Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club
Barbados
Holders Hill
Vibe
A playful Platinum Coast hideaway where 1970s rock heritage meets breezy sunset cocktails and reserved loungers along Paynes Bay.
“Retro Platinum Coast roost”
Retro tan leather sofas, expressionist art, and colorful Smeg refrigerators across twenty-eight boutique suites.
Airport fast-track transfers, Frette linens, and private plunge pools overlooking lush tropical gardens.
Open-air sunset drinks at the rooftop lounge and chilled rum cocktails at the beach club.
On the Platinum Coast, across from Paynes Bay beach and minutes from west coast restaurants.
“This fresh and vibrant stay has drawn upon the island's oft-overlooked creative heritage, and has a hint of rock and roll about it...”
Rooms
Italian furnishings and Frette linens outfit open-plan suites, where private terraces frame tropical gardens and select layouts add personal plunge pools.
Wellness
A secluded garden swimming pool sits alongside private spa suites for massages and body scrubs, paired with a 24-hour fitness center.
Backstory
The retreat revives the footprint of the former Tropical Escape Hotel and its historic namesake bar, which sat shuttered since 2008.
Eat & drink
Amara serves Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes beside the sea, complemented by sunset drinks at the rooftop lounge and beachside Blue Bar.
The neighborhood
Set on the Platinum Coast, calm waters for swimming and spotting sea turtles at Paynes Bay wait just across the road.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.