The Best Hotels in Paynes Bay

Paynes Bay Hotels

Nicknamed the “Platinum Coast” for its glamorous portfolio of beachfront hotels and luxury mansions, Paynes Bay lures in the jet-setting elite with its pristine serving of sun, sea and sand. A short drive from Bridgetown, the island’s capital, the parish of Saint James in which the bay sits was where British settlers first landed in the early 17th century. These days it promises some of the best of Barbados, from quintessentially English polo matches and upscale Caribbean cuisine, to snorkelling, water sports or simply blissing out on a beach.

Things to see

Gilded with a broad curve of white gold sand, Paynes Bay Beach is the resort’s very own slice of paradise. With its lazily swaying palm trees and clear, turquoise water, the immaculate stretch lends itself to swimming, snorkelling and hours of heavenly sunbathing. Once you’ve had your fill of R&R you can take your spot for a civilized game of polo, courtesy of the Barbados Polo Club. Located at Holders Hill, the island’s main polo venue, the club regularly hosts games amidst a fun and sociable atmosphere. If golf is your pastime, you’ll find it with a glittering sea view at the Sandy Lane Old Nine Golf Course. With pristine fairways flanked with tropical foliage, the club also offers a putting green and driving range. St. James Parish Church originally dates back to the 1600’s, with the current stone structure built during the 19th century. Daily tours invite visitors to learn about the church’s rich history and see its collection of centuries old artefacts.

Hotels in Paynes Bay

The large majority of hotels in Paynes Bay cater to an upmarket crowd, with their lavish accommodation, pampering service and endless indulgences. You’ll find them directly on the beachfront, providing apartments and suites with shimmering ocean views. Most feature a wealth of amenities, from outdoor swimming pools and spa facilities, to top notch restaurants, bar lounges and fitness centres. Rooms usually open out onto balconies or terraces and spare none of the luxuries either. You can hope to expect premium cable television, high-speed internet access, DVD players, iPod Stations, and designer toiletries too.

Where to stay

If you’re staying in one of the luxury beachfront hotels in Paynes Bay, you’ll never be more than a few steps from one of Barbados’ most serene and idyllic beaches. The area is primarily occupied by hotels and grand mansions, with the nearest commercial centre located in neighbouring Holetown. Just 5 minutes along the coastal road, the island’s second largest town offers a cornucopia of upscale and beachfront dining, duty-free shopping at Sunset Crest Shopping Mall, and conveniences such as banks and grocery shops. What’s more, Holetown is also home to comparatively cheaper hotels than what you’ll find in Paynes Bay.

How to get to Paynes Bay

The island’s main gateway is Grantley Adams International Airport, situated around 25 kilometres from Paynes Bay. Along with connections to other Caribbean islands, it serves destinations in the United States, including Atlanta, Miami and New York, destinations in Canada, as well as several cities in the United Kingdom too. Once you’ve landed the most convenient way to get to Paynes Bay is by taxi or hotel pick-up, which usually takes around half an hour. A cheaper alternative is to catch a bus to Holetown, which depart from the bus stop across the road from the airport. Barbados’ capital Bridgetown is also a stop for cruise ships, which regularly dock at the harbour.