Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels

Barbados, Caribbean

Virgin rating

The hotel

Turtle Beach is a premium All Inclusive, all-suite hotel located on the south coast of Barbados. The spacious, attractive suites at this elegant hotel look out over the pristine gardens, breathtaking ocean and swimming pools. With a wide selection of water sports included you will be hard pressed to fit everything in. The refreshing breezes of the south coast make for excellent Hobie Cat sailing. Children are really well catered for at Turtle Beach, with their own pool, organised activities and an excellent, complimentary kids' club for ages 3-12. With three different restaurants, ice cream parlour, coffee bar and a lovely entertainment programme, you are spoilt for choice when dining and the hotel is just moments away from the lively St Lawrence Gap.

Amenities

  • Hobie Cats
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Snorkelling
  • Surfing
  • Tennis
  • Windsurfing
  • Kids Club
  • Families
  • Honeymoon
  • Wedding
  • Evening Entertainment

Where is it

On Dover Beach, within walking distance of St Lawrence Gap. 15 minutes to Bridgetown. Transfer time from airport: 15 minutes.

Hotel information

161 suites on 4 floors in 4 interlinked buildings with 2 lifts. All with private balcony/terrace, air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi access, separate bathtub and shower, flat-screen satellite TV, iPod dock, coffee/tea making facilities, mini-fridge (not stocked), safe, iron and ironing board, and hairdryer. 

Junior Suite Pool/Garden View with 1 queen-size bed or 2 twin beds, plus sofa bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. All rooms are non-smoking.

All Inclusive of: all meals including afternoon tea and snacks, all premium and local-brand drinks (fine wines and Champagne at extra charge). All activities and entertainment above unless otherwise stated.

Junior Suite Oceanview are as Junior Suite Pool/Garden view but with sea views, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Junior Suite Deluxe Oceanview with 1 king-size bed and includes sitting area with sofa bed, as well as sun loungers on the balcony, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Junior Suite Oceanfront are closest to the beach, with 1 queen-size bed or 2 twin beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Wheelchair accessible Junior Suite Oceanfront available with roll-in shower and king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

1-Bedroom Suite Pool/Garden View feature a separate living room with sofa bed, bathrobes, a daily replenished mini-bar, and master bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children.

1-Bedroom Oceanview Suites include a separate living room with sofa bed, bathrobes, a daily replenished mini-bar, and master bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children.

Family Connected Oceanview Junior Suites consist of 2 Junior Suite Oceanview Rooms, sleeping maximum 6 adults or 4 adults and 4 children.

Chelonia Restaurant (open-air restaurant serving International cuisine for breakfast and dinner). Sand Trap (beachfront restaurant, offering authentic local flavours). Asiagos Restaurant (Italian cuisine - over 12 years only, reservations required and some dishes are at a supplement). Half Moon Coffee Bar & Deli (signature hot and cold lattes, tea, sweet and savoury snacks and Grab and Go small bites). Freeze Ice Cream Parlour. Beach Ambassador service, with afternoon treats including ice cream and fresh fruit. Taste of Elegance Dine Around Programme* at select sister properties (transport not included, meal and drinks may supplements apply). Room service*. All restaurants are non-smoking.

Live, local entertainment. Comprehensive activity programme for all ages. Pop up bars delivering tastes of local drinks and snacks.

2 freeform swimming pools and children’s pool. Jacuzzi. Fitness centre. On-site beauty salon and spa services*. 2 floodlit tennis courts. Table tennis. Aerobics and aquacise. Complimentary non-motorised water sports: snorkelling, boogie boarding, kayaking, Hobie Cat boat rides, (water-skiing* at sister resort Crystal Cove. Transfer extra*). Surfing lessons*. Flying Fish Kids' club (9:00am-9:00pm, 3-12 years) with full activity programme. Marine programmes and golf lessons*. Jungle gym. Family activities such as scavenger hunts, Calypso, limbo dancing and live cooking demonstrations. Bespoke tours including Pepperpot Culinary tour*. Tennis clinics with professional tennis coach. Fitness and spinning classes. Yoga and neighbourhood walks.

Complimentary WiFi in suites and throughout the property. 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.  

Wheelchair accessible rooms available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page

1 night between 5 Jan-21 Dec.

7 nights between 22 Dec-2 Jan.

* Denotes local charge 

Please note: child ages up to and including 16 years. 

