Fairmont Royal Pavilion, St James – Barbados

Accessed by an avenue of graceful coconut palms, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion commands a serene beachfront setting on Barbados’ beautiful west shoreline. The recently refurbished rooms and suites, which are as close to the ocean as they can get, have invitingly light and airy interiors, but it’s still the views that are their most impressive feature. Step out onto your terrace or balcony to find the Caribbean Sea spectacularly spread out before of you.

Days at the Fairmont are typically low-key and devoted to lounging on the half-mile stretch of golden beach, sunbathing around the lap-style pool or practising yoga with a certified instructor. But when you’re feeling active, there’s also complimentary water sports, tennis and the chance to swim with sea turtles. After dark, the Moorish-style Palm Terrace restaurant serves prime cuts of fish and meat, grilled to perfection in the wood fire grill, alongside live music from local jazz artists. Serving the catch of the day, the more casual poolside Taboras celebrates Bajan cuisine and the bounty of the Caribbean Sea.