Saint James, Barbados Travel Guide: Luxury Resorts, Dining, & Local Gems
Saint James, also known as the “Platinum Coast,” is located on the Western coast of Barbados. This region is known for its beaches lined with mansions, all-inclusive resorts, and luxury shopping, mixed with local gems and attractions. Saint James is one of the more expensive parishes to stay in Barbados, but in return, you get cooler weather, calmer beaches, and are away from the busyness of Bridgetown. This article details some of the top attractions, best places to eat, and where to stay in Saint James, Barbados.
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When to Visit Barbados
Barbados has 2 seasons - wet and dry. The wet season is typically June-November and has the highest chance of a hurricane. Don’t let that deter you from this season, though! Hurricanes usually do not land in Barbados, and rainy days are often just a rain shower passing through. Locals stressed to us that the wet season has no wind, though. This means high summer temperatures + humidity and little to no wind. It’s important to stay hydrated!
The dry season is typically December-May, and also the most popular time of year for tourism. I visited for a month in April-May 2025, and the weather was fantastic. This time of year has consistent wind that helps make the heat more tolerable. The trade-off for good weather is higher costs and more crowds.
The most popular town to stay in Saint James is Holetown and is a year-round destination. The West Coast is typically cooler and less humid, and has calmer beaches perfect for swimming. If you are looking for an area with luxurious resorts, quiet, but built up enough for tourism, I highly recommend staying in Saint James. The west coast of Barbados is notoriously more expensive to stay in, but Saint James can also be visited on a day trip from anywhere on the island!
How to Get to Saint James
Barbados’ international airport, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), is located in the southeast part of the island. Access to Saint James from the airport is relatively easy, considering you can get anywhere on the island within an hour or less, depending on traffic.
I recommend getting a rental car from the airport or a taxi to drive you to your destination in Saint James (or anywhere on the island). Taxis are available upon arrival at the airport at the taxi kiosk desks or through the rideshare app, pickUP Barbados. Taxis can often also be scheduled ahead of time with the host of the place you are staying, so they are there to pick you up when you land.
The best way to get around Saint James is by rental car, taxi, or on foot.
Rental Car - A rental car gives you the most freedom to explore the island.
Taxi - The rideshare app pickUP Barbados works well enough in this region of Barbados! Sometimes it takes a while for the app to find you a driver, and when it does, you often need to wait around 10 minutes for them to get to you. The later in the evening, the more difficult to find a ride. Just be patient and plan! Alternatively, you can flag down taxis on the road.
Walking - The coastal town of Holetown in Saint James is walkable!
You can also refer to Roam2Rio to see how to get from one place to the next via the Barbados bus system.
Where to Stay in Saint James
The most popular coastal town to stay in Saint James, is Holetown.
Here are just a few well-rated, beautiful hotels and resorts to stay in Saint James, Barbados that can be booked through Booking.com (my fav hotel booking site):
Barbados is a tourist nation. Most Barbadians have a hand in the tourism industry in some way, whether that is owning a restaurant, shop, being a taxi driver, tour operator, or an Airbnb host!
Check out available Airbnb’s in the Saint James, Barbados parish here
Left: Fusion Rooftop; Right: Buzz Box Health Bar
Where to Eat in Saint James
St James has a beautiful mix of no-frills, locally owned restaurants and bars, and posh seaside dining. Some have breathtaking sea views, some are hidden down a quiet street in town. Either way, you can find a good Bajan or international meal here. (Always check the restaurant website or social media for days and hours of operation). Here are some must-visit places to eat and drink in Saint James, Barbados.
The Breadfruit Leaf Bar and Restaurant - $
Local spot serving fresh, home-cooked Bajan food. Try the breadfruit chips and locally caught fish. Portions are big and people are welcoming!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Real Jamaican Jerk Food Restaurant - $
A take-out or quick dine-in restaurant on the side of the road in Saint James serving Jamaican food. Reggae music plays while you eat. Quick and friendly service will greet and serve you some delicious Jamaican BBQ.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Marcy’s Bar - $
Marcy’s Bar is a laid-back, welcoming bar and restaurant that serves local Bajan cuisine, including macaroni pie, fresh fish, roti, and more.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Nauti HQ & Grill - $$
A relaxing restaurant on the water with beach or patio seating, occasional live music, and a menu focusing on local catches and seafood.
