On one of my most recent trips to Barbados, I had the privilege of staying at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion, a modern, exquisite boutique hotel part of the Fairmont Hotels chain, a member of the Accor Hospitality group. As an entrepreneur, experienced solo digital nomad and remote worker, I know a handful of hotels to stay in Barbados. However, on this trip, I was looking for an upscale, modern and luxurious experience: a place where I could feel closer to nature and footsteps away from the beach, where I could feel pampered and nurtured before the next leg of my journey. And the Fairmont Barbados did that and more. 

Things that make Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados Unique

Every room comes with a luxury view 

Though the Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados belongs to the Fairmont Hotels chain by the Accor hotelier group, it has a touch of Caribbean flavor that I could appreciate from the time I stepped in. A boutique, 72-rooms property nestled in Holetown, the Fairmont Barbados guarantees that every single room you book comes with an ocean view: and on that, it delivered. 

It only takes waking up to appreciate the luxury ocean view, and it only takes a few steps out of your room to let your feet be caressed in the white sand at the beach. Yes, Caribbean luxury and comfort can be that close to you. 

Afternoon tea time at Fairmont Barbados: Are you in?

I was pleasantly surprised to see that my luxury room came with a complimentary afternoon tea experience. Traditionally an English custom, the Afternoon Tea experience allows you to enjoy freshly made tea with pastries and salty treats, while chatting with friends or loved ones at one of the hotel’s restaurants. This is a great activity for solo travelers, couples or those traveling with their family. If you want a break from the usual travel or vacation flow, the afternoon tea experience at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados is a great treat. 

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Welcoming, attentive staff

You can train skills, but can’t train attitude. Every time I stay at a hotel with remarkable and meticulous staff, the memories of my stay grow fonder. From the airport pickup to the check-in experience and through my entire hotel stay in Barbados, the staff at the Fairmont Barbados was thoughtful careful to focus on the minute details that definitely enhanced my experience. I was late for my afternoon tea experience, and they accommodated me (like a princess). I had questions regarding breakfast and other adjustments I wanted made, and they responded quickly and effectively. During my stay there, I noticed a general and concerted effort to make sure that every guest feels welcome and at home. And this is something to laud and appreciate. 

Curated buffet breakfast at the Fairmont Barbados

Breakfast is one of the ways I secretly rate hotels when I travel around the world (Shh. don’t tell anyone). I generally look for modernity, a touch of contemporary and a spice of local. To me, it’s important that the culture of the country in which a hotel is established is reflected in the gastronomy. And I saw that during my breakfast at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados. With breakfast included in my booking, I was able to delight in a buffet menu, and felt satisfied at every round. 

How to get to the Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados is located 45 minutes away from Grantley Adams International Airport (via taxi). The ride is pretty scenic, as you pass through the city, and encounter neighborhoods like Sandy Lane (where Rihanna bought her adult home in Barbados) before arriving at Holetown, St James – where the hotel is located. 

The Rooms at Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados

I stayed at a Luxury Oceanfront Suite, which is spacious enough for 3 people. The room gave me an unbeatable view of the beach every morning, and that alone felt worth the entire experience. The Fairmont Royal Pavilion in Barbados takes pride in the fact that every single room provides an excellent ocean view. The sofa on the veranda deck was truly all I needed to lie down and take in the sights, sounds and feels of “being” in the island of the sun. 

The Restaurant and Pool Bar at Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados

I spent most of my free time at the Beachfront restaurant at the Fairmont Barbados. From the afternoon tea experience to a casual evening walk, to cocktails, to live entertainment, this restaurant seemed to be at the center of action! 

The second restaurant serves breakfast daily, alongside mesmerizing ocean views that make digestion smoother and your stay… more memorable. 

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Things to do at Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados

Whether you are staying at this luxury boutique hotel for a family getaway, a solo trip or while in transit, there are a few amenities and activities at the Fairmont Barbados that can keep you busy during your stay in Barbados!