Dress code: smart casual in the evenings, with trousers and collared shirts for gentlemen. Asiagos offers fine dining and requires semi-formal attire including full-length trousers for all guests and dress shoes. To maintain the elegant atmosphere desired, guests wearing the following will not be seated: jeans, capri-style trousers, sleeveless men's shirts, t-shirts without collars, shorts, tank tops, bathing suits, hats on gentlemen, trainers or bare feet.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality 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 (1764)
  • Very good (1075)
  • Average (383)
  • Poor (163)
  • Terrible (122)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Has great potential for revisit but

Mar 23, 2024 Michael H

We are currently here. First the positives Really friendly staff Good food (except what I’m about to write) Clean beach Lots of free sunbeds Well run But here is the negative and why we would not come back.!! The restaurants are infested with birds, freely dining off your plate when you turn your back or into all the buffet food! Poop… Read more
We are currently here. First the positives Really friendly staff Good food (except what I’m about to write) Clean beach Lots of free sunbeds Well run But here is the negative and why we would not come back.!! The restaurants are infested with birds, freely dining off your plate when you turn your back or into all the buffet food! Poop everywhere, no sign of any hotel member caring. It’s as if they have given up. The rafters in the open restaurants are nothing but perches. There are no bird spikes. It’s really not a hard issue to resolve. We travel a lot and many open concept restaurants, but this is a huge issue. We are always looking for a repeat stay location and this easily could be it. Let down from lack of care, left to fight your plate with the birds. Very sad really to see when everything else is great. We are here for another 5 days. Now bringing clothes to cover our food if we leave the table. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating What a wonderful place to stay

Mar 21, 2024 kittfinn

My husband and I have just arrived home from the most fantastic 8 day stay at Turtle Beach. I was a little worried about some of the reviews I read prior to going but I had no need to be concerned. . This hotel is a gem, the staff are wonderful, the food was delicious and there was always something to enjoy whatever your taste. Nicole, also known… Read more
My husband and I have just arrived home from the most fantastic 8 day stay at Turtle Beach. I was a little worried about some of the reviews I read prior to going but I had no need to be concerned. . This hotel is a gem, the staff are wonderful, the food was delicious and there was always something to enjoy whatever your taste. Nicole, also known as scrumptious made eggs any way you wanted every morning and was so happy and kind, always smiling, nothing was too much trouble. All the waitresses in every restaurant were great but just to mention Dionne, Aisha, Crystal, Sonia and Raquel, all the aforementioned went the extra mile to make our stay AMAZING. Hugo the security guy answered all our questions regarding the wildlife and was such a gentleman. Not forgetting Steven the duty manager who went out of his way to assist us when we needed an extension on our room. Everyone helped to make this a stay to remember, I’m sorry I couldn’t mention everyone by name, you were all fabulous!! Truthfully the hotel is a little tired, something they are well aware of, however, the rooms were cleaned to perfection , the pool area was clean and no loud music blaring out all day which was great. The beaches are exquisite, nothing short of paradise. Great entertainment in the evening, always finishing around 10.15 which for us was welcome. We cannot wait to go back, 8 days wasn’t enough, it has to be at least 10. Please don’t be put off by nasty reviews, we honestly couldn’t fault it. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nice hotel but with a few problems

Mar 19, 2024 alide64 south yorks

This hotel is in a fabulous location in St Lawrence gap on a fabulous beach and within walking distance to bars and restaurants and other beaches The hotel staff were amazing and so friendly , the food was great but very repetative. I found it to be a little quiet at night but if you want to relax it is perfect. We had a problem with our… Read more
This hotel is in a fabulous location in St Lawrence gap on a fabulous beach and within walking distance to bars and restaurants and other beaches The hotel staff were amazing and so friendly , the food was great but very repetative. I found it to be a little quiet at night but if you want to relax it is perfect. We had a problem with our room , the view on the beach from our large balcony was brilliant . The problem was that all the silicon on the bottom of the bath was peeling off and then the toilet flooded all our bathroom and part of the room next to the wardrobes . Whilst trying to mop the water up we noticed the wardrobes looked like they were swelled and coming apart so we think this may have happened before. They didn't open and close easily either. The whole bathroom needed improving as was very dated as were parts of the bedroom They moved us straight away to another room exactly the same as our original room . Having experienced this we enjoyed it . We also heard the hotel is closing in April for a refurb , the rooms definitely do need an update. Having said that if it was refurbished I would return . I would only rate this hotel as a 3 star because of the above problems Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing experience, would highly recommend!

Mar 18, 2024 Kelsey W

My partner and I had a wonderful time at this resort. All the staff were kind, attentive, and provided fantastic service. Rasheem, Wayne, Renaldo, and Dario all went out of their way to make our experience amazing. Front desk was extremely helpful and made for a smooth stay. The front desk manager ensured we were taken care of and created a… Read more
My partner and I had a wonderful time at this resort. All the staff were kind, attentive, and provided fantastic service. Rasheem, Wayne, Renaldo, and Dario all went out of their way to make our experience amazing. Front desk was extremely helpful and made for a smooth stay. The front desk manager ensured we were taken care of and created a personal connection with us. The activities included in the all inclusive were extensive, including a catamaran sailing ride that we really enjoyed. Overall, food quality, cleanliness, and facilities is superb and would definitely recommend this resort. P.s. make sure to grab an omelette in the morning at the omelette bar - the ladies cooking were super friendly and make a mean omelette! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous holiday. Do not worry about negative reviews!

