LET'S PLAY!
explore the hood!
Staying at Coville means living in the rhythm of the south coast. Morning swims at Miami Beach, fish bought straight from the boats at Oistins Fish Market, sunset sessions at Freights Bay, and evenings shaped by live music, local food, or quiet ocean breezes.
This is what life looks like when you stay here. These are the spaces and places that we live in as locals in Barbados.
Dreadhop, our local brewery.
Oistins and the fish fry
Oistins is where locals shop, eat, and gather. You will too.
Daily essentials: Massy supermarket for groceries, CIBC ATM, pharmacy, hardware store, barbershop, gift shops, and a gym with day and weekly passes.
Fresh fish from Oistins Fish Market One of only three fish markets in Barbados. Fish comes directly from the ocean. Local vendors sell locally grown produce.
Food and coffee Surfers Cafe for casual meals and local vibe plus reggae music Thursdays. Hibiscus Cafe for daily coffee, hibiscuis infused drinks and easy food.
The world-famous Oistins Fish Fry: is an institution in Barbados. Friday night is the main event, drawing locals and visitors for grilled fish, live music, rum, dancing, and socializing under the stars. But the Fish Fry is open every day of the week, not just Fridays. You can get fresh grilled fish, local sides, cold drinks, and authentic Bajan atmosphere anytime you visit.
This is not just a tourist attraction that happens to have locals. This is where locals gather, and visitors are welcome to join.
When stay at Coville, you will go to Oistins Fish Fry. Probably more than once.
reccommendations from your host
Barbados is easy to explore, and each coast has its own personality. From calm west coast swims to wild Atlantic views, casual beach bars to live music late into the evening, these are our favourite places to spend time on the island.

Use this customized map to find the places listed in this guide!
bajan beaches to explore
- Miami Beach (Enterprise), your home beach with two sides; calm side with the turtles and the wilder side for body surfing and waves
- Worthing Beach: calm, shallow water. Popular with families and locals. Beach vendors and casual food nearby.
- Rockley Beach (Accra Beach) social, lively, with the iconic Tiki Bar nearby. Beach vendors, water sports, and a full beach day vibe.
- Dover Beach Right beside St Lawrence Gap. Beach by day, lively local nightlife by night.
- Carlisle Bay/Browns Beach Long stretch of gentle, azure water near Bridgetown. Excellent snorkelling with shipwrecks offshore. Local snack stands and beach bars.
- Part of Carlisle Bay includes Pebbles Beach, where you might see racehorses exercising by the sea at sunrise.
- Maxwell Beach: a wide expanse of smooth golden sand, leading down to the beautiful warm and generally calm sea.
- Batts Rock South coast with dramatic rock formations and strong surf. Popular with photographers and locals who appreciate rugged beauty.
- Bottom Bay Southeast coast with towering cliffs and turquoise water. Stunning and remote. Strong currents make swimming risky, but the views are unforgettable.
- Crane Beach Pink-tinged sand and powerful Atlantic surf. More dramatic than west coast beaches. Popular for scenic beauty and bodysurfing.
- Foul Bay Southeast coast, quieter, with clear water and coral reefs. Good for snorkelling when conditions are calm.
- Bathsheba (Soup Bowl) East coast, iconic rock formations, world-class waves. A classic surfer beach with rugged beauty. Great for photographers and adventurous visitors.
- Brandon’s Beach: calm turquoise water and soft sand. Close to Bridgetown, relaxed and easy, ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.
- Paradise Beach: gentle surf and golden sand. Lively but not crowded, with beach bars and sunset views.
- Paynes Bay: clear water and frequent turtle sightings. Calm conditions make it popular for swimming and snorkelling.
- Sandy Lane Beach: wide stretch of pale sand and tranquil seas. Polished and peaceful, with excellent sunset light.
- Mullins Beach: one of the most popular west coast beaches. Calm water, casual dining nearby, and a social, laid-back vibe.
