Why We Recommend It:
Waves is an all-inclusive, boutique luxury resort in Prospect Bay, between Holetown and Bridgetown, Barbados.
It has gone through a few ownership changes over the years but remains solidly popular with well-heeled visitors to the island.
It has three quality restaurants, a casual coffee shop, two swimming pools, one of which is for adults only, a highly rated spa, and overall a strong emphasis on wellness.
The resort’s only offering is all-inclusive, which includes, along with all food and drink, all spa services, and water sports, including motorized water sports.
Rooms & Suites:
Guests will stay in one of 70 rooms spread out across two buildings. The Ocean House is located on the beach along with the family section, and just across the street, the Spa Building where the adults-only pool can also be found.
All rooms at the resort will remind you that you’re at the beach, with a relaxed but modern feel that incorporates light colors and an inviting balcony overlooking either the ocean or the resort.
None of the rooms on offer are particularly large but the modern amenities will make your stay comfortable no matter what room you end up in: Flat-screen TVs, chargers for your electronics, Bluetooth speakers, a fully stocked bar and tea/coffee station, etc.
While the accommodation is quite consistent across the resort, if you’d like separate sleeping and living quarters they also have split-level/duplex rooms.
Bathrooms are sleek and contemporary, but guests looking for a long soak should be aware that a walk-in shower is all that is available.
Those looking for luxury and privacy could do worse than the Ocean Front Duplex with its panoramic views and separate sleeping and living areas. Next in line, and also with great sea views, would be the Ocean Front Junior Suite.
The resort never gets too riotous by any means but if you want to guarantee more peace and quiet two good options are the Pool View Spa One Bedroom Suite and the Pool View Spa Guest Room. Both of these are adults-only and are situated in the adults-only section of the resort.
Take a look at your room options now – with prices, reviews, and photos – at Expedia here or at Booking.com here.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do:
The main restaurant is the appropriately named Seascape given its beachfront location. It offers all three meals of the day with buffet and a la carte service, featuring a rotating seasonal menu and themed nights throughout the week.
For those looking for a taste of Asia, Shiso offers diverse cuisine ranging from sushi and sashimi to rice bowls, noodles, and more.
If you bring a set of more formal clothing on your Waves Hotel & Spa vacation, bust it out for a night at Daphne’s, an upscale Italian offering with ocean views. And for young families with kids that have good taste, a children’s menu is on offer there.
Most who come to the Waves Hotel & Spa are looking for time at the beach. The beach in question is Prospect Beach–small but perfectly formed–it has golden sand and clear balmy waters. The Caribbean sunsets here are pretty special too.
There are two swimming pools at the resort. The family pool is the center of the action, always busy with activity and guests of all ages. The Spa part of the resort has the adults-only pool, which is predictably quite a bit more tranquil.
All water sports, including motorized, are complimentary at Waves, and all come with free lessons and supervision if required. You get to choose from waterskiing, banana boats, tube riding, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and sailing amongst others.
Tours such as their scenic island tour and snorkeling with sea turtles tours are available but for an extra fee.
Their quality spa offers a steam room and sauna, as well as a wealth of free spa treatments. Complimentary yoga and Pilates classes are also available.
Location:
Waves Hotel & Spa is located on Highway 1, easily accessible from any part of the island, and is served by public transit.
It is a half-hour drive from Grantley Adams International Airport, within 10 minutes of two golf courses and only five minutes from shopping and entertainment in Holetown.
Some Guest Reviews:
“We have never stayed in a more beautiful room in our lives. 2 floors with the best sunset view one would desire. There was literally every comfort one could ask for. We joined a Caribbean food cooking demo, which surprisingly we were the only one interested into. Nicolas, who did the demo, was amazing and we learned a lot about Bajan cuisine. The staff was the definition of the above and beyond service….”
“Great place, amazing views and sunset. Food & drinks all day make you want to not leave the resort. Great, friendly staff with good food throughout the day. Hotel has really nice facilities. Drinks are served throughout the day and brought to you down to the beach. The hotel staff went above and beyond for us in all aspects and made our experience extra special with upgrading our room, providing rose petals on the bed and providing us access to their spa (which was amazing)….”