covered with top recommendations of which Barbados family resorts to stay at when you’re traveling to Barbados with kids. As a family of four (plus grandparents), we traveled throughout Barbados for two weeks and saw the best that the island has to offer.
We personally prefer to stay in unique hotels and villas, especially since as full-time travelers, we tend to travel more slowly and often spend more time in each location. That said, we know that many of our readers are looking for the best resorts in Barbados for families, so we thought we’d help you out with this one.
We’ve included a review of the resort-style condo community we stayed at during our family vacation to Barbados. We’ve also included some of the top resorts (inclusive and non-inclusive) that we’ve come across while researching this topic.
While we haven’t stayed in any of these other hotels and resorts ourselves, we have read through numerous reviews to put together this list. We’ve noted the kid-friendly resort features each has – because we understand the value of knowing that!
We’ll also suggest some of the best things to do with kids in Barbados and some tips for travel around the island, so you can have a family vacation to remember for a lifetime!
Note: Remember to look into the details of what is included in your stay when booking through a third-party site like Expedia or Booking.com, as sometimes inclusions can vary. We are not responsible for any changes to what’s available at the time of your stay.
Best Barbados Family Resorts
1. Sapphire Beach Condominiums
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 Stars)
9.4/10 (71 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: 2 outdoor pools, fitness center, free wi-fi, beach access, all apartment-style
Kids Club Details: Not offered
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: No
Beachfront Property: Yes
Sapphire Beach Condominiums is a 4.5 star condo-style oceanfront resort community located in the popular St. Lawrence Gap area of Barbados, where guests can find lots of beaches, bars and restaurants to explore. This gated community has 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, furnished beautifully and inclusive of gorgeous waterfront views.
Guests have access to two pools, the beach, and a small gym, and are within walking distance to shops and restaurants in St Lawrence Gap.
This is where we stayed for our family holiday in Barbados, and we absolutely loved it here! It was spacious enough for our family plus grandparents. While it’s not your traditional “Barbados resort,” it is a great family resort-styled community in one of the best parts of the island.
The beach was calm most days we were here, making for great snorkeling with the toddlers. We also had some days where the waves picked up and made for some surf.
While we were on the beach, three big sea turtles were hanging out in the waters, which made for extra-special snorkeling! We found out this area is a big nesting area for turtles in Barbados.
Sapphire Beach Condominiums Reviews
Beautiful property right on the beautiful beach. Walking distance to many restaurants. The staff was wonderful and so friendly and helpful. – Linda (Expedia Review)
Stone’s throw away to the sea, and the view is amazing! So spacious for a family of five too. Will definitely use this accommodation again on our next visit to Barbados! – J.Grover (Expedia Review)
✅Book Sapphire Beach Condominiums
2. Crystal Cove By Elegant Hotels
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.4/10 (345 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: All-inclusive service, 3 pools, gym, 2 bars, 3 restaurants, swim-up & poolside bars, outdoor tennis courts, library, watersports, yoga classes, playground
Kids Club Details: Free kids club
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: Yes
Beachfront Property: Yes
Many families rave about the great all-inclusive service and peaceful environment of Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels, located in Derricks, Barbados. With a variety of activities for kids, adults and families alike, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this beachfront resort.
There are 88 rooms, including ocean view and pool/garden view rooms and suites. While some guests say that the rooms are due for upgrades, others say that the beauty and amenities of the resort outweigh somewhat dated rooms.
The resort’s beach provides access to tons of watersport equipment including kayaks, snorkel gear, surf and bodyboards and more. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance of Paynes Bay Beach and Folkestone Marine Park, where you can snorkel and scuba dive around a sunken ship!
To add to your convenience when booking your Barbados family vacations, this resort includes a free roundtrip airport shuttle and free in-room wifi.
Some guests say that the facilities are somewhat outdated and that there was not a ton of evening entertainment, while others say that the shallow waters at the beach and the excellent service and amenities made it the perfect place for a family vacation in Barbados.