Heywoods Beach: long crescent of sand with steady breezes. Open, scenic, and popular for walks and kitesurfing.
Six Men’s Bay: small working beach beside a fishing village. Authentic and local, with fresh fish and calm waters.
Maycocks Bay: rugged and less developed. Strong surf and dramatic scenery, best for views rather than swimming.
River Bay: wild and windswept with rolling Atlantic waves. Untamed and quiet, perfect for coastal walks and photography.
Harrismith Beach: tucked below cliffs with striking views. More secluded and dramatic, best visited when seas are calm.
the surfing waves, east coast
High-End & Notable Restaurants
- Naru Modern Asian-inspired dining with stylish presentation and a creative menu.
- Tapas Mediterranean-style small plates overlooking the boardwalk, lively and social.
- Champers Elegant beachfront restaurant with European influence and sunset views.
- Café Luna Rooftop dining with panoramic views and an intimate atmosphere. This is where we go for all our events, Christmas, birthdays etc. Great weekend brunch plus live music on Friday's.
- Primo Bar & Bistro Contemporary Italian dining with a polished but relaxed feel.
- Narma New south coast restaurant and beach club overlooking the boardwalk, known for fire-driven cooking, signature cocktails, and a vibrant coastal energy.
- The Tides Waterfront dining in Holetown with consistently strong seafood and sunset views.
- Lonestar Luxury beachfront dining with a relaxed, iconic vibe. One of the owner's top 5 dining spots in the world with live music every Friday.
- QP Bistro Elegant fine dining in a restored plantation house, quiet and sophisticated.
- The Cliff One of Barbados’ most celebrated fine dining destinations with dramatic ocean views.
- Paul Owens at Fairmont Royal Pavilion Refined European cuisine in a polished beachfront setting.
- The Local & Co (Speightstown) Tastefully restored historic restaurant steps from the water in Speightstown, serving a locally inspired menu with seasonal ingredients and a relaxed but refined vibe.
- Pier One (Port St. Charles) Marina A beautiful restaurant with high-end dining and scenic views of the port. Great for sunset dinners and a polished night out near Speightstown.
- The Fish Pot (North Coast) Elegant seafood restaurant set in a historic fort overlooking the sea. A long-standing favourite for fresh catches and refined island cuisine
- Round House (Bathsheba) Iconic oceanfront inn and restaurant perched above the rugged Atlantic coastline. Known for fresh Caribbean-inspired food, panoramic ocean views, and a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements the Bathsheba surf scene.
- Atlantis Historic Inn & Restaurant (East Coast) Historic boutique inn near Tent Bay with breezy verandas and an island-fresh restaurant overlooking the Atlantic. Offers a relaxed but well-reviewed dining experience as part of a classic east-coast stay.
- Eco Lifestyle + Lodge (East Coast) Boutique hotel with a focus on sustainable living and a restaurant that emphasises locally sourced produce and island-inspired fare — a quieter, nature-centric dining option on the east coast.
sunrises and sunsets
Beach Bars, Day Passes & Easy Spots
- Deia Beach Bar Near Dover Beach, casual and local with cold drinks and an easy atmosphere - pool and beach
- Butterfly Beach Hotel (Day Pass) Pool and loungers in a quieter setting, ideal for slow afternoons.
- Time Out Hotel (Day Pass) Pool access close to the beach, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Worthing Square South coast food hub with rotating food trucks, casual seating, and a lively local atmosphere. A great spot for easy meals, variety, and relaxed evenings near Worthing Beach.
- Savvy on the Bay Beachfront hub near Carlisle Bay offering food trucks, beach chair rentals, and easy access to swimming and turtle tours. Open 24/7 and popular for its energetic, social beach vibe.
- La Cabane Batts Rock Beach bar with toes-in-the-sand seating, sunset cocktails, island-inspired food, and a relaxed beach club atmosphere that often carries into the evening.
- Calma Beach Club Holetown beachfront spot features amazing cocktails and a true NYC speakeasy nightlife vibe with live music every Friday and Saturday led by the piano playing owner Jeremy and special guests.
