Named after the local flower, Bougainvillea Barbados is conveniently located near the St. Lawrence Gap (which is known in Barbados for its bars, restaurants, shops, and nightlife); decidedly one of the best values on the island, it caters especially well to families with well-appointed rooms for the price, including condo-style options, and high quality service. There are just two on-site restaurants (one of which is closed seasonally) and the menu items are a little on the expensive side; but the property offers a fairly good beachfront (plus a second, smaller beach area), three swimming pools including a lap pool, a great swim-up bar, a central courtyard with colorful flora, a weekday kids club for ages 3-12, upscale on-site restaurants with excellent cuisine, a babysitting service, and solid spa and fitness facilities. Private chefs to cook in-room meals are available upon request. Room types range from studios to two-bedroom suites; they come with private balconies or patios, flat-screen TVs, dining tables, ceiling fans, gel-topped mattresses, bathrobes, and iPod docks; all have full kitchens except for the studios and Junior Suites. Activities include evening live music and shows, outdoor movies, windsurfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing trips on a 17-foot Hobie Cat. There’s also an above-average game room with air hockey, foosball, ping pong, billiards, and mini basketball. A great selection of off-site shops and restaurants is available in the vicinity. The well-known Oistins Fish Fry (a weekly event on Friday nights) is about a five-minute drive.
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.