Crystal Cove By Elegant Hotels Reviews
Excellent and attentive staff. All very friendly and helpful. Hotel excellent and has a great family feel about it. Really enjoyable stay – Robert (Expedia Review)
The staff were very friendly. Food was excellent every night. The rooms really really need an upgrade however. Other than that it was a great stay. – Jennifer (Expedia Review)
✅Book Crystal Cove By Elegant Hotels
3. Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.0/10 (446 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: All-inclusive service, 2 pools, arcade/games room, kids’ pool, snack bar, 3 restaurants, ice cream parlor, coffee shop, tennis courts, gym, spa, watersports, fitness classes
Kids Club Details: Free kids club
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: Not sure
Beachfront Property: Yes
Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels is located in Maxwell on Barbados’ south coast. This all inclusive resort is a great place to stay for families because of its attention to kids’ activities and family-friendly amenities.
The resort is close to several beaches, including Turtle Beach, Dover Beach and Maxwell Beach – as well as Barry’s Surf Barbados Surf School. Watersport equipment, including kayaks and snorkel gear, is readily available at the beach.
Rooms in this resort are perfect for families, as all rooms are suite style with either garden or ocean views. All rooms have air conditioning and free in-room wifi.
For parents looking to relax while their kids are playing at the kid’s club, on the jungle gym or in the arcade and games room, there is a full-service spa, as well as a gym and fitness classes.
While some guests feel that the resort is due for upgrades and that the food can become repetitive, others say it is perfect for families, the rooms are very clean, and there is a lot to do as a family.
Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels Reviews
Loved everything about the place especially it being right on a beautiful beach. Would not hesitate to come back next year. – Robert (Expedia Review)
✅Book Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels
4. Sugar Bay Barbados All Inclusive Resort
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.8/10 (742 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: All-inclusive service, swim-up bar, poolside bar, beach bar, beach volleyball, watersports, 4 restaurants, arcade/games room, spa, grocery/convenience store, local shuttle
Kids Club Details: Free kids club
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: Not sure
Beachfront Property: Yes
Located right on the beach in Hastings, Sugar Bay Barbados is a 4-star all inclusive resort that offers amenities and services families will appreciate when vacationing with kids. There are 138 beautiful rooms, two outdoor pools, and an awesome beach equipped with water sports equipment.
Guests tend to agree that the facilities are beautiful, especially the rooms, the food is great and the oceanviews are perfect. Some reviews state that there were some random little things about the resort that weren’t quite up to par, but all in all, most guests Sugar Bay is a great family resort in Barbados with lots to offer families, and reviews suggest it is one of the best on the island.
Sugar Bay Barbados All Inclusive Resort Reviews
The resort was perfect. The pool beach and restaurants were all close and cozy.. the staff are wonderful very kind I felt safe and didn’t have to walk to far to enjoy all amenities.. I absolutely loved the beach.. no complaints it was fabulous. Great for kids also. – Angelo (Expedia Review)
✅Book Sugar Bay Barbados All Inclusive Resort
5. Bougainvillea Barbados
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.8/10 (1000 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: All-inclusive service, Free kids club, 3 outdoor pools, kid’s pool, swim-up bar, shuttle to shopping centre, air hockey, ping pong, pool table, beach massages, gym, water sports, arcade/games room, spa
Kids Club Details: Available for a surcharge
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: Yes
Beachfront Property: Yes
Located along the southern shores of Barbados, this family-friendly resort has 100 beautifully designed rooms, three outdoor pools, and a property filled with lush greenery. While this resort is not all inclusive, there is a restaurant and cafe onsite, and there are other great dining options close by.
Bougainvillea Barbados has lots to do for kids, including a kids club, babysitting, water sports and an arcade/games room. Parents can relax while their little ones enjoy the pool or the kid’s club with supervised activities.
The resort is right on a pristine beach, and reviews indicate that this is one of the highlights of this resort. It also scores very high for cleanliness and facilities, as well as for its location close to St Lawrence Gap and the must-do attraction of Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry.
Bougainvillea Barbados Reviews
Comfortable, quaint hotel with amazing beachfront – Amelia (Expedia Review)
Great location, on one of the nicest beaches. easy access to st Lawrence Gap. Hotel staff were friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere and nothing too much trouble. highly recommend. – Ruth (Expedia Review)
6. Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels
⭐⭐⭐⭐
9.0/10 (339 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: Complimentary motorized and non-motorized water sports, Free buffet breakfast, 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, coffee shop, 2 outdoor pools, full-service spa
Kids Club Details: No kids club
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: No
Beachfront Property: Yes
Waves Hotel and Spa by Elegant Hotels is a luxurious all-inclusive Barbados resort along the west coast of the island. With modern, well-kept rooms, an amazing beach, and a great family-friendly property, this resort is a favorite of many vacationers in Barbados.
