One of the Best Beaches in Barbados Just Got a New Boutique Hotel — With Sea-view Suites, an Art Gallery, and a Pool Deck

Rockley Beach on the south coast of Barbados is popular with vacationers for its picture-perfect setting, many local businesses, several golf clubs, and scenic boardwalk. Travelers can now immerse themselves in this pristine corner of the island in its newest boutique stay, which combines authentic Barbadian art with unique amenities.

The Rockley Hotel, which officially opens today under the Ocean Hotels Group family, is housed in the former South Beach Hotel, steps away from Rockley Beach. It features 49 guest rooms and suites, each with a focus on vibrant, locally inspired design and programming. 

"We've reimagined The Rockley as an experiential, culture-rich hotel connecting our guests with the vibrant surrounding community," Patricia Affonso Dass, the CEO of Ocean Hotels Group, said in a press release provided to Travel + Leisure. "From the cuisine to art and music, we welcome guests and locals to join us as we showcase and celebrate the very best of Barbados' eclectic south coast."

The company partnered with Barbados-based interior designer Michelle Leotaud of Apple & Iron, whose portfolio includes Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia and the nearby luxurious O2 Beach Club and Spa. The team incorporated plenty of local references in the design concept: the island's bold red bus stop adorns the bathroom toiletries while Barbadian sayings are embroidered on throw pillows.

Junior suites have kitchenettes, while one-bedroom suites feature separate living rooms and fully equipped kitchens, in addition to private balconies with sea views.

Art plays a central role in the hotel's design, too. An art gallery will display rotating exhibitions by local artists, while a bold black-and-white mural enwraps guests in the hotel's dining area. 

To encourage guests to explore the south coast, the Rockley will also debut an exclusive partnership with several local restaurants, which will allow guests to dine there and charge meals directly to their Rockley hotel rooms. (The hotel doesn't have a full-service restaurant at the moment, but breakfast and an all-day menu are available at the hotel's dining space.)

Inspired by beach clubs, the hotel has added a new outdoor bar area with daily entertainment. The property will also welcome guests with a reimagined pool deck, a gym, and a guest hospitality suite, another unique amenity where guests can relax and freshen up after they check out before heading to the airport. 

Nightly rates start from $250 and include breakfast. You can book your stay at the Rockley Hotel on therockleybarbados.com.