Colony Club, Barbados: What's the draw?

Barbados’s lush tropical landscape is on full display at Colony Club. The Luxury Collection Resort began its life as a sugarcane plantation, before becoming a gentlemen’s club and eventually a stately boutique resort. Since then, it’s undergone another transformation: After two years of renovations, Colony Club has emerged with a shimmering new interior presented in its charming, historic bones.

All around the resort, you'll find nods to the hotel's past, like little nooks where candles would have been set to illuminate the space, but everything feels updated and fresh. It's a beautiful blend of storied history, modern comforts and authentic Bajan touches. During the renovation, they preserved Colony Club's coral limestone walls — a signature of Barbados's landscape and architecture. Throughout the hotel, you'll sit on Bajan-style chairs with caning, woven from sugar cane fibre. 

The thoughtful, warm service echoes the hotel’s past. Staff are friendly, attentive and ready to help you with anything you need. 

With only 96 rooms, Colony Club is an intimate resort that never feels crowded. Separated by blossoming green gardens; towering, hundred-year-old trees; and snaking, lagoon-like pools accessed directly from the rooms, the low-rise accommodations each feel like their own private oasis in the jungle.

Colony Club, Barbados: The rooms

Inside the rooms, the regal and uber plush four-poster king beds are set against exposed white brick walls that sport Barbados-inspired art and reproduced archival photographs. From the marble floors to the high-ceilings, the spacious, white and cream-coated room feels luxurious and oh so comfortable. AC units keep the rooms cool, and they go into energy saving mode when you're not around. 

On the bedside table, a retro-looking boombox is actually a bluetooth speaker with enough oomph to keep me dancing through my morning routine in the sparkling marble bathroom where large illuminated mirrors hang over each of the two sinks. Marble climbs up the walls and fills the glass-enclosed shower. It's all jaw-droppingly gorgeous. 

On the balcony, a table and chairs are set up for a perfect view of the glowing lagoon pool and overhanging greenery.

Colony Club, Barbados: The amenities

Between the many pools, including one with a swim-up bar, and the soft sand beach, there are plenty of places to lounge around the quiet, uncrowded resort. Beaches in Barbados are public, but the friendly staff are on hand to set up chairs and umbrellas.

When you get tired of relaxing, there are enough activities included with your stay to keep you entertained and active. In the mornings, join in on yoga, pilates, beach aerobics and pool aerobics. Tennis courts beckon you to work on your swing, and there are stand up paddle boards, kayaks and other water sports on the beach. 

Colony Club, Barbados: What's on the menu

Served every morning in the open-air Laguna Restaurant, a buffet breakfast of hot and cold dishes, fruit, cereal, cheese, scones and pastries, along with coffee and tea, is included in your stay at this bed and breakfast style resort.

Throughout the day, à la carte meals are served in the Laguna Restaurant or outside on the beautiful Sunset Deck, which easily earns its name. Tuck into fresh fare made with global influences and local ingredients, paired with a view of the ocean.

The only one on the island, the hotel’s Rum Vault carries over 150 bottles from around the world with Barbados — the birthplace of rum — well represented. Book a tasting or, for a truly special occasion, a private, multi-course dinner in the intimate space. The prix-fixe menu is constantly changing, and each course is paired with either a rum-forward cocktail or a pour that's designed to highlight the flavours in the dish and the glass. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that would sweep any rum enthusiast off their feet — and not just because of how much rum you're drinking.

If you're hankering for something different, you can take the complimentary water taxi to Marriott's other properties around the island and dine à la carte or purchase a meal pass and explore other sips and bites. 

Rooms from around $650 per night, marriott.com