While this hotel does not have a kid’s club (sorry parents!) it does have some other great features that families will enjoy. Free watersports anyone? The hotel advertises that both motorized and non-motorized watersports come complimentary here.
There’s also fitness classes, tennis court, a full-service spa (adults only), and amazing open-air dining areas with oceanfront views.
If you’re planning a trip with small kids, the lack of a kids club, and the fact that the larger pool is adult-only (kids being welcomed at the smaller pool) may make this hotel lower on your list. If you’re traveling with older kids, it may score higher on your list.
Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels Reviews
Small resort right on the water. Beach is nice, although a little rocky. Resort is quiet perfect for relaxing. Food is very good. Fresh fish was served daily. Staff is wonderful and goes above and beyond for the clients. – Christina (Expedia Review)
✅Book Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels
7. O2 Beach Club and Spa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.8/10 (53 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: 3 pools, complimentary “How to” lessons on island activities, free non-motorized watersports, teen lounge, seasonal kids activities, unlimited golf, free airport transfers, 4 restaurants, 2 swim-up bars, 2 beach bars, 1 poolside bar, spa, live entertainment
Kids Club Details: No, but do offer kid’s program (similar to babysitting) within guest room
Babysitting: In-room childcare (surcharge)
Free Cribs: No
Beachfront Property: Yes
O2 Beach Club & Spa is one of the top all-inclusive family resorts Barbados has to offer. It’s also one of the only 5-star family resorts the island has, so it’s worth your attention if luxury and kid-friendly is what you’re going for.
This beachfront resort has some unique amenities and activities to offer, including “how to” classes like cooking classes and other activities that showcase Barbadian life.
While some guests say that the rooms were dated, it seems that part of the resort is older, and part is newer, and so the quality of room depends on whether you’re in the old or new part.
Some guests also say the gym needs new equipment. Most reviews rave of everything else on the resort, making O2 Beach Club & Spa an overall great choice for family-friendly resorts in Barbados.
02 Beach Club & Spa Reviews
The staff was incredibly friendly, great beach, pools, facility. – Alicia (Expedia Review)
Fantastic location. Great hotel. Wonderful staff. Lovely food. Gym could be improved. Would definitely return. – George (Expedia Review)
8. Sea Breeze Beach House by Ocean Hotels All Inclusive
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.4/10 (182 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: 3 pools, children’s pool, 2 adult-only hot tubs, non-motorized watersports, private floating trampoline and sea hammocks, “How to” lessons on island activities, 4 restaurants, arcade/games room, spa, beach volleyball
Kids Club Details: Kids club
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: No
Beachfront Property: Yes
Sea Breeze Beach House by Ocean Hotels in the Oistins entertainment district is getting excellent reviews by guests for its beautifully-kept grounds, great private beach, and awesome location on the south coast of the island.
This family-friendly resort has lots of amenities for kids, including a kid’s club, pool and even a floating trampoline and sea hammocks! Access to non-motorized watersports is another major plus for families with older kids who want to keep busy in the water.
There are 122 rooms, ranging in style – from standard rooms to 4-bedroom luxury suites. Guests generally agree that the food on this all-inclusive family-friendly resort is good, with many options available across the four restaurants. Guests also say the mid-size of the resort is big enough to keep you entertained, but not large enough to feel overwhelming.
Many guests also praised the helpful staff and the beautiful grounds, while some said their rooms needed some minor renovations and there wasn’t a lot to do beyond relaxing at the beach and taking in the resort entertainment.
Sea Breeze Beach House by Ocean Hotels All Inclusive Reviews
The landscaping was beautiful and well maintained. The staff is exceptionally friendly and willing to go the extra mile to make your visit enjoyable. Plenty of dining options, bars and other activities. – Richard (Expedia Review)
The property was very clean. Loved my room and ocean view. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Made me feel at home. I had an amazing time! – Wendy (Expedia Review)
✅Book Sea Breeze Beach House by Ocean Hotels All Inclusive
9. Hilton Barbados Resort
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 Stars)
8.2/10 (1013 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: Large outdoor pool, kid’s pool, spa, tennis, fitness centre, two white sand beaches, 3 restaurants, a bar, cafe, kids club, evening entertainment
Kids Club Details: Not sure
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: Yes
Beachfront Property: Yes
Hilton Barbados Resort is a luxury 4.5 star family-friendly resort in Bridgetown, Barbados. This resort is located near the historic Charles Fort and surrounded by two gorgeous, white sand beaches. With 355 rooms of various styles, the Hilton Barbados is one of the larger resorts on this list of top Barbados family resorts.
