With upscale accommodations and somewhat reasonable rates for the west coast of Barbados, Colony Club by Elegant Hotels caters well to both couples and families with a good selection of activities and great overall service. The beach is fairly small and narrow (and a good portion of it is shaded for much of the day); but the property offers a beautiful swimming pool network with waterfalls and tropical flora, an on-site rum vault with over 150 rums, two open-air restaurants, a complimentary full breakfast buffet daily, themed nights including Lobster & Jazz Night, a spa with couples treatments and hot stone massages, a friendly and helpful staff, and excellent on-site tennis courts. Rooms come with four-poster beds, mahogany and coral stone finishes, marble bathrooms, REN bath amenities, espresso machines, flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, and balconies or patios. Activities include swimming with sea turtles (highly recommended), catamaran cruises, scuba diving, yoga and Pilates classes, cooking classes, organic garden tours, “Bait to Plate” fishing trips with the hotel chef, snorkeling tours, speedboat and banana boat rides, and Hobie Cat sailing. Complimentary lessons for water skiing, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking are also available.
All travelers to Barbados are required to present proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at a an accredited or recognized laboratory within three days prior to arrival. It is also necessary to complete your on-line immigration and customs form by going to www.travelform.gov.bb. The form should be completed 24 hours prior to arrival, and preferably include the upload of your negative COVID-19 PCR test result. Travelers will be required to retest with a COVID-19 PCR test 5 days (120 hours) after their arrival in the country. If the result of that second PCR test is negative, that traveler can now enjoy unrestricted movement to public spaces (including the beach). Guests from High and Medium Category countries (which currently includes the UK, the US and Canada) must quarantine in their rooms until the second test is negative.