Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels

Barbados, Caribbean

Virgin rating

The hotel

Taking All Inclusive to another level, the Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels doesn’t just include essentials such as dining and WiFi, it lays on additional luxuries including water sports, spa treatments, and yoga. From cocktail mixology to rum tasting, you’ll never be short of entertainment - you can even ‘add on’ bucket list experiences like swimming with sea turtles, the kids will love it! Its restaurants will take you from the Mediterranean to Asia but, as a member of Elegant Hotels, you can now dine at their select west coast sister hotels too, travelling there by complimentary water taxi. It’s not all about getting off the sunbed though — nobody will mind if you laze away days at the spa, by the two pools, or on its Platinum West Coast beach, and the complimentary Beach and Pool Ambassador Service guarantees true unadulterated relaxation.

Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Snorkelling
  • Water Skiing
  • Yoga
  • Babysitting service
  • Families
  • Honeymoon
  • Wedding
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym

Where is it

Located directly on the west coast beach of Barbados, 25 minutes north of Bridgetown. Transfer time from airport: 30 minutes.

Hotel information

70 eco-chic inspired rooms and suites, each with a simplistic design featuring earthy and white tones along with natural materials and artwork. All with air-conditioning, 47" flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi access, mini-fridge with bottled water, tea/coffee-making facilities, iron and board, hairdryer, safe, bathroom with walk-in shower, yoga mats, bathrobes, Bluetooth speakers, and a multi-device charger. All rooms feature a king-size bed. 

Standard Guest Rooms are located on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the Oceanside building, showcasing inland views without balconies, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Guests enjoy two complimentary spa treatments, per adult, per stay with a minimum 7-night stay in this category (minimum 24-hour advance reservation required).

Please note: the hotel has two sections — the Ocean House on the beach side, and the Spa Area (adults-only) on the island side which is across the road from the main Oceanside building.

All Inclusive of: all meals and snacks as well as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages including a variety of house wines, cocktails, sparkling wines, beers and more. Motorised and non-motorised water sports, fitness centre and classes including Yoga and Pilates, and recreational activities. Spa treatments — up to three spa treatments per guest per stay (depending on room category booked). Complimentary WiFi access. Water Taxi to select west coast sister properties (subject to availability and weather conditions). Dine Around Programme with other select Elegant Hotels properties*. Beach and pool Ambassador service.

Pool View Spa Rooms are located in the adult-only spa building of the property (guests 17 years and over only), across the road from the Oceanside building, these large rooms feature a balcony or terrace overlooking the pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults. Guests enjoy two complimentary spa treatments per adult per stay with a minimum 5-night stay in this category (minimum 24-hour advance reservation required).

Spa 1-Bedroom Suites are located in the adult-only spa building of the property (guests 17 years and over only), across the road from the Oceanside building, these spacious suites offer a separate bedroom and living space area with a balcony overlooking the pool, sleeping maximum 4 adults. Guests enjoy two complimentary spa treatments per adult per stay with a minimum 5-night stay in this category (minimum 24-hour advance reservation required).

Ocean Front Rooms offer spacious accommodation and are located on every floor in the Oceanside building, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child. Guests enjoy three complimentary spa treatments per adult per stay with a minimum 5-night stay in this category (minimum 24-hour advance reservation required).

Ocean Front Junior Suites offer balconies featuring spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, and come complete with a stocked mini-bar, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Guests enjoy three complimentary spa treatments per adult per stay with a minimum 5-night stay in this category (minimum 24-hour advance reservation required).

Ocean Front Split Level Rooms are ideal for guests seeking a separate living and sleeping space for enhanced privacy. The guest bedroom, with a king-size bed and bathroom, is on the entry level and a spacious lounge with pull-out sofa, fridge, and wet bar is located on the upper level. The lounge leads to a top floor balcony offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. These suites come complete with a stocked mini-bar, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Guests enjoy three complimentary spa treatments per adult per stay with a minimum 5-night stay in this category (minimum 24-hour advance reservation required).

Seascape (Mediterranean inspired cuisine), open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a lunch buffet and Mediterranean-infused à la carte dinner menus as well a variety of international theme nights. Shiso (Asian Fusion dining), offering freshly made to order noodle and rice bowls with customised flavours and spices. Kýma (al fresco Coffee Bar & Deli), serving specialty hot or cold coffees, lattes and teas as well as Grab and Go food including fresh salads and sandwiches. 2 bars serving a selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages by the glass including a variety of cocktails, sparkling wine, beers and more. Take advantage of the Taste of Elegance Dine Around programme which offers exchange dining with select sister hotels' restaurants* (meal and drinks supplements may apply). Room service* (7:30am–9:30pm).