It’s worth mentioning that this resort is not all inclusive, and in fact, some reviews indicate that the food is a bit pricey. There are three restaurants, a bar, and a cafe, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor dining.
Guests have access to an award-winning spa, tennis courts, and great fitness centre (though according to reviews, the gym can get quite busy in the mornings). There’s also a lovely outdoor pool area, including a kids’ pool, as well as access to watersports like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and jet skiing, for fees.
Reviews also indicate a fairly common comment about the rooms being somewhat dated, but great satisfaction with the quality of beach on the resort.
Hilton Barbados Resort Reviews
I stayed 4 night and had a wonderful stay at this resort. All staff were welcoming and pleasant. Loved the pools & the beach. Food and drinks were good. – Jessica (Expedia Review)
Room needs a bit of updating but beaches and staff were excellent – Tiffany (Expedia Review)
10. Tamarind by Elegant Hotels
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.6/10 (423 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: 3 Outdoor pools, kids club, 1 restaurant, 2 bars, spa and fitness centre, beach massages, motorized and non-motorized watersports
Kids Club Details: Free kids club
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: No
Beachfront Property: Yes
Tamarind by Elegant Hotels is a four-star family-friendly hotel in Barbados, located right on the beach in Holetown, on the west coast of the island. This resort is located close to great shopping at Limegrove Shopping Mall, and is within walking distance to great restaurants and beaches if you feel like getting off the beachfront resort property for the day.
There are 104 guest rooms and suites in this small, but exciting family-friendly Barbados resort. To keep kids entertained, there is a free kids club, as well as onsite complimentary access to motorized and non-motorized watersports, including waterskiing, tubing, snorkeling, kayaking SUPs, a water trampoline and more.
Reviews are mixed for this resort, as is common for nearly all resorts. Many guests said the resort is due for some renovations and upgrades, and some comments even suggested that the kids club was not offered at the time of the visit. While the resort advertises its Flying Fish Kids Club, it would be worth checking in advance to see that it’s available at the time of your expected stay.
Tamarind by Elegant Hotels Reviews
The location and hotel building was excellent and the staff very professional and friendly. The reception team at the hotel made the checkin easy and we’re always available for help and advice. Will definitely return to this hotel. – Frances (Expedia Review)
✅Book Tamarind by Elegant Hotels
11. Colony Club by Elegant Hotels
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 Stars)
8.8/10 (353 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: 4 Outdoor pools, spa and fitness centre, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, tennis, select complimentary excursions and motorized/non-motorized water sports
Kids Club Details: Kids Club Seasonally
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: No
Beachfront Property: Yes
Colony Club by Elegant Hotels is a 4.5 star family-friendly hotel located on the west coast of Barbados. This hotel is situated in front of a beautiful white sand beach, and the property itself is filled with lush greenery and lots of outdoor lounging options.
There are 96 guest rooms at this cozy Barbados resort, including some with swim-up patios (though it’s worth noting that these rooms share a back patio with the suite above them). Guests love that there are lots of kids activities including a kids club, as well as complimentary excursions, Holetown walking tours, and watersports to keep families having fun.
As this resort is not all inclusive, some guests found it to be on the pricey side for what is offered. Others said they would return in a heartbeat, with no complaints whatsoever.
Colony Club by Elegant Hotels Reviews
Lovely property. Wonderful beach. The garden view room we were given had an outstanding garden , ocean and pool view! – Zahra (Expedia Review)
✅Book Colony Club by Elegant Hotels
12. The Crane Resort
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 Stars)
8.4/10 (1001 Reviews)
Resort Amenities: 5 outdoor pools, children’s pool, free kids club, spa and fitness centre, 5 restaurants, tennis courts, water sports and complimentary shuttle to Crane Beach
Kids Club Details: Free kids club
Babysitting: Yes (surcharge)
Free Cribs: Not sure
Beachfront Property: Yes
The Crane Resort is a 4.5 star family-friendly hotel located on the east coast of Barbados, in the district of St. Philip. This remote resort is much more secluded than those on the south and west ends of the island, but offers beautifully sandy beaches and a chance for families to get away from the busyness of life and relax together.