Mar 14, 2024 Jenny W Glasgow, United Kingdom

We have just returned from a fabulous 10 days at Turtle Beach. Please do not worry about some of the recent negative reviews-everyone we spoke to was having an amazing time, just like ourselves! It’s a very authentic and friendly hotel, with good facilities and a stunning location. HOTEL FACILITIES: Turtle Beach has the right feel for a Bajan… Read more
We have just returned from a fabulous 10 days at Turtle Beach. Please do not worry about some of the recent negative reviews-everyone we spoke to was having an amazing time, just like ourselves! It’s a very authentic and friendly hotel, with good facilities and a stunning location. HOTEL FACILITIES: Turtle Beach has the right feel for a Bajan Hotel. Yes, some areas are a little dated, but it is certainly not run down as some people claim. Indeed it is very well maintained, staff constantly cleaning pool furniture, maintaining gardens etc. Hotel resort is the ideal size. It was fairly full but never felt noisy or busy. It was easy to get around and there were plenty of loungers on both the beach and at the pools. Good pool/beach service for drinks, cold towels, fruit etc. Reception is a semi open colonial style building which we loved. Activity team do an orientation session each morning for 20 mins, which is very useful on your first day to familiarise yourself with the hotel and its facilities. There are two decent sized free form pools, easy stairs to enter, clean, and with a little ledge where I could sit in the pool and read. Beach towels are plentiful, and you are able to change them as many times as you like in a day. Our son used the gym daily, and said the equipment was a good 8/10! ROOMS: Rooms are exactly as pictured on hotel website-slightly dated, but very comfortable, spacious and spotlessly clean. Housekeeping did a fantastic job every day. Furniture is old and had a few marks, but was very practical with loads of storage. Bathroom good size, great space around sink. Bath had a small chip on the enamel on the outside and a shower curtain, but the shower was powerful and hot. Bed large and very comfortable. We booked an ocean front room and the view was stunning! Every time we entered our room we were met with the amazing turquoise hues of the ocean. In such a beautiful place, we only used our room for sleeping and showering. If we were there at other times we sat on our balcony staring out at the beach and ocean. One good tip is to bring an extension cable. There were only 2 power points in our room, not in great places. I read to do this in other reviews, and it was certainly a great idea. Rooms are well equipped, water bottles/coffee supplied daily, bathrobes, toiletries etc. Air conditioning was very effective. There was a ceiling fan too, so you could use either or both. LOCATION: Wonderful location right on the stunning soft, white sand beach, fringed by palm trees. The sea in front of the pool area can be slightly rough at times, but is calmer to the left of the water sports hut. It’s quite shallow for some way out, great fun in the waves, or using the boards/hobby cats on calmer days. Hotel is near the end of St Lawrence Gap, and there are lots of lovely little bars and shops on the doorstep. You feel extremely safe wandering around. People were very friendly. STAFF: Overall, staff were great. The vast majority were extremely friendly and welcoming, and couldn’t do enough for you. Take time to chat to them. Special mention to Maradona (pool service/beach bar) what a lovely man, who looks after every guest and makes them feel very welcome. He is an asset to the Marriott Bonvoy group. Also, a special mention to the following staff: Restaurant staff, Sandra, Allison, Raquel, Shalissa and Wayde who took great care of us. Alana and the lovely guy (sorry cannot remember his name) in the activity room who book excursions, taxis, tables in the a la carte restaurants for you. All housekeeping staff who do a terrific job, keeping rooms fresh, clean and tidy, even with all the sand we continually seemed to bring in! FOOD: Food exceeded all our expectations! Breakfast had a great selection. Yes, some little sparrows and finches hopped onto tables with leftover food before waiting staff had a chance to clear, but the restaurant is open with lovely views, and as such, nature is present! Buffet food was protected with lids and covers. Each morning omelettes are cooked fresh by a lovely lady whose name I unfortunately cannot remember. Buffet restaurant was good (and I don’t usually use or like a buffet!) with a different theme each night. Food piping hot, and good selection/quality. Attentive waiting staff. Entertainment included some talented singers like Rochelle, and a great saxophonist during dinner. On a Sunday afternoon there is a fabulous musician playing the steel drum. The two a la carte restaurants were also lovely. These could be used as often as you liked, and required booking, but always had availability. There is a coffee shop and ice cream parlour (included in the all inclusive) with delicious coffees, ice coffee, wine, paninis, salads, cakes etc. Snacks like pizza and burgers are available all day at the Sandtrap beach restaurant. Bar has an excellent selection of drinks and cocktails. The cocktails were fab! Wines were all good quality. Each afternoon there was some form of Bajan treat available from the cart beside the Sandtrap bar/pool area too. Like all others we met there, we felt that some of the reviews on here were most unfair, and did not properly reflect the hotel. More than anything, there is a lovely vibe to the hotel-relaxed, friendly, good service. While the hotel is due its refurb in the next year, it still has the feel and service of a 4 star Caribbean hotel. It cannot be compared to a 4/5 star hotel in the likes of a European city, Dubai or the Far East. It’s authentic and genuine-not a pristine steel and glass structure with modern furniture that could be anywhere. Having been to two other Barbados West Coast hotels (one 4 star, one 5 star) we preferred Turtle Beach and would definitely return here. Read less