Ahhh the south coast. The south coast is my forever favorite place to stay in Barbados. You can catch waves at Freights, go for a swim at Carlisle Bay, walk along the south coast boardwalk, and check out the famous Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry, all within a few ZR (public transit) stops.
Over the years, I’ve stayed in several south coast Barbados hotels, resorts, apartments, and rentals so good I’m still talking about them. (And in this guide, I’m going to talk about them some more!)
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to stay on the south coast Barbados to help you plan a fantastic trip that feels like home.
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Planning your trip to Barbados?
These are some of my favorite resources for booking Barbados travel.
✈️ Flights: I’ve had the best luck finding Barbados flight deals on Skyscanner. (Use airport code BGI for Bridgetown.)
🚗 Rental Cars: DiscoverCars has easy car hire pickup from the airport or town.
🏨 Hotels: Booking has good hotel and resort deals around the island.
🏠 Vacation Rentals: Check out VRBO for rentals and beach houses.
🌴 Guided Tours & Activities: Get Your Guide and Viator are my go-to’s.
My Top 3 Places To Stay on the South Coast of Barbados
The south coast of Barbados is the perfect choice for travelers who want to be close to fun surf spots, exciting nightlife, tasty restaurants, and gorgeous swimming beaches.
Like I mentioned above, I’m a big fan of staying on the south coast. If I were to book a trip right now, this is the neighborhood I would stay in, and these would be my top three hotel picks.
South Gap Hotel: This hotel is super centrally located in St. Lawrence Gap and you can’t beat the outdoor pool area. I think I read a book a day out in those sun loungers, taking a break only to dunk in the beautiful pool or watch the waves. All the rooms are updated with AC, a kitchenette, and an ocean-facing balcony, and this is a great choice if you want to be in the center of the action.
Little Arches Boutique Hotel: Little Arches is a charming little adults-only hotel in a prime Oistins location. It’s an easy walking distance to Freights Bay (surfing), Miami Beach (swimming), and the Oistins Fish Fry (eating). Plus, one of my favorite restaurants Cafe Luna is on the top floor. I’d book this if I wanted a romantic, low-key getaway.
Cotton House 2: This is where I would book if I were traveling with a group or family. Cotton House 2 is a beautiful beachfront home with a giant covered terrace, private pool, and easy access to Freights. Ideal for surfers who want to wake up and step into the waves, with tons of outdoor space and all the conveniences of home. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms and did I mention the private pool?!
That said, there are so many amazing south coast Barbados hotels to choose from. You can’t go wrong with any of these 18 resorts, hotels, and apartments, so let’s dive in.
Best South Coast Barbados Hotels and Resorts
Little Arches Boutique Hotel | Book Now
A little more love for Little Arches, I can’t resist! If you’re looking for a romantic, adults-only getaway in Barbados, check out Little Arches Boutique Hotel. This stylish property is located in Oistins near Miami/Enterprise Beach and guests can enjoy a tranquil pool and sun terrace with panoramic ocean views.
Little Arches Boutique Hotel is also home to Cafe Luna, one of the best places to eat in Oistins for a special occasion. There are only 10 rooms and suites, and each is unique. Some rooms even have their own private plunge pool or jacuzzi.
South Gap Hotel | Book Now
South Gap Hotel is one of my favorite hotels in Barbados and it’s located right on the water in the heart of St. Lawrence Gap. All rooms have a modern feel with incredible sea views, balconies, and kitchenettes. The highlight of South Gap Hotel is definitely the pool deck where you can relax in a sun lounger, go for a dip, and watch the waves.
This hotel is also located in an area known for having some of the best nightlife and restaurants in Barbados, so there’s plenty to do just outside your doorstep. You’re also about a five minute walk from Dover Beach, which is great for swimming.
Related Post: Staying at South Gap Barbados: Hotel Review
The Crane Resort | Book Now
Fun fact, The Crane Resort was the very first place I stayed on my very first trip to Barbados! We stayed here for a few nights before moving closer to town, and it was perfect for getting in vacation mode.
The Crane is a beautiful historic resort located in St. Philip overlooking Crane Beach. There are several elaborate pools, soaring palm trees, and six onsite restaurants. You’ll also get easy access to amenities at Crane Beach, a famous pink-sand beach on the southern coast of Barbados. As a hotel guest, you can use the sun loungers, umbrellas, and elevator (yep, there’s an elevator down from the cliffs!) as well as the beach bar.
The rooms at The Crane are giant and all come with a jacuzzi tub and kitchenette. There are also suites with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, private pools, and plunge pools. Beyond that, the grounds make you feel like you’re walking through a tropical jungle, and the whole property is laid out like a little village with distinct restaurants, bars, and a little general store.
