What’s Special About This Resort
With open doors for nearly 30 years, Bougainvillea Barbados all-inclusive resort is a welcoming family run boutique hotel. There is a games room with a pool table, table tennis, foosball, and even a Playstation for some out of the sun fun. And if want a night away from the kids, there is a kid’s club for them. Free for all guests are non-motorized water sports, so you can kayak along the beachfront.
Good for large groups, some of the rooms can be adjoined. Not the typical all-inclusive resort, meal packages are an add-on, and they don’t include drinks.
Accommodation at Bougainvillea Barbados does not automatically include food and drinks. If you wish to include a meal plan, you can opt for bed and breakfast with a continental breakfast or a buffet breakfast, half board with breakfast & dinner, or full board with all three meals. Drinks are not included in any of the meal packages, and these are added to your final bill. You can always eat a la carte at their two restaurants. Dinner reservations are recommended in both restaurants.
There is also a mandatory government levy that is applicable to all accommodation. If not prepaid, the levy is payable on arrival, and is calculated per bedroom per night.
Things we like:
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Packages for weddings & vow renewals
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Bougainvillea’s beach is a popular turtle nesting site
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Self Contained apartments with kitchenette
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Wifi throughout resort
Things we don't like:
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No lift - not wheelchair accessible
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Food is not included - add as a package
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Drinks are not included in the meal packages. They will always be extra
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A lot of add-ons for activities and experiences
What to Do
Being a family-run hotel, Bougainvillea Barbados is a child-friendly resort, and there are plenty of activities for them to enjoy. Bougainvillea does offer a kids’ club, but only if 3 or more children are booked in, and it’s not free. So not the most reliable service if you’re hoping for a romantic night away.
There is a games room, with air hockey, foosball, a pool table, table tennis, and a Playstation 4. For some fun in the sun, Bougainvillea Barbados offers free kayaks, boogie boards, and paddle boards. For more extreme fun, you can hire jet skis from locals on the beach for around $60.
In Bougainvillea Barbados there are 3 pools, each a little different from the other. The main pool meanders around the garden, with a footbridge crossing and serene waterfalls coming in. It is a little deep – 9ft – but there is a shallower section cut off so you can feel safe about your little ones paddling about.
The second pool is much shallower and includes the pool bar. This pool is strictly for adults to ensure you can enjoy your midday cocktail without some cannonball backsplashes. The final pool runs up the beach, with a lazy hammock at the end, perfect palm tree lounging.
Also, the resort has a pretty sizeable and up-to-date gym, which is kind of surprising since some of the rooms could do with a bit of a makeover. The gym is open from 6am until 10pm.
What to Eat and Drink
At Bougainvillea Barbados there are two restaurants; Calabash Beach Bistro and Deia Beach Bar. Both have a casual dress code, so if you are coming in from the beach or pool, it is mandatory to wear a cover-up. Both restaurants have a kids’ menu, with the standard spaghetti or chicken nuggets.
It is possible to reserve a table at both at all times, but it’s only really necessary for dinner. It’s worth noting that both restaurants and the pool bar close around 10pm, which may not be ideal for your vacation timing. Calabash Bistro is their main restaurant, owned and managed by Bougainvillea, and it serves all 3 meals daily. You can select one of the meal plans when booking. There are bed and breakfast options, along with 2 meal and 3 meal options. A la carte ordering is available as well if you don’t have a meal plan.
The Deia Beach Bar is an independent business that operates within the resort on the eastern side. They are open Wednesday through to Sunday, from 11:30am – 9:00 pm. Dishes are pretty pricey – a 6oz burger will set you back $28 – and a cocktail around $12.
Room Guide
Bougainvillea Barbados has 6 different rooms and suites available, and many of them cater to families as they can be adjoined. Each room is equipped with a sizeable kitchen/kitchenette great for self catering. All rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace, all overlooking the ocean. Even though recently refurbished, the interiors are perhaps a little outdated and decorated with natural/bland beige tones.
Rooms that Fit 2-3 Guests
Catered for 2 and 3 guests, respectively, the Deluxe Studio and Junior Suites are similar. The main difference is that the Junior Suite is longer, accommodating a seating area with a sofa bed, great for small families. Both have a smaller kitchenette and coffee maker.
Honeymoon Suite
Although the sleeping area is very similar to the basic Deluxe Studio, the Honeymoon Suite has some expected upgrades, such as a big & bright bathroom and a large private deck. The deck is complete with a seating area, sun loungers, and hammocks. It is tucked away, but don’t worry, there’s still an ocean view.
Rooms that Fit 4-6 Guests
The final tier of rooms are those accommodating between 4-6 guests, with a sofa bed and a full kitchen. The Deluxe Two Bedroom Suite can be adjoined to the Deluxe One Bedroom Suite or to the Junior Suite, which is very convenient for larger families or groups travelling together.
The Penthouse is the largest at 102m2 which is nearly 50% bigger than any of the other rooms! It has one bedroom and a sofa bed in the lounge area with a full kitchen and furnished balcony.
Special Experiences
As is the case with many resorts, there is a spa and a salon at the resort. And just like many resorts, any treatments at Karma Spa are extra. If you do have your wedding with Bougainvillea, then all their packages include credit for the spa.
Bougainvillea does not have any evening entertainment like live music or shows. It is situated close to town, where there are bars and restaurants for those who want a later night out. With a short walk or drive there is some nightlife to be had.
For any guests renting a car during their stay, there is complimentary parking available on-site, and there’s no need to book in advance.
A welcoming family resort with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, Bougainvillea is good for all. See here for all their rooms and packages.
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Things we like:
-
Packages for weddings & vow renewals
-
Bougainvillea’s beach is a popular turtle nesting site
-
Self Contained apartments with kitchenette
-
Wifi throughout resort
Things we don't like:
-
No lift - not wheelchair accessible
-
Food is not included - add as a package
-
Drinks are not included in the meal packages. They will always be extra
-
A lot of add-ons for activities and experiences
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