Southern Palms Beach Club is a long-established hotel on the south coast, in the lively St Lawrence Gap strip of Christ Church, with ninety-two units set around manicured gardens and more than a thousand feet of beach frontage. The architecture blends traditional and Barbadian design in a colonial style, and the tradewinds keep the grounds cool. The hotel describes the mood as a home-away-from-home, and that fits: it is relaxed, informal and comfortable rather than glamorous. It is a good pick for travellers who want a beachfront stay at a mid-range price with a sociable stretch of restaurants and bars within a short walk.
Location and getting around: the Gap is the south coast's dining and nightlife street, so dinner is easy and a car is optional. Southern Palms is about eight kilometres from the airport and about seven kilometres from Bridgetown, with regular buses and taxis along the coast road. Oistins and its Friday fish fry are a short ride away, and the Garrison is within reach for a half-day. Dover Beach next door is a nesting ground for endangered hawksbill turtles, and the hotel recommends visiting between April and October to see the nesting season.
The rooms: garden view rooms, ocean view rooms, one-bedroom junior suites and one-bedroom luxury suites, all air-conditioned and Caribbean in style, each with a private bathroom and a balcony or patio. Suites include a kitchenette arranged for four people, which suits families and longer stays and helps keep costs down. In-room details include satellite TV, a fridge, a kettle, a hairdryer and a safe, and there is a pool, beach access, WiFi in rooms and public areas and a wedding coordinator for beach ceremonies.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, families and friends who want a beach base with kitchenettes and an easy social scene. The Gap can be noisy at night, so ask for a room on the quieter side of the property, and be aware that this is a classic, rather than brand-new, hotel, so expect a comfortable, older style. The sea on the south coast is livelier than the west, with more wind and surf. Check whether breakfast and meal plans are included in your rate, and look at suites if you plan to cook some meals yourself.
Why stay here
- ✓Over 1,000 feet of beach frontage
- ✓Manicured tropical gardens
- ✓Swimming pool
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms with balcony or patio
- ✓Suites with kitchenettes
- ✓Wedding coordinator
- ✓WiFi in rooms and public areas
- ✓Walk to St Lawrence Gap restaurants
Good questions
Is Southern Palms on the beach?+
Yes, it has over a thousand feet of beach frontage in St Lawrence Gap, with a pool and gardens as well.
Are there rooms with kitchens?+
The suites include a kitchenette set up for four people, which suits families and longer stays.
Can I see turtles nearby?+
Dover Beach next door is a hawksbill turtle nesting ground, and the hotel suggests visiting between April and October.
