With a great location in the St. Lawrence Gap (which is known in Barbados for its bars, restaurants, shops, and nightlife), the Southern Palms Beach Club is a decent economy option for families and couples that care most about being near shopping and dining and being on a good beach (the two main highlights here). The rooms are basic and dated, the service gets inconsistent reviews, there’s no swim-up bar, and the fitness center is poor in quality and about as bare bones as it gets in terms of equipment selection; but the resort, known as “The Pink Pearl,” offers a fairly strong beach area, two (small) freshwater swimming pools, free afternoon tea, and weekly managers’ rum punch parties. Rooms have colonial-style architecture, flat-screen TVs, private balconies or patios, room service, ceramic tile flooring, and Caribbean décor. Activities include jet skiing, windsurfing, tennis, shuffleboard, mini golf, beach volleyball, steel band performances, and movies on the beach. On occasion, there are waves for boogie boarding, surfing, and body surfing. An excellent selection of off-site shops and restaurants is available within easy walking distance.
All travelers to Barbados are required to present proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at a an accredited or recognized laboratory within three days prior to arrival. It is also necessary to complete your on-line immigration and customs form by going to www.travelform.gov.bb. The form should be completed 24 hours prior to arrival, and preferably include the upload of your negative COVID-19 PCR test result. Travelers will be required to retest with a COVID-19 PCR test 5 days (120 hours) after their arrival in the country. If the result of that second PCR test is negative, that traveler can now enjoy unrestricted movement to public spaces (including the beach). Guests from High and Medium Category countries (which currently includes the UK, the US and Canada) must quarantine in their rooms until the second test is negative.