Regular entertainment, shows, and DJ nights throughout the week. Manager's cocktail party. Special culinary events such as wine pairing or rum tasting. Educational events or demos from cooking to mixology workshops.

2 swimming pools, including the adult-only pool with jacuzzi. Fitness centre with state of the art equipment and regular complimentary indoor and outdoor fitness classes, such as yoga and pilates. Family meditation classes are also available. Motorised and non-motorised water sports including an Aqua School featuring instructional lessons, water-skiing, stand up paddle boarding, tubing, Hobie cat sailing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and snorkelling. Beach cricket. Spa* offering a variety of treatments* as well as a sauna and steam room (temporarily unavailable), and manicure/pedicure stations (adult-only area). Use of tennis courts at sister property. Nearby golf course*.

Complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Complimentary daytime water taxi to select west coast sister properties (subject to availability and weather conditions). Babysitting services*. Pool and Beach Ambassador service.

A Tourism Fee will be charged per bedroom, per night and will be collected at check out. The rate is subject to change by the Government, and varies by hotel room. Fees currently range from 8.75 Barbadian dollar (approximately £3.90) to 35 Barbadian dollar (approximately £16.00) per bedroom, per night.  

5 nights between 1—28 Feb.

7 nights between 22 Dec—2 Jan.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: child ages at this property are up to 16 years.

Please note: all rooms are non-smoking.

Please note: the hotel has two sections — the Ocean House on the beach side and the Spa Area (adults-only) on the island side which is across the road from the main Oceanside building. 

Please note: the Dine Around Programme is only available at select properties and may be subject to an additional cost dependant on the board basis booked. A complimentary water taxi to select west coast Elegant properties is available during daytime only and subject to availability and weather conditions.

Rating summary

  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (799)
  • Very good (188)
  • Average (50)
  • Poor (25)
  • Terrible (12)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing staff and beautiful hotel

Mar 25, 2024 SLPER72 Romford, United Kingdom

Ahh where do I start! We have just arrived home from an amazing 12 nights at this hotel, from the start we were greeted by the most friendly guy called Kevin, given a signature cocktail while we checked in and then shown to our room which overlooked the ocean and was truly lovely, only thing is we had our 11 yr old with us and I had tried to… Read more
Ahh where do I start! We have just arrived home from an amazing 12 nights at this hotel, from the start we were greeted by the most friendly guy called Kevin, given a signature cocktail while we checked in and then shown to our room which overlooked the ocean and was truly lovely, only thing is we had our 11 yr old with us and I had tried to change rooms with virgin to no avail so I requested to change once there, we spoke to both Kim and Jacqueline about this and they were absolutely fantastic , super friendly and very efficient and always checking up to make sure your stay is going well, fantastic service, and we were upgraded at no cost to a split level ocean view room which suited us so much better, it was super spacious. Food - we had absolutely no complaints whatsoever , the food was varied and cooked nicely and the al la carte meals in seascape were presented beautifully! Breakfast was lovely , the egg station chefs make a cracking omelette! The staff at this hotel make it special , a few really stood out to us, Sabrina in the Restuarant is a lovely lady, so warm and friendly , and helpful as we used her husband as our taxi driver the whole time, great couple, there’s Jennifer who wears the hair bag, our son loved her, he went to say bye especially to her! Bar men are great too, didn’t catch their names but the super smiley one with the hair bag was always calling out saying hi and addressing us by names and he makes the best rum punch! Honestly the staff are just incredible and they make this hotel special ! Use the spa! We used all our vouchers and had lovely massages , facials and scalp massage, top notch therapists ! If you are looking for evening entertainment this isn’t for you as its a relaxed atmosphere with singers that finish at 10.30 Now the dissapointing bits- the beach , you do need water shoes as there’s coral washed up along the shore and there are lots of rocks once in, plus a step down of about 18 inches, it’s not good for older people sadly, they struggled or just didn’t go in, as they couldn’t get back out, and the sea can be quite choppy with waves , not ideal. The family pool, is more city pool feel as very small, and only gets the sun until around lunchtime, that is dissapointing as advertising materiel shows a lovely large pool but that’s adults only so be aware if travelling with children. What does make up for the dissapointing bits is the water taxi, we just used that to use the other hotels in the chains pools and beaches , which were better but the hotels are far inferior to waves! To sum up, we never go back to the same place, but this will be an exception, we are already pricing up for Xmas! Our son had tears in his eyes leaving waves, it truly was an amazing place. The memories made and the people we met that worked there have a place in our heart forever! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great view and amazing staff!! Very enjoyable stay