The Crane Resort is actually the oldest continuously operating hotel in the Caribbean, and is known as being one of the island’s more luxurious, being classified as a 4.5 start hotel.
As this family-friendly Barbados resort is not all inclusive, some guests expressed it was a bit expensive. On the other hand, many guests said the resort is spectacular and the beaches are incredible, stating they would absolutely return again.
There is a free kid’s club for children ages 4-12, excellent outdoor tennis courts, onsite shopping and more. Some guests commented that this is a great place to stay if you’re looking to rent a car and explore the island, as it’s remote property lends itself well to that type of an island stay.
The Crane Resort Reviews
This was one of the nicest properties we’ve stayed at. Wonderful staff, friendly and helpful. The beach is amazing. – Heather (Expedia Review)
Best Things to Do on a Family Vacation in Barbados
Your family holiday in Barbados doesn’t have to be limited to the property of your resort or villa! In fact, we highly recommend getting out and exploring the island, like we did. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Barbados with kids and family of all ages.
PEG Farm & Nature Reserve
We feel like we discovered a hidden gem when we found PEG Farm & Nature Reserve! It’s a newer farm on Barbados that focuses on biodynamic farming practices. The owner started the farm after battling health issues and turned this land into an amazing place to walk, hike, taste, and breathe in the beauty of nature of the island.
PEG Farm & Nature Reserve is set on a plot of land that was formerly depleted of nutrients from centuries of sugarcane plantations. It’s now become a biologically diverse sanctuary of medicinal gardens, orchards and organic food production.
We did a walking tour that took a couple of hours, but they also offer tours of various lengths depending on your needs. From the hike down the ravine, to the views from the top of the hill, to the animals loving their free-range environment, to the guided taste walk through the medicinal herb garden, we absolutely loved it here.
To top it off, we were offered a snack and fresh mint water while relaxing in their beautiful lanai with gorgeous views and nice breezes. This hidden gem in Barbados is a must-see attraction!
While we visited PEG Farm & Nature Reserve on our own, you can also book an organized tour with pick-up and drop off at your hotel in advance.
If you’re lovers of finding and eating local, organic produce, then this tour will be right up your alley. We try to find similar farm tours like this wherever we go (including picking our own farm fresh fruit in Greece!) so when we come across hidden gems like this, we’re all in!
✅Book a Tour of PEG Farm & Nature Reserve
Calabaza Catamaran Sailing Cruise
If you’re eager to get out on the water during your family vacation in Barbados, we highly recommend booking the Calabaza Catamaran Sailing Cruise. We went on the lunch cruise and loved every minute. The food was delicious, the service was spectacular and cruising the tropical waters on the catamaran was luxurious.
We particularly like the small-group atmosphere of this cruise, which limits its bookings to 12 guests per boat. We were welcomed onboard with warm banana bread and fresh fruit – and anything we liked to drink. As we cruised the open waters, they served tapas and delicious fish cakes.
The tour includes a stop to swim with the sea turtles. To be honest, this stop was a bit crowded with other boats, but it did make us appreciate the small, luxurious feel of Calabaza! Next, we sailed to a snorkel spot over a shipwreck – which was full of beautiful fish and interesting sea life!
Getting back onboard, we relaxed, looking out as flying fish jumped ahead of us. We then stopped at a beautiful spot off the coast, where we enjoyed a delicious spread of lunch before hopping back in the water for a brief swim in the clear turquoise sea.
There is nothing quite like sailing on a Catamaran – it’s an absolute must in Barbados!
Oistins Fish Fry Friday Night
Visitors to the island agree that eating at the Oistins Bay Gardens fish fry on Friday nights (say that five times fast) is one of the best things to do in Barbados.
We tried Uncle George’s and Pat’s fish fries. We personally preferred Uncle George’s service and food, but both places had huge portions and equal prices.
The swordfish and Uncle George’s was the best I have ever had! And the Flying Fish is a must-try when in Barbados. It’s absolutely delicious!
Tip: Get there early, especially with kids. We arrived at 6:00pm (it officially starts at 7:00). It was much less crowded and we beat all the tour buses. Then you can stroll the craft stalls afterward.