Take a dip in the pool, 24/7: the pool is located next to one of the restaurants, so you can take a dip while waiting for your lunch or dinner, or after a refreshing walk around the hotel’s gardens. 

Stay in shape at the Fitness center: since I started my fitness journey, I’ve come to appreciate fitness centers in hotels where I stay. I was happy to know that there was one at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion hotel, even though I was not able to indulge in a session during this stay.

Experience the British “Afternoon Tea”: this experience (complimentary with an oceanfront luxury room booking) is a great addition to everything else unique that the Fairmont Royal Pavilion offers. It definitely added some color (and curiosity) to my stay.

Relax with a refreshing walk on the beach: Barbados’ white sand beaches will never cease to be amazing. And having one right at your doorsteps when you stay at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion is golden. Satisfaction and relaxation guaranteed.

Unwind with live entertainment every night at the Fairmont Barbados: definitely limits the pressure of having to figure out “things to do in Holetown in the evening”! If you’re staying at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados during your Barbados vacation, there is free live entertainment every single night. This is also the perfect occasion to get to know some rising local stars, while sipping on refreshing cocktails made right at the bar. 

And what if you’re looking to step your Barbados trip up a notch and explore more things in St James? Here are some great activities to consider, if your time and schedule allows:

Things to do near Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados

• Explore Holetown, Barbados: a quaint city on the west coast of the island, Holetown is considered as the first home of the first settlers in Barbados (in 1627). The city is now known for its wide beaches, colorful homes, relaxing atmosphere and variety of shopping outlets, restaurants and cafes. Definitely worth the daytrip. You can find bits and pieces of what it looks like in my Barbados travel experiences at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion. 

• Experience the Holetown Farmer Market: a weekend farmer market is always a great experience when visiting a new city. I think it’s a great occasion to discover local eats, and have an informal meet and greet with locals. While there, try out some of the popular Bajan fish cakes, pastries, shop some souvenirs and have a local lunch!

• Visit the St. James Parish Church: located in Holetown, St James Parish church stands on the oldest parcels of land consecrated in Barbados. It is also referred to as “God’s acre”. The church carries a lot of historical value not just in the region but also in Barbados, and you can take a tour of the building to learn more about it and admire its architecture. 

• Take a walk at some of the popular Barbados beaches: although Holetown beach is the popular beach in the city, the St James Parish (which geographically defines the region) is also home to other beautiful beaches like Paynes Beach, Mullins Beach, and Sandy Lane Beach. Each white sand beach brings its own charm and creates a new experience!

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• Lunch or Dine at the Tides Restaurant and Explore the Tides Gallery: a very popular spot in Holetown, The Tides restaurant is not only known for its Oceanview dining experiences, but also as the home of a well-appreciated art gallery that features local Bajan artists and Caribbean creators, with new finds every month. It is another great way to get in touch with Barbados culture. 

• Shop (or window shop)  at the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Barbados: considered by some as the biggest and most popular shopping mall in Barbados, the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is a great spot to chill, shop, eat at, and spend the day at, if you like going to the mall. You can find out what is happening there every week from live entertainment, arts exhibitions, or even crafts fairs! I first learned about it from my Fairmont Barbados driver, and even though I was not able to stop there on this visit, I think this would definitely be top of my list the next time I am in the area. 

How to book Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados for your next layover or short Barbados getaway

Book directly through the Fairmont Royal Pavilion hotel’s website, for the best rates. You can also call to make your reservation today, or on your next trip to Barbados. 

This completes my experience review at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados: a luxury boutique hotel rich in style, ease, comfort, hospitality, and opportunities to explore the beautiful region that Holetown is. I hope this gives you the information (and nudge) you need to book your own experience, and I’d love to hear about it one day!

Drop your questions, comments and recommendations in the comments when you get the chance.

Until next time!

Adventurously,

Clem