One thing to keep in mind is that The Crane is a bit more remote than the other accommodation options on this list. I recommend renting a car if you want to travel around and do some sight seeing. On our trip, we booked The Crane for the first few days of our trip to unwind, then we moved to a different spot closer to town so we’d have easier access to restaurants, bars, groceries, and more swimming beaches. That said, The Crane is an excellent place to get away from it all and you’ll have everything you need on the property if you just want to relax with incredible sea views.
Related Post: The Crane Resort Barbados Hotel Review
Bougainvillea Resort | Book Now
Bougainvillea Resort is located right on Maxwell Beach, one of the best beaches on the island. There are two pools and lush tropical gardens, giving this resort a private and secluded ambiance. There’s also a spa, game room, and fitness center, and guests can also rent kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel equipment to go exploring. Or just hang out on the beach. All is good.
As far as rooms go, you can book a suite, studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom option depending on how many people you’re traveling with.
Related Post: Bougainvillea Resort Barbados Review
Butterfly Beach Hotel | Book Now
Butterfly Beach Hotel is a cozy, family-friendly hotel located right on the water near Maxwell Beach. They’re a great option if you want a self-catering option but still great service and amenities. You can book standard hotel rooms as well as studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites that have a kitchenette and living room for extra space. There’s also a beachfront restaurant, two swimming pools, and three whirlpools where you can cool off after a day in the sun.
Some friends of ours stayed here on a recent trip and gave it great reviews. It had a homey atmosphere, even for a longer stay, and they loved having their own kitchen to make some meals at home.
OceanBlue Resort | Book Now
OceanBlue Resort is a 3-star adults-only boutique hotel located right on the water. It’s in a great location for surfing, being just a short walk from Surfer’s Point and a short drive from South Point and Freights. You can also walk to Silver Sands which is popular with wind surfers. The resort has 23 rooms, some of which are full apartments, and there’s an onsite restaurant and ocean view pool (with swim up pool bar).
At OceanBlue, you’ll be away from the noise and close to nature, but for that reason I recommend having a rental car. You’ll be a bit of a hike from groceries and amenities without one.
South Point Hotel | Book Now
South Point Hotel Barbados is a boutique hotel with ocean views and a saltwater swimming pool. All suites have air conditioning, smart TVs, and kitchenettes so you can make some basic food and coffee in your room. But if you’d rather not cook, the Driftwood Restaurant and Bar is on site.
South Point Hotel is located right next to Surfer’s Bay restaurant and bar, which is also a big nightlife spot. Some ridiculous fun beach parties and bonfires at Surfer’s Bay! Overall, South Point Hotel has great reviews for being a relaxing calm escape. For me personally, I’d want a rental car in this location for easier access to amenities in Oistins and Worthing.
Coconut Court Beach Hotel | Book Now
Coconut Court Beach Hotel is a family-owned hotel that’s been an island favorite since 1975. The hotel is split onto two sides of the road, the oceanfront side offers traditional rooms with sea views and the landside has self-catering apartments for visitors who want a little more space.
The whole property is in a great location right on the beach between Carlisle Bay and Worthing, and you’re just steps from the South Coast Boardwalk and great restaurants, bars, and amenities. You’re also on the ZR line with easy access to public transportation if you want to go further afield. While staying here, you’ll have access to a fresh water swimming pool as well as a huge stretch of beach with a lagoon for swimming and palm trees for shade.
Blue Orchids Beach Hotel | Book Now
Some friends of mine stayed at Blue Orchids Beach Hotel, and some of my fondest Barbados memories are sitting out on their balcony eating dinner together watching the sunset. We cooked in their kitchenette — if I recall correctly, it was several elaborate courses, all executed perfectly and a very reasonable quantity of rum punch was consumed, of course!
The room was cozy, big enough for a dinner party, with a sea view and easy access to amenities in Worthing. You’re right on Worthing Beach and there’s a pool, fitness center, and beach access. Plus you can walk to Mojo, the Worthing Square Food Court, and groceries at Massey, making this a good option for a longer stay.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts on the South Coast
Sea Breeze Beach House | Book Now
Sea Breeze Beach House is a luxurious all-inclusive resort with six restaurants, five bars, and tons of resort amenities. The resort is set directly on a white-sand beach, and there are also three pools and jacuzzis for a mid-day dip. Non-motorized water sports rentals (like paddle boards, kayaks, and surfboards) are included, and there’s also a spa and fitness center.
If you need a break from the sun, Sea Breeze Beach House offers free classes and activities, like yoga, aqua aerobics, wine tastings, rum tastings, mixology lessons, and bingo.
