Romantic Honeymoon in Barbados

One of the lushest islands in the Caribbean, Barbados is fun with a British accent. While Barbados is the No. 1 hot-weather honeymoon destination for couples from Great Britain, more and more Americans are discovering the beauty and sophistication of Barbados as well.

Hotelier Peter Odle says, "Whatever your desire -- whether it be to laze on the beach or conquer every water sport offered, you can do it here."

• Find all elements for perfect romance here: The lulling sounds of the relentless surf, balmy air, warm sun and water, and incredible Barbados sunsets.

Barbados is at its liveliest in the southernmost parish of Christ Church, with the boardwalk along the Saint Lawrence Gap district filled with restaurants and nightlife. Guests with island-exploring on the mind can visit the capital city of Bridgetown for shopping, sightseeing, and island "liming” (partying). One of our best memories was a taxi tour of the island's wilder eastern side, where banana trees grow on the side of the road and the ocean crashes far below.

The island highlight, St. Nicholas Abbey, is a 350-year-old plantation house in the north with period furniture and a mahogany forest just right for a private couple’s walk. Sweethearts can also follow the paths in Hunte’s Gardens, a secluded ravine brimming with ferns, heliconia and plump Buddha statues (it’s also a wedding venue). Visitors tour antiques-filled rooms at the 18th-century Sunbury sugar estate. And tastings at the Mount Gay Tour & Gift Shop make for a fine finish to a day. 

Most Romantic Hotels in Barbados

Barbados is endowed with many wonderful resorts, including several all-inclusives. They all take advantage of the island's sandy coastline and warm, clear Caribbean waters. These are among the hotels that offer everything you’d want in a beach escape.

Sandals Barbados, an all-new, all-inclusive retreat conceived just  for couples, lays claim to the sexiest rooms and suites on the island. Irresistible among the resort's 280 large, contemporary units are the Crystal Lagoon Love Nest and Butler Swim-up Suites set along the largest river pool in the Caribbean. Simply slide open your door, and your own private chaises and steps down into the water await.

The Crane Hotel has continuously welcomed guests since 1887. Perched on a cliff, this romantically secluded resort on Barbados' rugged eastern shore, offers the most extraordinary ocean views. Beside the pool, tall white columns overlook the sea. If you look down, or are willing to descend the 120-step circular staircase, you can join sun-worshippers on this Barbados beach protected by a natural coral reef and cooled by trade winds, which allow for excellent swimming and sunbathing conditions.

Fairmont Royal Pavilion is tucked away on a sandy cove on Barbados’ West Coast, where the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea merge. Every one of the 72 guest rooms at this refined resort face the water.  brings you right to the beach from its spacious ocean front suites. The Palm has to be the most romantic restaurant in Barbados. At night, its dining room is pure elegance under Moorish arches, with white linen tablecloths and chair coverings and tiny white lights wound around trunks of giant palms. The edge of the dining room abuts the sea, illuminated to add drama to the waves. Those at tables fronting the coastline can see flying fish arc out of the water and dive back under. 

Sandy Lane is as posh as places get in Barbados. It's exclusive, expensive, and dedicated to catering to guests' every need. For example, golfers can have a warm breakfast cooked to their exact specifications... and delivered directly to their golf cart. To keep itself at the top of its game, Sandy Lane continually refreshes the property. This best-of-the-best, exclusive hideaway comes at a steep price, but if you've got champagne dreams and a bank book to match, you won't regret vacationing here in balmy Barbados below the hurricane zone.

Sea Breeze Beach Hotel The area's all-inclusive, family-friendly Sea Breeze Beach Hotel is set among tranquil bougainvillea and palm gardens, but it’s also well-situated for couples looking to take advantage of the local buzz. Plenty of umbrellas and sturdy chaises line the Sea Breeze’s soft, white main beach, but couples may prefer the rugged and secluded beach to the right. A crew at the beach shack hand out water equipment, and sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, body boarding and snorkeling can be arranged. 

Recently the government of Barbados eased marriage requirements, making it even easier for couples to wed as well as honeymoon in Barbados. If this is something you're considering, speak to a wedding coordinator at a hotel that interests you.