From the stunning west coast beaches with their soft golden sands and turquoise seas to the incredible restaurants, authentic Rastafarian vibe and its interesting colonial history, Barbados is truly one of the most beautiful and culturally interesting destinations in the Caribbean.
Being a regular visitor to the Caribbean and having the privilege of having visited all the islands throughout the region many times, Barbados is still a firm and personal favourite of mine.
There is just so much to do and enjoy.
Barbados truly has some of the best fine dining oceanside restaurants on the planet, great shopping especially in Holetown as well and a great sporting culture with Golf, Polo, Cricket and an abundance of watr sports. Then there is the islands amazing colonial history which can be seen all over the island, its tropical forests, verdant gardens as well as the raw beauty of the north and east coast of the island to enjoy.
Barbados is an island favoured by the rich and famous with many celebrities both owning and renting homes in Barbados. Simon Cowell, Rihanna, Maria Carey and Cara Delevingne are just a few of the A-listers that may regularly be spotted on the island. And the best bit is that you can rent or stay in one of the houses owned by them or rented by them.
I have visited all the best ones and there’s no better way to experience the island than to stay in one of the Island’s most exquisite luxurious villas. These amazing Barbados Villas are available with trusted villa company Exceptional Villas.
LET’S EXPLORE THE TOP 6 VILLAS
- THE DREAM as the name suggests, is the perfect villa. It is an exquisite 5-bedroom beachfront villa located in The Garden area on the west coast of Barbados. The whole of the West Coast of Barbados is exclusive but this area is the most exclusive of them all. This is where you will find all the mansions and uber-exclusive properties are located.
The Dream is a two storey villa which is contemporary in design and has the most breath-taking views imaginable. It also has one of the most beautiful pools I have come across with a cool bar at one end. There are two main living areas which work perfectly if some of the group want to relax in a quiet spot and some wish to party the night away.
All the bedrooms are gorgeous but the master bedroom is particularly stunning and there is no better way than to wake up in The Dream to the incredible view and the sounds of the sea lapping on the shore just a couple of metres away.
The Dream comes complete with its butler, world class chef and housekeepers. There are even a cinema room and a grand piano.
My Favourite Feature of The Dream
Every aspect is amazing but, above all, we love the way the whole of the downstairs living area opens up completely and flows beautifully onto the pool and the gardens.
- GREENSLEEVES is one of the most iconic beachfront mansions in Barbados, if not the entire Caribbean. It is 9-bedroom property that can only be described as simply paradise. The villa takes up an entire headland and as a result has access to two of the best beaches on the island. To the North side is Gibbes beach which leads to Mullins Beach and to the south side is Reed’s Bay.
The entire property is exquisite and in pristine condition and is set in over 11 acres of the most beautiful private gardens imaginable. There is a gorgeous free form swimming pool and the entire estate is on a slightly elevated site which gives Greensleeves the advantage of having the ultimate in privacy as well as the best views imaginable. The gardens are brimming with colourful and sweet smelling tropical flowers, chirping hummingbirds and whistling tree frogs.
Every corner of this property is full of beauty. But the master suite, which may only be used when all 9 bedrooms are rented, is the most beautiful master bedroom I have seen in the Caribbean. Greensleeves is the ultimate oasis paradise.
My Favourite Feature of Greensleeves
It has 11 acres of gardens and an extremely private location yet is located on two of the Island’s best beaches.
- BONITA is one of the newest beachfront villas in Barbados and is also one of the most luxurious. It has 6 bedrooms in total, 4 of which are located in the main house and 2 in the guest house.
Bonita is in the much sought after West Coast of Barbados and is set on a beautiful stretch of beach where the sands are soft and golden and the waters turquoise and calm.
This is where you will get some of the best sunsets on the island. The décor of Bonita is best described as contemporary chic and has been beautifully designed so that almost every room in the villa takes advantage of the incredible views. The use of windows that slide back throughout the house enhances the whole experience.
When you stay at Bonita, you will be truly pampered by the full team of staff. There is a Butler, a highly-acclaimed chef and several housekeepers to ensure that your every whim is taken care of.
Bonita comes complete with a stunning swimming pool and, my personal favourite, the cinema room which is the height of luxury.
My Favourite Feature of Bonita
I love the design of the villa that takes full advantage of the incredible views.
- GODINGS HOUSE is the newest kid on the block of luxury villas in Barbados. It is located further north closer to Speightstown and right beside the popular Saint Peter’s Bay resort.
Godings House is super contemporary with clean lines and exquisite pieces of contemporary art. Godings House comprises of over 13,500 square feet of living space and is spread over 5 bedrooms, sitting room, professional kitchen, office, cinema room and gymnasium.
The decor is both chic and sophisticated and has the advantage of being on a quieter part of the island so the beach here is virtually always empty and feels like it is your own private beach.
Not only is the house exquisite but you will also be completely pampered when you stay at Godings House.
They have a full team on hand to look after you during your stay which includes a Butler, Cook, House Manger and Housekeepers.
Godings House is the perfect choice of villa for a private party, small wedding or multi-generational family get together.
My Favourite Feature of Godings House
I love the fact that all the bedrooms are located on the beachside and they all have equally incredible views.
- ST HELENA is another personal favourite Barbados Villa. It is much more traditional and colonial in style compared to the newer villas but it has a charm and warmth that is hard to beat.
St Helena has a fabulous beach front setting and accommodates 16 people. There are 9 bedrooms in total which are spread between the main house and a super luxury guest house.
The gardens are extremely mature and are full of sweet smelling flowers and tropical shrubs. There is a stunning swimming pool nestled between the two houses and the beach is accessed via a pretty pathway just 10 meters from the main house.
St Helena is the perfect villa for a special occasion where you want your guests to feel at home and enjoy the ultimate in relaxation and luxury.
My Favourite Feature of St Helena
I love the atmosphere in the house. The second you enter you will feel relaxed and like you have arrived home!
- CRYSTAL SPRINGS is last on the list but definitely not least. Crystal Springs sits on 1.7 acres of land with ocean and beach frontage.
The villa has a gorgeous and almost private cove where you can swim and enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters. With 10 bedrooms, Crystal Springs is one of the largest villas on the island and can comfortably sleep up to 20 people.
The pool is worth a special mention as it will take your breath away. It is infinity in style and finished with gorgeous blue Bisazza mosaics which were imported specially from Italy.
Crystal Springs also has one of the best teams in Barbados to look after you during your stay. There are two Butlers, two Cooks and several Housekeepers to ensure you are completely pampered.
My Favourite Feature of Crystal Springs
The swimming pool is my favourite pool on the island. It is stunning with opulently comfortable sun beds and a view of the sea that is exquisite.
About the Author:
Alexandra Baradi is the founder and director of Exceptional Villas and has travelled extensively throughout the world viewing luxury villas and destinations.