O2 Beach Club and Spa | Book Now
O2 Beach Club and Spa Barbados is a 5-star luxury all-inclusive resort with three pools, two swim-up bars, and an adults-only river pool. Water sports equipment is included so you can spend your days exploring the crystal-clear water, and there’s also a gym, spa, and activity calendar. Combine that with five resort restaurants and luxurious rooms, and you’ll be in for the upscale holiday of a lifetime.
Sugar Bay Barbados | Book Now
Sugar Bay Barbados is an all-inclusive resort located just outside Bridgetown near the Garrison Historic Area (a UNESCO world heritage site). There are five all-inclusive bars and six restaurants at Sugar Bay. You also get complimentary water activities like kayaking and snorkeling and access to two swimming pools, a fitness center, and an amazing stretch of white-sand beach. Sugar Bay is only a short distance from the south coast boardwalk — a great place for restaurants, bars, and watching the sunset.
Related Post: Sugar Bay Barbados hotel review
Best apartments, condos, and rentals on the south coast
Cotton House 2 | Book Now
Cotton House 2 is a surfer’s dream, located right on Freights Bay with direct access to the water from the back porch. Some friends of ours stayed here a few years back and had rave reviews, and we appreciated being able to go over and enjoy sunset drinks on the terrace and a dip in the hot tub.
You get access to four bedrooms and three bathrooms, AC throughout most of the home, and best of all, a giant terrace and outdoor living space with panoramic views of the ocean. You’ll never want to leave your balcony! And being able to walk straight into the ocean at one of the best surf spots on the island is chefs kiss.
Dover Court Apartments | Book Now
Dover Court Apartments are a great option if you want a full service space in one of the most happening areas of the island. Each apartment is bright and spacious, with one and two bedroom options available to accommodate groups. Every unit has AC, a kitchen, and living/dining space as well as a balcony or patio, and guests have access to onsite parking and laundry facilities.
But the best part about this rental is the location. You’re right in the heart of St. Lawrence Gap, just a few steps from the beach, restaurants, nightlife, and public transit. But because the apartments are a tad tucked away, you’ll still have peace and quiet during your stay.
Sapphire Beach Condos | Book Now
Also in St. Lawrence Gap, you’ll find the Sapphire Beach Condos. Sapphire Beach is located directly on Dover Beach, so you’ll be able to be on the sand within a few steps of leaving your front door. There are two swimming pools, a gym, and easy beach access, as well as private parking for each apartment. Guests can book 2-3 bedroom apartments depending on the size of your group, and each unit has a full kitchen and breezy outdoor space.
Sweet Life Condo | Book Now
The Sweet Life Condo is an apartment rental on the beach in Worthing, with panoramic sea views from the beachfront terrace. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a full kitchen and in-unit washing machine, making this a good option for families and longer stays. The condo complex has an outdoor swimming pool, and you’ll be just a short walk from Worthing amenities and restaurants. But you might not ever want to leave since you can walk downstairs and straight into the water!
White Sands Beach Condos | Book Now
At the White Sands Beach Condos in Barbados, you can be close to the action of St. Lawrence Gap but still have the space and privacy of your own apartment. There are one and two-bedroom units with air conditioning and a shared pool, as well as an amazing three-bedroom penthouse with a private plunge pool. You’ll be just steps from Dover Beach and other south coast amenities, while still having space to call your own and unwind after a big day of exploring.
Red Door Condos | Book Now
We stayed at the Red Door Condos (or Vale View Residences) on our most recent trip to Barbados and it was wonderful. It’s a great little apartment if you want a kitchen and some space to spread out, and we thought it was a good value for the price.
The WiFi was solid and the air-conditioning worked well in the bedrooms. We had a great view of the turquoise waters from the front patio and the apartment was just a short walk down to Oistins. (But fair warning, this apartment is dangerously close to delicious food at the Oistins Fish Fry, Cafe Luna, and Surfers Cafe. You might never want to leave!)
Check prices and availability for the Red Door Condos. The building has a few units on Airbnb. Click the host’s picture to see more options.
Where to stay for couples, families, all inclusive, etc
Best all-inclusive hotels on the south coast
Best boutique hotels on the south coast
Best hotels on the south coast for families
- The Crane Resort
- Butterfly Beach Hotel
- Bougainvillea Resort
- O2 Beach Club
- Cotton House 2
- Blue Orchids Beach Hotel
- White Sands Beach Condos
- South Gap Hotel
- South Point Hotel
- Coconut Court Beach Hotel
Best romantic adults-only hotels on the south coast
Best apartments and rentals on the south coast
- Cotton House 2
- White Sands Beach Condos
- Dover Court Apartments
- Sapphire Beach Condos
- Sweet Life Condo
- Red Door Condos
No matter what you choose, you’re in for a fabulous vacation on the south coast of Barbados. Keep reading to learn more about other parts of the island and things to do while visiting.
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