Fairmont Royal Pavilion blends Caribbean charm and English cool for a sophisticated but laid-back escape. By, Lindsay Lambert
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Shrouded in tropical foliage and bathed in pastel pink, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion has long been a high-profile escape thanks to its on-the-beach location, private setting, and top-shelf service. The resort recently underwent a series of upgrades, giving guests yet more reason to check in and chill out.
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The makeover yielded 24 new Beachfront Junior Suites, each of which affords direct beach access and has a private terrace overlooking the sea. The new suites’ interiors are subtle and elegant, with dark, hardwood floors and a neutral color palette. Dual closets provide always-welcome storage space yet are tucked discreetly out of view behind sliding, shutter-style doors—a nice touch. A true value-add, guests in the new suites are treated to a VIP welcome at the airport.
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The renovation also included upgrades to the resortÂ’s existing 48 Oceanfront Deluxe rooms, which now feature Fairmont Elite pillowtop beds and glass-enclosed balconies. Villa accommodations are also available and can be configured to comprise up to three bedrooms; villas are spacious and private, but as theyÂ’re located in the resortÂ’s tropical gardens, they lack the direct beach access that is one of Royal PavilionÂ’s most attractive assets.
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With its proximity to the beach, Royal Pavilion is superbly located for on-the-water activities. Non-motorized options, like snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing, are complimentary, although more involved activities and motorized water sports—scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, for instance—can be arranged upon request.
ThereÂ’s no spa facility at Royal Pavilion, but body scrubs, facials, and alternative therapies are offered in guestsÂ’ rooms. And for those who prefer to reserve beach time for resting rather than running, a fitness room is open 24/7 and is equipped with cardio machines and a selection of free weights.
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Excellent dining rounds out what’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable stay. Specifically, The Palms, the resort’s signature restaurant, has become a sought-after experience among resort guests and other visitors to Barbados, with good reason. The beachfront restaurant’s soaring ceilings and open, arched walls create a billowy, breezy setting in which guests dine on Caribbean cuisine to the tune of the gently crashing surf. A more casual daytime option and an ideal place to refuel between dips in the pool, Café Taboras offers open-air seaside dining. We loved the laid-back elegance of its Afternoon Tea service—the perfect way to honor this Caribbean gem’s English heritage. fairmont.com/royalpavilion.