Marriott Boosts All-Inclusive Portfolio With Seven Barbados Resorts

Barbados used to be great. And, at one time, Marriott managed a wonderful property called Sam Lord's Castle - it's now a Wyndham property. The issue for any Marriott members is how difficult it is to get to BGI. In fact, flight access is both expensive and terrible. If these all-inclusive properties stay consistent with their Caribbean peers, I wouldn't put this on the Wanna-Go list for a few years.

I think one of these places was a prize on Wheel of Fortune the other night...

I don't think all-inclusive and luxurious go together.

@MT - That may have been the case for many years but not anymore. Grand Velas in Los Cabos is an example of luxury all inclusive being one of the best resorts I've been to, with service levels that rivals the best of best out there. Of course, it doesn't come at a cheap price either.

@MT - If that's what you're looking for, may I suggest Jade Mountain in St. Lucia. Spent a week here in 2012 for my honeymoon. Adults only, personal butler, gourmet meals. Usually rated the #1 resort in the Caribbean.

I don’t understand how a brand like Ritz-Carlton could be an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. Marriott should flag all of its all-inclusive resorts as Delta. Regardless, Marriott already has some optional all-inclusive properties as well as some properties that bundle meals in rates.

Me and my wife stayed in Barbados earlier this year at an all inclusive resort. The rooms were less than luxurious, however, everything else was outstanding. Even had Green Monkey visits everyday. The island itself is a slum with way over priced Golf.

Wow! The lovely Treasure Beach just placed 12th in the Caribbean and Central America in the Hotel category of Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.
I sure hope Marriott doesn't ruin this little gem!

@ Edw3rd - Sam’s Lord Castle burned to the ground years ago. Wyndham is rebuilding but has run into significant issues with the Barbadian govt & has suffered numerous delays. Gonna be very nice though once completed (2020?), & I will be happy to drain my Wyndham Rewards on a suite. Flights to BGI aren’t more difficult than most of the Caribbean - 3+ daily thru Miami or Charlotte. Maybe you are thinking of access to/from St Barts which can indeed be expensive, limited, & tricky.

The west coast of Barbados has especially gorgeous beaches, resorts, & the most expensive golf course in the world (Tiger was married at Sandy Lane). There is a Nikki Beach Club outpost (of Miami fame). The Fairmont is also there & is a great use of Accor points/status for a beachfront villa. The AIs Marriott is buying are certainly not of that caliber of property but Daphnes especially is very appealing. Rihanna likes to dine at their restaurant when on-island.

On the east side close to the airport is an excellent use of Hilton points. The Crane was the first Caribbean resort built. Half is still purchase, but HGV is gradually buying up the other half in chunks. Not the great beaches/retail of the west/Platinum side but beautiful and very nice rooms. Sam Lord’s is under construction just down from it.

Barbados was almost an 11th province of Canada back in the 70's.

I spent 19 Christmas vacations there with my family. Direct charter flights were available from Toronto, Calgary/Edmonton and Vancouver on Wardair before Air Canada killed them. Then by PWA for a brief period.

Miss the direct flights (10 hrs from YVR) so getting there is more of a hassle but hopefully will return soon.

For those of us from the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Barbados is by far the preferred Caribbean destination.

We are bound together by the sport of cricket, and it is one West Indian place which is wealthy, advanced and modern without being a tax haven.

For us it is heaven on earth.

That’s why Barbados was the world’s only scheduled Concorde destination apart from JFK!

Does Coconut Airways still fly to Bridgetown? Far away from London Town and the rain? ( probably have to be old to ‘get’ the reference though).

Not all that long ago, AA flew 2x757s a day from MIA and there were many European carriers there. BH, LH, AB, VS. Marriott in Barbados had just a single small Courtyard. I'd mostly stay at either the Hilton or even better the Radisson (yes it was better than the Hilton IMHO). Courtyard was in a good area, but not close to the coast. Radisson and Hilton both close to each other and both with private beaches. Marriott needs more properties in Barbados.

Barbados is mainly 80% UK travellers with the other 20% made up from Canada US and other European countries . Many UK visitors support the local economy and like to eat and drink out in the local bars and restaurants. It will be a shame if the hotels acquired by Marriott are turned into all inclusive .The Colony Club which is a particular favourite with UK guests with a 80% return rate in my opinion should stay as non inclusive along with The House both along the West coast.

Marriott is a well regarded and respected international brand and it would do well to continue to market the Elegant hotels to the existing UK B&B clients. It is a loyal and affluent customer base which enjoys good access to Barbados via Gatwick and Heathrow airports. The island also understands and appreciates this market’s contribution to the island’s shops, restaurants and the supporting tourist industry. Officials recently denied Sandals plans to build an all-inclusive site in recognition of the negative impact all-inclusive offerings can have an The island’s economy. Marriott can certainly add shareholder value by providing a luxury offering to a discerning Uk but not through the all-inclusive model.