Fodor's Expert Review The House

In the heart of the island’s west coast—the “Platinum Coast”—The House is an intimate, upscale boutique resort for adults only. It’s the smallest of seven Elegant Hotels properties on Barbados and boasts the most romantic atmosphere. Service is key. The 24-hour Ambassador Service caters to every whim, need, or desire.

In nearby Holetown, you can shop at Chattel House Village for handcrafts and souvenirs, Sunset Crest for food and sundries, and upscale Limegrove Lifestyle Centre for designer clothes and accessories.

room

The 34 guest suites—junior and one-bedroom—are decorated in calming tones of ivory and brown, with small splashes of color and impressive artwork. Private patios or balconies face the ocean, pool deck, or interior garden. Junior suites have separate sitting areas. One-bedroom suites have separate living rooms, and some have private plunge pools.

If you book a one-bedroom suite, you get complimentary VIP airport transfers and an extended (one-hour) Jet Lag massage.

bathroom

Bathrooms are small but beautifully fitted out with granite surfaces, a bathtub with rain shower and jets, plush towels, and signature bath products.

lobby

As you enter The House, a private walled garden effectively transports you from the world outside to the intimate atmosphere of the hotel. The lobby itself is a large, open-air gathering space—casual yet sophisticated—full of comfortable couches, tables, and chairs. The lounge area opens directly onto the pool deck and beachfront; the bar is adjacent. Check-in is completed in your room at your leisure.

Upon arrival, all guests receive a complimentary 30-minute Jet Lag massage—in your room, at the spa, or at the poolside yoga pavilion.

pool

The sun deck has a fairly small pool—but this is a fairly small hotel. Steps lead from the pool to a small spa pool.

spa

The Spa at The House opens into the garden courtyard; one of the two treatment rooms is set up for couples. The Elemental Herbology products used in the spa’s healing and relaxation treatments are 100% natural.

gym

The House has a small fitness center. Complimentary yoga classes are held weekly in the garden. Pilates and fitness classes are available next door at Tamarind.

Is golf your favorite exercise? Sandy Lane Country Club is nearby and has three of the Caribbean’s best links. Two courses are open to the public.

dining

Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening canapés are all included amenities and served buffet style in the lobby lounge area. Daphne’s, next door, is considered the hotel restaurant, although it’s a separate entity open to the public. The modern Italian cuisine at Daphne’s is absolutely divine—but expensive. You can dine in the restaurant, in your room, or by moonlight in a private beach cabana.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Daphne’s is closed on Monday and doesn’t serve lunch June-October.

beach

The beach, steps from the pool deck, is lined with sun loungers with thick cushions and shaded by bright blue umbrellas. Complimentary water sports—motorized and non-motorized—are available next door at Tamarind, a sister hotel just a few steps down the beach. Try waterskiing, tube rides, banana boat rides, standup paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing a Hobie Cat. Lessons are complimentary, too.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The beach in front of the hotel is relatively narrow but gets wider in front of Tamarind.