Last Minute Holidays to Barbados

Barbados is everything you dreamed a last minute holiday should be

After a nine-hour flight you could be popping on your flip-flops and heading for a golden beach in Barbados.

There are many gorgeous seaside towns along the south coast of Barbados that are ideal for a last minute break. Bridgetown is the colourful, bustling capital with many historic sites to explore. But to get a taste of real Bajan life you need to hit the market stalls, shops, restaurants, bars and vibrant nightlife.

Barbados is a relatively small island, only 34 kilometres long, so you can either walk, take a bus or taxi to any of the other major towns and numerous excellent beaches. St Lawrence is a party hotspot with many waterfront hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Situated in the parish of Christ Church it offers several white sand beaches – from lively to tranquil – with snorkelling, sailing, jet-skiing and windsurfing, and pretty much everything else you could need for a fab holiday.

The best time of year to book your last minute holiday to Barbados

By booking your Barbados holiday from eight weeks in advance up to just before you leave, you can get some top last minute deals. Barbados’ high season is December to April, which coincides with the dry season, when temperatures average 28°C. But to get the best deals, wait until low season between June and November to book a last minute getaway. A lower price does mean you might have to deal with occasional rainfall as this is Barbados’ wet season.

Other popular holidays in the Caribbean

If you love the idea of booking a last minute deal but are still weighing up your options, there are plenty of other Caribbean islands you’ll love. Take a look at Dutch-influenced Aruba, the diverse Dominican Republic, or the lush peaks of St Lucia.

But if you’re set on a holiday to Barbados, take a look at our travel guide for more information on how to plan your perfect last minute holiday in the Bajan sunshine. And here are the top last minute Barbados hotels for you to check out.

Ocean Two Resort and Residences

You’ll be greeted by the sound of the waves as you arrive at this 4* star beachfront hotel, with a white sand beach literally 10 steps from the lobby. The calm, turquoise waters are ideal for swimming with plenty of water activities to choose from such as snorkelling, boogie boarding, kayaking and catamaran. Or simply relax by the chic 43-metre pool or watch the sunset from the eighth-floor roof terrace. The hotel offers a range of international cuisine with Caribbean flair and in the evening unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments, or delve into the vibrant nightlife of nearby St Lawrence Gap. Then retire to your luxurious room with contemporary design and stunning views of the ocean from the balcony.

Butterfly Beach Hotel

The fabulous views of the ocean from this beachfront hotel on Maxwell Beach make a last minute getaway to Barbados appeal even more. Butterfly Beach Hotel is an authentic hotel with very attentive staff. You can relax on a sunbed on a terrace right next to the sea or take a refreshing dip in the clear blue waters. Offering Caribbean and international cuisine, a bar with satellite TV and regular evening entertainment, the hotel is also only a few minutes away from the lively bars, restaurants and nightclubs in St Lawrence Gap.

Rostrevor Apartment Hotel

The family-run oceanfront Rostrevor Apartment Hotel is a popular last minute choice due to its chic location and friendly service. Situated in the vibrant St Lawrence Gap, all rooms have a breathtaking sea view. There are two on-site restaurants – a Caribbean number overlooking St Lawrence Gap and a poolside restaurant and bar. You can also dine in one of the many restaurants in St Lawrence Gap, with shops, banks, restaurants and bars on your doorstep. When you’re staying in, the hotel provides entertainment including aquaerobics, or you can use the gym.

Accra Beach Resort and Spa

This award-winning 4* hotel is just steps from one of the best beaches in Barbados, Rockley Beach, so you can relax under palm trees on the white sand beach, before sampling cocktails at the swim-up pool bar. In the evening, the Accra Deck Restaurant serves a range of Caribbean and contemporary European cuisine with outdoor seating overlooking the ocean. You can also dine on Asian flavours at the Pacifika Kitchen Restaurant. The hotel offers snorkelling equipment and boogie boards as well as watersports and scuba diving at the Activities Centre. After a day of activities, the Chakra Spa promises to rejuvenate and heal your body.

Sugar Bay Barbados

Opened in November 2015, this 4* hotel sets itself apart with an absolutely charming design concept – boho meets island chic. The hotel offers something for all the family with a kids’ daycare area, playground and a Teen Shack incorporated into the super trendy design. Meanwhile parents can relax on the beautiful 150-metre-long white beach or go snorkelling and swimming in the calm, shallow waters of the bay. You can sample authentic Bajan street food at Colin’s Beach Bar & Grill, or dine at any of the three other restaurants, including Umi, the best sushi restaurant on the island. Sugar Ray Barbados is 10 minutes by taxi from the markets, shops and nightlife of Bridgetown and St Lawrence Gap.