Merlin Bay 8 | Secret Garden

Merlin Bay, Barbados

Barbados is a beautiful island on the eastern tip of the Caribbean. Its most famous asset is, of course, its white-sand beaches and azure sea, both of which combine to produce some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Those looking to simply relax by the beach tend to prefer the Caribbean side, which is located in the south and west of the island and offers calm, warm, light-blue water. Those looking to surf or windsurfing, though, will prefer the waves of the Atlantic waters on the east side.

Nightlife and dancing lovers, meanwhile, would be wise to stay near all the action on the St Lawrence Gap, which offers a wide variety of local performances such as the famously colourful Tuk band, known to wow audiences with their skills on the bass drum, kettle drum, and penny whistle. Our wide selection of Barbados luxury vacation rentals may help make your stay complete, but, no matter where you stay, you will enjoy access to pristine beach fronts, world-class golf courses, duty-free shopping, and a wide range of entertainment options.


Dining Options
Barbados boasts an exquisite selection of restaurants offering a wide array of culinary specialties. Ranging from delicious local dishes to international cuisine prepared by some of Europe and the Caribbean’s top chefs, Barbados dining choices are seemingly endless.

The West Coast is home to many of the island's most popular dining spots, including five-star restaurants, quaint local eateries and specialty restaurants offering an assortment of cosmopolitan flavours, including Asian, Indian, Italian and French-inspired menus. In recent years the South Coast has also seen a boom in fine dining facilities, and you can find many local favourites nestled among the hotels and entertainment venues.

During the day most establishments accept casual attire, however visitors should keep in mind that Barbados is a conservative island and appropriate cover-ups and shoes are required, even at the beach bars. In the evening, a more formal dress code is expected, however a dinner jacket is not required.

A nominal gratuity is often included in the bill, especially for larger parties; however it is at the discretion of the guest to increase or decrease the amount as they deem appropriate.


World Class Golf
Royal Westmoreland Golf Course features a 6,870-yard 18-hole championship course with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, well-maintained greens and beautiful tropical surroundings. The par-72 course offers a challenging set-up, with the par threes renowned as some of the best in the world. The course is studded with bunkers, some taking advantage of the natural environment, including a coral stone quarry between the 5th and 6th hole and a ravine bordering a tight green at the 12th hole. Each hole is designed to accommodate a range of player expertise.

With spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, verdant greens and vivid tropical blooms and lush gullies lining the fairways, Sandy Lane Golf Club is renowned as one of the most stunning courses in the Caribbean. Part of the 5-star Sandy Lane Resort, the Country Club strives to provide players with a golfing experience like none other. The first course designed outside the United States by distinguished course architect Tom Fazio, the Country Club features open fairways, angled slopes and five lakes. With five par threes, eight par fours and five par five holes, the 7,060-yard course provides a challenging experience for professional and amateur golfers alike. In 2006 the Country Club hosted the World Golf Championships World Cup, a four-day tournament attended by international players and spectators alike.


Beautiful Beaches
One of the more active beaches on the West Coast, Brighton Beach is located near the island's capital city, Bridgetown. There is a popular local beach bar providing lunch and drink service, as well as beach chair and umbrella rentals. You will find a wide array of water sport options as well as the nearby Malibu Beach Club and Visitor Centre where you can tour the adjacent rum distillery.

Located between Holders Hill and Sandy Lane, Paynes Bay features ample parking and easy access to the beach. The waters are generally calm, providing excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions.

One of the island’s most stunning stretches of white sand beach, Sandy Lane provides excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions. Located south of Holetown, public access is available at Paynes Bay. Guests of the Sandy Lane hotel have access to beach chairs and umbrellas while residents of the nearby Sandy Lane estate have access to private cabana facilities.

Located just south of the popular Mullins Beach, Gibbs Beach offers a tranquil setting with plenty of shaded areas and excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions. Water sport amenities are also available.

Featuring a picnic area and spacious parking facilities, Mullins Beach is a popular spot with both locals and visitors. There are beach chair and umbrella rentals as well as restaurant and bar service. The calm waters provide excellent snorkeling and swimming conditions and there are many water sport amenities available, including jet skis. Mullins is also an excellent spot to watch the sunset while enjoying a refreshing cocktail at the nearby restaurant and bar.