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Review: The Rockley, Rockley Beach, Barbados
By Michael Edwards
May 24, 2024
The Rockley is a laid-back, 49-room boutique hotel with a strong Bajan vibe, located right in the heart of the action on the South Coast. You’ll be greeted by the stunning Caribbean beach, perfect for your dream beach getaway.
With plenty of local character, this property from Ocean Hotels – which also includes Sea Breeze and O2 Beach Club – encourages you to dive into the vibrant local culture. You don’t need a guidebook here; The Rockley brings Bajan art, culture, lingo, and music to your doorstep. Open since March 2024, it offers a live-like-a-local experience on Barbados’ South Coast.
Previously known as South Beach Hotel, it’s now rebranded as The Rockley, symbolized by its logo of a Bajan bus stop. It’s the perfect place for free spirits eager to explore Barbados on their own terms.
The welcome
We were greeted with a chilled towel and a refreshing rum punch (or a non-alcoholic fruit punch if you prefer). Troy from reception showed us to our suite and explained how to use the air conditioning, the televisions in both the lounge and bedroom, and the kitchen’s features.
The suite
Cool and comforting, our one-bedroom suite boasted air conditioning and fans, along with a balcony overlooking the pool. The decor featured a combination of warm whites, sunny yellows, and deep ocean blues, complemented by vibrant local art and custom rugs. The well-equipped kitchen was perfect for cooking fresh fish bought from the Ostins market. With a sofa bed in the lounge and a king-size bed in the bedroom, the suite could accommodate up to three adults or a family of two adults and two kids.
The bathroom
The spacious bathroom included two wash units, plenty of storage, and a large glass cubicle with a powerful rainfall shower.
The facilities
Breakfast kicks off with a tropical fruit medley at the poolside restaurant, followed by a hot buffet. Not forgetting its roots, The Rockley serves local delicacies daily, alongside traditional British breakfast items like eggs and bacon.
The hotel also has a small gym and a lounge with a pool table, board games, and a vast collection of books, ideal for those rainy days.
The location
Rockley Beach, popular with locals, is just 267 steps away. From there, you can stroll west along a shoreline boardwalk towards Hastings. But with many buses passing by on the coast road, you might be tempted to explore other areas like Hastings, Ostins, Worthing, or even Bridgetown on the West Coast.
For a more in-depth exploration, Troy offers a five-hour tour covering historic Bridgetown, the West Coast, Cherry Tree Hill’s stunning views, the wild surfing coast at Bathsheba, the Morgan Lewis Windmill, and St John’s church. Troy also highlights Rihanna’s birthplace and her current mansion.
Other nice touches
A wristband with a built-in electronic key lets you roam freely without worrying about losing your key. On Tuesday evenings, guests gather by the pool for cocktails and canapés with a steel pan soundtrack. There’s also a hospitality room available for freshening up before an evening flight, making it easy to squeeze in a last bit of sunshine.
The cost
Seven nights, including breakfast, in a Junior Suite start from £1225.
The best bit
The Rockley is surrounded by diverse dining options, from fast food to the Tiki Bar on the beach. They’re developing a “Dine and Sign” partnership with nearby restaurants like Cocktail Kitchen, Naru, and Tapas. Just a five-minute walk away, Champers is known as one of the South Coast’s best restaurants. Book ahead to secure an ocean-side table, and enjoy cocktails at sunset while watching the fishing boats’ twinkling lights. Fresh seafood, along with chicken, lamb, steak, and vegan options, make for an extensive menu.
The final verdict
The Rockley is truly Bajan, with a staff that loves the place as much as the guests. “We’re one big family,” our cleaner told us. With its fresh decor, vibrant colors, and original artwork, The Rockley immerses guests in Caribbean culture.