Mar 23, 2024 Blake I London, Canada

The loveliest people at this hotel. Rooms are very spacious! Our room was 2 levels and had a great view of the ocean. Location is close to most things. It was nice to be able to hop on and off of the water taxi to see other resorts. The water is pretty rough at the beach but the sand is nice. Walking into the water I would recommend water shoes it… Read more
The loveliest people at this hotel. Rooms are very spacious! Our room was 2 levels and had a great view of the ocean. Location is close to most things. It was nice to be able to hop on and off of the water taxi to see other resorts. The water is pretty rough at the beach but the sand is nice. Walking into the water I would recommend water shoes it is pebbly and the rocks hit you in the feet as you walk in. Also be careful everyday there were kids being washed up by rogue waves on the beach and bumping their heads. All things you should expect to watch out for when swimming in the ocean. Not much to see with a snorkel. Food was hit and miss. It's the staff that makes this hotel fantastic great customer service. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Small well run and comfortable hotel

Mar 17, 2024 janice h

I’m currently staying and thought my review may be timely for some about to stay . Half of the hotel is closed for renovation, there is no noise but the larger pool is closed , leaving a small pool and nice small beach , no swimming in the sea because of rough conditions
Image of the Tripadvisor rating ….. And relax!

Mar 15, 2024 wendis2018 Leeds, United Kingdom

We were offered an alternative hotel at the last minute due to the hotel’s refurbishment and gym closure, thank heavens we decided to go ahead and stay at Waves! From the minute we arrived the professionalism and friendliness of all the staff was outstanding, and also to learn the gym had reopened the day before was a welcome surprise! Our room… Read more
We were offered an alternative hotel at the last minute due to the hotel’s refurbishment and gym closure, thank heavens we decided to go ahead and stay at Waves! From the minute we arrived the professionalism and friendliness of all the staff was outstanding, and also to learn the gym had reopened the day before was a welcome surprise! Our room and hotel it’s self was extremely clean with a beautiful sea view. If you are looking for perfection in a hotel go to Dubai, this is Barbados, the hotels have soul and character! All the meals we had at the hotel were restaurant standard, served hot and with a smile! I particularly liked the personal touch of most of the staff calling myself and my family by name, it made us feel part of the family! All the beach and water sports staff were accommodating and helpful, especially Kelvin whom was my go to for any advice or recommendations! We took advantage of the water taxi to other hotels for meals and beach days, also the hotels turtle trip was great. All in all we had a very relaxing and enjoyable holiday, and look forward to seeing the renovations on our return soon x Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect stay, as always

Mar 10, 2024 schea01 Gosport, United Kingdom

After four years away we returned to Waves for our fourth visit and are delighted to report that nothing has changed - in a good way! The hotel is made by its excellent staff, across the entire operation, and the fact that so many have been there for a long time really helps the family feel. The minute you arrive it feels like coming home. Our… Read more
After four years away we returned to Waves for our fourth visit and are delighted to report that nothing has changed - in a good way! The hotel is made by its excellent staff, across the entire operation, and the fact that so many have been there for a long time really helps the family feel. The minute you arrive it feels like coming home. Our sea facing suite was spacious and airy with a very comfortable bed, but we spent hardly any time in it because the place to be is on the beach or taking advantage of the lovely bar and restaurants. Yes, the area across the road is a building site so the pretty spa is closed, but the first class therapists are still offering treatments in well set up rooms in the main hotel. And if you’re having a massage your eyes are closed so you don’t register you’re in a hotel room! The gym has been recently spruced up with new equipment. The beach, although small, is pretty much private so very quiet and the water sports offer is well used. If you are looking for a large hotel with extensive grounds and many pools, Waves is not for you. It is small but perfectly formed and has been long delivering its excellent all inclusive offer to a great many very happy people who return multiple times. Do go if you need looking after. Read less