Fodor's Expert Review The Club Barbados Resort & Spa
Hwy. 1, Vauxhall, St. James BB24013, Barbados See on Map
This is one of the island's few adults-only (age 16+) all-inclusive resorts and the only one on the west coast. Guestrooms are in three-story buildings (and an ocean loft on the fourth floor of one of the buildings) arranged in a horseshoe design, with tropical gardens and swimming pools in the central courtyard. The resort has a full complement of activities and amenities—just no kids.
room
Several rooms and suites face the sea, although most units overlook the pools and gardens. The balcony view from the oceanfront rooms, however, is exceptional. All rooms and suites have dark wood furniture (either one king or two twin beds), bright white walls and drapes, and touches of color in the soft goods.
YOU SHOULD KNOW A 3-night stay is required in high season.
bathroom
Bathrooms are small and, basically, old-fashioned—except for those in the newer penthouse suites. Vanities have granite countertops and single sinks. Some rooms have both a tub and shower; others have a walk-in shower.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The time for refurbishing the bathrooms is overdue.
lobby
The lobby has a reception desk and lounge area that opens to a pathway into the gardens. A small shop across from the lobby sells beachwear, gifts, and sundries.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Complimentary Wi-Fi is available only in the lobby and bar areas.
pool
Three free-form, freshwater pools and a Jacuzzi—and the lush gardens that surround them—take up most of the resort’s central courtyard. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are set up around the pools.
spa
Guests rejuvenate at the spa and salon, where they can indulge in a relaxing massage (individual or couples), aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, restorative body treatments (salt scrubs or body wraps), rejuvenating baths facials, waxing, hair care, manicures, and pedicures.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Spa and salon services cost extra.
gym
The fitness center has cardio and strength equipment and a sauna. If you prefer your exercise to be competitive, though, there’s a tennis court—lit for night play.
dining
At the open-air, oceanfront Sunset Restaurant, guests enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet, four-course lunch, afternoon tea, and intimate dinner service. Alternatively, Enid’s Restaurant serves authentic West Indian cuisine at dinnertime in a colorful replica of a Bajan chattel house.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Sandwiches, snacks, and drinks can be delivered to your room from lunch through dinnertime, but room service costs extra.
drinking
You’re never too far from a cold drink here, as there are four bars on the property. The Beach Bar is a casual spot to sip a drink while watching boats glide by in the sea—or stick around for last call at sunset. Sunset Bar & Lounge, adjacent to the restaurant, has both bar seating and a large open area with chairs and cocktail tables. At the entrance to Enid’s Restaurant, the Rum Shop Bar is a colorful, laid-back hangout where you can simply “lime” over a frosty beer or rum drink, play a board game, or have a chat. Night owls head for the Piano Bar in an air-conditioned, soundproof lounge near the lobby; that bar stays open until the last person leaves.
Every night after dinner, enjoy entertainment, music, and dancing next to the Sunset Bar & Lounge.
beach
The beach in front of The Club is just a sliver at the best of times and erodes to almost nothing after fall storms—but the resort has installed a sandy beach deck with chaise lounges and umbrellas as the next-best thing. Guests enjoy a bevy of water sports—snorkeling, windsurfing, reef fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and Hobie Cat sailing—all included.
Sandy Lane Beach is adjacent and just a short walk along the sand—and that beach never seems to erode!
LOCATION
Getting Around
It’s an easy walk to Sunset Crest Shopping Center, Chattel Village (shops), and—a little farther—Holetown itself and Limegrove Plaza, an upscale shopping mall with several high-end boutiques and inviting cafés. Buses stop in front of the hotel, heading north to Holetown and Speightstown or south to Bridgetown. The fare is $1. Taxis are always on call. A rental car is a good idea if you want to explore the island on your own.
Restaurants
The Club is all-inclusive, so you’ll likely enjoy dinners at the resort. If you do wish to dine elsewhere—and nearby—try The Tides (5-minute drive), just south of Holetown, which has long been considered one of the island’s best restaurants. Once a private mansion, the dining room—just feet from the sea—has huge tree trunks growing right through it. The cuisine is as dazzling as the atmosphere. And on 2nd Street in Holetown, The Mews (5-minute drive)—formerly a private home—is a maze of intimate dining rooms where the chef specializes in farm-to-table cooking, whether classic dishes, bistro fare, or small plates.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Even though it has a lot of rooms and a lot of activities, the atmosphere here is intimate, peaceful, and quiet—but with live entertainment every night. Enid’s authentic Caribbean cuisine is also a big plus.
QUICK FACTS
What’s Nearby
People also liked
Sandals Royal Barbados
$$$ | Maxwell Coast Rd.
This second Sandals resort on the island is truly lovely. Read More
Sugar Bay Barbados
$$ | Hwy. 7, Hastings Main Rd.
It’s an all-inclusive resort for couples, friends traveling together,... Read More
Waves Hotel and Spa
$$ | Hwy. 1
A small, casual, all-inclusive hotel on the beach with easy access to... Read More
Port Ferdinand
$$$$ | West Coast | Hwy. 1B
Call this “home away from home”—if you live in a luxury apartment with... Read More
Courtyard Bridgetown by Marriott
$ | South Coast | Hwy. 7, Hastings Main Rd.
Convenience, comfort, and value…sometimes that’s exactly what you want... Read More
Little Arches Hotel
$$ | South Coast | Enterprise Beach Rd.
The Algarve? Tuscany? Nope, this Mediterranean-style villa is on the s... Read More