You can also book a fishing, snorkeling, cruising, jet ski, etc tour with Nauti Dreams associated with the restaurant!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Buzz Box Health Bar - $$
For a cleaner meal, Buzz Box offers oatmeal, acai bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, coffee, and more! I always appreciate having a go-to spot like this while I am traveling to mix in some healthier meals among the indulgent ones!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Derriere French Brasserie - $$
Chic, European-esque bistro in Barbados specializing in French cuisine with a nod to Bajan flavors. Derriere is the result of 3 French friends who are passionate about French cuisine and their love for Barbados.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
The Tides Barbados - $$$
The Tides Barbados is a fine dining restaurant in Holetown with lunch and dinner menus served overlooking the turquoise-blue waters of the East Coast. They specialize in both local and international seafood dishes.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Fusion Rooftop - $$$
Fusion Rooftop is an excellent Japanese fusion restaurant in an aesthetically pleasing and luxurious dining space on the rooftop of Limegrove Lifestyle shopping center.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
The Bearded Rose - $$$
Modern tapas-style plates and craft cocktails are at the heart of The Bearded Rose. Only open for dinner Monday-Saturday.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
QP Bistro - $$$
Beachside international and Caribbean fusion restaurant. QP Bistro prides itself on stunning plating, a delectable menu, and live music entertainment in a luxurious setting.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
The Cliff - $$$$
The Cliff sets the standard for luxury fine-dining in Barbados, requiring a $150 deposit to book a reservation and a strict dress code for diners. They offer a set menu or a la carte menu using beautiful ingredients, local and international.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Grocery Shopping
Here are a few places in Saint James for grocery shopping:
Clifton Market Limegrove (pictured above)
Left to right: Walking around Holetown, Jeremy’s Piano Bar, sunset at Paynes Bay Beach, local shopping at Limegrove Lifestyle Center
Best Things to Do in Saint James, Barbados
Go shopping at Limegrove Lifestyle Center
Limegrove is a boutique shopping mall in Holetown, Saint James, Barbados, with a variety of stores. You will find shops ranging from luxury brands such as Cartier to local retailers and artisanal shops. There is also a movie theater, a grocery store, galleries, and several restaurants.
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Visit St. James Parish Church
St. James Parish Church is recognized as the oldest church in Barbados, built in 1629 and reconstructed in 1874. Walk around the grounds and cemetery, or even pop your head in on a Sunday during church service!
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Walk around the streets of Holetown
Holetown is the site of the first British settlement of Barbados in 1625. Such history creates a town filled with notable landmarks and historical significance.
Play a round of golf
Listed below are some of the best golf courses and resorts in Barbados.
Visit the Folkestone Marine Park
A Greek ship sank off the shore of Saint James and has since created a natural reef, making this a popular diving and snorkeling spot for enthusiasts. At Folkestone Marine Park, you can rent equipment to snorkel or dive, rent a kayak or a SUP, take a walk along the scenic boardwalk, and tour the Folkestone Museum.
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Relax on one of the beaches in Saint James
The west coast of Barbados has some of the best beaches on the island. Calm seas make this a great area for swimming, diving, snorkeling, or just lounging around on beach beds for a day. Here are the beaches in Saint James to check out:
Alleynes Bay
Book a spa day
Relax at a spa and treat yourself to a massage or manicure. A great day activity to do solo, with a partner, or with friends!
Home Therapy (mobile spa that comes to you!)
Sunday morning browsing at the Holders House Farmers Market
Every Sunday, the Holders House Farmers Market sets up tents selling local crafts, produce, fresh fish, jewelry, and more. Grab a bite to eat from a local vendor and take a relaxing morning stroll around the market. Remember to bring cash!
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Enjoy live music at Jeremy’s Piano Bar
Jeremy’s, located in Holetown, is a lively bar with themed evening parties, live music performances, and DJs Thursday through Sunday.
Check their Instagram for the most up-to-date info on what’s happening at their bar!
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Take a Polo lesson at Apres Hill Polo Club
Polo is one of Barbados’ most popular and socially important sports. The Apres Hill Polo Club in Saint James, Barbados, offers polo lessons!
Apres also hosts polo matches through the polo season, which you can attend. Reach out via phone or through the contact form on their website for lesson and/or match information.
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Catch a Polo match at the Barbados Polo Club
Polo season runs from January - May. You can check the Barbados Polo Club website for the match schedule and contact to purchase tickets to attend if you are in town!
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Book an island tour that goes through Saint James
Some island tours drive you through Saint James, or you can customize an itinerary on a private tour to visit! Here are some Viator tour options that pass through the St James parish (to say you’ve been):
Tips for Visiting Saint James
Check establishment websites and social media for days and hours of operation. Many places around the island are closed 1 or more days of the week and for holidays, so do a bit of research on the places you wish to visit before heading that way.
Carry cash with you, just in case. Credit card is widely accepted in Barbados, but as you venture out into the less populated and traveled-to parishes, or dine and shop at more locally owned establishments, you may find cash is more frequently necessary. The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) and USD are universally accepted across Barbados.
The main roads around Saint James are in good condition. The more rural you go, expect some roads only wide enough for 1 car to drive down or unpaved and covered in potholes. Take it slow and decide what your vehicle is capable of!
Google Maps is not always accurate. This goes for the entire island. Research the locations of the places you are visiting ahead of time to get a general understanding of the area.
Hire a local taxi driver for the day! If you aren’t confident driving around on your own, hire a local driver who knows the area and can navigate difficult roads that they are used to driving. They will also likely be able to give more local recommendations on where to go and give you some history of the areas you are visiting, and it is a great way to support the local economy!
Use the pickUP Barbados rideshare app to get around, but be patient! While this app is available to use in this region of the island, the availability of drivers is scarcer than, say, in Bridgetown. On average, drivers who accepted our ride request were typically about 5-10 minutes away from us. We would sometimes get several cancellations before a driver accepted and followed through with picking us up. The later in the evening, the longer it will likely take to find a nearby driver, if at all.
Prioritize sun protection and hydration. This goes for the whole island. Barbados is hot, humid, and mostly sunny! Before heading out, always put on sunscreen. Wear sunglasses, hats, and UV shirts. Handheld fans are helpful for areas or days with little wind. And drink, drink, drink water!
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