Marriott Is Opening Another New All-Inclusive On The Island Of Barbados

Marriott’s all-inclusive footprint continues to grow. You can find an All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy resort on just about every island in the Caribbean right now, from boutique beach hotels to larger luxury resorts (including the lovely new Almare that just debuted on Isla Mujeres).

Now, Marriott is expanding in Barbados again. The new Royalton CHIC Barbados, whose planned opening we just reported on earlier this month, will be joining Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Caribbean Journal has learned. That also means it will be redeemable on points for Bonvoy members.

Royalton CHIC will be one of just four CHIC-branded resorts in the Caribbean, joining existing properties in destinations like Antigua, Punta Cana and Cancun. CHIC is an “elevated” adults-only concept, with a higher price point and a more exclusive feel than the traditional Royalton resort.

Tamarind by Elegant Hotels, one of several Marriott all-inclusive resorts on the island of Barbados.

It will have 220 rooms, all suites, with a mix of rooms ranging from swim-ups to ocean-view units.

And yes, it will also have a Diamond Club, parent company Blue Diamond’s higher-level resort-within-a-resort concept (akin to Preferred Clubs and the like at other resorts) that comes with special amenities including butler service.

The Royalton CHIC Barbados will also have 12 different dining concepts, including a rooftop bar the company says is inspired by a similar outlet at its Cancun resort.

The Marriott move is only strengthens the “unique energy and sophistication of Royalton Resorts on one of the Caribbean’s most beloved islands,” Blue Diamond President Jordi Pelfort said in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal.

Royalton has not yet released pricing for the property, which is slated to open its doors in the spring of 2026.

As a point of comparison, the Royalton Antigua, which just opened over the summer, has rooms at about $535 per night. You can probably expect that to be slightly higher in Barbados.

It will be the seventh Marriott all-inclusive in Barbados, joining six other properties from the Elegant portfolio: Treasure Beach, Tamarind, Waves, The House, Turtle Beach and Crystal Cove. We’ve stayed at all six of them, and they’re all excellent in different ways. We’re rather partial to The House for its intimate feel (and champagne breakfasts).

By Alexander Britell

American Airlines Is Now Flying a New Route To A Caribbean Island Filled With Beaches, Boutique Hotels And Rum Shops

There are about 1,000 of them on the island. Some say 1,500, some say more. They’re set on side streets, in the heart of town, or right on the beach. And in Barbados, rum shops are an integral part of the culture.

Barbados just got easier to visit.

You go in, choose your sugarcane spirit, take it with you and begin conversations that can last all day long, from politics to sports to the essential questions of life.

If you haven’t been to Barbados, a stop at a rum shop is essential. But it’s just a part of a vibrant tapestry of reasons why this Caribbean island is such a fascinating one, from its UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bridgetown to its jaw-dropping beaches and its unique collection of rarefied, lovely, mostly small resorts.

And Barbados just got much easier to visit from the all-important New York market.

Treasure Beach is a hidden gem in Barbados.

American Airlines has officially kicked off its newest route between New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport and Barbados, with service operating every day of the week on Boeing 737 aircraft.

It’s a huge addition for Barbados, which has been making a concerted effort to draw in more American visitors, part of a wider push for the world’s largest airline in the Caribbean for this winter season.

Book a flight in the main cabin and you’ll have prices starting at $535 round trip, and $861 in business class. The flight takes just under five hours.

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/