Harrison’s Cave
In the central uplands of Barbados, you will find the incredible natural wonder of Harrison’s Cave. This crystallized cave contains streams and grottos of clear blue water and massive underground limestone towers and stalagmites.
We highly recommend taking the tram tour through Harrison’s Cave. The tour includes a little movie presentation before you depart on the tram with a tour guide. It’s a really fun way to see the caves with kids, and you’re given the opportunity to get out and walk around at different stops on the tour. Outside the caves are a couple of little shops and even some wild monkeys!
We visited Harrison’s Cave by self-driving around Barbados, however, you can also book a tour with pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.
Driving Tour with Beach Stops
One of the best family activities in Barbados is creating your own driving tour around the island. Because the island is so small, it only takes about 3 hours of actual driving time to drive the whole perimeter.
We rented a car and mapped out a drive from Dover Beach to Bathsheba with some stops to get out along the way. Our route was along the coast starting at Dover Beach.
Our first stop was Cranes Beach, where we walked down to the beach, enjoying views of the ocean on one side and views of cliffs on the other. While the waters can be rough here, we still dipped our toes in the water.
We then carried on to Shark’s Hole, a beautiful cove sheltered by some rocks.
After going for a brief swim, we went to Bathsheba. If you catch the tides right, there are tidal pools at Bathsheba where you can swim safely with kids; otherwise, the surf and rip tides are too rough for swimming. Bathsheba is also a great place to watch surfers and the views are incredible!
From Bathsheba, we cut across the middle of the island back to our villa at the southern end of the island.
Whether you follow this route or create your own, renting a car and driving through the island is a great way to spend a day of your family vacation in Barbados.
Nearly every country we travel to (and as a full-time worldschooling family we travel a lot!) we prefer to rent a car, as it gives us the freedom to go wherever we want. We had a similar family vacation in Grand Cayman, where renting a car allowed us to travel to various spots around the island.
✅Book Your Rental Car in Barbados
Check Out Our Family Vacation in Barbados
Travel Tips for Your Family Holiday in Barbados
- Exchange Rate is a set rate 2:1 (BBD$2 to US$1), which makes it easy. US Dollars are accepted everywhere, but you will get your change in BBD
- It is ILLEGAL to wear any form of camouflage in Barbados
- Roads are bad. Not the worst. Just really bad. There really aren’t great sidewalks either for walking.
- Flying Fish is their national specialty – try it, it’s delicious!
- You CAN drink the water there. (Which to us, is always helpful to know!)
Food & Restaurants in Barbados
Food in Barbados is known for being fresh, home-grown or wild-caught, and full of flavor. Barbadian cuisine is infused with flavors from African, Indian, British and various other countries, which results in amazing local dishes.
We typically seek out health food and local or farm-fresh type of restaurants during our travels. We ate at a few healthy restaurants, including The Good Life cafe in Oistins and Ocean Prime on the beach, but neither compared to our favorite, which was the Raw Juice Bar at Rockley Beach. The green Popeye Juice was so delicious, I went back again the next day!
When it comes to grocery shopping, be prepared that food is expensive in Barbados, relative to US prices. Expect your grocery bill to be double and you’ll probably have a hard time finding exactly what you are used to.
We typically shop for organic foods when possible and found ourselves shopping at the local Massy Stores most of the time. We tried the local Fresh Market chain and didn’t find enough to make it worth it (although they had good smoothies and an almond butter press!).
Where to Buy Fresh Fish in Barbados
If you’re staying in a villa or other accommodation with a kitchen in Barbados, we can’t recommend enough that you buy some local fresh fish. From our experience, when sourcing out where to get fresh catch, the best thing to do is just ask a local and they’ll direct you to the nearest person with a fresh catch!
We did this during a trip to Six Men’s Bay, and ended up with some nice, fresh, Red Snapper!
Other villages and beaches will have regular times when locals sell fish. We saw some people selling fresh fish down at St Lawrence Gap on Tuesday and Friday mornings, for example.
Conclusion: Best Family Resorts in Barbados
We hope this guide to some of the top resorts for families in Barbados helps you as you plan your next family vacation! We love this little Caribbean island and found it to have lots of fun family adventures, great local food, exciting entertainment, and lots of friendly local faces. Enjoy your trip to the island!
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