- Jeremy’s Great for drinks this holetown music bar with NYC-style energy, live performances, and DJs. A fun option for a clubbing night out.
- Limegrove Lifestyle Centre Upscale shopping, dining, and wine bars for a change of pace plus it features the only indoor movie theatres in Barbados.
- Haymans Market Boutique shopping, art galleries, musica and cafés with a refined but relaxed feel. This is a true outdoor/indoor upscale market.
- Happyness Café (Speightstown) Casual café and eatery with a friendly atmosphere, good an easy lunch during a day of exploring the north coast.
- Fisherman’s Pub (Speightstown) Historical laid-back local restaurant with ocean views, generous portions and a distinctly Bajan feel right on the water.
- Little Bristol Beach Bar Casual beach-front bar with relaxing sea views, refreshing cocktails and often live music at sunset, making this the ideal for an easy drink after a day on the beach.
- Barefoot in the Bar Relaxed grill and bar with local beers and simple bites in a laid-back setting on Queen’s Street that is greaty for casual afternoons or early evening gatherings.
walk the boardwalks
music near coville
- Surfer’s Café Community favourite with music nights and a popular Thursday crowd.
- Surfer’s Bay Beachfront bar near Silver Sands, known for Reggae Sundays and sunset sessions.
- The Sage Bar & Stage Live music and performance space with curated gigs and cultural nights.
- Johnny Cool’s Jazz & Blues Beach Bar Laid-back beachfront spot for jazz, blues, and easy evenings.
- The Sipping Room 246 Whisky, wine, and cocktails in a relaxed, grown-up lounge setting. This is my go-to spot every Tuesday night to see Jae Johansen one of the best musicians on the island.
- Mojo’s Intimate bar with regular live music and a social, sing-along atmosphere.
- Blakey’s on the Boardwalk A local favourite right on the boardwalk for live music and breezy evenings.
- Chill Barbados Easy-going café-bar right on the sand with live acoustic music, good food, and a relaxed crowd that lingers into the evening.
- Hal’s Car Park Bar Legendary karaoke nights and a lively, no-frills crowd.
- The Cove Late-night club energy with DJs and dancing
move to the island rhythms
things to do with kids/family
- Animal Flower Cave Natural cave at the northern tip of the island. Tidal pools and dramatic ocean views.
- Barbados Wildlife Reserve Walk-through reserve with green monkeys, tortoises, and tropical birds and meet the monkeys as they feed at 10 am or 2 pm daily.
- Harrison’s Cave Limestone cave system with tram tours. Popular family attraction.
- Atlantis Submarine Underwater tour in a real submarine. Unique experience for kids and adults.
- Pirate Adventure Mini Golf Themed mini golf course. Fun for younger children.
- Paradise Nature Park Small zoo and nature reserve. Close encounters with local animals.
- George Washington House Historic house and museum. Educational and engaging.
- Sunbury Plantation Restored plantation house with period furniture and artifacts.
- Coco Hill Forest Nature reserve with walking trails and ziplines.
- Hey Diddle Diddle snorkelling Family-friendly snorkelling tours with turtles.
- Andromeda Botanic Gardens Beautiful gardens on the east coast. Peaceful and educational.
- Globe Drive-In Theatre Outdoor movie experience. A throwback and a unique family outing.
Whether during the day or at night, this is a highly recommended activity for anyone.
- Tiami Catamaran Cruises Well-known Barbados catamaran cruises offering snorkelling, turtle swims, and relaxed sailing along the west and south coasts. A solid, reliable choice for a classic day on the water.
- Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises Popular, family-friendly catamaran cruises with swimming stops, snorkelling, music, and onboard refreshments. Lively, social, and easy for mixed-age groups.
- Silver Moon Catamaran Cruises Premium catamaran experience with smaller groups, attentive service, and excellent snorkelling. A more polished option for guests looking for a quieter, upscale day at sea.